Ni hao, Bonjour, Hola!
Apparently as a TMSQ Sister I'll eventually learn how to say hello in 50 languages! I'm excited :)
It's been another fantastic week here in the sunny Salt Lake City, where the construction is actually making progress, tourists come from all over & the acoustic demonstration never ceases to amaze :)
Meg leaves the MTC on Oct 5!!! How exciting!!! I can't wait to hear about Taiwan! She sent me a letter with a few pictures of us in the MTC & I put one up on my wall & another up in my locker :) I LOVE that we get to do this whole "mission thing" together!
I just found out this week that Personal Progress is online!!!! How cool is that!? Elena - did you know that?
Brit: I need your new address...the letter I sent you got returned & it said you had moved!
Laurel: I can't wait to see you! I'll be wearing my ridiculously cute bright pink jacket :) Just bring yourself & that's good enough for me! If you want... you can draw me a really pretty picture I can put up on my wall!!!
Friday- "Good Morning Sisters! It's going to be a beautiful day! Why don't we start with a flu shot?" No problemo - go ahead, shoot me - I can take it:)
I saw Grandma & Pop!!! We hung around the NVC for the morning hoping to run into them. As we came up the escalator we noticed an amazingly familiar couple who, might I add, looked fantastic! I thought "Wow, if only I could be related to two such healthy-looking people!" Guess what - I am :) Grandma made some Carrot Pineapple cookies that were delicious! Sis Garbett liked them too. We got to catch up for 3-5 min, allowing enough time for Grandma to snap a few photos!
There was indeed a package dance performed. Right there in the unknown of the SVC - by your very own Sister Despain. PACKAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so amazed at the contents because I loved everything in it! And then I remembered how smart Mom was to get me to type up a list of my favorite things, before I left :) Genius.
I saw Elder Nzojibami!!! He was in Meg's (Sis Gandolph) district & we became friends. We got to catch up a bit. He left this week for Canada (pretty sure it was Canada) Mandarin speaking. Crazy, right? He took a picture for proof.
Saturday - The highlight/lowlight all-in-one of Saturday was wrapped up in one simple phone call. We had an appointment with this 81 year old lady who, it turned out - just wanted to tell us we had been deceived & she was sorry for us. Now, I'm not sure how one would go about yelling at a sweet lady like that...so we didn't :) We thanked her for her opinion & wished her a nice day. Thankfully, we had the General Relief Society Meeting that night! I sat about 5 feet from Susan W. Tanner!!! How cool is that!?!?!?! She was right there & we couldn't help but stare!
I loved the story that President Monson shared. "Are we looking through a window that needs cleaning?" Really makes you think about how much we have become a world that focuses on judging everyone. Let's work a little harder to love everyone & condemn fewer simply because of their outward appearances.
Sunday - Testimony meeting was great. It's a new experience for sure - kinda like "dress-up" Girls Camp! We have sisters from all around the world! But guess what? The Church is true in Utah, Japan, the Philippines, Tonga, Chile, England & Nigeria! We contacted on the Square without much success. People simply don't refer & it gets a little discouraging. But we know that we accomplish our job when we Teach Testify & Invite --- it's up to them to accept! And one day, they will :)
I taught Sister Garbett how to whistle! To parents who lived through teaching their kids how to whistle: It's rough. But totally worth it when they're so pleased with themselves after getting a solid clear sound!
I stepped on a particularly crunchy leaf. I smiled & felt way too proud for a 21 year old. It was great.
Monday - I had an interview with President Holmes. He's very friendly & has a great sense of humor. He asked what my parents do & thought it was sweet that they both teach Spanish at NCSU. Props Mom & Dad for getting *cute points* from across the country! We talked Journalism for a bit and he even connected the importance of Brevity & Clarity in Journalism to their use in our work here on TMSQ! Brilliant! Everything is going great & I'm learning a lot! Sis Garbett & I have a lot of fun together and she pushes me to do my best. So it was a short & very pleasant interview.
Sis Garbett is doing a great job at pushing me to just open my mouth & talk. She's really helpful & will whisper "Tell them about the benches..." or "Tell them about the ceiling..." -- stuff that she knows I know about. Then I do it and connect it to the faith of the Pioneers and then to my own faith! It's awesome!
I SAW ELDER DANIEL WIDENHOUSE!!!! He's serving in the SLC Mission, Spanish speaking. I ran into him on his way to do service. I was so surprised to see him but turns out he was even more surprised to see me, "WHOA!!! Sister Despain??? I didn't even know you were putting your papers in! Are you here?!?!?!" It was hilarious. He's doing great, been out 16 months & loving it. Another Elder in his group, Elder Arnell - is serving in SLC until he gets his visa for Mexico. He lived in Cary until he was 11 -- small world! He was in the Cary 1st Ward. He knew the Maxwells, the Plautz family, the Farnsworths & the Barnhills --- how crazy is that? So - to all those families - if you remember an 11 yr old Arnell boy - he's doing great!
We've started teaching a couple who live in Ohio. They have 5 children & are really interested in making sure their kids grow up with solid morals. We're really excited to see how they progress!
Tuesday - Speaking of pushing me to do my best, Sis Garbett made me do the Acoustic Demonstration for the Tabernacle!!!! Hahaha I was SO scared! We were up on stage, taking pictures of the Organ for a guest when she says "Sister - they want us to do the demonstration. You can do it! They need you!" "No way!!! YOU just did it perfectly - you do it!" Needless to say -- I felt 5 yrs old as I stood up there during the intro music thinking "My Mom made me do this." It wasn't too terrible...I just started turning 3 words too soon! So I turned around again - faced forward - started 3 words back & then finished up!!! It was terrifying - but the worst is over with. I did the Pin Drop Demonstration!!!! Wahoooo!!!!
