Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!!!
Isn’t this time of the year just oh-so-exciting? It’s unbelievable how we can look back on an entire year and realize how many wonderful things we were able to accomplish in 365 days! All I can say is, every day is a good day on Temple Square!
Tuesday: Yay for Pday! I got up & immediately did laundry. If I don't do it first thing in the morning -- it goes late into the night. So I get it started while I run & get ready. It's perfect. Huzzah for clean clothes. Sister Khadgi wanted to hop over to DownEast, right by Walmart before we shopped for groceries. I'm so glad we DID because I came out with a SUPER cute purse [$5] and a gold zipper headband [$3] -- I'm very satisfied with my purchases…and so are all the other sisters :) When we got home I was able to write so many letters! Some pdays I only get out 2 or 3 but THIS pday I wrote 10 letters/postcards! Mail is the best. Back in computers, we forgot to call Dylan! The TMSQ choir had to fill-in for a last minute cancellation -- so it threw off my groove[much like the Emperor’s] & we forgot. We remembered when we were reviewing the day & it was a horrible "OH NO!!!" "What???" "We forgot to call Dylan!!!" "OH NO!!!!" hahahaha it would have been funny -- if it hadn't bummed us out so much! called home to set up a time to call Christmas Day!!! Ahhhh! So exciting.
Wednesday: Today, I planned in GREEN pen -- much more exciting! Sister Khadgi had to show the talent committee her dance that she wants to do for New Years. It's awesome!!! I wish I had some cool culture - being American is so boring here. We get discriminated against by guests -- because we're American. Way to hate your own people. Chat first thing in the morning! Yay! No one spectacular. However, we did get an original approach to a troll line...so that was entertaining! Lately trolls have gotten so similar, there is power in the advice of avoiding rote presentations – even for Trolls! At 3:00 we planned to take 2 guests from Ohio around. We missed them! I told Sister Bateman that we had planned for people from Ohio - so if any came to the desk - from Ohio - they were ours. Then we went down to the basement. I don't know why. But we did. And we missed our 2 people from Ohio!?!? But it's okay -- we instead, met Mitch - from Florida. We had a fantastic go-see with him! We took him to the Christus, Tabernacle, Assembly Hall & then to the Temple Display. He had great questions & we were able to teach him THROUGH questions, getting him involved in the experience. He has member relatives & friends and what it basically came down to was "Why aren't you a member - what's holding you back?" Turns out, he doesn't believe in organized religion. So, at the Temple Display - we asked him why. "...I don't know. Ya - I don't know!" "Okay....you don't know!" So we invited him to meet with the missionaries - again. He accepted! So we'll call him until he gets back to Florida & gets in touch with the missionaries! He knows everything already -- it's just a matter of having it really hit his heart. No problemo, we'll have him baptized in no time :) We had announcing for Joy to the World (which I love doing) and as we were trying to round people up, who should come gliding down the escalator but my good friend Chans! I know! What are the chances!??![hilarious, I know] Mr."Hasn't-written-me-my-whole-mission-despite-it's-currently-short-duration" No, just kidding. It was so good to see him! He was with one of my new friends Jess and she is awesome! We were chatting away & I said, "I like you -let's me friends!" "We are friends!" "Awesome!!! Chans - can you give her my address?" Oh the joys of making new friends :) And keeping old ones -- made my night!
Thursday: The strain of the season is starting to wear on some sisters & they're getting sick! Oh no! But it's okay, Sister Khadgi stayed with Sister Elias-From-Jordan-Middle-East so I was on exchange with Sister Bailey for part of the day -- which we love. We both love Chat & we both love desk. We're both really chill & easy-going...so it works out pretty great! There were a bajillion[yes, a bajillion – I counted] people on the Square and for whatever reason - no sisters? So we ended up taking 15 people on one tour!??!?! But it was a really good tour! We alternated so well & were perfectly balanced with doctrine, history & testimony. It was one of the best tours I've taken in a while. Loved it! We rescheduled with Dylan for 7:00 PM but when I called - he was at a pre-Christmas party!?! I mean...who does that?!? K - I would - if I was home. But it's all good - we set up a time to call on Friday.
Friday: The highlight & low light of the day all occurred in one event. We called Dylan. He wasn't busy & we did get to talk for a little bit. But it was cut short by his mother. She has been suffering from the chaos of the busy season & was in quite the mood. He had to go and he made us promise to email him. He is excited to go back to school. And because it means we'll be able to talk with him uninhibited over the phone - so are we. We were on the Square until 4:30 at which point we changed into Pday clothes for some holiday fun! We ended up sitting 3 to a 2-seat row on the bus. *Occupancy Level Breach* But we made it to Heritage Park in the same amount of pieces that we left the Square in. Christmas Eve was really fun! We had dinner, catered by the same people that did Thanksgiving, so it was yummy. Not like being at home - but hey, how many Christmases can you say you're a missionary?
We had special musical numbers in several languages. Piano, guitar & voice. So pretty! After we ate, we attempted to make gingerbread houses for kids at hospitals! It was an interesting experiment -- I don’t think any of us were meant to be in construction :) But it was fun! We got stockings from a stake & a bag with a gift from the General Relief Society Presidency! Sis Nichols & I tried our hardest to come up with "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but couldn't get passed "Something something when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly." So...maybe we'll have to find a copy to actually READ for next year :)
Saturday: MERRY CHRISTMAS! Sleeping in until 8:00 was wonderful. Just long enough. The four of us got up & opened presents together - just like at home :) Sister Khadgi & I bought some gifts for Sister Barona(Peru) and labeled them “From Santa”. It drove her insane all morning – trying to figure out “Who is Santa???” We showed her his picture several times…it didn’t seem to sink in :) I got so many wonderful gifts from so many wonderful family members! As I opened each package & was finally able to discover what was hidden inside, it was amazing to note how perfect the gifts were! Everything I got I either, needed, wanted or didn’t realize I needed! Christmas gifts are the best. I have to say my favorite gift was the star whole puncher that Mom sent me :) This means an endless supply of star confetti for my letters. YESSSS!!!!! Each Sister got an African scarf from the General Relief Society! Mine is salmon/orange/yellow – so pretty. Sister Bailey(NZ/Hawaii) gave every companionship in our district a box of Hawaiian Host Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts! So delicious :)
Yup! Today’s the day! I CALLED HOME!!!! It was so good to talk to everyone! And by everyone I mean everyone except Jeffrey. But that’s okay, some excuses are pretty good. Sounds like all is well on the home front! Jeff got accepted into his summer internship at Georgetown! Dallin is doing so well that he ditched my phone call early to play video games. Elena for whatever reason thinks boys are cute (Who taught her that?!?) and is doing great in school (I taught her that – jk) Dad is stoked to be able to research & write for a few months. I’m looking forward to Father’s Day when I can call and talk more with him! Mom is the same amazing & remarkable creature I left back in NC – wit, laughter & charm – all still there :)
Christmas party in Theatre 1 – we had bread bowls & salad for dinner. The lights went down, the screen was blank – but the Disney intro music played and the theatre full of 200 girls erupted :) We watched The Chronicles of Narnia.
Sis Despain to ZL Hernandez: "I’m here for ya. Need a shoulder to cry on -- I got two."
Sunday: Happy Birthday Jeffrey!
Brother Tom Pike sang two musical numbers for us. It was so interesting to watch the process, simply because this teeny old man hobbled up onto the stage & I was puzzled as to how he could purport to not need the microphone? But the pianist began & he stood his ground. He began to sing & I was amazed that that voice could live inside such a body? Just goes to show that some things definitely aren't as they appear :) He sang "Birthday of a King" and "O Holy Night", both very beautifully. It was a pleasure to have him in our meetings. Sister Khadgi & I got to go to Music & the Spoken Word! We got to hear The Bells on Temple Square as part of the presentation. So glad we go to go to this particular one, because there are very few times that missionaries get to hear the Bells. It was a beautiful performance. The MOTAB is very impressive & never ceases to amaze. We are getting so many emails! It makes me happy. Last transfer we were lucky to get ONE but just today we got FOUR messages! Not to say that they're always pleasant to get...but most of them are nice to get - investigators checking in, baptizees wishing us a Merry Christmas. Oh yes, we're very popular :) On Chat, we talked with someone with the email address of followerofsatan666@churchofsatan.com --- it was a great conversation :) I went on exchanges with Sister Bailey(NZ) from 6-7 because we had our last TMSQ Sis Missionary choir performance! Yes! Be excited! Bittersweet - but all good things must come to an end. It was really fun to be a part of this presentation. I feel blessed & privileged to have accompanied on a number of the pieces & still can't believe it's over! Fun while it lasted :) Sis Bailey & I ran into Kent Lyman's cousin! Small world. Turns out he was also Sis Holliday's home teacher!?! Even smaller world. After those exchanges, I went on exchanges with Sisters Hernandez & Gunter (our ZLs) --which I love! We were assigned to take families through God's Plan, so we headed up there and immediately took a family of five through. The daughters were 27, 24 & 17. It was a wonderful experience -- they actually laughed during the presentation! I'll be the first to admit, the jokes are kinda lame, especially after you've heard them eleventy billion times....but their enjoying it made me realize how great this presentation is. They really enjoyed it & gave us two potentials at the end. A very sincere and pleasant family to meet.
We never sleep here at Temple Square, we never get two seconds together to rest -- but that's okay because it just means that we're ridiculously busy having people refer for missionaries!!! Right after we took the above family through, we took a group of about 20 Spanish-speakers through! As we waited for the first video to finish, we played a bit of telephone as Sis Hernandez whispered to Sister Gunter, who whispered to me that I would testify at the end of the presentation :) No problemo! Happy to do it! So we took them from room to room, all 20 of them, including a teeny 10 inch puppy in a carrier similar to the cloth wraps that mothers have for their children :) It was adorable. At the end, I successfully testified in Español & told them that I knew that through the gospel of Jesus Christ, their family could last forever. That the church we have in our day & age -- is the same church that Christ organized during his lifetime. I know that when I read The Book of Mormon - the words are of God. And that by abiding by their precepts, we can be happy & come closer to Christ. Sister Hernandez followed up with a wonderful invite & three of the couples referred for missionaries! I love exchanges. Having the variety - really works for my personality :) After planning, Sister Khadgi & I tried brainstorming ideas for combating trolls. Way to incorporate scripture into answers of how magnets work etc. It was hilarious -- as we basically would be both ourselves AND the troller....it was entertaining & in the end, quite useful! We think Alma 26:22 will come in handy.
Monday: I got up & finally rolled out of bed at a very very late 6:37 am...and proceeded to run in the hall. Yay for actually being able to run! Love it.
There was no hot water. Still a mystery. So there we were, three sister missionaries - staring at the water heater...convinced that if we stick to it long enough...it would solve our problem. We got bored & decided to get ready for the day. I was only brave enough to wash my hair. Hopefully it will heal itself by tomorrow!
We found 38 year old Glenn on Chat this morning! He's from South Carolina and is interested in being baptized! I know, right?!? So we set up a time to call him later in the afternoon. We called him at the previously designated time & ended up having a wonderful conversation! We taught him how to pray, about the apostasy & restoration and he even committed to being baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as soon as was possible. I'm a tad skeptical as to how legit this is going to be. "Hey c'mon Sis Despain! Just be happy! He wants to get baptized! You don't get those everyday!" I know. Trust me. I just am not positive as to how much he really understands what is entailed in being baptized. But our hopes are high & we're praying for the best! We're thrilled to have another New Investigator!
I got Dallin's letter! Yay! So weird to have a letter start with "Ainsley" I'm like...hmm...Ainsley -- oh! ME! right, ok - got it. Now I'm with you. I love sibling letters! So good to hear what everyone is up to! I also got a letter from Grandma Deanna with an update of the year & a wonderful card from Maya & Greg Machacek! I remember staying at their house in NY and taking the subway to the Manhattan temple. Good times. I was surprised & very pleased to get their Christmas card :)
Only five more days of the Lights on Temple Square! Bittersweet...again -- glad to have the craze over with but at the same time, I'll miss the people.
I got a very productive call from Inbound tonight. I spoke with Brandon who is currently meeting with missionaries in his area in Minnesota. We talked about our beliefs regarding the Godhead, God loving all of His children, The Book of Mormon as another testament of Christ, what happens after this life & why we should do what we can during this life to be our best self. It’s the difference between a passing grade and an A+.
Tuesday: I made so much food this morning! I’m freezing it or putting it in the fridge for the rest of the week. I’m so excited. I made tortillas, pancakes and then this rice/veggies/meat combo thing that should last me a month :) Walmart later and then it’s LETTER TIME!!!! This week I really learned about the importance of taking things as they come. There is no point in getting stressed out or worried about things that either haven’t happened yet or you have no control over. I appreciate the fact that I have the ability to not become a mental case, just because something doesn’t go according to plan. Things change. Life goes on. And yet the gospel is still true ;) I am so proud to be able to say that I have officially become a “Make it count” missionary, opposed to a “Counting Down” missionary. So much better.
I love living in downtown Salt Lake. I love Temple Square. I love the work. I love being a missionary.
Keep smiling, life is good :)
Sister Ainsley Marie
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Best Mis- Dial Ever!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Merry Christmas!
The lights are up, the snow has melted & it was a balmy 50 degrees the other day --- here in Salt Lake City. Whaaaaaat??? I know....weird. I thought I was in NC for a second! However, rest assured ladies & gentlemen, we got some snow today :) We're good! A white Christmas looks to be in our future!
Monday: Called Raul who lives in NC & went to church on Sunday & met with the missionaries! I love being assigned to desk! I like saying hello & telling 5,000 people how to get to the bathrooms, despite the fact that we have signs...and apparently 4,900 illiterate guests! It's so fun when people just come up to the desk & say "i have a referral for you!" Score! I reported to desk & sis Agenor (Florida) said, your grandparents are here --- and pointed to the audience. ahhhhh!!!!! so i snuck behind the two & sat next to grandma. Surprise! We got to catch up for a bit but then it was back to work! But that wasn't the end of seeing them around :) I was busy greeting people when I looked over & caught gma taking a picture of me!??! hahaha same up at the Christus -- she was everywhere! When it was time to sing -- there they were, sitting in the front row! RIGHT next to the piano! hahaha there wasn't a closer seat in the house! unless they would have offered to turn pages for me :)
Tuesday: So you know in Enchanted when the receptionist says she think Giselle is from "Andalusia"? Well it's a real place!!! "Look it up -- bookworm!"
We called Dylan once we got back on computers. He is awesome! He has fantastic questions! He's really searching for God in his life. I'm glad we get to be a part of it. He's home for Christmas & he said that I could give Jessica 2 his information!
Wednesday: we had weekly planning for an hour. we've switched things up this transfer(like every transfer) so that we have 2 hrs of Chat weekly planning on Sundays & then 1 hr of weekly planning for the square on Wednesdays. It's insane. We're hoping to get 30 referrals & 72 potentials over the transfer! It'll make us stretch -- but we think it's attainable!
I have officially lost 6 lbs since the start of my mission! [Insert happy dance here]
Thursday: We had president interviews. I hardly know what to say in those. He's got the gift of discernment, that's for sure. He knows when something is up. I just want to say "The work is great & my spirits are high. All is well." But he made me say a little more :) He reminded me that there are things I can teach my companion that will prepare her for the rest of her life. I never thought that I could help my companion. I guess I always thought that I would be the one learning from them. We went to the Utah Food Bank to do service! Ya! I know! So exciting, huh? We stuffed envelopes. Good thing I had that summer job, to brush up on my envelope stuffing skills :) Oh right -- getting there was an adventure. Cursed grid system. Bane of my existence. Or maybe it's google directions. It failed to mention that the street we turned onto off the highway would be 3300....so we were driving around, waiting to take a right onto 3300....we finally figured it out, turned around & arrived 30 min late. But the awesome thing about all of this was that I got to drive the new spaceship of a car! I couldn't even figure out how to get the windows down! That's how high tech it was -- I figured it out. No worries. Find the video section of lds.org & watch the "Continue in Patience" video by President Uchtdorf. It's easily my favorite. Never give up. We talked to Dylan again! He picks up & he's so happy to talk with us, it's like having friends! Yay! We taught him about the Plan of Salvation. He's still hung up on believing in God. He really wants to but he's not solid on it yet. So we followed up with an email containing the link to The Book of Mormon, The Articles of Faith and Alma 11:20-46 to read. Hopefully he'll keep his commitment to read! In case you were wondering, yes Logan is still alive. He's in Hickory with his family for Christmas. He has a busy schedule, so we're going to try & work out a time to call over break! Can't wait for him to go back to school!
I love having investigators <3 Speaking of investigators...I called Jessica 1 to check in & see how life was. She's doing SO good! She was in the hospital for five days with pneumonia. She had a priesthood blessing & was visited by the RS. Once she got home, the RS worked out meals for her so that she can just focus on getting better. She let me know that after she was baptized, her ward pitched in & bought her more church clothes & a Book of Mormon with her name embossed on the front! She had her first visiting teaching "visit" & loved it! Huzzah for uber-totally-awesome wards ;) Me & Sister Gilbert don't get to see each other much. It has officially bummed us out. So....us being the incredible creatures that we are....are inventing our own paging system!!!!! I know --- GENIUS!!!! We have officially taken paging to the texting-level. I don't know why so much of what we do is "official" but it is. We crossed paths as I was going into motors & she was coming out. We said bye, then I raced to my phone to page her [143 - i love you]. She raced back in the room -- "oh I forgot! I love you! bye! *brrr* did you just page me? HA!"
love it.
Friday: We planned to find a guest with a member. And we did! It's amazing what prayerful planning can accomplish. The sister from Albania is teaching me phrases, bit by bit. "Chick-kaymee" is hello! We ran into the missionary couple who introduced Sis Khadgi's dad to the gospel! They were so cute! They hadn't seen her since she was really young, it's been 15 years or so! They were chatting away, when who should run across our path but Makenzie Martinez!!! She was standing in the standby line for the MOTAB/David Archuleta concert! We chatted for a bit, about family, missions she scared me for a sec with her "it's a lot like marriage" comment. I think I'll just date for ever. Ya -- sounds good. We had an extra hour on the square.
Saturday: We had van maintenance at 5:50 AM yay for no sleep!!! We didn't meet an apostle, but our vans are clean. Mission accomplished. We had an 8:00 safety training meeting that went over time, so we had 5 min of choir practice. I'm still being an amazing turtle dove :) We went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders! I am so glad we did! We went around with Sister Hernandez (Mexico) after contacting the one member & one guest we planned for, we ran into a family from El Salvador! We took them to the Christus, which they all loved & then to God's Plan. Sis Hernandez let me testify at the end of the presentation! I LOVE speaking Spanish! It's just fun & I feel a little more like myself when I do it. A bit of a walk down memory lane. I'm hoping for a Spanish speaking comp next transfer. That way I could practice & pass off the spanish tours!!! Their 8 year old son tried to throw a snowball at jordan - RM who served in Chile but met this family on splits & offered to take them to temple square! and instead -- hit ME! I gave him a hard time about it & we became bffs :) "Miropavshem" - Bye! (Albanian)...I'm practically fluent! I talked with Alex from Italy tonight on Chat. He was really nice & we had a great conversation. He wanted to look me up on facebook...but we can't give out our last names (luckily) so we just left it with the memory that he had been "connected to the nicest mormon ever :)" ya.... Extra hour on the square again! I start to expire around 9:00...it feels like staying up late to finish a school project!
Sunday: Church at 7:20 --- getting up so early & getting to bed so late & not running every morning? No bueno. I'm dying here. But it's good - we're getting a lot done! Besides, we can sleep when we're dead. Sister Kinman told me that Marti & Nicole were here on the Square! I wish I could have seen them! We watched part of Joy to the World with some guests & I decided that I love watching the sun rise. One day... I had "Be Prepared" from Hoodwinked, stuck in my head - first thing in the morning. Holy random song Batman?!? David Archuleta performed with MOTAB so none of the sisters got to go because it's a ticketed event. BUT we got to watch 5 min of it in the wonderfully empty theatre 5!!! Yay! It was the funniest thing --- "*gasp* It's DAVID ARCHULETA!!!!" "whaaaat!??!?!?!?" [Insert stamped of 20 something year old sister missionaries into the theatre] "Ahhhh!!! It's DAVID!!!!" "He's a KID!" "He turns 20 this month!" "What??? I didn't know he was that old?" "He's SO cute!!!" "He's cuter on screen than in person" "uh huh - shame..." ya....no comment.
I ran into Sister Colette Neish's sister!!! They came to see Luke II -- small world!
We've been told to bring our cameras to training in the morning -- word on the street -- David Archuleta???
Monday: Early morning training. I'm hanging in there. Safe driving stuff....yay! David Archuleta??? Nope. Hahahahaha --- BUT we got to go over to the Conference Center & take pictures IN the decorations! It was so fun! I'll upload pics next week...sorry ZERO time!!! This morning, I was trying to respond to a page from Sis Gilbert --- so I dialed the number she sent me .... "President Monson's office..." "Oh! ...I must have the wrong number!" Hahahahaha -- it's not everyday you accidentally call the Prophet :) We talked to Dylan again, reviewing some basics. Sister Teerlink & I were on exchanges up at God's Plan for His Family, when these two Hispanic ladies come up & ask to see a movie. We take them through the presentation in SPANISH! (I know) And then at the end - I testified (in Spanish) and played the last video. Then I bore testimony at the end again (in Spanish) found out they weren't members & then invited them to meet with the missionaries -- yes! IN SPANISH!!! THEY REFERRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Miracle!
The Hurst clan came to watch me perform!!! It was so fun having everyone there! Everyone looks great & happy! It made me SO nervous to perform...hence my lack of playing 1/2 of one of my songs...hahaha jk not 1/2 ...just a few measures -- but still! They brought me goodies - which my roommies loved :) They're gone already! So good! I'm afraid I talked WAY too much -- I was just so excited to show everyone what I'm doing! I whipped out my planner & told all the RMs of our little family how we run things here on Temple Square. So fun! At least...for me :)
Best day ever!
The church is true :)
Have a great week & have a very Merry Christmas!
Sis Ainsley Marie
P.S. Church News & Events has a video of the lights on temple square -- the sister from Brazil & the sister from Germany were my roomies last transfer! Sis Lamprecht & Inoue are our APs :) so cool!
Merry Christmas!
The lights are up, the snow has melted & it was a balmy 50 degrees the other day --- here in Salt Lake City. Whaaaaaat??? I know....weird. I thought I was in NC for a second! However, rest assured ladies & gentlemen, we got some snow today :) We're good! A white Christmas looks to be in our future!
Monday: Called Raul who lives in NC & went to church on Sunday & met with the missionaries! I love being assigned to desk! I like saying hello & telling 5,000 people how to get to the bathrooms, despite the fact that we have signs...and apparently 4,900 illiterate guests! It's so fun when people just come up to the desk & say "i have a referral for you!" Score! I reported to desk & sis Agenor (Florida) said, your grandparents are here --- and pointed to the audience. ahhhhh!!!!! so i snuck behind the two & sat next to grandma. Surprise! We got to catch up for a bit but then it was back to work! But that wasn't the end of seeing them around :) I was busy greeting people when I looked over & caught gma taking a picture of me!??! hahaha same up at the Christus -- she was everywhere! When it was time to sing -- there they were, sitting in the front row! RIGHT next to the piano! hahaha there wasn't a closer seat in the house! unless they would have offered to turn pages for me :)
Tuesday: So you know in Enchanted when the receptionist says she think Giselle is from "Andalusia"? Well it's a real place!!! "Look it up -- bookworm!"
We called Dylan once we got back on computers. He is awesome! He has fantastic questions! He's really searching for God in his life. I'm glad we get to be a part of it. He's home for Christmas & he said that I could give Jessica 2 his information!
Wednesday: we had weekly planning for an hour. we've switched things up this transfer(like every transfer) so that we have 2 hrs of Chat weekly planning on Sundays & then 1 hr of weekly planning for the square on Wednesdays. It's insane. We're hoping to get 30 referrals & 72 potentials over the transfer! It'll make us stretch -- but we think it's attainable!
I have officially lost 6 lbs since the start of my mission! [Insert happy dance here]
Thursday: We had president interviews. I hardly know what to say in those. He's got the gift of discernment, that's for sure. He knows when something is up. I just want to say "The work is great & my spirits are high. All is well." But he made me say a little more :) He reminded me that there are things I can teach my companion that will prepare her for the rest of her life. I never thought that I could help my companion. I guess I always thought that I would be the one learning from them. We went to the Utah Food Bank to do service! Ya! I know! So exciting, huh? We stuffed envelopes. Good thing I had that summer job, to brush up on my envelope stuffing skills :) Oh right -- getting there was an adventure. Cursed grid system. Bane of my existence. Or maybe it's google directions. It failed to mention that the street we turned onto off the highway would be 3300....so we were driving around, waiting to take a right onto 3300....we finally figured it out, turned around & arrived 30 min late. But the awesome thing about all of this was that I got to drive the new spaceship of a car! I couldn't even figure out how to get the windows down! That's how high tech it was -- I figured it out. No worries. Find the video section of lds.org & watch the "Continue in Patience" video by President Uchtdorf. It's easily my favorite. Never give up. We talked to Dylan again! He picks up & he's so happy to talk with us, it's like having friends! Yay! We taught him about the Plan of Salvation. He's still hung up on believing in God. He really wants to but he's not solid on it yet. So we followed up with an email containing the link to The Book of Mormon, The Articles of Faith and Alma 11:20-46 to read. Hopefully he'll keep his commitment to read! In case you were wondering, yes Logan is still alive. He's in Hickory with his family for Christmas. He has a busy schedule, so we're going to try & work out a time to call over break! Can't wait for him to go back to school!
I love having investigators <3 Speaking of investigators...I called Jessica 1 to check in & see how life was. She's doing SO good! She was in the hospital for five days with pneumonia. She had a priesthood blessing & was visited by the RS. Once she got home, the RS worked out meals for her so that she can just focus on getting better. She let me know that after she was baptized, her ward pitched in & bought her more church clothes & a Book of Mormon with her name embossed on the front! She had her first visiting teaching "visit" & loved it! Huzzah for uber-totally-awesome wards ;) Me & Sister Gilbert don't get to see each other much. It has officially bummed us out. So....us being the incredible creatures that we are....are inventing our own paging system!!!!! I know --- GENIUS!!!! We have officially taken paging to the texting-level. I don't know why so much of what we do is "official" but it is. We crossed paths as I was going into motors & she was coming out. We said bye, then I raced to my phone to page her [143 - i love you]. She raced back in the room -- "oh I forgot! I love you! bye! *brrr* did you just page me? HA!"
love it.
Friday: We planned to find a guest with a member. And we did! It's amazing what prayerful planning can accomplish. The sister from Albania is teaching me phrases, bit by bit. "Chick-kaymee" is hello! We ran into the missionary couple who introduced Sis Khadgi's dad to the gospel! They were so cute! They hadn't seen her since she was really young, it's been 15 years or so! They were chatting away, when who should run across our path but Makenzie Martinez!!! She was standing in the standby line for the MOTAB/David Archuleta concert! We chatted for a bit, about family, missions she scared me for a sec with her "it's a lot like marriage" comment. I think I'll just date for ever. Ya -- sounds good. We had an extra hour on the square.
Saturday: We had van maintenance at 5:50 AM yay for no sleep!!! We didn't meet an apostle, but our vans are clean. Mission accomplished. We had an 8:00 safety training meeting that went over time, so we had 5 min of choir practice. I'm still being an amazing turtle dove :) We went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders! I am so glad we did! We went around with Sister Hernandez (Mexico) after contacting the one member & one guest we planned for, we ran into a family from El Salvador! We took them to the Christus, which they all loved & then to God's Plan. Sis Hernandez let me testify at the end of the presentation! I LOVE speaking Spanish! It's just fun & I feel a little more like myself when I do it. A bit of a walk down memory lane. I'm hoping for a Spanish speaking comp next transfer. That way I could practice & pass off the spanish tours!!! Their 8 year old son tried to throw a snowball at jordan - RM who served in Chile but met this family on splits & offered to take them to temple square! and instead -- hit ME! I gave him a hard time about it & we became bffs :) "Miropavshem" - Bye! (Albanian)...I'm practically fluent! I talked with Alex from Italy tonight on Chat. He was really nice & we had a great conversation. He wanted to look me up on facebook...but we can't give out our last names (luckily) so we just left it with the memory that he had been "connected to the nicest mormon ever :)" ya.... Extra hour on the square again! I start to expire around 9:00...it feels like staying up late to finish a school project!
Sunday: Church at 7:20 --- getting up so early & getting to bed so late & not running every morning? No bueno. I'm dying here. But it's good - we're getting a lot done! Besides, we can sleep when we're dead. Sister Kinman told me that Marti & Nicole were here on the Square! I wish I could have seen them! We watched part of Joy to the World with some guests & I decided that I love watching the sun rise. One day... I had "Be Prepared" from Hoodwinked, stuck in my head - first thing in the morning. Holy random song Batman?!? David Archuleta performed with MOTAB so none of the sisters got to go because it's a ticketed event. BUT we got to watch 5 min of it in the wonderfully empty theatre 5!!! Yay! It was the funniest thing --- "*gasp* It's DAVID ARCHULETA!!!!" "whaaaat!??!?!?!?" [Insert stamped of 20 something year old sister missionaries into the theatre] "Ahhhh!!! It's DAVID!!!!" "He's a KID!" "He turns 20 this month!" "What??? I didn't know he was that old?" "He's SO cute!!!" "He's cuter on screen than in person" "uh huh - shame..." ya....no comment.
I ran into Sister Colette Neish's sister!!! They came to see Luke II -- small world!
We've been told to bring our cameras to training in the morning -- word on the street -- David Archuleta???
Monday: Early morning training. I'm hanging in there. Safe driving stuff....yay! David Archuleta??? Nope. Hahahahaha --- BUT we got to go over to the Conference Center & take pictures IN the decorations! It was so fun! I'll upload pics next week...sorry ZERO time!!! This morning, I was trying to respond to a page from Sis Gilbert --- so I dialed the number she sent me .... "President Monson's office..." "Oh! ...I must have the wrong number!" Hahahahaha -- it's not everyday you accidentally call the Prophet :) We talked to Dylan again, reviewing some basics. Sister Teerlink & I were on exchanges up at God's Plan for His Family, when these two Hispanic ladies come up & ask to see a movie. We take them through the presentation in SPANISH! (I know) And then at the end - I testified (in Spanish) and played the last video. Then I bore testimony at the end again (in Spanish) found out they weren't members & then invited them to meet with the missionaries -- yes! IN SPANISH!!! THEY REFERRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Miracle!
The Hurst clan came to watch me perform!!! It was so fun having everyone there! Everyone looks great & happy! It made me SO nervous to perform...hence my lack of playing 1/2 of one of my songs...hahaha jk not 1/2 ...just a few measures -- but still! They brought me goodies - which my roommies loved :) They're gone already! So good! I'm afraid I talked WAY too much -- I was just so excited to show everyone what I'm doing! I whipped out my planner & told all the RMs of our little family how we run things here on Temple Square. So fun! At least...for me :)
Best day ever!
The church is true :)
Have a great week & have a very Merry Christmas!
Sis Ainsley Marie
P.S. Church News & Events has a video of the lights on temple square -- the sister from Brazil & the sister from Germany were my roomies last transfer! Sis Lamprecht & Inoue are our APs :) so cool!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Agency Givers
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Machtaba! [Or however you say hello in Arabic, which is what I learned this week!]
Friday: I saw Elder Widenhouse on my way onto the Square this morning! He's like a ray of sunshine -- you can't help but smile! Finally ran into Michael Lawyer, I heard several times that he was here in SLC but never saw him! Until today! It was good catching up. Sis Thomas sent me advent calendars that were supposed to go to Elder Thomas but they can't have Christmas decorations?!?! That's ok with me! I was reading the note she wrote me, walking into the kitchen when *BAM* I slammed my head into Sister Doggett's open locker! hahahaha it was priceless...I love mail so much -- I sacrifice physical comfort :) Greg Olsen was in Deseret Books, signing paintings! I didn't bring my wallet with me (brilliant) so I couldn't get even a dinky little card for him to sign! Oh well...next time.
We called Adriano again, - I LOVE talking to him! He read Enos just like he said he would & he also told us he liked it because "Enos...is just like me." I know. I love him too. He went on to talk about how he feels like he has all these burdens on his shoulders because of his addictions. We told him that as he continues to read the scriptures, pray & make it to church on Sundays, he will feel that burden get lighter. We also talked about repentance & the Atonement. Our last phone call he said he'd make his "best effort" to get to church. But THIS phone call, he said he "promises, swears" he will go to church! We were so excited to hear that! Church is the best! After he said our closing prayer, he said he's been feeling much better over the last few days! The gospel is the best.
Saturday: We met a man from Czech Republic! He was here on business. We took him to the temple display & talked for a bit about family and the gospel but were unsuccessful in getting him to refer for a missionary visit. He travels a lot, that's always a complication.
When we were announcing at the Cristus that night there were these kids who were all up on the touch screen that has the volume controls on it. I wanted to be like, "Hi -- see the badge? Ya...I'm in charge. Step aside." But Sister Garbett patiently asked how they were doing & told them not to touch it. Yay for companions :)
We talked to this guy who served his mission with Alex Carroll! Small world! As we were talking this older lady comes up & politely demands to see "God's Plan for His Family". Why do some people think it's ok to interrupt two very busy Sister Missionaries who are busy about uplifting members? Wait your turn. Thanks.
Sunday: We had a meeting with President Holmes about The Living Christ. It was really good, some wonderful insights into a wonderful declaration.
Sister Garbett ended up seeing a crazy amount of people she knows! Must be time to head home!
Sister Murphy came for the Christmas Devotional (which was amazing!)! She taught me in the MTC & she is just awesome! She's so good -- she's very observant & extremely motivating. We talked with her later, she put her hands on my shoulders, stared into my soul & asked "How are you doing." Oooh...she's good :) She knew I needed her to ask that. You can really tell she cares about each of the Sisters that she trains. She makes you feel important. That's a great attribute to have as a teacher.
We called Adriano! He talked A LOT :) He went to church but only for part of Sacrament Meeting. We were so excited about him promising to go, we forgot to prepare him for it! We didn't tell him what to expect or anything! What kind of over-excited missionaries are we?!??! It was testimony meeting too, so he thought they were getting up there to confess their sins. That took a bit of explanation. He had some complications with the idea of a prophet, so we sent him the link for the Christmas Devotional. He promised to pray about it. We sure hope that helps.
Monday: Happy 17th Birthday Elena!!! Ahhhhh!!!! I thought time stopped while I'm out on a mission? Guess not.
Transfer Conference this morning. We sang "Once there was a Snowman" & "Must Be Santa" -- it was so fun :) Sister Williams is going outbound to Florida! And Sister Johnson is going to Raleigh NC!!!!! Keep a look out for her! She's a wonderful missionary -- Raleigh is so lucky.
Transfer 3: Zone, N3 -- Apartment, same! -- Companion, Sister Khadgi from Nepal!
We called Adriano again, to hear what he thought of the Christmas Devotional. Afterwards, we determined that he is not prepared at this time. We'll call him in a week or so to see how he's progressing. It's sad dropping people who were initially making so much progress. But we are encouraged to only keep those who are committed & interested. So we can focus on those who will make the most progress. The Christmas Choir performed again tonight, not too shabby :)
When Sister Gilbert performs her solo, I'm always standing in front of the NVC lounge door -- just smiling & singing along, trying to be supportive. It reminded me of how my family has always been there for all of my concerts :) My family is the best.
I got a letter from Mom (always makes my day) and the cutest package from the Brimhalls! It was adorable! Little box that opened up into a missionary apartment, with tiny presents that had wonderful Christmas messages inside. Don't forget the chocolate too!
Tuesday: I was on exchanges for SEVEN hours because the Departing Sisters had their Departing Lunch & Temple Trip. I missed Sister Garbett so much!
Wednesday: I drove Sister Garbett to the airport. We'd been going full-speed for so long, the end came before either of us knew it! Where does the time go?
I was on the verge of tears all day & it didn't help that EVERYONE asked how I was doing without Sister Garbett. A little alone time can go a long way. For sure.
I helped Sister Bailey (NZ) take a tour through the Beehive House!!! Ahhh! Hahahaha I didn't know squat...but heck -- the kids couldn't tell.
We came out of God's Plan & met 3 Spanish SLC Elders who wanted to take a family through. So we did! We all hopped in the first room, I came in & pulled out a little "Cómo están todos?" The Elder who was up at the front to translate said, "Oh...you know Spanish..." & started heading for the back. I told him, "That's about it --- so you might wanna stay up here." He helped me introduce the presentation & we were off! I really really really needed that Spanish presentation. I was able to bear my testimony at the end in Spanish, which really helped me feel like myself. The Elder double testified at the end & the whole thing was just a wonderful presentation. I loved it. I ran into the trio later & thanked them for bringing the family here. Turns out one of them was Elder Arnell, who I met a few months ago -- he grew up in NC! They brought another family a few days later, we waved -- it's like having friends!
Thursday: Today was so good! It just FLEW by! I forgot to mention that on Tuesday I misplaced my Book of Mormon, which also had my new book of stamps, my security card, my credit card, & about 15 potentials!!! So....ya. I couldn't find it anywhere! But Sis Rodriguez called me & said she found it in her apartment? Don't know how it got there...but I don't really care. I'm whole again! Hahahaha
The FIRST person we talked to referred! Amazing, huh? I'm excited for this transfer! I decorated my planner, it's all cute with "Transfer Three" on the front....I love it! Sis Wilde made a guessing game for a Sister who just came from Outbound, called "Who trained Despain" she gave her 5 options & as soon as she said Garbett the sister was like "Ya! Garbett! That's it --- you reminded me of someone but I couldn't figure out who!" The same comments...and she's not even here!
Dad wrote me! Things have been new & different & kinda crazy & I really needed to hear from my father. He's always been so steady & sure, he's always been there & I know that he loves me. It's nice to have a reminder every once in a while :)
Friday: This transfer is gonna be intense! I'm so excited! We talk to absolutely EVERYONE. We invited 16 members & 6 guests. Which may not sound like a lot...but you try stopping anyone here during Christmas time -- it would make the list of "Impossible things to Achieve".
Both Sis Gilbert & I are having a difficult time without our Trainers. But we are that much more excited to see each other! We write notes to each other :) We're so sneaky! K, not really. But we like to think we are. Sis Hansen called me while I was in computers, to let me know I got a letter from Elder Edwards. Bahahahahahaha! She is so hilarious. And useful, did I mention that? Then I had an additional 30 min to be excited about mail! He is such a hard working Elder, I love hearing about his investigators and companions & how the work is going in Mesa. He said they're going to "set this area on fire!" which makes me want to work that much harder. Missionaries are the coolest.
"James" called Inbound & ended up talking to me for an hour about Christ. It was only an hour because the phone cut out. And it did actually cut out. It was entirely unintentional. I promise.
Saturday: Is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday! I was on Chat & a guy asked my opinion on Stephanie Meyer as a fellow "Mormon". In reply to my response he said "Very diplomatic. I agree." Turns out my being-able-to-answer-diplomatically-while-shopping-with-someone skills come in handy on the mission :)
We got two new investigators!!! One lives in Raleigh, his name is Logan & he's going to NCSU! He's going home for Christmas break -- but he'll be back in January! Jeff....look for an update on that in a few weeks :) Huzzah for knowing the Elders Quorum President of the Singles Ward. Soooo convenient. Our other investigator is Dylan. I met him on Chat. He goes to FSU but will be home for Christmas in Jacksonville. Guess who goes to the Singles Ward in Jacksonville? Go on, guess. It's so incredible I can't even believe it. JESSICA 2!!! The Bomb.Com Jessica! I want them to meet, so Dylan will have that connection & Jessica would be the best fellowshipper ever! I'll keep you all updated!
Sister B. Hernandez said in passing, "Ha- you sound just like Garbett."