I was talking to Sister Gilbert (who I knew at BYU-I in 2007) I mentioned I wanted to grow my hair out, "Me too! I want Miley Cyrus hair." "No way!!! ME TOO!!!" Hahaha yes we really are this ridiculous...just because we have tags - we haven't stopped being girls :)
Wednesday- We got two return appointments from finding people on Chat! We're hoping they are actually legit. You might be wondering where my subject line comes from? Chat. There are trolling websites that hire people to come onto our site & just waste our time. But they're really original & all use the same thing. So it really doesn't waste too much of our time! If they ask "How do magnets work?" "If I join, do I get a top hat?" or "Are Fireants from Hell?" --- then we say "Have a nice day." The End.
We made cookies!!! Only get this, we put in a box of vanilla pudding in the recipe -- to anyone who reads this & hasn't tried it - you have to try it! It's so good! We baked about a dozen & a half but FROZE the rest in Ziploc bags. That's right Mom - we froze them so we wouldn't eat them all at once. I know - I'm proud too :) We figured that since the mind is so powerful - if we keep telling each other "Wow! You look so skinny!" "Ya? Must be all those cookies I've been eating!" That it'll actually start to happen! Think we can trick our bodies into thinking cookies make us skinny??? Me either - but it's worth a shot!
I finally got some removable adhesive tacky stuff...whatever it's called... & put pictures up on my wall! It's so exciting!!! I've got about 50 pics! Postcards, family, friends, MTC buddies, MesaLandSquare, Temples etc. I love love love it!
I know I'm particular about organization...but I never thought I was OCD until people started mentioning it. Pop - a need to have things organized isn't a problem until it starts interfering with your daily routine, right? I need a professional backing me up here!
Wed morning I decided to focus on Charity - as my Christlike Attribute for this week. Conveniently enough, that night we had the most difficult tour Sis Garbett said she had had her entire mission!!! "Charity Never Faileth." Too true.
Alma 36:17 Talks about when Alma the Younger was harrowed up in his sins. A harrow is a farming tool used to rip up the ground in order to prepare it for planting seeds. Are you seeing the connection? It was necessary for Alma to go through this suffering & pain so that he could become the best missionary possible! It occurred to me during Personal Study this morning that all the Anti experiences we have here on TMSQ are to prepare us for the rest of our lives! Once you shake yourself off from those really unpleasant conversations -- you're just that much stronger in your testimony. At least that's what I've discovered. I know this church is true. I know it with all my heart. I have seen it bless so many lives & I know that it is Christ's church - restored to the earth again. It's true. And no amount of Anti can change that fact.
Thank you SO much for writing! I love getting your postcards, letters & emails! Sounds like everyone is doing great!
Love you all!
Sister Ainsley Marie
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
September 23, 2010
I think I've got the flu. Not positive...but I'm feeling much better today!
It's been a wonderful week here on the Square; where the Sisters are beautiful, the flowers are out of a magazine & the Temple...is still standing :)
Friday: My "look around" day -- where basically I got to take a tour of the Beehive House (awesome!!!) & see all the movies (Legacy, JS movie, The Testaments) just a familiarization...which is a word now...apparently...day! It was great!
Grandma & Pop: Remember when we were on the East side of the Joseph Smith Memorial building, looking at those two completely out of place buildings??? Well, one of them says "O.C. Tanner" on the front. Since that tells us exactly what it is?
Sis Garbett & I took these five college students on a tour through the South Visitors Center (SVC). They were from Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Uruguay & Argentina!!! Cool, huh? They are going to BYU-Provo for the English program. They all understood English very well. All except 1 were members. The one girl who wasn't, was already meeting with the missionaries & then referred her parents!!! I was only pretty much completely stoked :)
That morning during personal study, I noticed a cat outside my window. Grey & white calico with a red collar - obviously a house cat. It then proceeded to ninja it's way up this crazy curvy tree! It got about 3/4 of the way up, decided it would like to come down now please & took a solid TEN MINUTES to figure out how to get back down the tree. It was a great way to start my day.
Saturday: I had to get my picture taken for my security card [I know! I've got a security card!?!] so I stand on top of these shoe marks in the corner of this room & smile at the camera, "Hmm, ok wait. Huh...could you maybe stand on your tippie toes?" I wasn't tall enough for my picture! I had to stand on my tip toes in order to have my chin not cut off in the photo?!? Who designed an un-adjustable camera? Genius...
GET THIS: I took an unofficial Spanish tour through the Conference Center! I haven't passed it off in Spanish, so it was "illegal" -- but we were about to leave & the host asked if we knew Spanish because they couldn't figure out what the family wanted to see. I asked, they wanted to see the auditorium & the roof garden. I reported back to the Host & he asked if I could go ahead & take them there? Hence the previously mentioned & completely illegal Spanish tour :) It was AWESOME!!!