Sunday: Elder Richard G. Hinckley came to our Sacrament Meeting!!!! Who ever knew I'd be able to say that :) Afterwards, we were working on the computers & who should come in, but the APs, President & Elder Hinckley!!! They passed, we were cool -- cuz we're supposed to let them approach us. After 10 min, President comes back in, "Sister, if you're not on a call right now -- come meet Elder Hinckley!" So I whip my chair around & *BAM* he's right there! So I stand up & introduce myself "It's a Laraby to meet you Sir." [just kidding....didn't do that.] It was so cool! When he left, he said, "See ya!" I'm thinking...ya? Are you gonna be around again sometime soon, cuz ...that would be....cool, ya know. If it works in your schedule.” He called TMSQ the "Crown Jewel"
We called Logan & talked with him. He's great, I really like him. He's very open & has wonderful insights into the gospel of Jesus Christ. We had absolutely lovely weather today!!! Blue sky, the sun was shining & I'm pretty sure I heard the birds from Enchanted on the Square at some point :)
Our time has been cut down on emailing, so I don't have time for too much of Monday but I got to see Gma & Pop! They came for my concert! See! Even while I'm on my mission, my family still makes it to my concerts! One way or another --- I'll write about it next week! I know this church is true. No amount of trolls & time-wasters can persuade me otherwise. We as missionaries are here to bring people to the knowledge of the truth or to be "The Agency Givers". Without that chance we present, of learning more about Christ, people don't even have the chance to reject it! What we have to offer has an immediate effect & has an eternal lifetime warranty! We're talking post-nuclear explosion the things that will last are cockroaches, Twinkies & what we offer. Eternal Salvation. Hmmm, let’s see which is most important??? Eternal Salvation! It's yours & it's free! We'd love to have the missionaries come visit you. Some reject it and the smart ones accept it but we're here for both as they will.
I love being a missionary. Everyday is a great day on Temple Square.
Make time for the important things in life.
Sister Ainsley Marie
Machtaba! [Or however you say hello in Arabic, which is what I learned this week!]
Friday: I saw Elder Widenhouse on my way onto the Square this morning! He's like a ray of sunshine -- you can't help but smile! Finally ran into Michael Lawyer, I heard several times that he was here in SLC but never saw him! Until today! It was good catching up. Sis Thomas sent me advent calendars that were supposed to go to Elder Thomas but they can't have Christmas decorations?!?! That's ok with me! I was reading the note she wrote me, walking into the kitchen when *BAM* I slammed my head into Sister Doggett's open locker! hahahaha it was priceless...I love mail so much -- I sacrifice physical comfort :) Greg Olsen was in Deseret Books, signing paintings! I didn't bring my wallet with me (brilliant) so I couldn't get even a dinky little card for him to sign! Oh well...next time.
We called Adriano again, - I LOVE talking to him! He read Enos just like he said he would & he also told us he liked it because "Enos...is just like me." I know. I love him too. He went on to talk about how he feels like he has all these burdens on his shoulders because of his addictions. We told him that as he continues to read the scriptures, pray & make it to church on Sundays, he will feel that burden get lighter. We also talked about repentance & the Atonement. Our last phone call he said he'd make his "best effort" to get to church. But THIS phone call, he said he "promises, swears" he will go to church! We were so excited to hear that! Church is the best! After he said our closing prayer, he said he's been feeling much better over the last few days! The gospel is the best.
Saturday: We met a man from Czech Republic! He was here on business. We took him to the temple display & talked for a bit about family and the gospel but were unsuccessful in getting him to refer for a missionary visit. He travels a lot, that's always a complication.
When we were announcing at the Cristus that night there were these kids who were all up on the touch screen that has the volume controls on it. I wanted to be like, "Hi -- see the badge? Ya...I'm in charge. Step aside." But Sister Garbett patiently asked how they were doing & told them not to touch it. Yay for companions :)
We talked to this guy who served his mission with Alex Carroll! Small world! As we were talking this older lady comes up & politely demands to see "God's Plan for His Family". Why do some people think it's ok to interrupt two very busy Sister Missionaries who are busy about uplifting members? Wait your turn. Thanks.
Sunday: We had a meeting with President Holmes about The Living Christ. It was really good, some wonderful insights into a wonderful declaration.
Sister Garbett ended up seeing a crazy amount of people she knows! Must be time to head home!
Sister Murphy came for the Christmas Devotional (which was amazing!)! She taught me in the MTC & she is just awesome! She's so good -- she's very observant & extremely motivating. We talked with her later, she put her hands on my shoulders, stared into my soul & asked "How are you doing." Oooh...she's good :) She knew I needed her to ask that. You can really tell she cares about each of the Sisters that she trains. She makes you feel important. That's a great attribute to have as a teacher.
We called Adriano! He talked A LOT :) He went to church but only for part of Sacrament Meeting. We were so excited about him promising to go, we forgot to prepare him for it! We didn't tell him what to expect or anything! What kind of over-excited missionaries are we?!??! It was testimony meeting too, so he thought they were getting up there to confess their sins. That took a bit of explanation. He had some complications with the idea of a prophet, so we sent him the link for the Christmas Devotional. He promised to pray about it. We sure hope that helps.
Monday: Happy 17th Birthday Elena!!! Ahhhhh!!!! I thought time stopped while I'm out on a mission? Guess not.
Transfer Conference this morning. We sang "Once there was a Snowman" & "Must Be Santa" -- it was so fun :) Sister Williams is going outbound to Florida! And Sister Johnson is going to Raleigh NC!!!!! Keep a look out for her! She's a wonderful missionary -- Raleigh is so lucky.
Transfer 3: Zone, N3 -- Apartment, same! -- Companion, Sister Khadgi from Nepal!
We called Adriano again, to hear what he thought of the Christmas Devotional. Afterwards, we determined that he is not prepared at this time. We'll call him in a week or so to see how he's progressing. It's sad dropping people who were initially making so much progress. But we are encouraged to only keep those who are committed & interested. So we can focus on those who will make the most progress. The Christmas Choir performed again tonight, not too shabby :)
When Sister Gilbert performs her solo, I'm always standing in front of the NVC lounge door -- just smiling & singing along, trying to be supportive. It reminded me of how my family has always been there for all of my concerts :) My family is the best.
I got a letter from Mom (always makes my day) and the cutest package from the Brimhalls! It was adorable! Little box that opened up into a missionary apartment, with tiny presents that had wonderful Christmas messages inside. Don't forget the chocolate too!
Tuesday: I was on exchanges for SEVEN hours because the Departing Sisters had their Departing Lunch & Temple Trip. I missed Sister Garbett so much!
Wednesday: I drove Sister Garbett to the airport. We'd been going full-speed for so long, the end came before either of us knew it! Where does the time go?
I was on the verge of tears all day & it didn't help that EVERYONE asked how I was doing without Sister Garbett. A little alone time can go a long way. For sure.
I helped Sister Bailey (NZ) take a tour through the Beehive House!!! Ahhh! Hahahaha I didn't know squat...but heck -- the kids couldn't tell.
We came out of God's Plan & met 3 Spanish SLC Elders who wanted to take a family through. So we did! We all hopped in the first room, I came in & pulled out a little "Cómo están todos?" The Elder who was up at the front to translate said, "Oh...you know Spanish..." & started heading for the back. I told him, "That's about it --- so you might wanna stay up here." He helped me introduce the presentation & we were off! I really really really needed that Spanish presentation. I was able to bear my testimony at the end in Spanish, which really helped me feel like myself. The Elder double testified at the end & the whole thing was just a wonderful presentation. I loved it. I ran into the trio later & thanked them for bringing the family here. Turns out one of them was Elder Arnell, who I met a few months ago -- he grew up in NC! They brought another family a few days later, we waved -- it's like having friends!
Thursday: Today was so good! It just FLEW by! I forgot to mention that on Tuesday I misplaced my Book of Mormon, which also had my new book of stamps, my security card, my credit card, & about 15 potentials!!! So....ya. I couldn't find it anywhere! But Sis Rodriguez called me & said she found it in her apartment? Don't know how it got there...but I don't really care. I'm whole again! Hahahaha
The FIRST person we talked to referred! Amazing, huh? I'm excited for this transfer! I decorated my planner, it's all cute with "Transfer Three" on the front....I love it! Sis Wilde made a guessing game for a Sister who just came from Outbound, called "Who trained Despain" she gave her 5 options & as soon as she said Garbett the sister was like "Ya! Garbett! That's it --- you reminded me of someone but I couldn't figure out who!" The same comments...and she's not even here!
Dad wrote me! Things have been new & different & kinda crazy & I really needed to hear from my father. He's always been so steady & sure, he's always been there & I know that he loves me. It's nice to have a reminder every once in a while :)
Friday: This transfer is gonna be intense! I'm so excited! We talk to absolutely EVERYONE. We invited 16 members & 6 guests. Which may not sound like a lot...but you try stopping anyone here during Christmas time -- it would make the list of "Impossible things to Achieve".
Both Sis Gilbert & I are having a difficult time without our Trainers. But we are that much more excited to see each other! We write notes to each other :) We're so sneaky! K, not really. But we like to think we are. Sis Hansen called me while I was in computers, to let me know I got a letter from Elder Edwards. Bahahahahahaha! She is so hilarious. And useful, did I mention that? Then I had an additional 30 min to be excited about mail! He is such a hard working Elder, I love hearing about his investigators and companions & how the work is going in Mesa. He said they're going to "set this area on fire!" which makes me want to work that much harder. Missionaries are the coolest.
"James" called Inbound & ended up talking to me for an hour about Christ. It was only an hour because the phone cut out. And it did actually cut out. It was entirely unintentional. I promise.
Saturday: Is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday! I was on Chat & a guy asked my opinion on Stephanie Meyer as a fellow "Mormon". In reply to my response he said "Very diplomatic. I agree." Turns out my being-able-to-answer-diplomatically-while-shopping-with-someone skills come in handy on the mission :)
We got two new investigators!!! One lives in Raleigh, his name is Logan & he's going to NCSU! He's going home for Christmas break -- but he'll be back in January! Jeff....look for an update on that in a few weeks :) Huzzah for knowing the Elders Quorum President of the Singles Ward. Soooo convenient. Our other investigator is Dylan. I met him on Chat. He goes to FSU but will be home for Christmas in Jacksonville. Guess who goes to the Singles Ward in Jacksonville? Go on, guess. It's so incredible I can't even believe it. JESSICA 2!!! The Bomb.Com Jessica! I want them to meet, so Dylan will have that connection & Jessica would be the best fellowshipper ever! I'll keep you all updated!
Sister B. Hernandez said in passing, "Ha- you sound just like Garbett."
Sunday: Elder Richard G. Hinckley came to our Sacrament Meeting!!!! Who ever knew I'd be able to say that :) Afterwards, we were working on the computers & who should come in, but the APs, President & Elder Hinckley!!! They passed, we were cool -- cuz we're supposed to let them approach us. After 10 min, President comes back in, "Sister, if you're not on a call right now -- come meet Elder Hinckley!" So I whip my chair around & *BAM* he's right there! So I stand up & introduce myself "It's a Laraby to meet you Sir." [just kidding....didn't do that.] It was so cool! When he left, he said, "See ya!" I'm thinking...ya? Are you gonna be around again sometime soon, cuz ...that would be....cool, ya know. If it works in your schedule.” He called TMSQ the "Crown Jewel"
We called Logan & talked with him. He's great, I really like him. He's very open & has wonderful insights into the gospel of Jesus Christ. We had absolutely lovely weather today!!! Blue sky, the sun was shining & I'm pretty sure I heard the birds from Enchanted on the Square at some point :)
Our time has been cut down on emailing, so I don't have time for too much of Monday but I got to see Gma & Pop! They came for my concert! See! Even while I'm on my mission, my family still makes it to my concerts! One way or another --- I'll write about it next week! I know this church is true. No amount of trolls & time-wasters can persuade me otherwise. We as missionaries are here to bring people to the knowledge of the truth or to be "The Agency Givers". Without that chance we present, of learning more about Christ, people don't even have the chance to reject it! What we have to offer has an immediate effect & has an eternal lifetime warranty! We're talking post-nuclear explosion the things that will last are cockroaches, Twinkies & what we offer. Eternal Salvation. Hmmm, let’s see which is most important??? Eternal Salvation! It's yours & it's free! We'd love to have the missionaries come visit you. Some reject it and the smart ones accept it but we're here for both as they will.
I love being a missionary. Everyday is a great day on Temple Square.
Make time for the important things in life.
Sister Ainsley Marie
Friday, December 3, 2010
Emenyo, Jessica, & Adriano!
December 2, 2010
Hey hey hey!
Whew! So I was sitting in this exact same chair last week - but it feels like yesterday! If there's one thing I've learned from being on a mission it's that time...is weird. The End.
Alright, this week was insane, ridiculously fun & spiritually fortifying. The Lights are on (finalmente) and there is snow EVERYWHERE & I love my mission! It occurred to me yesterday that I have 1 year & 2 months left?!? And all of a sudden I felt that "sense of urgency" that everyone talks about in regards to missionary work. It was a "QUICK! We gotta talk to them! They need the gospel & I don't have my entire life to take these chances! C'mon -- run!" moment. :) It's the best.
Friday: In the Christmas Kickoff meeting we found out that next transfer we are moving from six to eight zones & instead of having one teaching zone, we are going to have SIX teaching zones!!! Exciting! Right? Ya...that's what I thought too. Then it hit me that those of us who are in teaching right now are going to have decreased computer time! Lame! Chat Finding is my all-time favorite thing to do! It's thrilling & cathartic & productive! How am I supposed to live without Chat Finding??? .....no idea. I guess we'll see! I'm mostly just afraid of withdrawal pains ;)
Saturday: As part of the Temple Square Sister Missionary Choir -- I can officially say that I have performed in the Assembly Hall!!!!!!! Not that that's a big deal or that there was a lot of pressure or that the benches are original pioneer-carved & used or that any of us were nervous or anything...nothing like that. When we were in the warm up room in the basement I felt like I was back in 4th/5th grade getting ready for our Pieces of Gold performance. Good times. So we did well & no one died! Even after I accompanied (mostly successfully) I didn't feel like crawling under a bench! So I'd say the performance went well. We got a standing ovation from one guy for "12 Days of Christmas" . He loved it. We do have pretty cute little actions to go with it, if I do say so myself.
We were contacting in the NVC while a local choir was singing "Still, Still, Still" which reminded me of caroling at home. I miss caroling at home :( I ran into Corrine!!! She is always so bubbly & happy & excited about life -- love her! She told me Courtney is going on a mission! AHHHH!!!!!! I love our little Cary 2nd ward :)
Walking home, a lady stopped us & told us about an Elder from her ward who had to come home for medical reasons ie "they found a lump...a tumor...in, where -- where the pants cover the body." We promised to keep him in our prayers.
Sunday: Sister Garbett & I performed in Sacrament meeting!!! We did a variation on "In Humility, Our Savior" and while it was not as good as some of our practices, I still feel like it was a nice contribution to the spirit of the meeting. The topic was the Holy Ghost but the Sister who spoke right before us tied it into the Atonement -- which was the perfect intro to our song! It was fantastic! (In case you forgot how cool my mission is, we have Sacrament Meeting in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building...just saying) So, so far I have performed in the Assembly Hall & the JSMB! Who would have ever thought that I'd be able to say that?!?!
Sister Garbett got to announce for “go-see” after Music & the Spoken Word! They had a practice meeting & then we got to congregate in front of the flagpole & take pictures of them while standing in two feet of snow! Oh ya! I forgot to mention, it snowed through the night so we woke up to a winter wonderland & then it NEVER stopped snowing all day! So we ended up with A LOT of snow! I love it! So Sister Garbett announced beautifully, I mean, English is her first language so she didn't have a problem but it was still great! Michael met up with us afterward so we could show him around. We had a wonderful conversation, answered a lot of his questions (which isn't always a good thing because then usually they don't refer) and felt very productive as we cleared up some of his misconceptions. We took him into the theatre in the Conference Center (CC) & as we made our way there, two different hostesses told him to have us sing for him! The CC Hosts have Sunday meetings with us, so they would have heard us -- we had to explain more to Michael about that. In the auditorium I had the chance to bear my testimony to him. It was a nice reminder of how important it is to testify as we take people around. He didn't refer but it was still a constructive experience.
I had my first experience with inbound calls, where people are calling in for a DVD or a Book of Mormon. I talked with 36 year old "DJ" who wants to have missionaries come visit him, for us to teach him over the phone & for a copy of The Book of Mormon! Love those phone calls. It's a tricky situation though, he has a criminal record & is on antipsychotics. The missionaries met with him really promptly & we are looking at 2 more phone calls & then a very friendly good bye -- for personal safety reasons.
We met 18 yr old Adriano on ChatFinding, he lives in Toluca, Mexico and agreed to a phone call with us! Something must be going around because he is on antipsychotics too. Ya. Not so sure about these people we're finding but we're going to teach them anyways! We called him & taught him how to pray. I told him how the gospel of Jesus Christ could provide that relief that he's looking for. He liked the idea of that. We sent him El Libro de Mormon via email. Technology rocks.
We took around a couple from Georgia (Romania originally) who were very curious but not interested in switching religions or furthering their learning. We learned that in Romania they don't eat animal products for 40 days before Christmas! Who knew?
I was waiting for Sister Garbett down in the SVC when Sister Lamprecht(AP) passed me, complimenting me on my performance that morning. "Good job on singing this morning. Seriously, it was beautiful!" "Thanks!" "Have you had voice lessons? or training?" "Nope!" "Oh! Well - now we know who to go to for music stuff!"
Thank you Mom & Dad for raising me in a musical home :)
Monday: We had "invention dinner" with Friends. It ended up being tortillas with black beans, corn, melted American cheese & salsa! Sounds kinda gross, right? It wasn't! Or...well then again I suppose when you haven't eaten for six hours you don't really care what you eat. But still - we thought it was delicious.
Sister Gandolph (Taiwan) & Sister Curtis (Guatemala) wrote me! I love hearing about their missionary work! It's so different! Meg got spit on??? Lame! Here, people yell at us & try to convince us of what they think we believe but no one has spit on us....yet! They're both doing GREAT! Oh get this, Elder Christofferson came to listen to our Christmas Choir in the NVC!!! Yup! We're like...famous :)
We got two potentials! We are so so so grateful for members who are willing to share the gospel with their friends! You are fantastic! After seeing so many different families throughout the nights I have decided something: I always want to make time to listen to my children.
Tuesday: Right before I woke up, I was at a Selena Gomez concert. Of all the things to dream about....?
We had van maintenance at 5:50 AM which no one was excited about but it was my first time, so I thought we were going to be down in the garage hand washing the vans & the water would be freezing -- so I wasn't too psyched either! But get this, we drove to the COB & went through a car wash. Ugh! But it's so hard! And it's so early & I have to like....sit in the van while it gets cleaned by an automatic machine that does all the work -- "you're ruining my life!" [FreakyFriday] So it was actually a really great morning! I love van maintenance! Car washes are so entertaining & fun! I'd do it every week if we had to - gladly! The whole automatic car wash was exciting but just wait, it gets even cooler. We were vacuuming out the inside of our vans when guess what happened? WE MET ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS!!!!!!!!!!!! As in, we shook his hand & he asked where we were from & told us all to write home to our parents with his regards because he feels that sometimes the wonderful parents are not thanked enough. THANKS MOM & DAD YOU ARE THE BEST EVER!!!!!!! You have taught me so many things and prepared me for my mission in so many ways, you probably didn't (or...actually did) know! A bajillion times a day I'm put in situations where I think "oh MAN I'm glad Mom taught me how to do this!" or "My Dad is the bomb.com -- he's the best example of hard work, this is a piece of cake." So, THANKS!
District Meeting went really well! During "real plays" I was our investigator Adriano. We do it this way so the other sisters can give us a new perspective on teaching. I did my best to follow the spirit as I answered questions like he would. Sister Garbett said I was too golden. So we'll see how that plays out.
I got a referral from RC calls today! He was from a potential we got when we met his friends here when they were going to a Singles Stake Conference. His name is Emenyo & he has been playing basketball with them for a while & goes to church with his brother-in-law & he's going to meet with missionaries! See? Inviting people to basketball really does work!
You may not believe what I am about to tell you but that's ok. It's true. Are you ready? *drumroll* We officially have an investigator named "Jessica 4"!!!!!! I know, it's insane -- something with us & Jessicas?!? She lives in Alberta. For those of you who are coming in at this point & don't know the story: We had two Jessicas baptized in October, one in Arizona & the other in Florida. Our third Jessica lives in Georgia & she was meeting with the missionaries with a baptismal date of Nov 14 --- which we need to check on. So now we have our fourth Jessica. She doesn't have a phone so we teach her over chat but she is a typical Jessica: *golden* Church is two hours away and we were afraid that would be her catch but we promised her that if she went she would be able to feel how much Heavenly Father truly does love her. She said, " :D Sure, I end up in town a few times a week anyways." I may or may not have then proceeded to do a happy dance.