If you could buy 2.5 - 3 lbs of a variety & self-chosen candy for the low low price of $4.35 ---- would you say you had the most conveniently placed mission in the world?!?!?! Cuz that's what I said :) Across the street at Deseret Books you can buy a bag of candy (fill it to the top...no joke - the very top) for about 4 bucks!!! They have crystalized grapefruit slices, chocolate covered gummy bears, chocolate covered cinnamon bears, cc raisins, cc peanuts, minty chocolate malt balls, gummy bears, cc raspberry sticks, Milkies (ridiculously good M&M-like things) & these SUPER minty chocolate bits. It's the BEST thing ever. It's an amazing deal...maybe a "once a transfer" kinda thing ;)
Sunday: I got to see Music & the Spoken Word -- LIVE!!! They sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" & it was absolutely gorgeous! Very impressive. PRESIDENT MONSON CAME!!! But lucky us, we were sitting in the balcony that he was standing under!?!?!? Convenient, huh? It was still cool that we were in the same room though. We have church with all the Sisters together in the Joseph Smith Memorial building. It's the coolest thing! The girls who speak are the ones who are going home this transfer, so they know what they're talking about. The Priesthood is the Senior Missionary Elders - luckily, they haven't forgotten how to pass the sacrament.
Monday: Laurel sent me a necklace!!! I put it on right then & wore it the rest of the day :) It's really cute - I love it! Thanks!
That night Sis Garbett & I went into the Tabernacle around 8:45 to see if we could contact someone. Nothing. Not a soul. So what would you do if you were in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake & could do whatever you wanted? [Apart from running around like a crazy & completely irreverent person] That's right, we decided to sing! So there we were, standing on the stage - sans audience - and proceeded to sing How Great Thou Art. Turns out the acoustics really are as good as we tell everyone they are! It was so inspiring to stand on the stage of this building that was built in 1863-1875 where Brigham Young used to speak at conference AND where the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs. Heck ya.
Tuesday: I finished reading the Book of Mormon again!!! I felt so accomplished -- And yes I do mean in the legit Pride & Prejudice sort of way because I have improved my mind by extensive reading :) I don't need artifacts or a word analyzer or anyone else to tell me this book is authentic & the word of God. I know it's true. The End.
I saw Lynn Durrant & Jed Naylor!!! Lynn is headed off on a study abroad program with BYU-I & they stopped in SLC -- to see me! Ok, maybe not me but I was just a really great side effect of coming to TMSQ. Jed reported to the MTC yesterday. He hasn't changed one bit & I love it! He's so funny and he's going to make a great missionary. He asked for my sage wisdom (since I've been out for such a ridiculous amount of time...jokes) and I told him "Enjoy it! If you're not having fun - you're doing it wrong."
I had my first experience with Chat Finding! It's so interesting to think about how we can teach people the gospel over the internet...& then over the phone & THEN we can send them missionaries in their area! The first missionaries would be so proud. Most people are nice...some...not so much :( Makes me tough :) Sis Garbett says I'll get used to it & I'll start to realize how it really doesn't matter & typically they have no idea what they're talking about. Looking forward to it.
While we were out on the Square, we met a guy about our age - a little older - his name is Matt. All I have to say is that he was staring right into Sis Garbett's soul & he gave us a referral! It was the funniest thing! It was like I didn't exist! Even when I would talk - he'd look at me for two seconds then right back at her. It was the highlight of our day, simply due to its unbelievable-ness.
Wednesday: We had 6 hrs in Chat! We're so sneaky....it's our job to ask the questions - so when they ask questions, we have to use our super skills to make sure we're in charge of the conversation. I love it when people are actually interested in having a religious conversation! It's the best. Our purpose is to work with the people to the point where they would like to have the missionaries come visit them, we can teach them over the phone until they get in touch with them. So sometimes it's worked out to where, when the missionaries show up - that person already has a baptismal date set, a testimony & is done reading the Book of Mormon! This gospel really is amazing.
We had a run-in with a very disagreeable & immature 12 year old on Chat. I was mostly upset at her parents - who did not teach her better. I'm grateful that my parents taught me to be considerate of other people & to be this fantastic creature you get to read about every week :) [Said in all humility ;)]
Everyone says that Sister Garbett & I look like twins from the back. EVERYONE. It's also been decided that I'm "Garbett II" simply because she is older & got here first -- because we are so alike, in terms of personality & sense of humor. But we are different enough to make life enjoyable & interesting.
Mom: To answer your question about Sundays -- We have church at 7:30 a.m. then we're on the Square until we have training at 11:00 then lunch at home at 1:00 then personal study. Chat Finding at 3:00 Dinner at 6:00 -- Then home again by 9:00 Busy busy busy!
This week I got letters from:
Sis Maxwell
Aaron's Update
Bethany Daniel
Jesse Williams
Laurel West
My broseph Dallin :)
President Maxwell
Sister & Pres/Bishop/Bro Lee
Mom & Dad
Thanks for writing everyone! Yes I’m happy, Yes I absolutely love it, Yes I'm working hard & NO I haven't forgotten who I am - in any sense of the word :)
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Sister Ainsley
I think I've got the flu. Not positive...but I'm feeling much better today!
It's been a wonderful week here on the Square; where the Sisters are beautiful, the flowers are out of a magazine & the Temple...is still standing :)
Friday: My "look around" day -- where basically I got to take a tour of the Beehive House (awesome!!!) & see all the movies (Legacy, JS movie, The Testaments) just a familiarization...which is a word now...apparently...day! It was great!
Grandma & Pop: Remember when we were on the East side of the Joseph Smith Memorial building, looking at those two completely out of place buildings??? Well, one of them says "O.C. Tanner" on the front. Since that tells us exactly what it is?
Sis Garbett & I took these five college students on a tour through the South Visitors Center (SVC). They were from Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Uruguay & Argentina!!! Cool, huh? They are going to BYU-Provo for the English program. They all understood English very well. All except 1 were members. The one girl who wasn't, was already meeting with the missionaries & then referred her parents!!! I was only pretty much completely stoked :)
That morning during personal study, I noticed a cat outside my window. Grey & white calico with a red collar - obviously a house cat. It then proceeded to ninja it's way up this crazy curvy tree! It got about 3/4 of the way up, decided it would like to come down now please & took a solid TEN MINUTES to figure out how to get back down the tree. It was a great way to start my day.
Saturday: I had to get my picture taken for my security card [I know! I've got a security card!?!] so I stand on top of these shoe marks in the corner of this room & smile at the camera, "Hmm, ok wait. Huh...could you maybe stand on your tippie toes?" I wasn't tall enough for my picture! I had to stand on my tip toes in order to have my chin not cut off in the photo?!? Who designed an un-adjustable camera? Genius...
GET THIS: I took an unofficial Spanish tour through the Conference Center! I haven't passed it off in Spanish, so it was "illegal" -- but we were about to leave & the host asked if we knew Spanish because they couldn't figure out what the family wanted to see. I asked, they wanted to see the auditorium & the roof garden. I reported back to the Host & he asked if I could go ahead & take them there? Hence the previously mentioned & completely illegal Spanish tour :) It was AWESOME!!!
If you could buy 2.5 - 3 lbs of a variety & self-chosen candy for the low low price of $4.35 ---- would you say you had the most conveniently placed mission in the world?!?!?! Cuz that's what I said :) Across the street at Deseret Books you can buy a bag of candy (fill it to the top...no joke - the very top) for about 4 bucks!!! They have crystalized grapefruit slices, chocolate covered gummy bears, chocolate covered cinnamon bears, cc raisins, cc peanuts, minty chocolate malt balls, gummy bears, cc raspberry sticks, Milkies (ridiculously good M&M-like things) & these SUPER minty chocolate bits. It's the BEST thing ever. It's an amazing deal...maybe a "once a transfer" kinda thing ;)
Sunday: I got to see Music & the Spoken Word -- LIVE!!! They sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" & it was absolutely gorgeous! Very impressive. PRESIDENT MONSON CAME!!! But lucky us, we were sitting in the balcony that he was standing under!?!?!? Convenient, huh? It was still cool that we were in the same room though. We have church with all the Sisters together in the Joseph Smith Memorial building. It's the coolest thing! The girls who speak are the ones who are going home this transfer, so they know what they're talking about. The Priesthood is the Senior Missionary Elders - luckily, they haven't forgotten how to pass the sacrament.
Monday: Laurel sent me a necklace!!! I put it on right then & wore it the rest of the day :) It's really cute - I love it! Thanks!
That night Sis Garbett & I went into the Tabernacle around 8:45 to see if we could contact someone. Nothing. Not a soul. So what would you do if you were in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake & could do whatever you wanted? [Apart from running around like a crazy & completely irreverent person] That's right, we decided to sing! So there we were, standing on the stage - sans audience - and proceeded to sing How Great Thou Art. Turns out the acoustics really are as good as we tell everyone they are! It was so inspiring to stand on the stage of this building that was built in 1863-1875 where Brigham Young used to speak at conference AND where the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs. Heck ya.
Tuesday: I finished reading the Book of Mormon again!!! I felt so accomplished -- And yes I do mean in the legit Pride & Prejudice sort of way because I have improved my mind by extensive reading :) I don't need artifacts or a word analyzer or anyone else to tell me this book is authentic & the word of God. I know it's true. The End.
I saw Lynn Durrant & Jed Naylor!!! Lynn is headed off on a study abroad program with BYU-I & they stopped in SLC -- to see me! Ok, maybe not me but I was just a really great side effect of coming to TMSQ. Jed reported to the MTC yesterday. He hasn't changed one bit & I love it! He's so funny and he's going to make a great missionary. He asked for my sage wisdom (since I've been out for such a ridiculous amount of time...jokes) and I told him "Enjoy it! If you're not having fun - you're doing it wrong."
I had my first experience with Chat Finding! It's so interesting to think about how we can teach people the gospel over the internet...& then over the phone & THEN we can send them missionaries in their area! The first missionaries would be so proud. Most people are nice...some...not so much :( Makes me tough :) Sis Garbett says I'll get used to it & I'll start to realize how it really doesn't matter & typically they have no idea what they're talking about. Looking forward to it.
While we were out on the Square, we met a guy about our age - a little older - his name is Matt. All I have to say is that he was staring right into Sis Garbett's soul & he gave us a referral! It was the funniest thing! It was like I didn't exist! Even when I would talk - he'd look at me for two seconds then right back at her. It was the highlight of our day, simply due to its unbelievable-ness.
Wednesday: We had 6 hrs in Chat! We're so sneaky....it's our job to ask the questions - so when they ask questions, we have to use our super skills to make sure we're in charge of the conversation. I love it when people are actually interested in having a religious conversation! It's the best. Our purpose is to work with the people to the point where they would like to have the missionaries come visit them, we can teach them over the phone until they get in touch with them. So sometimes it's worked out to where, when the missionaries show up - that person already has a baptismal date set, a testimony & is done reading the Book of Mormon! This gospel really is amazing.