I love bearing my testimony over chat. I was telling this guy about a recent experience I had with answers to prayers & how I know that Heavenly Father is there listening to us & that what we want is important to Him. I know that as we study things out in our mind and present our decision to the Lord, He will answer us. Maybe not how or when we want but He will.
Wednesday: The Departing Class had their temple trip this morning, so I was on exchanges with Sister Michelle Peets from Chapel Hill! We talked & really found out how many people we both know --- it's insane! And next Wednesday we're getting another Sister from NC -- Caitlin Nichols (sp?) and Jamie Morgan knows her & Sis Peets knows her! Small world, huh? I mentioned that Sister Patti Maxwell writes me & she was like, "Maxwell? Maxwell....where do I know that name from???" She knows Brian Maxwell & Andrew Dixon!!! She knows the brother of the guy who married Becky Lou Pigg's sister! Hahahahaha and that's where it gets confusing :)
We called Adriano in Toluca and had one of the best phone calls of my mission. My role play ended up being almost dead on! It was amazing & kind of priceless. He read The Introduction & liked how it said that we should pray to find out for ourselves if it is true. We taught him about the Atonement and he loved the idea that Christ has felt everything we go through & that God is always there for us. He was trying to ask a question but we weren't understanding him, so Sister Garbett asked him to say it in Spanish. He did & I finally got what he was trying to say! [Score!!!] He was wondering if God loves us even for what we are, sins included. I was very glad to tell him that God does love us! While He loves us, it still does not make Him happy when we choose the wrong. He said that he knows he is living in sin but he wants to change some things, other things he says he's too far into. I told him that if he has even the smallest desire to change, God will help him. We told him to pray & that he could pray anywhere! Whenever he feels that he needs it, also to pray to thank God for the wonderful things we have in life. He really liked that and said that he associates God with negative things like sins because he knows they don't make Him happy but he is very grateful for all he has & would love to thank God for them through prayer. Isn't he the greatest? He closed our call with a prayer. It was the most sincere prayer I've ever heard. He really was just having a conversation with God, just like we taught him to! He asked God not to put temptations in his way & that he would try his hardest to fill his time with good things like working out. He'll go out & run around, play soccer because he know that drugs affect his performance & he will do his best to avoid bad situations. He prayed that God would bless him to keep reading, to have a desire to change and that God would answer his prayers as he reads from The Book of Mormon. "En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen." I felt the spirit so strongly as he prayed, I could tell that he really wanted to quit his bad habits. He sincerely wants to turn his life over to Christ. It's the only phone call that has every made me tear up. He is exactly what I role played for! It was a huge testimony builder for me on the power of the spirit in practicing & preparing for investigators. He's going to make his "greatest effort" to go to church on Sunday!!! We're calling him again on Friday -- can't wait!
We met up with Dave who is in charge of the young men in his ward, we've run into him three times before. His young men were giving the Sister Missionaries candy canes & wishing us a Merry Christmas! Best idea ever! Made my night!
Christmas on Temple Square is exhausting! It's great & I love it but we get home at night and the only thing I want to do is plan & go to bed. I love having this chance to invite others to share the gospel with their friends, it's great to remember the real reason for this Christmas season. Jesus Christ is why I am serving a mission. He is why I deal with the hard moments with optimism. He is the purpose for our lives here & without Him none of this is possible.
But with Him -- all things are possible :)
Have a wonderful week!!!
Sister Despain
Hey hey hey!
Whew! So I was sitting in this exact same chair last week - but it feels like yesterday! If there's one thing I've learned from being on a mission it's that time...is weird. The End.
Alright, this week was insane, ridiculously fun & spiritually fortifying. The Lights are on (finalmente) and there is snow EVERYWHERE & I love my mission! It occurred to me yesterday that I have 1 year & 2 months left?!? And all of a sudden I felt that "sense of urgency" that everyone talks about in regards to missionary work. It was a "QUICK! We gotta talk to them! They need the gospel & I don't have my entire life to take these chances! C'mon -- run!" moment. :) It's the best.
Friday: In the Christmas Kickoff meeting we found out that next transfer we are moving from six to eight zones & instead of having one teaching zone, we are going to have SIX teaching zones!!! Exciting! Right? Ya...that's what I thought too. Then it hit me that those of us who are in teaching right now are going to have decreased computer time! Lame! Chat Finding is my all-time favorite thing to do! It's thrilling & cathartic & productive! How am I supposed to live without Chat Finding??? .....no idea. I guess we'll see! I'm mostly just afraid of withdrawal pains ;)
Saturday: As part of the Temple Square Sister Missionary Choir -- I can officially say that I have performed in the Assembly Hall!!!!!!! Not that that's a big deal or that there was a lot of pressure or that the benches are original pioneer-carved & used or that any of us were nervous or anything...nothing like that. When we were in the warm up room in the basement I felt like I was back in 4th/5th grade getting ready for our Pieces of Gold performance. Good times. So we did well & no one died! Even after I accompanied (mostly successfully) I didn't feel like crawling under a bench! So I'd say the performance went well. We got a standing ovation from one guy for "12 Days of Christmas" . He loved it. We do have pretty cute little actions to go with it, if I do say so myself.
We were contacting in the NVC while a local choir was singing "Still, Still, Still" which reminded me of caroling at home. I miss caroling at home :( I ran into Corrine!!! She is always so bubbly & happy & excited about life -- love her! She told me Courtney is going on a mission! AHHHH!!!!!! I love our little Cary 2nd ward :)
Walking home, a lady stopped us & told us about an Elder from her ward who had to come home for medical reasons ie "they found a lump...a tumor...in, where -- where the pants cover the body." We promised to keep him in our prayers.
Sunday: Sister Garbett & I performed in Sacrament meeting!!! We did a variation on "In Humility, Our Savior" and while it was not as good as some of our practices, I still feel like it was a nice contribution to the spirit of the meeting. The topic was the Holy Ghost but the Sister who spoke right before us tied it into the Atonement -- which was the perfect intro to our song! It was fantastic! (In case you forgot how cool my mission is, we have Sacrament Meeting in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building...just saying) So, so far I have performed in the Assembly Hall & the JSMB! Who would have ever thought that I'd be able to say that?!?!
Sister Garbett got to announce for “go-see” after Music & the Spoken Word! They had a practice meeting & then we got to congregate in front of the flagpole & take pictures of them while standing in two feet of snow! Oh ya! I forgot to mention, it snowed through the night so we woke up to a winter wonderland & then it NEVER stopped snowing all day! So we ended up with A LOT of snow! I love it! So Sister Garbett announced beautifully, I mean, English is her first language so she didn't have a problem but it was still great! Michael met up with us afterward so we could show him around. We had a wonderful conversation, answered a lot of his questions (which isn't always a good thing because then usually they don't refer) and felt very productive as we cleared up some of his misconceptions. We took him into the theatre in the Conference Center (CC) & as we made our way there, two different hostesses told him to have us sing for him! The CC Hosts have Sunday meetings with us, so they would have heard us -- we had to explain more to Michael about that. In the auditorium I had the chance to bear my testimony to him. It was a nice reminder of how important it is to testify as we take people around. He didn't refer but it was still a constructive experience.
I had my first experience with inbound calls, where people are calling in for a DVD or a Book of Mormon. I talked with 36 year old "DJ" who wants to have missionaries come visit him, for us to teach him over the phone & for a copy of The Book of Mormon! Love those phone calls. It's a tricky situation though, he has a criminal record & is on antipsychotics. The missionaries met with him really promptly & we are looking at 2 more phone calls & then a very friendly good bye -- for personal safety reasons.
We met 18 yr old Adriano on ChatFinding, he lives in Toluca, Mexico and agreed to a phone call with us! Something must be going around because he is on antipsychotics too. Ya. Not so sure about these people we're finding but we're going to teach them anyways! We called him & taught him how to pray. I told him how the gospel of Jesus Christ could provide that relief that he's looking for. He liked the idea of that. We sent him El Libro de Mormon via email. Technology rocks.
We took around a couple from Georgia (Romania originally) who were very curious but not interested in switching religions or furthering their learning. We learned that in Romania they don't eat animal products for 40 days before Christmas! Who knew?
I was waiting for Sister Garbett down in the SVC when Sister Lamprecht(AP) passed me, complimenting me on my performance that morning. "Good job on singing this morning. Seriously, it was beautiful!" "Thanks!" "Have you had voice lessons? or training?" "Nope!" "Oh! Well - now we know who to go to for music stuff!"
Thank you Mom & Dad for raising me in a musical home :)
Monday: We had "invention dinner" with Friends. It ended up being tortillas with black beans, corn, melted American cheese & salsa! Sounds kinda gross, right? It wasn't! Or...well then again I suppose when you haven't eaten for six hours you don't really care what you eat. But still - we thought it was delicious.
Sister Gandolph (Taiwan) & Sister Curtis (Guatemala) wrote me! I love hearing about their missionary work! It's so different! Meg got spit on??? Lame! Here, people yell at us & try to convince us of what they think we believe but no one has spit on us....yet! They're both doing GREAT! Oh get this, Elder Christofferson came to listen to our Christmas Choir in the NVC!!! Yup! We're like...famous :)
We got two potentials! We are so so so grateful for members who are willing to share the gospel with their friends! You are fantastic! After seeing so many different families throughout the nights I have decided something: I always want to make time to listen to my children.
Tuesday: Right before I woke up, I was at a Selena Gomez concert. Of all the things to dream about....?
We had van maintenance at 5:50 AM which no one was excited about but it was my first time, so I thought we were going to be down in the garage hand washing the vans & the water would be freezing -- so I wasn't too psyched either! But get this, we drove to the COB & went through a car wash. Ugh! But it's so hard! And it's so early & I have to like....sit in the van while it gets cleaned by an automatic machine that does all the work -- "you're ruining my life!" [FreakyFriday] So it was actually a really great morning! I love van maintenance! Car washes are so entertaining & fun! I'd do it every week if we had to - gladly! The whole automatic car wash was exciting but just wait, it gets even cooler. We were vacuuming out the inside of our vans when guess what happened? WE MET ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS!!!!!!!!!!!! As in, we shook his hand & he asked where we were from & told us all to write home to our parents with his regards because he feels that sometimes the wonderful parents are not thanked enough. THANKS MOM & DAD YOU ARE THE BEST EVER!!!!!!! You have taught me so many things and prepared me for my mission in so many ways, you probably didn't (or...actually did) know! A bajillion times a day I'm put in situations where I think "oh MAN I'm glad Mom taught me how to do this!" or "My Dad is the bomb.com -- he's the best example of hard work, this is a piece of cake." So, THANKS!
District Meeting went really well! During "real plays" I was our investigator Adriano. We do it this way so the other sisters can give us a new perspective on teaching. I did my best to follow the spirit as I answered questions like he would. Sister Garbett said I was too golden. So we'll see how that plays out.
I got a referral from RC calls today! He was from a potential we got when we met his friends here when they were going to a Singles Stake Conference. His name is Emenyo & he has been playing basketball with them for a while & goes to church with his brother-in-law & he's going to meet with missionaries! See? Inviting people to basketball really does work!
You may not believe what I am about to tell you but that's ok. It's true. Are you ready? *drumroll* We officially have an investigator named "Jessica 4"!!!!!! I know, it's insane -- something with us & Jessicas?!? She lives in Alberta. For those of you who are coming in at this point & don't know the story: We had two Jessicas baptized in October, one in Arizona & the other in Florida. Our third Jessica lives in Georgia & she was meeting with the missionaries with a baptismal date of Nov 14 --- which we need to check on. So now we have our fourth Jessica. She doesn't have a phone so we teach her over chat but she is a typical Jessica: *golden* Church is two hours away and we were afraid that would be her catch but we promised her that if she went she would be able to feel how much Heavenly Father truly does love her. She said, " :D Sure, I end up in town a few times a week anyways." I may or may not have then proceeded to do a happy dance.
I love bearing my testimony over chat. I was telling this guy about a recent experience I had with answers to prayers & how I know that Heavenly Father is there listening to us & that what we want is important to Him. I know that as we study things out in our mind and present our decision to the Lord, He will answer us. Maybe not how or when we want but He will.
Wednesday: The Departing Class had their temple trip this morning, so I was on exchanges with Sister Michelle Peets from Chapel Hill! We talked & really found out how many people we both know --- it's insane! And next Wednesday we're getting another Sister from NC -- Caitlin Nichols (sp?) and Jamie Morgan knows her & Sis Peets knows her! Small world, huh? I mentioned that Sister Patti Maxwell writes me & she was like, "Maxwell? Maxwell....where do I know that name from???" She knows Brian Maxwell & Andrew Dixon!!! She knows the brother of the guy who married Becky Lou Pigg's sister! Hahahahaha and that's where it gets confusing :)
We called Adriano in Toluca and had one of the best phone calls of my mission. My role play ended up being almost dead on! It was amazing & kind of priceless. He read The Introduction & liked how it said that we should pray to find out for ourselves if it is true. We taught him about the Atonement and he loved the idea that Christ has felt everything we go through & that God is always there for us. He was trying to ask a question but we weren't understanding him, so Sister Garbett asked him to say it in Spanish. He did & I finally got what he was trying to say! [Score!!!] He was wondering if God loves us even for what we are, sins included. I was very glad to tell him that God does love us! While He loves us, it still does not make Him happy when we choose the wrong. He said that he knows he is living in sin but he wants to change some things, other things he says he's too far into. I told him that if he has even the smallest desire to change, God will help him. We told him to pray & that he could pray anywhere! Whenever he feels that he needs it, also to pray to thank God for the wonderful things we have in life. He really liked that and said that he associates God with negative things like sins because he knows they don't make Him happy but he is very grateful for all he has & would love to thank God for them through prayer. Isn't he the greatest? He closed our call with a prayer. It was the most sincere prayer I've ever heard. He really was just having a conversation with God, just like we taught him to! He asked God not to put temptations in his way & that he would try his hardest to fill his time with good things like working out. He'll go out & run around, play soccer because he know that drugs affect his performance & he will do his best to avoid bad situations. He prayed that God would bless him to keep reading, to have a desire to change and that God would answer his prayers as he reads from The Book of Mormon. "En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen." I felt the spirit so strongly as he prayed, I could tell that he really wanted to quit his bad habits. He sincerely wants to turn his life over to Christ. It's the only phone call that has every made me tear up. He is exactly what I role played for! It was a huge testimony builder for me on the power of the spirit in practicing & preparing for investigators. He's going to make his "greatest effort" to go to church on Sunday!!! We're calling him again on Friday -- can't wait!
We met up with Dave who is in charge of the young men in his ward, we've run into him three times before. His young men were giving the Sister Missionaries candy canes & wishing us a Merry Christmas! Best idea ever! Made my night!
Christmas on Temple Square is exhausting! It's great & I love it but we get home at night and the only thing I want to do is plan & go to bed. I love having this chance to invite others to share the gospel with their friends, it's great to remember the real reason for this Christmas season. Jesus Christ is why I am serving a mission. He is why I deal with the hard moments with optimism. He is the purpose for our lives here & without Him none of this is possible.
But with Him -- all things are possible :)
Have a wonderful week!!!
Sister Despain
Saturday, November 27, 2010
We, Who Combat Trolls Like Pros
November 26, 2010
Happy Christmahanakwanzikuh!!!
Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, I hereby deem it acceptable to play Christmas music! I hope everyone enjoyed a day to focus on family & the wonderful lives we've been blessed with. We had a fantastic week here on Temple Square...
Friday: Zone Conference at 8:20 AM early -- but good & very much needed. I learned that I need to work on being brief. Story of my life. But guess where we had it??? Go on! Guess! You never will....and if you did I'd never know - so I'll tell ya! The Devereaux Mansion! It's a restored mansion from way back when -- right before the Taco Stand. It my friends, is pretty legit(the mansion...haven't ventured to the Taco Stand yet). We did 5,000 role plays or "real plays" as things are leaning towards nowadays which were only slightly painful because SOME people can't *pretend* -- which in my opinion parallels with not having a childhood. I got to talk with Sister Hansen (MTC) for a bit at the end. She is at Welfare Square this transfer & loves it! She recently "Dear John"-ed her guy back home...but she says she's never felt better! One of the reasons why I love her :) After our conference we had lunch in the basement of the JSMB --- pizza from President! Afterwards, we still had some time to kill, so we went up to Nauvoo Cafe & drank hot chocolate with Sisters Gilbert & Williams. So delicious! If you're coming to town for the lights, stop in at Nauvoo Cafe for their hot chocolate.
Choir practice went well & I did not feel like committing suicide. Which makes any day great, right? What else makes any day great? A package from home!!! I got a clean journal(JUST in time), a scarf, gloves, caramels & mints. Mom: I appreciate your effort to assist me in maintaining my figure :)
All of our appointments fell through. THIS does not make any day great. But what else helped was that I finally bought boots! Now my feet are toasty warm on the oh-so-cold & snowy days here in the beautiful Salt Lake City.
Saturday: We had another early meeting. Yay...lots of enthusiasm here. Safety training, FLEET information etc. but then things really got exciting. Are you sitting down? (Sure hope so, don't know too many normal people who stand up while they read stuff on a computer...) Ok, here it is. We went over the the Conference Center for a testimony meeting! We got to sit where all the important wives sit! In our little Sister missionary hearts we're all hoping to actually sit there one day, married to a General Authority or an Apostle or someone super important. In my mind I'm thinking "Heck! I wanna be the one sitting up there!" In all shades of humility :) And if you think it couldn't get better just you wait ["Henry Higgins just you wait!"] it gets better. In silence, we went backstage & up some crazytown stairs to the CHOIR SEATS! That's right. THE choir seats. I'm talking MOTAB kinda choir seats. If there were ever a thing to be legit -- it would be those seats. And no we didn't just stare at them, we got to for realsies SIT in them!!!!! I know!!!! And THEN (Oh stop it Sister Despain it just can't possibly get better?!?) we got to sing "Called to Serve" -- Temple Square style :) Now, for those of you who aren't privy to the gloriocity that is Temple Square styled Called To Serve --- it's ok. Maybe one day I'll grace you with a small rendition of how amazing this mission is. That's right, we have our own hymn :)
After conference Sister Garbett & I made a stop at Nauvoo Cafe for breakfast. I got an orange & a muffintop :) We were followed in later by none other than President & Sister Holmes along with the AP's [Sister Lamprecht & Sister Inoue]. They invited us over to their table -- which you can't decline, so we relocated! It was a very entertaining & historical breakfast. Or, at least it would have been if we didn't see President Holmes almost every single day. It was still great. President started talking about how they came out with seals for food because of some nut who decided it was a brilliant idea to poison food before it was even purchased & you'd never know even nowadays -- someone could inject something into a piece of fruit!!! ....right as I take a bite into a slice of my orange :)
I ran into Cailey & Stuart Morgan! It was so good to see them! I love seeing people I know, it's a nice reminder that the world doesn't stop just because I'm on a mission! We went to Kodiak Cookies for lunch with Williams & Gilbert(whom btw we just call "friends" now...because it takes way too long to call them by their names) and no you're not crazy I said Kodiak Cookies & yes all they sell are cookies & yes I said lunch. But get this, we didn't even have to pay for our unhealthiness! We went in right in front of the kindest soul in all of Salt Lake -- she bought each of us a cookie :) She's got a son on a mission -- MissionaryMoms are the best! She is officially a saint. I got the peanut butter chocolate cookie. Then we went back to work & I had an apple for lunch. We forgot to bring dinner...so we went to The Garden! (You guys sure know how to budget there in SLC) No worries! We ended up not paying for any of our outings!!! Yup! Someone paid for our dinner too!!! We split the club sandwich & saved the rest for lunch the next day. We had a bit of an adventure by trying the "fried pickles" --we thought they were going to be disgusting but you would not believe how good they are! Climbed my "Top 10 Foods" list super fast.
Quote of the day. Guest: "Do you have to be a model to get called to Temple Square?"
Sure, why not.