We had a run-in with a very disagreeable & immature 12 year old on Chat. I was mostly upset at her parents - who did not teach her better. I'm grateful that my parents taught me to be considerate of other people & to be this fantastic creature you get to read about every week :) [Said in all humility ;)]
Everyone says that Sister Garbett & I look like twins from the back. EVERYONE. It's also been decided that I'm "Garbett II" simply because she is older & got here first -- because we are so alike, in terms of personality & sense of humor. But we are different enough to make life enjoyable & interesting.
Mom: To answer your question about Sundays -- We have church at 7:30 a.m. then we're on the Square until we have training at 11:00 then lunch at home at 1:00 then personal study. Chat Finding at 3:00 Dinner at 6:00 -- Then home again by 9:00 Busy busy busy!
This week I got letters from:
Sis Maxwell
Aaron's Update
Bethany Daniel
Jesse Williams
Laurel West
My broseph Dallin :)
President Maxwell
Sister & Pres/Bishop/Bro Lee
Mom & Dad
Thanks for writing everyone! Yes I’m happy, Yes I absolutely love it, Yes I'm working hard & NO I haven't forgotten who I am - in any sense of the word :)
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Sister Ainsley
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Here...let's shove you off the cliff called "your comfort zone" -- it'll be fun :)
First: I have a PAGER!!!!!! hahaha I feel so 2003 :) or whenever & IF ever pagers were big...
Hello everyone! I hope this update finds you all well & that you're staying awesome.
I forgot to mention this about 3 weeks ago. So it was our second Sunday. For Sacrament meetings the Branch President calls on two missionaries to speak -- right before you have to get up. So everyone prepares a talk every Sunday. Ladies & Gentlemen -- that's correct -- President Cook asked me to speak on my second Sunday!!! I felt kinda special :) It went really well, I had references from PMG, the scriptures & True to the Faith. Oh ya.
I finished up my last week at the MTC by FINALLY trying the chocolate milk! It IS really good :)
On Saturday we had a field trip for all the VC (visitors center) sisters! We went to Temple Square & got to contact with one of the Sisters. It was awesome! And yes Josh Petersen was correct in saying he saw me :) It WAS me! I wasn't officially ON the Square yet though, hence the confusion.
Wednesday morning we got up at 4:00 & got ready, finished packing & cleaned. Hauled our stuff down by the gym & loaded up! We got to sit with our Elders & talk on the way to the airport. We sang some hymns (we're such missionaries - i know) & played 20 Questions. We dropped them off at the airport then drove the really super ridiculously extensive 15 minutes to our mission!!!
We met with President & Sister Holmes in groups of 5, to start off with. They're really nice, but let's just say they have a bit of a sinister sense of humor :) He said this is the hardest mission in the world. We have to know more & be the best because we teach more & contact more & therefore automatically need to BE more. I'm pumped for the challenge!
I mentioned I have conversational skills & a testimony in Spanish -- & so for the intro meeting of the New Sisters he said "And Sister Despain from North Carolina: English & Spanish." And I'm going -- remember that part where I emphasized that I'm not fluent!!?!?!? hahahaha But he said they would test me & he'd like me to work on passing off the Spanish tour!!! I'm so excited!!!
I'm in Zone 2 of Teaching & Finding. Which means we contact all over the Square for part of the day & then work in the Call Center & with the Chat application on mormon.org -- I'm totally stoked!!!
We had pizza for lunch - after our meeting with the Holmes' (yay) & then we got a picture with them & then we went up on the Square & started contacting!
Get this: We met a lady from Germany who was in the South VC. She & her husband are 3 months into a year long roadtrip on their motorbike. They started in ALASKA & will make it to the southernmost tip of SOUTH AMERICA in 9 months. HOW AWESOME IS THAT!??!?! What's even cooler, is she wanted to refer but doesn't have an address for the aforementioned reason. So we got her e-mail address & we can hopefully keep in touch with her over the next 9 months until she has an actual house.
We went shopping at Wal-mart yesterday afternoon so we could have some basics until P-day(today...convenient, huh?) & this particular store has an escalator for your shopping cart!!!! It's got a 2 level parking deck - hence the need for the escalator. It was THE coolest!
We were walking in & this 6 year old boy passed us & said "Hi Sisters!" and then I felt pretty great :) I'M A SISTER MISSIONARY!!!
I got my official tag with the American flag underneath it. And my pager & this super cool magnetic wallet thingy....ya...idk what else to call it :)
After shopping, we went home - I unpacked & we got all settled in, made some dinner (ritz cracker/meat/cheese creation -- delicious btw) did some planning then hit the hay!
Today we were on the Square by 9:00 contacted until 12 then had CompStudy until 12:30 at which point we had a DAP(Designated Apartment Person --- not even joking) meeting, where we went over cleanliness rules, apartment checks etc. And get this: I played the piano for the opening hymn!!! Granted, Sis Garbett volunteered me...but the POINT is I played with people singing! And I didn't even mess up! I thought everyone played piano - which is why I never volunteer...but turns out pretty much NO one plays???? blew my mind! But it's made me more willing to play.
Once we got into Visitors' Center training (MTC) I had this identity crisis because I have a hard time being myself in a room full of 22 equally awesome girls - it's intimidating & quite frankly, not one of my favorite things. BUT my teacher Sister Murphy heard me joking around with some of the Elders(cuz they're WAY less intimidating than Sisters) that had come in for teaching & she said I was hilarious & I really needed to bring my personality out more in class!!! Done. So I did! I worked on it! And since about last Friday -- I've been able to be myself AND be Sister Despain.
Sister Garbett is my first TMSQ companion, she's from California & is so far the greatest trainer in the world. One of the most important things she's already taught me is that maintaining your personality as a missionary is really important. She said, "If God wanted robots -- he would have made robots. But He didn't -- He made us instead & gave us each a different personality! So use it! BE YOURSELF! And sometimes that ends up being the key in teaching people!"
It's been fantastic!!! Definitely HARD but SO great. I've never had this much of a challenge to overcome -- but I am SO EXCITED for the day that I can feel totally confident here on the Square.
All my love & best wishes,
Sister Ainsley Marie
Brother Scadden: I have some sad news. No decorum/etiquette training. It's true -- they're not going to teach my how to talk or walk or sit or any of the other things you were so excited for me to learn! I understand if you're really broken up about this news. My trainer is going to have to deal with the ruggedy hoodlum that I am :)
Aunt Cathie: Feel better soon!
Gma & Pop: How was your trip? Thanks for the letter you wrote me!
SISTER MAXWELL!!!!!!!! You are so timely :) Getting to read your letter on my last day in the MTC was perfect!
Sis Maria Thomas: Thanks so much for your letter! I got it on my first day here at TempleSquare -- to answer your question: Our Elders DID leave a week before us because we had an additional week of VC training. At that point we combined with ALL the other VC sisters (DC & TMSQ) to form our own class. About 22 girls. For Sunday meetings we meet with our regular zone. Then for district meetings we just hopped in with the district of Elders one week behind us! Thanks for the updates on your family! I can't believe Brooke is almost home!?!?!
Hello everyone! I hope this update finds you all well & that you're staying awesome.
I forgot to mention this about 3 weeks ago. So it was our second Sunday. For Sacrament meetings the Branch President calls on two missionaries to speak -- right before you have to get up. So everyone prepares a talk every Sunday. Ladies & Gentlemen -- that's correct -- President Cook asked me to speak on my second Sunday!!! I felt kinda special :) It went really well, I had references from PMG, the scriptures & True to the Faith. Oh ya.
I finished up my last week at the MTC by FINALLY trying the chocolate milk! It IS really good :)
On Saturday we had a field trip for all the VC (visitors center) sisters! We went to Temple Square & got to contact with one of the Sisters. It was awesome! And yes Josh Petersen was correct in saying he saw me :) It WAS me! I wasn't officially ON the Square yet though, hence the confusion.
Wednesday morning we got up at 4:00 & got ready, finished packing & cleaned. Hauled our stuff down by the gym & loaded up! We got to sit with our Elders & talk on the way to the airport. We sang some hymns (we're such missionaries - i know) & played 20 Questions. We dropped them off at the airport then drove the really super ridiculously extensive 15 minutes to our mission!!!
We met with President & Sister Holmes in groups of 5, to start off with. They're really nice, but let's just say they have a bit of a sinister sense of humor :) He said this is the hardest mission in the world. We have to know more & be the best because we teach more & contact more & therefore automatically need to BE more. I'm pumped for the challenge!
I mentioned I have conversational skills & a testimony in Spanish -- & so for the intro meeting of the New Sisters he said "And Sister Despain from North Carolina: English & Spanish." And I'm going -- remember that part where I emphasized that I'm not fluent!!?!?!? hahahaha But he said they would test me & he'd like me to work on passing off the Spanish tour!!! I'm so excited!!!
I'm in Zone 2 of Teaching & Finding. Which means we contact all over the Square for part of the day & then work in the Call Center & with the Chat application on mormon.org -- I'm totally stoked!!!
We had pizza for lunch - after our meeting with the Holmes' (yay) & then we got a picture with them & then we went up on the Square & started contacting!
Get this: We met a lady from Germany who was in the South VC. She & her husband are 3 months into a year long roadtrip on their motorbike. They started in ALASKA & will make it to the southernmost tip of SOUTH AMERICA in 9 months. HOW AWESOME IS THAT!??!?! What's even cooler, is she wanted to refer but doesn't have an address for the aforementioned reason. So we got her e-mail address & we can hopefully keep in touch with her over the next 9 months until she has an actual house.
We went shopping at Wal-mart yesterday afternoon so we could have some basics until P-day(today...convenient, huh?) & this particular store has an escalator for your shopping cart!!!! It's got a 2 level parking deck - hence the need for the escalator. It was THE coolest!
We were walking in & this 6 year old boy passed us & said "Hi Sisters!" and then I felt pretty great :) I'M A SISTER MISSIONARY!!!
I got my official tag with the American flag underneath it. And my pager & this super cool magnetic wallet thingy....ya...idk what else to call it :)
After shopping, we went home - I unpacked & we got all settled in, made some dinner (ritz cracker/meat/cheese creation -- delicious btw) did some planning then hit the hay!
Today we were on the Square by 9:00 contacted until 12 then had CompStudy until 12:30 at which point we had a DAP(Designated Apartment Person --- not even joking) meeting, where we went over cleanliness rules, apartment checks etc. And get this: I played the piano for the opening hymn!!! Granted, Sis Garbett volunteered me...but the POINT is I played with people singing! And I didn't even mess up! I thought everyone played piano - which is why I never volunteer...but turns out pretty much NO one plays???? blew my mind! But it's made me more willing to play.