Sunday: Church went well! We heard from President Sepi & President Harman as a continuation of Zone Conference. Gratitude. Good topic for the upcoming week! I officially broke-in my boots! Sweet, huh? Break-in time: ONE day. Missions rock. My feet did not get soaked :) Despite their getting squashed during the rest of the day :(
We had one go-see the whole day. It was really good, even though he didn't refer. Paul has all-member kids & it sounds like they've been trying to teach him for the last few years but he's not ready right now. Around 3:00 we met up with a group coming out of the Singles Stake Conference. One guy who passed us was kind enough to point out exactly WHO was invited to that meeting. We're missionaries, we KNOW we're single - thanks for pointing that out buddy! So, we met up with this group who were all really nice. We talked with them for a bit, this one guy Preston digging himself deeper & deeper into the "let's insult the sister missionaries" whole, unintentionally. But it was all good - he gave us a friend to call! We got his number too so we can report back. As we went our separate ways he said "Call me!".....*insert ridiculously awkward silence that penetrated all of Temple Square, here* "About your friend - ya - we'll let you know how that goes!"
1st Quote of the day. Troller: "Wow! You guys combat trolls like a pro!"
2nd Quote of the day. Sister Gilbert during Chat: "Dang my life Alberto -- Immabouta fight you!" If only they knew what we were really like on the other side :)
Monday: I finished Sister Garbett's new pencil skirt! She loves it! It's super cute, approved & yet so fashionable!
We found Michael on Chat. He stays at home with his two kids, taking online classes & really wants to learn more about the church. He wants missionaries to come visit him in his area. I just love when that happens. We've got an appointment set up to teach him on Wednesday! We're so excited! Some formers emailed us back! We were excited to hear from them! Nothing has happened yet...but maybe something new will come up.
Tuesday: Surprise surprise who woulda guessed it. But turns out I am MUCH more enthusiastic on the days I exercise in the mornings! It's amazing! So I'm definitely going to be keeping up that habit. This week was rough because we had early mornings EVERY morning. So no exercising.
We role played during District Meeting...yes we love role playing, could you tell? I need to pause more. It's so hard to say what you want in short, powerful statements while making sure that you pause. It's complicated but not impossible. Huzzah for new goals.
I got a package....folder...manila envelope thingy from Sister Thomas! Inside was a tri-fold nativity!!! It's all set up on my desk :) Thank you so much! I love it! It also included a family update & Elder Thomas' letter from that week. I love knowing what everyone is up to, so nice being in the loop.
A blizzard was apparently coming our way, so we got sent home around 2:00 PM!!! And what do you do when you all of a sudden have hours of free time? That's right! You build a fort in the living room & take a nap in it! We brought sheets & blankets up to Gil/Wil's apartment & built a fort! It was down right amazing. A work of art. The 8th world wonder. The envy of the 2nd floor :) We made hot chocolate, cookies, smoothies, pizza & popcorn! [We're usually really healthy, I promise! Healthy food just doesn't make for a good blog update!] And what else do you have to do in a spectacular fort? Yup! Tell ghost stories :) Ahhhh!!!! I favored everyone with what I could remember out of Grandma & Pop's "Scary Stories" book [which, by the way was banned from certain school libraries due to graphic/scary pictures...in case....you were wondering that randomly...] and also with my own rendition of the incident at Acid Park in NC. Ooooooh!!!! hahahahaha I was telling "The Green Ribbon" and Sister Williams was about to check out. It was hilarious. Then we talked about.... You knew it was coming & yes, I confess -- we descended to such levels as to talk about b-o-y-s. So glad we did though, otherwise we would have had no quotes of the day! Sister Garbett was telling us about this one situation where she was trying to date two boys at once. We said it was kind of like that music video with the treadmills & each guy has a treadmill. So dating two guys is complicated. Then Sister Gilbert was talking about how when she was dating this guy, she actually had a crush on her best guy friend & how he really, really liked her. So that's where the following quotes come from.
1st Quote of the day. Sister Despain: "Too many treadmills!" Sister Gilbert: "Can't jog that fast!"
2nd Quote of the day. Sister Gilbert: "I wanna date him too! But we're at a Singles ward party -- I can't break up with my boyfriend NOW?!?!"
This whole time it was snowing outside! So around 8:00 PM we ran outside & made snow angels, threw some very powdery snowballs at other sisters' windows :) yes, we're those missionaries :) and we even had a roll-down-the-snow-covered-hill race between me & Sister Gilbert. We had a great day off.
Wednesday: I started a new journal! We had weekly planning, which went pretty quick seeing as how all of our investigators are either baptized or formers! So our goal is simple: FIND! We got trained on driving 12 Passenger Vans!!!! Why Ainsley? I mean...Sister Despain? Why not! We'll need them randomly throughout the mission & I figured I'd never get this chance again...I mean seriously, how many people drive those monsters anymore? We will! I even have a certificate :)
Our performances are coming up! First one is on Saturday for the kickoff concert in the Assembly Hall (no pressure, it's not like...historic or anything) so practices are getting more stressful. But we're improving! We have 12 songs. One is a capella & I play piano for four of the other eleven. We even have bells just like MOTAB! We will perform every Monday night of December in the North Visitors' Center.
The computers were down, so we tried calling potentials we've received [I realized that when I read "received" what goes through my mind is this: "I was so happy to receive (i before e except after c) your letter the other day." weird...huh?]. The one I could get a hold of didn't know who the person was who referred him. He was really nice & actually tried to place the name -- but to no avail. So it was a tricky job to explain my purpose & why this apparently not-so-close friend wanted him to have the missionaries visit. Whew! He ended up not referring but he was really nice and we had a wonderful conversation.
Because of the inclement weather we had to cancel our appointment with Michael. We got an email from some other sisters saying that he came online earlier asking for us. We checked our emails & he replied that he was fine with the time we had set up for our postponed appointment. We're glad he's legit.
So you know in "Jimmy Neutron" when the parents have been abducted by aliens & the kids go wild having all sorts of fun without their parents. And then they start to freak out because they see how much they need their parents and the one kid runs out of the house yelling, "I don't know how to make lunch!!!" Well, turns out that quote can be applied in more than one situation -- none of them having to do with food. Because I've been pulling that one out SO much lately & it's hilarious!
Thursday: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! We had computers from 10:00 to 11:30 so we emailed a spiritual message to most of our formers. Emphasizing how everything we have is because God loves us & is eager to bless us with more when we do what is right. It was cute. We changed into our casual clothes for lunch & a meeting, which was weird because we only see each other in jeans for service at Heritage Park! President told us last week we were going to Chuckarama, then he told us a stake was providing dinner & a talent show for us in Sandy. Then we got on the bus & he told us he had lied [which everyone already knew] he then informed us that he wasn't going to tell us where we were going. We ended up in Sandy at a place called Noah's. It was the coolest place ever! After looking through the rooms for all of 3.2 seconds we decided we were going to live there for the rest of our lives :) There was a theatre with the BEST chairs known to the laziest man on Earth, a pool table, a ping pong table, one arcade game...thingy hahaha I don't know what it's called, a table with Scrabble/Guesstures etc., a racquetball room! with a volleyball net, another huge movie screen in the pool/ping pong room & then a gigantoid room with tables & chairs & a stage for karaoke along with two very large overhead screens where we later projected Beauty & the Beast. So yes, we were well taken care of for Thanksgiving!!! In the first theatre mentioned, we watched Toy Story 3. It even had Sister Garbett crying -- and she doesn't cry! It was even more hilarious watching it the third time with a bunch of movie-deprived 20-something sister missionaries :) Best ever! We also watched 15 minutes of UP but we decided that playing games would be more entertaining.
Dinner was catered by Spiced Apple...or Pumpkin...or something like that! Apart from the ham-tasting what we think was turkey...? it was really good! Of course, NOTHING like being at home with family -- can I RE-emphasize the NOTHING part -- but it was still really great. The food was good, the company was interesting to say the least & Sister Gilbert singing "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" on karaoke made the night very memorable.
As we rode back to SLC the city lights in the window reflection mixed with the actual city I could see, looked just like Rexburg. Especially when we passed the Jordan River Temple -- then it looked JUST like Rexburg sitting outside my window! I miss school and I miss home. But I know that the work I'm doing here is eternally significant for me, my family & everyone I come in contact with here on Temple Square. This week I'm working on "Hope" as my Christlike Attribute. Part of being hopeful is patiently persevering -- oh how uncanny is the timing of certain things :)
The Lights come on tonight! We're excited! If you're coming -- bring potentials! We want everyone to have the BEST gift this Christmas season :)
Love you all & thanks for the letters!!!
Sister Ainsley Marie
P.S. It just now occurred to me that I've never included this in an update! I have had several sisters at different times, tell me that my humor reminds them of Kronk (Emperor's New Groove) or Johnny Bravo. Just to clarify -- they said my HUMOR not my intelligence level.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Christmahanakwanzikuh!!!
Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, I hereby deem it acceptable to play Christmas music! I hope everyone enjoyed a day to focus on family & the wonderful lives we've been blessed with. We had a fantastic week here on Temple Square...
Friday: Zone Conference at 8:20 AM early -- but good & very much needed. I learned that I need to work on being brief. Story of my life. But guess where we had it??? Go on! Guess! You never will....and if you did I'd never know - so I'll tell ya! The Devereaux Mansion! It's a restored mansion from way back when -- right before the Taco Stand. It my friends, is pretty legit(the mansion...haven't ventured to the Taco Stand yet). We did 5,000 role plays or "real plays" as things are leaning towards nowadays which were only slightly painful because SOME people can't *pretend* -- which in my opinion parallels with not having a childhood. I got to talk with Sister Hansen (MTC) for a bit at the end. She is at Welfare Square this transfer & loves it! She recently "Dear John"-ed her guy back home...but she says she's never felt better! One of the reasons why I love her :) After our conference we had lunch in the basement of the JSMB --- pizza from President! Afterwards, we still had some time to kill, so we went up to Nauvoo Cafe & drank hot chocolate with Sisters Gilbert & Williams. So delicious! If you're coming to town for the lights, stop in at Nauvoo Cafe for their hot chocolate.
Choir practice went well & I did not feel like committing suicide. Which makes any day great, right? What else makes any day great? A package from home!!! I got a clean journal(JUST in time), a scarf, gloves, caramels & mints. Mom: I appreciate your effort to assist me in maintaining my figure :)
All of our appointments fell through. THIS does not make any day great. But what else helped was that I finally bought boots! Now my feet are toasty warm on the oh-so-cold & snowy days here in the beautiful Salt Lake City.
Saturday: We had another early meeting. Yay...lots of enthusiasm here. Safety training, FLEET information etc. but then things really got exciting. Are you sitting down? (Sure hope so, don't know too many normal people who stand up while they read stuff on a computer...) Ok, here it is. We went over the the Conference Center for a testimony meeting! We got to sit where all the important wives sit! In our little Sister missionary hearts we're all hoping to actually sit there one day, married to a General Authority or an Apostle or someone super important. In my mind I'm thinking "Heck! I wanna be the one sitting up there!" In all shades of humility :) And if you think it couldn't get better just you wait ["Henry Higgins just you wait!"] it gets better. In silence, we went backstage & up some crazytown stairs to the CHOIR SEATS! That's right. THE choir seats. I'm talking MOTAB kinda choir seats. If there were ever a thing to be legit -- it would be those seats. And no we didn't just stare at them, we got to for realsies SIT in them!!!!! I know!!!! And THEN (Oh stop it Sister Despain it just can't possibly get better?!?) we got to sing "Called to Serve" -- Temple Square style :) Now, for those of you who aren't privy to the gloriocity that is Temple Square styled Called To Serve --- it's ok. Maybe one day I'll grace you with a small rendition of how amazing this mission is. That's right, we have our own hymn :)
After conference Sister Garbett & I made a stop at Nauvoo Cafe for breakfast. I got an orange & a muffintop :) We were followed in later by none other than President & Sister Holmes along with the AP's [Sister Lamprecht & Sister Inoue]. They invited us over to their table -- which you can't decline, so we relocated! It was a very entertaining & historical breakfast. Or, at least it would have been if we didn't see President Holmes almost every single day. It was still great. President started talking about how they came out with seals for food because of some nut who decided it was a brilliant idea to poison food before it was even purchased & you'd never know even nowadays -- someone could inject something into a piece of fruit!!! ....right as I take a bite into a slice of my orange :)
I ran into Cailey & Stuart Morgan! It was so good to see them! I love seeing people I know, it's a nice reminder that the world doesn't stop just because I'm on a mission! We went to Kodiak Cookies for lunch with Williams & Gilbert(whom btw we just call "friends" now...because it takes way too long to call them by their names) and no you're not crazy I said Kodiak Cookies & yes all they sell are cookies & yes I said lunch. But get this, we didn't even have to pay for our unhealthiness! We went in right in front of the kindest soul in all of Salt Lake -- she bought each of us a cookie :) She's got a son on a mission -- MissionaryMoms are the best! She is officially a saint. I got the peanut butter chocolate cookie. Then we went back to work & I had an apple for lunch. We forgot to bring dinner...so we went to The Garden! (You guys sure know how to budget there in SLC) No worries! We ended up not paying for any of our outings!!! Yup! Someone paid for our dinner too!!! We split the club sandwich & saved the rest for lunch the next day. We had a bit of an adventure by trying the "fried pickles" --we thought they were going to be disgusting but you would not believe how good they are! Climbed my "Top 10 Foods" list super fast.
Quote of the day. Guest: "Do you have to be a model to get called to Temple Square?"
Sure, why not.
Sunday: Church went well! We heard from President Sepi & President Harman as a continuation of Zone Conference. Gratitude. Good topic for the upcoming week! I officially broke-in my boots! Sweet, huh? Break-in time: ONE day. Missions rock. My feet did not get soaked :) Despite their getting squashed during the rest of the day :(
We had one go-see the whole day. It was really good, even though he didn't refer. Paul has all-member kids & it sounds like they've been trying to teach him for the last few years but he's not ready right now. Around 3:00 we met up with a group coming out of the Singles Stake Conference. One guy who passed us was kind enough to point out exactly WHO was invited to that meeting. We're missionaries, we KNOW we're single - thanks for pointing that out buddy! So, we met up with this group who were all really nice. We talked with them for a bit, this one guy Preston digging himself deeper & deeper into the "let's insult the sister missionaries" whole, unintentionally. But it was all good - he gave us a friend to call! We got his number too so we can report back. As we went our separate ways he said "Call me!".....*insert ridiculously awkward silence that penetrated all of Temple Square, here* "About your friend - ya - we'll let you know how that goes!"
1st Quote of the day. Troller: "Wow! You guys combat trolls like a pro!"
2nd Quote of the day. Sister Gilbert during Chat: "Dang my life Alberto -- Immabouta fight you!" If only they knew what we were really like on the other side :)
Monday: I finished Sister Garbett's new pencil skirt! She loves it! It's super cute, approved & yet so fashionable!
We found Michael on Chat. He stays at home with his two kids, taking online classes & really wants to learn more about the church. He wants missionaries to come visit him in his area. I just love when that happens. We've got an appointment set up to teach him on Wednesday! We're so excited! Some formers emailed us back! We were excited to hear from them! Nothing has happened yet...but maybe something new will come up.
Tuesday: Surprise surprise who woulda guessed it. But turns out I am MUCH more enthusiastic on the days I exercise in the mornings! It's amazing! So I'm definitely going to be keeping up that habit. This week was rough because we had early mornings EVERY morning. So no exercising.
We role played during District Meeting...yes we love role playing, could you tell? I need to pause more. It's so hard to say what you want in short, powerful statements while making sure that you pause. It's complicated but not impossible. Huzzah for new goals.
I got a package....folder...manila envelope thingy from Sister Thomas! Inside was a tri-fold nativity!!! It's all set up on my desk :) Thank you so much! I love it! It also included a family update & Elder Thomas' letter from that week. I love knowing what everyone is up to, so nice being in the loop.
A blizzard was apparently coming our way, so we got sent home around 2:00 PM!!! And what do you do when you all of a sudden have hours of free time? That's right! You build a fort in the living room & take a nap in it! We brought sheets & blankets up to Gil/Wil's apartment & built a fort! It was down right amazing. A work of art. The 8th world wonder. The envy of the 2nd floor :) We made hot chocolate, cookies, smoothies, pizza & popcorn! [We're usually really healthy, I promise! Healthy food just doesn't make for a good blog update!] And what else do you have to do in a spectacular fort? Yup! Tell ghost stories :) Ahhhh!!!! I favored everyone with what I could remember out of Grandma & Pop's "Scary Stories" book [which, by the way was banned from certain school libraries due to graphic/scary pictures...in case....you were wondering that randomly...] and also with my own rendition of the incident at Acid Park in NC. Ooooooh!!!! hahahahaha I was telling "The Green Ribbon" and Sister Williams was about to check out. It was hilarious. Then we talked about.... You knew it was coming & yes, I confess -- we descended to such levels as to talk about b-o-y-s. So glad we did though, otherwise we would have had no quotes of the day! Sister Garbett was telling us about this one situation where she was trying to date two boys at once. We said it was kind of like that music video with the treadmills & each guy has a treadmill. So dating two guys is complicated. Then Sister Gilbert was talking about how when she was dating this guy, she actually had a crush on her best guy friend & how he really, really liked her. So that's where the following quotes come from.
1st Quote of the day. Sister Despain: "Too many treadmills!" Sister Gilbert: "Can't jog that fast!"
2nd Quote of the day. Sister Gilbert: "I wanna date him too! But we're at a Singles ward party -- I can't break up with my boyfriend NOW?!?!"
This whole time it was snowing outside! So around 8:00 PM we ran outside & made snow angels, threw some very powdery snowballs at other sisters' windows :) yes, we're those missionaries :) and we even had a roll-down-the-snow-covered-hill race between me & Sister Gilbert. We had a great day off.
Wednesday: I started a new journal! We had weekly planning, which went pretty quick seeing as how all of our investigators are either baptized or formers! So our goal is simple: FIND! We got trained on driving 12 Passenger Vans!!!! Why Ainsley? I mean...Sister Despain? Why not! We'll need them randomly throughout the mission & I figured I'd never get this chance again...I mean seriously, how many people drive those monsters anymore? We will! I even have a certificate :)
Our performances are coming up! First one is on Saturday for the kickoff concert in the Assembly Hall (no pressure, it's not like...historic or anything) so practices are getting more stressful. But we're improving! We have 12 songs. One is a capella & I play piano for four of the other eleven. We even have bells just like MOTAB! We will perform every Monday night of December in the North Visitors' Center.
The computers were down, so we tried calling potentials we've received [I realized that when I read "received" what goes through my mind is this: "I was so happy to receive (i before e except after c) your letter the other day." weird...huh?]. The one I could get a hold of didn't know who the person was who referred him. He was really nice & actually tried to place the name -- but to no avail. So it was a tricky job to explain my purpose & why this apparently not-so-close friend wanted him to have the missionaries visit. Whew! He ended up not referring but he was really nice and we had a wonderful conversation.
Because of the inclement weather we had to cancel our appointment with Michael. We got an email from some other sisters saying that he came online earlier asking for us. We checked our emails & he replied that he was fine with the time we had set up for our postponed appointment. We're glad he's legit.
So you know in "Jimmy Neutron" when the parents have been abducted by aliens & the kids go wild having all sorts of fun without their parents. And then they start to freak out because they see how much they need their parents and the one kid runs out of the house yelling, "I don't know how to make lunch!!!" Well, turns out that quote can be applied in more than one situation -- none of them having to do with food. Because I've been pulling that one out SO much lately & it's hilarious!
Thursday: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! We had computers from 10:00 to 11:30 so we emailed a spiritual message to most of our formers. Emphasizing how everything we have is because God loves us & is eager to bless us with more when we do what is right. It was cute. We changed into our casual clothes for lunch & a meeting, which was weird because we only see each other in jeans for service at Heritage Park! President told us last week we were going to Chuckarama, then he told us a stake was providing dinner & a talent show for us in Sandy. Then we got on the bus & he told us he had lied [which everyone already knew] he then informed us that he wasn't going to tell us where we were going. We ended up in Sandy at a place called Noah's. It was the coolest place ever! After looking through the rooms for all of 3.2 seconds we decided we were going to live there for the rest of our lives :) There was a theatre with the BEST chairs known to the laziest man on Earth, a pool table, a ping pong table, one arcade game...thingy hahaha I don't know what it's called, a table with Scrabble/Guesstures etc., a racquetball room! with a volleyball net, another huge movie screen in the pool/ping pong room & then a gigantoid room with tables & chairs & a stage for karaoke along with two very large overhead screens where we later projected Beauty & the Beast. So yes, we were well taken care of for Thanksgiving!!! In the first theatre mentioned, we watched Toy Story 3. It even had Sister Garbett crying -- and she doesn't cry! It was even more hilarious watching it the third time with a bunch of movie-deprived 20-something sister missionaries :) Best ever! We also watched 15 minutes of UP but we decided that playing games would be more entertaining.