Once we got into Visitors' Center training (MTC) I had this identity crisis because I have a hard time being myself in a room full of 22 equally awesome girls - it's intimidating & quite frankly, not one of my favorite things. BUT my teacher Sister Murphy heard me joking around with some of the Elders(cuz they're WAY less intimidating than Sisters) that had come in for teaching & she said I was hilarious & I really needed to bring my personality out more in class!!! Done. So I did! I worked on it! And since about last Friday -- I've been able to be myself AND be Sister Despain.
Sister Garbett is my first TMSQ companion, she's from California & is so far the greatest trainer in the world. One of the most important things she's already taught me is that maintaining your personality as a missionary is really important. She said, "If God wanted robots -- he would have made robots. But He didn't -- He made us instead & gave us each a different personality! So use it! BE YOURSELF! And sometimes that ends up being the key in teaching people!"
It's been fantastic!!! Definitely HARD but SO great. I've never had this much of a challenge to overcome -- but I am SO EXCITED for the day that I can feel totally confident here on the Square.
All my love & best wishes,
Sister Ainsley Marie
Brother Scadden: I have some sad news. No decorum/etiquette training. It's true -- they're not going to teach my how to talk or walk or sit or any of the other things you were so excited for me to learn! I understand if you're really broken up about this news. My trainer is going to have to deal with the ruggedy hoodlum that I am :)
Aunt Cathie: Feel better soon!
Gma & Pop: How was your trip? Thanks for the letter you wrote me!
SISTER MAXWELL!!!!!!!! You are so timely :) Getting to read your letter on my last day in the MTC was perfect!
Sis Maria Thomas: Thanks so much for your letter! I got it on my first day here at TempleSquare -- to answer your question: Our Elders DID leave a week before us because we had an additional week of VC training. At that point we combined with ALL the other VC sisters (DC & TMSQ) to form our own class. About 22 girls. For Sunday meetings we meet with our regular zone. Then for district meetings we just hopped in with the district of Elders one week behind us! Thanks for the updates on your family! I can't believe Brooke is almost home!?!?!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sister Ainsley sighting
Josh Petersen sent the following: "I was in Salt Lake City and went to temple square, and saw your daughter serving as Sister Despain, and wanted you to know she was doing a great job and was very happy serving the Lord. My friend and I got her and her companion to give us a tour, so it was good to see her and also someone from back home, and I just wanted you to know she was doing great and working hard for the Lord."
Friday, September 10, 2010
"So, THIS is what it's like to have no friends."
Hello Everyone!!!
Yet another week at the MTC has come & gone and it's been quite eventful!
The TAs (Teaching Appointments) at the TRC (Training Resource Center) here at the MTC (we love acronyms can you tell?) are one of my favorite things to do. They're kind of nerve wracking though! So we know just the basics about our "investigator" [usually just volunteers who live in Provo] & we go in & try to meet their needs through our lesson! Friday was our last TA as MesaLandSquare. There we all were, squashed in this teeny room with super short couches, all nervous & praying & discussing lesson plans. Then the bell chimes. And we all file out. Each companionship has a room number that we find & stand outside of. We take a deep breath as we all pass each other, everyone's wishing each other good luck & giving everyone high fives :) Then we knock on the door. (AHHHH!!!!!!!!) The person opens the door, wonderfully pleasant salutations are given & received & we dive on in!
We had our second lesson with "Terelynn" -- she's a very nice lady but the questions she asked -- I was thinking "Do I LOOK like the prophet!??!?" My mind went blank - we're talking all white & fuzzy snowglobe effect. So 3 or 4 times I had to pull a " Sister Shaw?..." hahahaha hoping she'd come up with something :) "Why do only men have the priesthood? Women must have a hard time with that - don't they get offended?" "Why didn't my baptism count? Are you saying my minister's authority isn't from God?" I kept thinking, "You're not supposed to ASK these questions yet!!!" it was hysterical.
Speaking of hysterical...Tuesday night, we decided to try out some "Matrix Pictures" in our hall. Ironing board & all. They look awesome! So there we were - I'm taking pictures now, Sister Shaw & Sis Hansen are actually posing -- I'm snapping away & who should swipe her card to open our hall door but Sister Baird, one of our Branch Presidency wives!!!! I start laughing & jump up & down & tell the other girls that she's walking in -- HERE'S the funny part. You have to cover the ironing board with your sweatshirt etc. so Sis Hansen is laying upside down on the board STUCK because she can't get her own sweatshirt off the board without falling off! In comes Sis Baird - the two of us are standing around Hansen like this is completely normal & why should this situation appear to be ridiculous at all? Sis Baird laughed SO hard :) We unstuck Hansen & Sis Baird just came to visit us for a few minutes. She told us to "stay matrix young" :) I'll send pictures...
In our branch meeting this week after devotional (Lowell Snow) President Cook said "Everything you learn here will bless the rest of your life."
These 18/24 months are the "best 2 years" FOR your life -- & we've already come to see that it's true.
Our Elders reported to their missions Wednesday morning. So Tuesday night we had a mini testimony/favorite memory meeting. It was perfect :) The Elders thanked me for being a great example & for listening to them & for making them laugh :) Elder Brown said I reminded him of a future first lady cuz I always look perfect! (Yesss!!!)
My subject line came from dinner two nights ago -- we ate EVERY meal with our Elders & now that they're gone we don't really wanna make new friends...so we were sitting there just the 4 of us & Sis Hansen says, " So THIS is what it's like to have no friends."
We miss our Elders but we know they're working hard - we taught them well :)
Miss you all!
Sis Ainsley Marie
Yet another week at the MTC has come & gone and it's been quite eventful!