Dinner was catered by Spiced Apple...or Pumpkin...or something like that! Apart from the ham-tasting what we think was turkey...? it was really good! Of course, NOTHING like being at home with family -- can I RE-emphasize the NOTHING part -- but it was still really great. The food was good, the company was interesting to say the least & Sister Gilbert singing "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" on karaoke made the night very memorable.
As we rode back to SLC the city lights in the window reflection mixed with the actual city I could see, looked just like Rexburg. Especially when we passed the Jordan River Temple -- then it looked JUST like Rexburg sitting outside my window! I miss school and I miss home. But I know that the work I'm doing here is eternally significant for me, my family & everyone I come in contact with here on Temple Square. This week I'm working on "Hope" as my Christlike Attribute. Part of being hopeful is patiently persevering -- oh how uncanny is the timing of certain things :)
The Lights come on tonight! We're excited! If you're coming -- bring potentials! We want everyone to have the BEST gift this Christmas season :)
Love you all & thanks for the letters!!!
Sister Ainsley Marie
P.S. It just now occurred to me that I've never included this in an update! I have had several sisters at different times, tell me that my humor reminds them of Kronk (Emperor's New Groove) or Johnny Bravo. Just to clarify -- they said my HUMOR not my intelligence level.
Happy Holidays!
Friday, November 19, 2010
"Ainsley!!!" ---- Oh wait...that's me!
Hi hi hi! I'm still alive, I'm still on a mission and YES I'm still me :)
Thursday: EAST HIGH was the bomb.com!!!! Yes we did (amazingly enough) make it to the oh-so-famous East High! What's amazing about it, is that these were the only directions we had to go off of: "We were on our way back from Heritage & it was on the left next to these ghetto apartments." A miracle indeed :) It was the funnest thing ever - we parked in their ridiculously small lack of a parking lot & automatically felt like we were in a movie! I know it sounds kinda stupid but the cafeteria looks just like the movie!!!!!!!! Who'da thunk? We found Troy's locker & I had to explain why that was so significant to Sisters Garbett & Williams -- Sister Gilbert followed my explanation with "I love you Sister Despain!" It's nice when someone appreciates the little things as much as you.
I drove! We got there & back in 5 different pieces...the four of us & the van :) No worries!
Friday: Choir practice didn't make me want to kill myself! In case I didn't mention it, the cosmos united and I have been volunteered to accompany the SisMishXmasChoir on four numbers. Yup. The two I can actually play have been changed to acapella. I'm serious. But the POINT is that now I can play Angels We Have Heard on High --when I couldn't just a week ago! Awesome, right?
President was out of town for a Mission President seminar....so he bought us pizza!!! He just loves us :) I took two minutes to soak in a few moments during the day. The trees, the flowers, the cool Utah breeze on Temple Square....so nice :) I love my "I'm a TMSQ SISTER MISSIONARY!??!?!?!?!" moments -- they're my favs!
I got a referral from RC calls! Yay! Sister Gilbert & I decided that we're going to be roommates back at BYU-I April of 2012. We're pretty stoked. And 100% focused :)
Saturday: Walking home we saw a horse-drawn carriage with a "Just Married" sign on the back. Sis Garbett: "That's gotta be like, $30!!! It's your wedding day, you could use that to get your nails done. Or on your hair!" Sister Despain: "Or on candy!?!?!?!" Sis Garbett:"I'm glad I can always count on you Sister Despain :)"
Alex Carroll was in the Family History center?!? In town for a bit....randomly ran into the great, the wonderful, the oh-so enthusiastic Sister Despain. Great way to end a road trip I think, don't you? We went to The Garden for lunch :) I got the Club sandwich. What's better than buying a meal that lasts you for 24 hrs??? Uhh....hmm...well....nothing comes to mind. So it must be the fact that I got 3 meals for the price of ONE!
Sunday: We passed a lady at the Cristus as she said to her friend, "Oh look at those cute Sisters!" We smiled :)
We took Pittsburgh native, Mark through the South Visitors Center. We showed him the construction of the Temple, the video about John Moyle who lost his leg but STILL managed to carve out "Holiness to The Lord -- House of the Lord". He's in Real Estate(great business right now, I'm sure) and isn't home much, so he didn't refer for more information. We were sad but we know that everyone will have the chance to hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We then dropped him off at the display to let him go through the super-cool-awesome-rad touch screen videos. So fun.
I ran into my MTC teacher Sister Metzger! She's still teaching, loving the MTC & doing great! We got to go to Music & the Spoken Word!!! Alex Boye's birthday was this week and his mother came all the way from Rwanda to surprise him!!!! She was there! Isn't that awesome!?!??
We took a family through God's Plan! The father(sorry I didn't get the name) knew Robert & Peggy Lee from their USU CES days! Small world!
I had a fantastic chat with a lady named Irene. She loved everything we talked about & agreed with it all. Her issue? Organized religion. Ya...sad day when that happens.
Sister Garbett was getting stressed out & was about to bust when we got home. So I stuck her HUGE box of junk on my bed & started sorting through it. I know, I'm a problem solver...tends to work though! We sorted through all her junk & figured out what she wanted, what was trash & what she wanted to give away. It was great! The room was so clean & everything was organized :) I'm a sucker for a super clean room...just...so...everyone knows....ya. Then she started complaining that I was just trying to kill her off faster! Hahahahahaha I didn't know what to do at that point. So we went to bed!
Monday: I got a bunch of letters! Totally made my day! Elder Lee, Mom, Elder Edwards, Elder Bake & Justin Borden all in ONE day! I LOVE MAIL :)
In case you were thinking,"Hmm...seems like there's not a lot of missionary work in this update?" It's because all 5,000 of our appointments fell through this week! Ya! I'm not even kidding, it's depressing. But we're still trying! We had to drop a lot of our formers because they weren't keeping their appointments so that kinda bummed us out. And then it doesn't help that we're struggling to find people to replace them. It'll all work out.
Sister Garbett spent a solid 5 minutes trying to persuade a teeny-tiny little mouse to stop running around & get up on the planters where its family lives. It was only mildly ridiculous but completely enjoyable :) Last comment of the day in the Tabernacle: "Are you two sisters?" "Ya!" "Oh, yes -- you look alike!" "hahaha oh...uhh...." We let it go.
Tuesday: I got up & decided to hop in the shower before the other Sisters could beat me to it. Before I actually got in though, I decided to check the time. I then proceeded to get dressed again & head back to bed. I figured 1:00 AM may not be the best time to shower :)
We went to Provo! What's that, Ainsley? Your mission doesn't cover Provo! I know! We took a bus down to Provo for the Carl Bloch & James Tissot art exhibition!!! Exciting, right!?! It was really neat! They borrowed a mess load of original Carl Bloch altar pieces from different cathedrals in Denmark. I definitely favored Bloch more than Tissot. Unfortunately for Tissot his attention to detail didn't outweigh his attention to very...unpleasant aspects of the Savior's last hours. But I still enjoyed it! We were waiting for our bus when someone shouted, "Ainsley!" What went through my mind, you might ask? "Ainsley...hmm nice name -- wait -- whoa! that's me! quick! look around who said that!??!" It was none other than THE Jessica Day!!! It was so good to see her! I don't even remember the last time we got to talk in person. She's doing GREAT & is so cute & married :) She highly recommend the whole marriage thing....I just might write that one down :)
We talked to Arizona Jessica, she is doing great! We discussed the importance of reading our scriptures EVERY day & had a very nice conversation with her. She's sweet, I miss calling her. We also got a hold of Florida Jessica! She is, of course, doing FANTASTIC!!! She was about to go into Institute but she talked to us for just a few minutes to inform us that her birth father(she's adopted) is getting baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, right?!?!?!??! So exciting! She's already a missionary and she's only been a member for 2 weeks. We're so proud :)
We took a family of four through God's Plan. The little 2 year old got a little turned-around in the last room, but once it clicked that we were going to be staying in the "Kitchen" room, he was like "oooh!" and made his way up to the display *BAM* ....there's glass in front of the display :) hahahaha it was so funny! he got stunned for a second but was totally fine. His Dad then put him on the bench, at which point he decided he wanted to sit further back on the other bench that he thought it was connected to. It's not. DOWN he went -- head first onto the floor! It was amazing really! He, again was fine! But who knew God's Plan could be such a rough ride!
Sister Garbett had a black skirt that had an iron print on the back [ :D] that she was going to get rid of but I suggested that she let me hem it instead. So I did! She's worn it every day since :) [Only two days...no worries.] She was also going to pass on this brown Missionary Mall skirt to me but when I mentioned that I could make it into a just-below-the-knee pencil skirt -- she kinda changed her mind. I wonder why that would effect her opinion at all.....weird, huh? Hahaha so last night I played seamstress & fitted it to her, cut the hem & re-sewed the sides! We've got one more fitting session to go; after which I'll hem it & it should be done! She's going to wear it on the plane ride home :) She LOVES it! Thanks Mom for teaching me how to sew! Oh...by the way this is all being done sans sewing machine. I'm so proud.
Quote of the day: "Good it's you. Hi. Do you know how we can send a Book of Mormon to someone in jail???" ~ Sister Garbett
Wednesday: Weekly planning went quickly. Due to our extreme lack of investigators. No one answered their phone during our RC time & none of our almost-investigators picked up when we called. Choir practice went well though! We get to play BELLS! We're pretty stoked for that! Not too many people on the Square these days. Things slow down pretty much to a stop until the lights go on. That day is November 24 btw :) We took 8:00 dinner so we could spend some time with our friends Sisters Gilbert & Williams. I worked on Sister Garbett's skirt, Sister Gilbert made rice pudding & Garbett & Williams sang random songs :) It was great!
Thursday: I got in a bit of practice time on the piano. I'm making progress, so that's great. I got Court's announcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhh! So exciting! I also got a letter from the Lees! Always a good read. Very thought-provoking. Speaking of which, Brother Lee's book is helping Sister Garbett SO MUCH! It's great! I love it!
We're going to get Sister Garbett's hair cut later today, then we're headed to Cafe Rio with some bud-buds and THEN *drum roll* we're heading back home to make a FORT! Yup! That's right! A good old fashioned sheets-over-chairs/couches fort; under which we shall then write letters :)
I was watching a talk by Elder Holland where he said, "True love must include an idea of permanence." This is something we try to hammer into people we talk to on Chat, some just don't get why we have the values we do. This idea of permanence should permeate every aspect of our lives! Everything we do here has eternal significance! Don't let one moment pass you by! Enjoy it while you've got it ;)
Thanks for the letters! Have a fantastic week! Love you all!
Sister Ainsley Marie
Thursday: EAST HIGH was the bomb.com!!!! Yes we did (amazingly enough) make it to the oh-so-famous East High! What's amazing about it, is that these were the only directions we had to go off of: "We were on our way back from Heritage & it was on the left next to these ghetto apartments." A miracle indeed :) It was the funnest thing ever - we parked in their ridiculously small lack of a parking lot & automatically felt like we were in a movie! I know it sounds kinda stupid but the cafeteria looks just like the movie!!!!!!!! Who'da thunk? We found Troy's locker & I had to explain why that was so significant to Sisters Garbett & Williams -- Sister Gilbert followed my explanation with "I love you Sister Despain!" It's nice when someone appreciates the little things as much as you.
I drove! We got there & back in 5 different pieces...the four of us & the van :) No worries!
Friday: Choir practice didn't make me want to kill myself! In case I didn't mention it, the cosmos united and I have been volunteered to accompany the SisMishXmasChoir on four numbers. Yup. The two I can actually play have been changed to acapella. I'm serious. But the POINT is that now I can play Angels We Have Heard on High --when I couldn't just a week ago! Awesome, right?
President was out of town for a Mission President seminar....so he bought us pizza!!! He just loves us :) I took two minutes to soak in a few moments during the day. The trees, the flowers, the cool Utah breeze on Temple Square....so nice :) I love my "I'm a TMSQ SISTER MISSIONARY!??!?!?!?!" moments -- they're my favs!
I got a referral from RC calls! Yay! Sister Gilbert & I decided that we're going to be roommates back at BYU-I April of 2012. We're pretty stoked. And 100% focused :)
Saturday: Walking home we saw a horse-drawn carriage with a "Just Married" sign on the back. Sis Garbett: "That's gotta be like, $30!!! It's your wedding day, you could use that to get your nails done. Or on your hair!" Sister Despain: "Or on candy!?!?!?!" Sis Garbett:"I'm glad I can always count on you Sister Despain :)"
Alex Carroll was in the Family History center?!? In town for a bit....randomly ran into the great, the wonderful, the oh-so enthusiastic Sister Despain. Great way to end a road trip I think, don't you? We went to The Garden for lunch :) I got the Club sandwich. What's better than buying a meal that lasts you for 24 hrs??? Uhh....hmm...well....nothing comes to mind. So it must be the fact that I got 3 meals for the price of ONE!
Sunday: We passed a lady at the Cristus as she said to her friend, "Oh look at those cute Sisters!" We smiled :)
We took Pittsburgh native, Mark through the South Visitors Center. We showed him the construction of the Temple, the video about John Moyle who lost his leg but STILL managed to carve out "Holiness to The Lord -- House of the Lord". He's in Real Estate(great business right now, I'm sure) and isn't home much, so he didn't refer for more information. We were sad but we know that everyone will have the chance to hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We then dropped him off at the display to let him go through the super-cool-awesome-rad touch screen videos. So fun.
I ran into my MTC teacher Sister Metzger! She's still teaching, loving the MTC & doing great! We got to go to Music & the Spoken Word!!! Alex Boye's birthday was this week and his mother came all the way from Rwanda to surprise him!!!! She was there! Isn't that awesome!?!??
We took a family through God's Plan! The father(sorry I didn't get the name) knew Robert & Peggy Lee from their USU CES days! Small world!
I had a fantastic chat with a lady named Irene. She loved everything we talked about & agreed with it all. Her issue? Organized religion. Ya...sad day when that happens.
Sister Garbett was getting stressed out & was about to bust when we got home. So I stuck her HUGE box of junk on my bed & started sorting through it. I know, I'm a problem solver...tends to work though! We sorted through all her junk & figured out what she wanted, what was trash & what she wanted to give away. It was great! The room was so clean & everything was organized :) I'm a sucker for a super clean room...just...so...everyone knows....ya. Then she started complaining that I was just trying to kill her off faster! Hahahahahaha I didn't know what to do at that point. So we went to bed!
Monday: I got a bunch of letters! Totally made my day! Elder Lee, Mom, Elder Edwards, Elder Bake & Justin Borden all in ONE day! I LOVE MAIL :)
In case you were thinking,"Hmm...seems like there's not a lot of missionary work in this update?" It's because all 5,000 of our appointments fell through this week! Ya! I'm not even kidding, it's depressing. But we're still trying! We had to drop a lot of our formers because they weren't keeping their appointments so that kinda bummed us out. And then it doesn't help that we're struggling to find people to replace them. It'll all work out.
Sister Garbett spent a solid 5 minutes trying to persuade a teeny-tiny little mouse to stop running around & get up on the planters where its family lives. It was only mildly ridiculous but completely enjoyable :) Last comment of the day in the Tabernacle: "Are you two sisters?" "Ya!" "Oh, yes -- you look alike!" "hahaha oh...uhh...." We let it go.
Tuesday: I got up & decided to hop in the shower before the other Sisters could beat me to it. Before I actually got in though, I decided to check the time. I then proceeded to get dressed again & head back to bed. I figured 1:00 AM may not be the best time to shower :)
We went to Provo! What's that, Ainsley? Your mission doesn't cover Provo! I know! We took a bus down to Provo for the Carl Bloch & James Tissot art exhibition!!! Exciting, right!?! It was really neat! They borrowed a mess load of original Carl Bloch altar pieces from different cathedrals in Denmark. I definitely favored Bloch more than Tissot. Unfortunately for Tissot his attention to detail didn't outweigh his attention to very...unpleasant aspects of the Savior's last hours. But I still enjoyed it! We were waiting for our bus when someone shouted, "Ainsley!" What went through my mind, you might ask? "Ainsley...hmm nice name -- wait -- whoa! that's me! quick! look around who said that!??!" It was none other than THE Jessica Day!!! It was so good to see her! I don't even remember the last time we got to talk in person. She's doing GREAT & is so cute & married :) She highly recommend the whole marriage thing....I just might write that one down :)
We talked to Arizona Jessica, she is doing great! We discussed the importance of reading our scriptures EVERY day & had a very nice conversation with her. She's sweet, I miss calling her. We also got a hold of Florida Jessica! She is, of course, doing FANTASTIC!!! She was about to go into Institute but she talked to us for just a few minutes to inform us that her birth father(she's adopted) is getting baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, right?!?!?!??! So exciting! She's already a missionary and she's only been a member for 2 weeks. We're so proud :)
We took a family of four through God's Plan. The little 2 year old got a little turned-around in the last room, but once it clicked that we were going to be staying in the "Kitchen" room, he was like "oooh!" and made his way up to the display *BAM* ....there's glass in front of the display :) hahahaha it was so funny! he got stunned for a second but was totally fine. His Dad then put him on the bench, at which point he decided he wanted to sit further back on the other bench that he thought it was connected to. It's not. DOWN he went -- head first onto the floor! It was amazing really! He, again was fine! But who knew God's Plan could be such a rough ride!
Sister Garbett had a black skirt that had an iron print on the back [ :D] that she was going to get rid of but I suggested that she let me hem it instead. So I did! She's worn it every day since :) [Only two days...no worries.] She was also going to pass on this brown Missionary Mall skirt to me but when I mentioned that I could make it into a just-below-the-knee pencil skirt -- she kinda changed her mind. I wonder why that would effect her opinion at all.....weird, huh? Hahaha so last night I played seamstress & fitted it to her, cut the hem & re-sewed the sides! We've got one more fitting session to go; after which I'll hem it & it should be done! She's going to wear it on the plane ride home :) She LOVES it! Thanks Mom for teaching me how to sew! Oh...by the way this is all being done sans sewing machine. I'm so proud.
Quote of the day: "Good it's you. Hi. Do you know how we can send a Book of Mormon to someone in jail???" ~ Sister Garbett
Wednesday: Weekly planning went quickly. Due to our extreme lack of investigators. No one answered their phone during our RC time & none of our almost-investigators picked up when we called. Choir practice went well though! We get to play BELLS! We're pretty stoked for that! Not too many people on the Square these days. Things slow down pretty much to a stop until the lights go on. That day is November 24 btw :) We took 8:00 dinner so we could spend some time with our friends Sisters Gilbert & Williams. I worked on Sister Garbett's skirt, Sister Gilbert made rice pudding & Garbett & Williams sang random songs :) It was great!
Thursday: I got in a bit of practice time on the piano. I'm making progress, so that's great. I got Court's announcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhh! So exciting! I also got a letter from the Lees! Always a good read. Very thought-provoking. Speaking of which, Brother Lee's book is helping Sister Garbett SO MUCH! It's great! I love it!
We're going to get Sister Garbett's hair cut later today, then we're headed to Cafe Rio with some bud-buds and THEN *drum roll* we're heading back home to make a FORT! Yup! That's right! A good old fashioned sheets-over-chairs/couches fort; under which we shall then write letters :)
I was watching a talk by Elder Holland where he said, "True love must include an idea of permanence." This is something we try to hammer into people we talk to on Chat, some just don't get why we have the values we do. This idea of permanence should permeate every aspect of our lives! Everything we do here has eternal significance! Don't let one moment pass you by! Enjoy it while you've got it ;)
Thanks for the letters! Have a fantastic week! Love you all!
Sister Ainsley Marie
Saturday, November 13, 2010
"You will attain the highest level of intelligence."
Hi Everyone! It's me, Sister Despain. Again...
Friday: I may or may not have made Sister Garbett do the acoustic demonstration while she's sick with her semi-raspy voice. She's never gonna let me live it down.
We met Regina at West Gate. She was here for the Chemical Engineers Of America conference. She's from Texas! We took her & Patty around and just after the first 5 minutes of our tour she said, "I'd really like to learn more about the beliefs of the church. I was raised Catholic but I'm pretty sure I'm going to change. So I've been researching & I'd like to learn all I can." It doesn't get easier than that :)
My very own mother sent my companion a postcard...and I got no mail that day. Bizarre sense of love going on here.
Saturday: Efrem will find out about his new job in a week. We're praying so hard for him to get it so he can move, go to church, be baptized & be amazing!!!! He's finished PMG so we sent him to the Gospel Principles manual online. We asked him to read Ch.38 & Ch.40 --- he said he'd finish the manual by the next time we call(in a week). Can I get an "Amen!"?
I got a BRAND NEW red cooking pot from the DI room! It still had the plastic wrap on it. SCORE! Sister Bateman asked me to accompany the Christmas Choir on a few songs...so I'm going to be stuck at the piano A LOT over the next month. We talked to two water color painters sitting on a flowerbed. Andrew & Kell. They were very nice, kinda interesting & only slightly awkward. Hahahaha but we invited them & had an even more awkward conversation after that & finally ended on a good note. Whew!
Sunday: Fast Sunday! We were early to church & I loved it. Before 11:00 am THREE people told us we were "lovely" or "beautiful" if that doesn't make your day - I don't quite know what will. We felt pretty great about ourselves...and really humble while we were at it.
We planned for an old man in a red windbreaker by the Assembly Hall (which was constructed in 1877...not 1888 -- not that I told someone that or anything). And as we passed the building, I looked back & saw an older guy in a read shirt & a red hat. Good enough for me! So we talked to him. He used to play baseball with Willy Mayes! Cool, huh? Apparently they lived in the same neighborhood as kids! He had a patch over his throat & one of those robotic-voice-makers...for people who had emphysema....stoma?...what part does a stoma play in this whole thing? Hmm...that would be helpful information. Never knew I used to google so much - until I couldn't!
We met Kate. She sings in MOTAB. She's famous & now we're friends. We are so popular - everyone wants to meet us! They come from far & wide because they hear how awesome we are & how hilarious and cute those TMSQ sisters are. It's a wonderful life.
The 12th Transfers & companions had a "Finish Strong" meeting. It was so necessary! Not that some certain people's companions have been getting trunky...or anything....but it was a great meeting! Sister Etienne said, "It's like my basketball coach used to say in the 4th quarter, 'Alright, this is your last chance. The whole game rides on this - the 4th quarter - lay it all out there.' and we worked our hardest in that last quarter because that's all we had left. And this is just like that. Now is that time."
Ever since then, we've been working like gangbusters to FIND FIND FIND!!!
Monday: Quote of the pre-7:00 morning? "I had a dream about Elder Uchtdorf!!!" hahahaha turns out she just met him...nothing cool like flying planes...sorry.
We got Chinese food at the food court! Now, this would generally not be an uber-exciting outing...except for the fact that I've never really ordered Chinese food at a restaurant! I KNOW! But Sister Garbett told me what to do & it all turned out alright! No one died & the food lasted two meals - always a good day. Oh, the awkward/funny/don't-even-know-what about this experience was this: As we walked into the food court "Stop & Stare" [One Republic] was playing, as we walked down the stairs and through the tables all 200 of the construction workers stopped....and stared at us! Rude! Didn't chyo mama eva teach you notta stayer? Guess not.
My fortune cookie: "You will attain the highest level of intelligence." Oooooooh!!!!!!
Garbett & I were in the AH paging when Sis' Gilbert & Williams came in. Garbett started role playing with them & accidentally said something that came off super inappropriate. Now picture this: four mature, respectable, fun-loving TMSQ Sister missionaries literally collapsing on the floor of the historic Assembly Hall. Ya.
We talked with Nate when he came out of seeing The Testaments. We had to intro another movie so we didn't have long to talk. As he went up the escalator he kept looking back - like he needed to talk more, like he needed help. I told Garbett what I thought & after we introduced the movie - we went looking for him. We found him & talked for 10 minutes or so. He said he's going through a rough time & a big event is coming up on Friday. He's got everyone praying for him & fasting for him. He was very vague. But he came to TMSQ to get away & to feel the spirit. We shared our testimonies & told him to enjoy the peace of Temple Square. I'm really glad we found him again and were able to talk with him.
Tuesday: We took a tour first thing! Six people from the Snowbird Resort. We balanced really well between pioneer stories, history, testifying & companions! No one referred because their boss said they were just their for business (and somehow eternal salvation doesn't apply to you because you're here on business???) but if someone wanted more information they could come back on personal time. Ok. Fine. We just thought we'd offer you eternal happiness -- whatever -- not a big deal.
Teaching training with President & the APs went well. I felt pumped to actually make calls! Amazing, right? It's been a struggle because no one picks up. At all. But guess what? TWO people picked up!!! They weren't interested...but they picked up!!! Who knew it really was all about faith & attitude???
We were going to bed, joking around & I slammed my head against the wall. It was slightly hilarious. Oh the little joys in life. Speaking of which - I decided I'm taking back my scale to Wal-mart & upgrading. "Is there anything wrong with it?" "The numbers keep going up?!?!?" hahahaha Ok, but seriously they don't -- I'm not gaining weight! -- I just discovered that I like seeing the digital numbers. Besides, you lean over to see the numbers & the needle goes up! Upgrade: Necessary.
Wednesday: I called Sarah Cook to report on a potential she gave me. He's allowing us to call & teach him more! Yay! And I forgot that it was just after 8:00 NC time & it was Wednesday i.e. Institute night. Jeff was standing RIGHT THERE next to her! Ahhhh! I wanted to talk to him SO badly but I knew I'd feel horrible afterwards if I did. So now I'm just super-duper excited for Christmas!!!
I talked to a referral that Becky Lou Pigg gave me the day before conference & she is going to meet with the missionaries!!! I had NO idea what to say to her at one point, so I was praying so hard to know what the heck to say to her. She asked me "What's it like, being on a mission?" And then I basically ended up pouring my heart out to her! I think I needed that answer more than she did. It was kind of like that "aha" moment that Elder Rogers has in The Best Two Years when he talks to Kyle & says "That's why I'm here. To bring you this message." And so I told her about how it's hard some days, but what makes it all worth it is the change you see in people. How you see the light come into their eyes, you can hear them change over the phone. Being that person who brings them so much good - makes it all worth it. My family has always been there to support me in everything I do. I know they support me in this. I told her that as she started meeting with the missionaries & going back to church, she would be able to find the best way to talk to her family about it. I then asked her if she would allow the missionaries to visit her, she accepted. And that was my first on-my-own RC phone call where the person accepted the local missionaries!!!
And it's those experiences that make it worth it.
I love you all, thank you so much for writing & keeping in touch. Thanks for being good examples to your friends & family. Stay strong. If you feel too far away to be brought back to the safety of the gospel -- know that no one is ever too far from the Savior. It's through Him that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. The message we have to share is not taking away from what anyone believes, it is only adding to the good they already have in their life. If there is anyone you know who could use a call from two wonderfully uplifting Sister missionaries please get in touch with my Mom for our phone number. We would love to call any non-members you know!
"Come, come ye Saints No toil or labor fear. But with joy wend your way." Our purpose in this life is to find happiness & the gospel is how we can do that. Continue to live it & love it. Share it with everyone because this gospel is for everyone. Don't be afraid -- God is on your side. And with Him all things are possible.
Love,
Sister Ainsley
Friday: I may or may not have made Sister Garbett do the acoustic demonstration while she's sick with her semi-raspy voice. She's never gonna let me live it down.
We met Regina at West Gate. She was here for the Chemical Engineers Of America conference. She's from Texas! We took her & Patty around and just after the first 5 minutes of our tour she said, "I'd really like to learn more about the beliefs of the church. I was raised Catholic but I'm pretty sure I'm going to change. So I've been researching & I'd like to learn all I can." It doesn't get easier than that :)
My very own mother sent my companion a postcard...and I got no mail that day. Bizarre sense of love going on here.
Saturday: Efrem will find out about his new job in a week. We're praying so hard for him to get it so he can move, go to church, be baptized & be amazing!!!! He's finished PMG so we sent him to the Gospel Principles manual online. We asked him to read Ch.38 & Ch.40 --- he said he'd finish the manual by the next time we call(in a week). Can I get an "Amen!"?
I got a BRAND NEW red cooking pot from the DI room! It still had the plastic wrap on it. SCORE! Sister Bateman asked me to accompany the Christmas Choir on a few songs...so I'm going to be stuck at the piano A LOT over the next month. We talked to two water color painters sitting on a flowerbed. Andrew & Kell. They were very nice, kinda interesting & only slightly awkward. Hahahaha but we invited them & had an even more awkward conversation after that & finally ended on a good note. Whew!
Sunday: Fast Sunday! We were early to church & I loved it. Before 11:00 am THREE people told us we were "lovely" or "beautiful" if that doesn't make your day - I don't quite know what will. We felt pretty great about ourselves...and really humble while we were at it.
We planned for an old man in a red windbreaker by the Assembly Hall (which was constructed in 1877...not 1888 -- not that I told someone that or anything). And as we passed the building, I looked back & saw an older guy in a read shirt & a red hat. Good enough for me! So we talked to him. He used to play baseball with Willy Mayes! Cool, huh? Apparently they lived in the same neighborhood as kids! He had a patch over his throat & one of those robotic-voice-makers...for people who had emphysema....stoma?...what part does a stoma play in this whole thing? Hmm...that would be helpful information. Never knew I used to google so much - until I couldn't!
We met Kate. She sings in MOTAB. She's famous & now we're friends. We are so popular - everyone wants to meet us! They come from far & wide because they hear how awesome we are & how hilarious and cute those TMSQ sisters are. It's a wonderful life.
The 12th Transfers & companions had a "Finish Strong" meeting. It was so necessary! Not that some certain people's companions have been getting trunky...or anything....but it was a great meeting! Sister Etienne said, "It's like my basketball coach used to say in the 4th quarter, 'Alright, this is your last chance. The whole game rides on this - the 4th quarter - lay it all out there.' and we worked our hardest in that last quarter because that's all we had left. And this is just like that. Now is that time."
Ever since then, we've been working like gangbusters to FIND FIND FIND!!!
Monday: Quote of the pre-7:00 morning? "I had a dream about Elder Uchtdorf!!!" hahahaha turns out she just met him...nothing cool like flying planes...sorry.
We got Chinese food at the food court! Now, this would generally not be an uber-exciting outing...except for the fact that I've never really ordered Chinese food at a restaurant! I KNOW! But Sister Garbett told me what to do & it all turned out alright! No one died & the food lasted two meals - always a good day. Oh, the awkward/funny/don't-even-know-what about this experience was this: As we walked into the food court "Stop & Stare" [One Republic] was playing, as we walked down the stairs and through the tables all 200 of the construction workers stopped....and stared at us! Rude! Didn't chyo mama eva teach you notta stayer? Guess not.
My fortune cookie: "You will attain the highest level of intelligence." Oooooooh!!!!!!
Garbett & I were in the AH paging when Sis' Gilbert & Williams came in. Garbett started role playing with them & accidentally said something that came off super inappropriate. Now picture this: four mature, respectable, fun-loving TMSQ Sister missionaries literally collapsing on the floor of the historic Assembly Hall. Ya.
We talked with Nate when he came out of seeing The Testaments. We had to intro another movie so we didn't have long to talk. As he went up the escalator he kept looking back - like he needed to talk more, like he needed help. I told Garbett what I thought & after we introduced the movie - we went looking for him. We found him & talked for 10 minutes or so. He said he's going through a rough time & a big event is coming up on Friday. He's got everyone praying for him & fasting for him. He was very vague. But he came to TMSQ to get away & to feel the spirit. We shared our testimonies & told him to enjoy the peace of Temple Square. I'm really glad we found him again and were able to talk with him.
Tuesday: We took a tour first thing! Six people from the Snowbird Resort. We balanced really well between pioneer stories, history, testifying & companions! No one referred because their boss said they were just their for business (and somehow eternal salvation doesn't apply to you because you're here on business???) but if someone wanted more information they could come back on personal time. Ok. Fine. We just thought we'd offer you eternal happiness -- whatever -- not a big deal.
Teaching training with President & the APs went well. I felt pumped to actually make calls! Amazing, right? It's been a struggle because no one picks up. At all. But guess what? TWO people picked up!!! They weren't interested...but they picked up!!! Who knew it really was all about faith & attitude???
We were going to bed, joking around & I slammed my head against the wall. It was slightly hilarious. Oh the little joys in life. Speaking of which - I decided I'm taking back my scale to Wal-mart & upgrading. "Is there anything wrong with it?" "The numbers keep going up?!?!?" hahahaha Ok, but seriously they don't -- I'm not gaining weight! -- I just discovered that I like seeing the digital numbers. Besides, you lean over to see the numbers & the needle goes up! Upgrade: Necessary.
Wednesday: I called Sarah Cook to report on a potential she gave me. He's allowing us to call & teach him more! Yay! And I forgot that it was just after 8:00 NC time & it was Wednesday i.e. Institute night. Jeff was standing RIGHT THERE next to her! Ahhhh! I wanted to talk to him SO badly but I knew I'd feel horrible afterwards if I did. So now I'm just super-duper excited for Christmas!!!
I talked to a referral that Becky Lou Pigg gave me the day before conference & she is going to meet with the missionaries!!! I had NO idea what to say to her at one point, so I was praying so hard to know what the heck to say to her. She asked me "What's it like, being on a mission?" And then I basically ended up pouring my heart out to her! I think I needed that answer more than she did. It was kind of like that "aha" moment that Elder Rogers has in The Best Two Years when he talks to Kyle & says "That's why I'm here. To bring you this message." And so I told her about how it's hard some days, but what makes it all worth it is the change you see in people. How you see the light come into their eyes, you can hear them change over the phone. Being that person who brings them so much good - makes it all worth it. My family has always been there to support me in everything I do. I know they support me in this. I told her that as she started meeting with the missionaries & going back to church, she would be able to find the best way to talk to her family about it. I then asked her if she would allow the missionaries to visit her, she accepted. And that was my first on-my-own RC phone call where the person accepted the local missionaries!!!
And it's those experiences that make it worth it.
I love you all, thank you so much for writing & keeping in touch. Thanks for being good examples to your friends & family. Stay strong. If you feel too far away to be brought back to the safety of the gospel -- know that no one is ever too far from the Savior. It's through Him that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. The message we have to share is not taking away from what anyone believes, it is only adding to the good they already have in their life. If there is anyone you know who could use a call from two wonderfully uplifting Sister missionaries please get in touch with my Mom for our phone number. We would love to call any non-members you know!
"Come, come ye Saints No toil or labor fear. But with joy wend your way." Our purpose in this life is to find happiness & the gospel is how we can do that. Continue to live it & love it. Share it with everyone because this gospel is for everyone. Don't be afraid -- God is on your side. And with Him all things are possible.
Love,
Sister Ainsley
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Day I Learned How to Breathe
Thursday November 4, 2010
Hello Everyone!
This week wasn't terribly hard or challenging or horrible (not that any ever are) but I am very pleased to have the chance to say "Happy P-day!"
From what I hear, sounds like all is well in all other parts of the world. Oh, except for Indonesia -- I heard there was an earthquake there with a 5.2 aftershock?!? [Courtesy of Brian the security guard, he filled me in on a few world-related things.] I was sorry to hear of Sis Barney passing away, but I know that she is in a better place & hope that the knowledge we have of the Plan of Happiness brings comfort to her family at this time. This aspect of the gospel is something we share a lot with guests here on the Square. It's amazing to watch someone come to understand that this might not be all there is! How blessed we are to know that we can live with God & loved ones again, after this life.
Thursday: After emailing we drove to Burlington to look for boots. Nothing. When we finally made it home again we had 2 hrs left in our Pday. No bueno. I wrote 1 letter & 2 postcards. Feel lucky you three!
Friday: I cleaned the tree we got from Sis Johnson - it looks very green & healthy...as healthy as a fake tree can :) And I think those researchers are right -- having a green plant in some way, shape or form DOES bring a healthier/happier energy into the room! I love it!
We called Jessica (AZ), she sounds so much better. Much more coherent. We explained more in detail how when we're baptized we go ALL the way under the water - don't know how the elders left that out, but we cleared it up, so we're good!
I found a typo in the newsroom for lds.org!!! who is in charge of these things?!? The quotation mark was in the wrong place. I love love love the "Lifelong Learning" page on mormon.org under Values (I think) so good! Right on - it's so true. What a wonderful principle to live by. I would strongly encourage everyone, especially students to read it. Keep the future in mind.
I had a Spanish chat! It went well. He served a mission in Colorado but is less active. I committed him to go back to church on Sunday. Hopefully he will. No way of knowing....
I realized today that I am & have been incredibly self-motivated. I love it. Other people are motivated by gifts & LOTS of positive feedback or special attention. I love that feeling you get when you know that YOU did something well & you're really proud of yourself. Life is much more simple when you are your motivation. I also realized at this point that my parents were always there - in my business - caring if I did well or not. I'm glad they did. I have accomplished so much because of their love & support.
Saturday: We called Jessica (FL) & checked in with her before her baptism on Sunday. She is SO golden! She is wonderfully on top of things. When we teach her, she understands everything & is definitely one of those "it all makes sense" investigators. Her life wasn't horrible before we met her, but she tells us she is much happier now. We can hear it in her voice.
Sister Garbett taught me how to breathe! Ok not quite - but she really did. She taught me how to breathe correctly for a better singing voice. We sing for comp study & it's amazing how alike our tones are - we almost sound like the same person. She said I have a more naturally clear voice than her and that if I work on my breathing I could make it stronger! So I'm practicing breathing :) She wants me to sing a duet with her for her sacrament meeting performance this transfer. Complete with a solo...I don't solo. We'll see! Maybe this will be a good growing experience.
We had ChatFinding this afternoon, to no avail. We shared the gospel as much as a person can with people who don't want to listen & only want to waste your time. It's so fun! Seriously - I think I am the only person who likes ChatFinding. What can I say? It makes me feel productive!
We got sent home at 6:00 -- because it was Halloween Eve...or something like that :)
Sunday: Happy Halloween! Sister Garbett gave her departing talk in church, it went really well. She practiced the night before & everything. Sister Emily Batemen (Washington) performed a vocal number -- it was so lovely. She has been trained well & makes it looks so easy! I love listening to her. We met on facebook before we came out, she knows Katherine Lyman! Small world. Oh, speaking of small world -- I ran into David & Makenzie Martinez's next door neighbor! What are the chances!?! It was down-right amazing.
Sisters Williams (Scotland) & Gilbert (NY) saw DAVID ARCHULETA! hahahaha yes we're 15 yrs old & we love it. He was by WestGate, waiting to cross the street - he turned around...wait for it....looked at them & then smiled AND waved!!! Crazy, right? They're best friends with him now. Bahahahaha it's amazing what small things amuse 200 Sister Missionaries. We're so easily entertained.
We got a return appointment with James (UK) from Chat! We're excited & we hope it actually goes through.
We took Lucio on a go-see today. He is a young Korean college student living here in Salt Lake with a host family. He is studying Law! He loved everything we taught him. When we pulled out The Book of Mormon & showed it to him he wanted to hold it & flip through page after page after page :) Sister Garbett told him that every verse has something significant for us in that time in our lives. She put her faith into action, picked a scripture on a page he had flipped to, read it & amazingly enough (and yet not so amazingly) it totally applied! It was perfect! He referred for missionaries but doesn't have a phone. So we emailed him & got his address. And get this -- he said he will go out tomorrow & buy a pre-paid cell phone so he can be easier to get in touch with for the missionaries!!! How come some people are just fantastic?
I passed the written driving test today! Look out Salt Lake: Sister Despain is about to be driving!!! AHHHH!!!! No but seriously - you might want to avoid the roads :) Totally kidding - my Dad taught me well - I know how to drive cautiously & defensively - we shouldn't be havin' no problems (insert Jamaican accent back there).
We had a 'Mission Meeting' for Halloween a.k.a. PARTY: TMSQ Style So we ate popcorn, drank soda (because it's soda not pop - Pop is the name of the coolest-of-the-cool father of your mother known to man!). We watched The Emma Story & The Errand of Angels. Both great movies. It was a fun night.
Monday: Today was good. I got a letter from Meg! Yay! ALL the way from Taiwan! She writes very optimistic & uplifting letters - just what I needed to hear.
We called Efrem (Ethiopia) and he is doing SO good! He has been studying PMG Ch.3-9 Ya I know! Crazy, huh? He's not even baptized yet! He's the greatest 24 yr old ever. We are always praying that he'll get one of those jobs closer to church -- so he can start the rest of his life!
While we were walking around the Square, we starting humming "Edelweiss" -- complete with harmony. It was the bomb.com :)
As we walked up to the Christus, the setting sun shone through the window. There were two people being contacted at the benches & it hit me again that I'm a sister missionary on TEMPLE SQUARE! I love those moments. It's the coolest feeling ever.
We met 21 yr old Tom in front of the Assembly Hall. He is a recently returned missionary from Chile. He lives in Kaysville & biked down to SLC. Ya -- that's right I said biked. He had these super-cool bike shoes that clicked into the pedals. Now that's legit. He said that going to the Temple every week after your mission helps you adjust. I'll keep that in mind.
Tuesday: We started doing Companionship prayer at 6:30 every morning! It's a great way to start our day (rhymes!), we're much more unified.
I'm not as "make it count - don't count down" as I'd like to be. I'm working on it. Some days are better than others. There are so many things that go into making a great day - it's amazing how complicated it is. Your mood, if you got to bed on time, if the Square is completely dead or not & if you want to kill your comp or not! jokes - we use "I feel" statements, so we never feel like killing each other :) Did I mention that I made it to Sister Garbett's Top 3 Companions list!?!??! Ya! I'm so proud. I get to inherit her super-cute silver flats! I'll send pics next transfer.
We had service at Heritage Park from 10-1, our job was to "de-Halloween" a cabin. I was like "Ok, that's cool - as long I don't have to do the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets cabin! I'm good!" Guess which cabin we had do? Go on, guess. Yup -- the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets one. Even in the daylight it was creepy! And it didn't help at all when Sister Fox (MA) found the CD player & turned on the creepy music with kids saying "Let's play hide & seek..." AHHHHH!!!! You kinda have to be there. I got used to the doll parts...but I refused to take down those puppets. I did a lot of sweeping. Oh my goodness, you would not believe how much dust, rocks, mulch etc was in there! There must have been some original 1800's dirt in there it was so amazingly dirty!
Jessica (FL) is a member now!!! We are so thrilled that we were blessed with this opportunity to be her guides through this spiritual journey. She is so amazing and now she has the knowledge of the fullness of the gospel to share with everyone! Her father said the missionaries could come & talk to him! We're pretty stoked. The members in her ward are simply ideal! Her first Sunday there these two brothers invited her to a baseball game! After that she was invited to Institute & FHE! She's got friends there in the ward and it's wonderful. We're so happy for her & know that this is a blessing not only to her but also to all those she will be an influence on in the future.
Did I mention, no I didn't -- I'm rooming with ALL 12th transfers!!! AHHH!!! They can all be trunky but I'm only a 2nd transfer (hahaha I love saying that - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SEC -- ok I'm done) so I can't be trunky with them. They are Sister Droge (Germany) & Sister Quieroz (Brazil) they're great roommates, clean, non-obnoxious & with a love of The Best Two Years soundtrack :)
I PASSED MY ACTUAL DRIVING DRIVING TEST!!! I was so nervous the whole time, it's just 4 of us 20-something yr olds in the car - no police people - but oh man! My heart was going a mile-a-minute. Sometimes I cope with being that nervous by taking the focus off of me -- and being funny instead! Hahahaha so I was cracking jokes my whole test ;) It was hilarious -- I wasn't the only one laughing either -- some of you might know that a lot of the hysterically entertaining comments I make are purely for my own amusement....but I like to share it. So it was good. I passed, I had an interview with President, he reluctantly signed my form -- he said that he shivers every time he thinks about missionaries getting into cars, with good reason -- and then I was officially official! Yay!
I discovered that Sister Holmes'(mission president's wife) office sign is incorrect! It says: [Mission Presidents' Wife] which, unless there is another mission president that I don't know about -- is incorrect! What is it with people these days! Don't they proof ANYTHING!??!?!
Wednesday: I threw my pillow at Sister Garbett :) Her alarm went off for EVER! So I had no other options...I threw the pillow. She woke up - turned off her alarm - and all was right in the world. Great way to start, huh? So exciting! You're not even awake yet & *BAM* something hits you! She loved it.
We had historical training with President. I don't know everything, I'm telling ya that right now (insert Brian Regan voice back there). So it was very helpful! The Family Search Center in the JSMB is part of our campus now! It's so exciting!
In the Tabernacle we had a contact with a Mr. Jarvis who works in the medical field. He commented, "You both are incredibly attractive!" ....well....we're not gonna argue much on that point :) hahahaha He then asked us, "Are you really as wholesome as you seem?" Which I was incredibly pleased to be able to confidently reply, "Yes."
It was a defining moment for me. No one asks you straight up if you are as wholesome as you seem to be, so it's not something I've really thought about. But when that unexpected moment came -- I was filled with peace, knowing that I could honestly answer in the affirmative.
Turns out he was a member :) He told Sister Garbett to get her cough checked by the doctor because it could be more than a cold. She's been coughing for 2 days. ALL THE TIME. And I have not felt frustrated with it more than twice! I am quite frankly, amazed! Who knew I could be so patient?!?
We called Jessica (AZ) who is on date for this Saturday!!! Her aunt called her & told her off, telling Jessica her sins wouldn't go away. But we were pleased to hear that Jessica defended herself & her belief of the truthfulness of the gospel. She hasn't had the most positive family life, so we continue to pile on the love :) She knows she is a daughter of God. She knows that she is special & deserves the best. We were sorry to hear that the Elders have limited contact with her, so we continue to teach her in mini-lessons. We had to clarify that it's "baptism FOR the dead" as in 'in behalf of' ...not baptizing dead people. Ya...hahaha it was an interesting conversation.
------
Sister Sanders (AZ) came in during email time & told us that she & her comp Sis Bailey (Australia) saw the Prophet AND the 12 Apostles in the COB!!!!! How awesome is that!?!?!?!? ONLY here in Salt Lake City :) I have yet to see them in person, outside of Conference. We are set up for a very lazy, letter writing filled P-day. Our P-days have been insanely busy as of late, so we're actually going to take a break!
Exciting FYI: We're going to East High next P-day!!! Home of the Wildcats!!! We're pretty stoked. Not that we...like...High School Musical....or anything :)
Highlight of being a TMSQ sister missionary: The Dr.Seuss Flowers!!! I have absolutely no idea what they are actually called, but I have dubbed them "Dr.Seuss" flowers. There is only one flower that grows alone & it just pops right out of the ground! Mkay...that doesn't sound cool -- I'll send pics & hopefully you can see why they're called what they are! I love them!
Everything is going so well here on Temple Square. Sometimes I still can't believe that I'm a Sister Missionary on TMSQ! THE TMSQ! It's so exciting! I finally got how to say Hello in Korean...but I have no idea how to spell it -- Anihasio! Something like that :)
Thank you all for your letters & updates, it's so nice to receive mail! I've got all sorts of time to write letters today, I've got 14 people on my list....so hopefully some of you will hear from me soon! It's been another great week here on Temple Square, where the Dr.Seuss flowers brighten your day, the Christmas-light-putter-uppers start work in August and the incredibly attractive Sister Missionaries are as humble as ever & loving every moment.
Love you all,
Sister Ainsley Marie
Hello Everyone!
This week wasn't terribly hard or challenging or horrible (not that any ever are) but I am very pleased to have the chance to say "Happy P-day!"
From what I hear, sounds like all is well in all other parts of the world. Oh, except for Indonesia -- I heard there was an earthquake there with a 5.2 aftershock?!? [Courtesy of Brian the security guard, he filled me in on a few world-related things.] I was sorry to hear of Sis Barney passing away, but I know that she is in a better place & hope that the knowledge we have of the Plan of Happiness brings comfort to her family at this time. This aspect of the gospel is something we share a lot with guests here on the Square. It's amazing to watch someone come to understand that this might not be all there is! How blessed we are to know that we can live with God & loved ones again, after this life.
Thursday: After emailing we drove to Burlington to look for boots. Nothing. When we finally made it home again we had 2 hrs left in our Pday. No bueno. I wrote 1 letter & 2 postcards. Feel lucky you three!
Friday: I cleaned the tree we got from Sis Johnson - it looks very green & healthy...as healthy as a fake tree can :) And I think those researchers are right -- having a green plant in some way, shape or form DOES bring a healthier/happier energy into the room! I love it!
We called Jessica (AZ), she sounds so much better. Much more coherent. We explained more in detail how when we're baptized we go ALL the way under the water - don't know how the elders left that out, but we cleared it up, so we're good!
I found a typo in the newsroom for lds.org!!! who is in charge of these things?!? The quotation mark was in the wrong place. I love love love the "Lifelong Learning" page on mormon.org under Values (I think) so good! Right on - it's so true. What a wonderful principle to live by. I would strongly encourage everyone, especially students to read it. Keep the future in mind.
I had a Spanish chat! It went well. He served a mission in Colorado but is less active. I committed him to go back to church on Sunday. Hopefully he will. No way of knowing....
I realized today that I am & have been incredibly self-motivated. I love it. Other people are motivated by gifts & LOTS of positive feedback or special attention. I love that feeling you get when you know that YOU did something well & you're really proud of yourself. Life is much more simple when you are your motivation. I also realized at this point that my parents were always there - in my business - caring if I did well or not. I'm glad they did. I have accomplished so much because of their love & support.
Saturday: We called Jessica (FL) & checked in with her before her baptism on Sunday. She is SO golden! She is wonderfully on top of things. When we teach her, she understands everything & is definitely one of those "it all makes sense" investigators. Her life wasn't horrible before we met her, but she tells us she is much happier now. We can hear it in her voice.
Sister Garbett taught me how to breathe! Ok not quite - but she really did. She taught me how to breathe correctly for a better singing voice. We sing for comp study & it's amazing how alike our tones are - we almost sound like the same person. She said I have a more naturally clear voice than her and that if I work on my breathing I could make it stronger! So I'm practicing breathing :) She wants me to sing a duet with her for her sacrament meeting performance this transfer. Complete with a solo...I don't solo. We'll see! Maybe this will be a good growing experience.
We had ChatFinding this afternoon, to no avail. We shared the gospel as much as a person can with people who don't want to listen & only want to waste your time. It's so fun! Seriously - I think I am the only person who likes ChatFinding. What can I say? It makes me feel productive!
We got sent home at 6:00 -- because it was Halloween Eve...or something like that :)
Sunday: Happy Halloween! Sister Garbett gave her departing talk in church, it went really well. She practiced the night before & everything. Sister Emily Batemen (Washington) performed a vocal number -- it was so lovely. She has been trained well & makes it looks so easy! I love listening to her. We met on facebook before we came out, she knows Katherine Lyman! Small world. Oh, speaking of small world -- I ran into David & Makenzie Martinez's next door neighbor! What are the chances!?! It was down-right amazing.
Sisters Williams (Scotland) & Gilbert (NY) saw DAVID ARCHULETA! hahahaha yes we're 15 yrs old & we love it. He was by WestGate, waiting to cross the street - he turned around...wait for it....looked at them & then smiled AND waved!!! Crazy, right? They're best friends with him now. Bahahahaha it's amazing what small things amuse 200 Sister Missionaries. We're so easily entertained.
We got a return appointment with James (UK) from Chat! We're excited & we hope it actually goes through.
We took Lucio on a go-see today. He is a young Korean college student living here in Salt Lake with a host family. He is studying Law! He loved everything we taught him. When we pulled out The Book of Mormon & showed it to him he wanted to hold it & flip through page after page after page :) Sister Garbett told him that every verse has something significant for us in that time in our lives. She put her faith into action, picked a scripture on a page he had flipped to, read it & amazingly enough (and yet not so amazingly) it totally applied! It was perfect! He referred for missionaries but doesn't have a phone. So we emailed him & got his address. And get this -- he said he will go out tomorrow & buy a pre-paid cell phone so he can be easier to get in touch with for the missionaries!!! How come some people are just fantastic?
I passed the written driving test today! Look out Salt Lake: Sister Despain is about to be driving!!! AHHHH!!!! No but seriously - you might want to avoid the roads :) Totally kidding - my Dad taught me well - I know how to drive cautiously & defensively - we shouldn't be havin' no problems (insert Jamaican accent back there).
We had a 'Mission Meeting' for Halloween a.k.a. PARTY: TMSQ Style So we ate popcorn, drank soda (because it's soda not pop - Pop is the name of the coolest-of-the-cool father of your mother known to man!). We watched The Emma Story & The Errand of Angels. Both great movies. It was a fun night.
Monday: Today was good. I got a letter from Meg! Yay! ALL the way from Taiwan! She writes very optimistic & uplifting letters - just what I needed to hear.
We called Efrem (Ethiopia) and he is doing SO good! He has been studying PMG Ch.3-9 Ya I know! Crazy, huh? He's not even baptized yet! He's the greatest 24 yr old ever. We are always praying that he'll get one of those jobs closer to church -- so he can start the rest of his life!
While we were walking around the Square, we starting humming "Edelweiss" -- complete with harmony. It was the bomb.com :)
As we walked up to the Christus, the setting sun shone through the window. There were two people being contacted at the benches & it hit me again that I'm a sister missionary on TEMPLE SQUARE! I love those moments. It's the coolest feeling ever.
We met 21 yr old Tom in front of the Assembly Hall. He is a recently returned missionary from Chile. He lives in Kaysville & biked down to SLC. Ya -- that's right I said biked. He had these super-cool bike shoes that clicked into the pedals. Now that's legit. He said that going to the Temple every week after your mission helps you adjust. I'll keep that in mind.
Tuesday: We started doing Companionship prayer at 6:30 every morning! It's a great way to start our day (rhymes!), we're much more unified.
I'm not as "make it count - don't count down" as I'd like to be. I'm working on it. Some days are better than others. There are so many things that go into making a great day - it's amazing how complicated it is. Your mood, if you got to bed on time, if the Square is completely dead or not & if you want to kill your comp or not! jokes - we use "I feel" statements, so we never feel like killing each other :) Did I mention that I made it to Sister Garbett's Top 3 Companions list!?!??! Ya! I'm so proud. I get to inherit her super-cute silver flats! I'll send pics next transfer.
We had service at Heritage Park from 10-1, our job was to "de-Halloween" a cabin. I was like "Ok, that's cool - as long I don't have to do the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets cabin! I'm good!" Guess which cabin we had do? Go on, guess. Yup -- the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets one. Even in the daylight it was creepy! And it didn't help at all when Sister Fox (MA) found the CD player & turned on the creepy music with kids saying "Let's play hide & seek..." AHHHHH!!!! You kinda have to be there. I got used to the doll parts...but I refused to take down those puppets. I did a lot of sweeping. Oh my goodness, you would not believe how much dust, rocks, mulch etc was in there! There must have been some original 1800's dirt in there it was so amazingly dirty!
Jessica (FL) is a member now!!! We are so thrilled that we were blessed with this opportunity to be her guides through this spiritual journey. She is so amazing and now she has the knowledge of the fullness of the gospel to share with everyone! Her father said the missionaries could come & talk to him! We're pretty stoked. The members in her ward are simply ideal! Her first Sunday there these two brothers invited her to a baseball game! After that she was invited to Institute & FHE! She's got friends there in the ward and it's wonderful. We're so happy for her & know that this is a blessing not only to her but also to all those she will be an influence on in the future.
Did I mention, no I didn't -- I'm rooming with ALL 12th transfers!!! AHHH!!! They can all be trunky but I'm only a 2nd transfer (hahaha I love saying that - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SEC -- ok I'm done) so I can't be trunky with them. They are Sister Droge (Germany) & Sister Quieroz (Brazil) they're great roommates, clean, non-obnoxious & with a love of The Best Two Years soundtrack :)
I PASSED MY ACTUAL DRIVING DRIVING TEST!!! I was so nervous the whole time, it's just 4 of us 20-something yr olds in the car - no police people - but oh man! My heart was going a mile-a-minute. Sometimes I cope with being that nervous by taking the focus off of me -- and being funny instead! Hahahaha so I was cracking jokes my whole test ;) It was hilarious -- I wasn't the only one laughing either -- some of you might know that a lot of the hysterically entertaining comments I make are purely for my own amusement....but I like to share it. So it was good. I passed, I had an interview with President, he reluctantly signed my form -- he said that he shivers every time he thinks about missionaries getting into cars, with good reason -- and then I was officially official! Yay!
I discovered that Sister Holmes'(mission president's wife) office sign is incorrect! It says: [Mission Presidents' Wife] which, unless there is another mission president that I don't know about -- is incorrect! What is it with people these days! Don't they proof ANYTHING!??!?!
Wednesday: I threw my pillow at Sister Garbett :) Her alarm went off for EVER! So I had no other options...I threw the pillow. She woke up - turned off her alarm - and all was right in the world. Great way to start, huh? So exciting! You're not even awake yet & *BAM* something hits you! She loved it.
We had historical training with President. I don't know everything, I'm telling ya that right now (insert Brian Regan voice back there). So it was very helpful! The Family Search Center in the JSMB is part of our campus now! It's so exciting!
In the Tabernacle we had a contact with a Mr. Jarvis who works in the medical field. He commented, "You both are incredibly attractive!" ....well....we're not gonna argue much on that point :) hahahaha He then asked us, "Are you really as wholesome as you seem?" Which I was incredibly pleased to be able to confidently reply, "Yes."
It was a defining moment for me. No one asks you straight up if you are as wholesome as you seem to be, so it's not something I've really thought about. But when that unexpected moment came -- I was filled with peace, knowing that I could honestly answer in the affirmative.
Turns out he was a member :) He told Sister Garbett to get her cough checked by the doctor because it could be more than a cold. She's been coughing for 2 days. ALL THE TIME. And I have not felt frustrated with it more than twice! I am quite frankly, amazed! Who knew I could be so patient?!?
We called Jessica (AZ) who is on date for this Saturday!!! Her aunt called her & told her off, telling Jessica her sins wouldn't go away. But we were pleased to hear that Jessica defended herself & her belief of the truthfulness of the gospel. She hasn't had the most positive family life, so we continue to pile on the love :) She knows she is a daughter of God. She knows that she is special & deserves the best. We were sorry to hear that the Elders have limited contact with her, so we continue to teach her in mini-lessons. We had to clarify that it's "baptism FOR the dead" as in 'in behalf of' ...not baptizing dead people. Ya...hahaha it was an interesting conversation.
------
Sister Sanders (AZ) came in during email time & told us that she & her comp Sis Bailey (Australia) saw the Prophet AND the 12 Apostles in the COB!!!!! How awesome is that!?!?!?!? ONLY here in Salt Lake City :) I have yet to see them in person, outside of Conference. We are set up for a very lazy, letter writing filled P-day. Our P-days have been insanely busy as of late, so we're actually going to take a break!
Exciting FYI: We're going to East High next P-day!!! Home of the Wildcats!!! We're pretty stoked. Not that we...like...High School Musical....or anything :)
Highlight of being a TMSQ sister missionary: The Dr.Seuss Flowers!!! I have absolutely no idea what they are actually called, but I have dubbed them "Dr.Seuss" flowers. There is only one flower that grows alone & it just pops right out of the ground! Mkay...that doesn't sound cool -- I'll send pics & hopefully you can see why they're called what they are! I love them!
Everything is going so well here on Temple Square. Sometimes I still can't believe that I'm a Sister Missionary on TMSQ! THE TMSQ! It's so exciting! I finally got how to say Hello in Korean...but I have no idea how to spell it -- Anihasio! Something like that :)
Thank you all for your letters & updates, it's so nice to receive mail! I've got all sorts of time to write letters today, I've got 14 people on my list....so hopefully some of you will hear from me soon! It's been another great week here on Temple Square, where the Dr.Seuss flowers brighten your day, the Christmas-light-putter-uppers start work in August and the incredibly attractive Sister Missionaries are as humble as ever & loving every moment.
Love you all,
Sister Ainsley Marie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