The TAs (Teaching Appointments) at the TRC (Training Resource Center) here at the MTC (we love acronyms can you tell?) are one of my favorite things to do. They're kind of nerve wracking though! So we know just the basics about our "investigator" [usually just volunteers who live in Provo] & we go in & try to meet their needs through our lesson! Friday was our last TA as MesaLandSquare. There we all were, squashed in this teeny room with super short couches, all nervous & praying & discussing lesson plans. Then the bell chimes. And we all file out. Each companionship has a room number that we find & stand outside of. We take a deep breath as we all pass each other, everyone's wishing each other good luck & giving everyone high fives :) Then we knock on the door. (AHHHH!!!!!!!!) The person opens the door, wonderfully pleasant salutations are given & received & we dive on in!
We had our second lesson with "Terelynn" -- she's a very nice lady but the questions she asked -- I was thinking "Do I LOOK like the prophet!??!?" My mind went blank - we're talking all white & fuzzy snowglobe effect. So 3 or 4 times I had to pull a " Sister Shaw?..." hahahaha hoping she'd come up with something :) "Why do only men have the priesthood? Women must have a hard time with that - don't they get offended?" "Why didn't my baptism count? Are you saying my minister's authority isn't from God?" I kept thinking, "You're not supposed to ASK these questions yet!!!" it was hysterical.
Speaking of hysterical...Tuesday night, we decided to try out some "Matrix Pictures" in our hall. Ironing board & all. They look awesome! So there we were - I'm taking pictures now, Sister Shaw & Sis Hansen are actually posing -- I'm snapping away & who should swipe her card to open our hall door but Sister Baird, one of our Branch Presidency wives!!!! I start laughing & jump up & down & tell the other girls that she's walking in -- HERE'S the funny part. You have to cover the ironing board with your sweatshirt etc. so Sis Hansen is laying upside down on the board STUCK because she can't get her own sweatshirt off the board without falling off! In comes Sis Baird - the two of us are standing around Hansen like this is completely normal & why should this situation appear to be ridiculous at all? Sis Baird laughed SO hard :) We unstuck Hansen & Sis Baird just came to visit us for a few minutes. She told us to "stay matrix young" :) I'll send pictures...
In our branch meeting this week after devotional (Lowell Snow) President Cook said "Everything you learn here will bless the rest of your life."
These 18/24 months are the "best 2 years" FOR your life -- & we've already come to see that it's true.
Our Elders reported to their missions Wednesday morning. So Tuesday night we had a mini testimony/favorite memory meeting. It was perfect :) The Elders thanked me for being a great example & for listening to them & for making them laugh :) Elder Brown said I reminded him of a future first lady cuz I always look perfect! (Yesss!!!)
My subject line came from dinner two nights ago -- we ate EVERY meal with our Elders & now that they're gone we don't really wanna make new friends...so we were sitting there just the 4 of us & Sis Hansen says, " So THIS is what it's like to have no friends."
We miss our Elders but we know they're working hard - we taught them well :)
Miss you all!
Sis Ainsley Marie
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sunrise Sunset
Hey Everyone!!!
Friday: My teacher Brother Ferreday called us in for personal interviews - to see how we were doing & I'm SO glad he did. So I was fine for 3.1 seconds before I started crying & basically poured my soul out to him. He's an amazing teacher & only 2 years older than us...so he's more like a big brother. Which I really needed. I felt so much better after I told him some of my frustrations & he gave me great advice! He thanked me "for being a saint" & all was well.
Saturday: Bro Ferreday wanted Sis Keddington to talk to me - in case there were some things I couldn't talk about with him -- so I told her everything(without crying) & she had fantastic advice too! Looks like I've got to focus on having a greater love for everyone :)
Sunday: At Music & the Spoken Word, they sang "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof! It was really beautiful & made me think of good ole Brother/President/Bishop Lee when he sang it eons ago :) good times
Monday: I got SIX letters!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you all for writing me! I felt really special getting so much mail -- it's great to hear how everyone is doing! That night at dinner Elder Bake recounted the story of "Rumplestiltskin" to me -- I was a tad fuzzy on the details so he cleared it up for me. Apparently his little siblings watched the movie a lot before he left....riiiiight :)
Tuesday: During comp study...or some other really important activity...the Elders started talking politics -- great, huh? When I reminded them "no politics" they said it was probably because I don't have an opinion on anything. Which is totally NOT true! Which they ALL know....so then Elder Edwards proceeded to bring up every single controversial political topic to see if I would crack & debate with him. Gotta say - that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to sit through. It was pretty hilarious though. I didn't crack though! District next door has ELDER MCCULLOGH who is going out with Alyssa Rentz in the Garner ward who knows Shannon West whose sister Laurel - is my best friend!!! WEIRD!!!
Wednesday: NEVER thought this would happen -- but I taught a sister how to iron!?!??!?! I guess I thought everyone especially the sisters would know how to iron...it was interesting & she is very proud of her new found skill :) Our district got to host yesterday! I hosted a sister from Virginia!!! Her name is April Todd & she was really sweet. I hate the elevators in 17M & I'm glad I have 3 flights of stairs to deal with everyday. So much easier. Elder Bake got a package at mail time -- when I asked what was in it he gave me a strawberry fruit strip! SCORE!!! Who knew a fruit strip could make you so happy?!? During class, I made the mistake of bringing up the point that "I love very few people. And I think I might view love a little differently than other people..." I have hereby been deemed heartless & without a soul ;) My POINT though, was that some people know someone for a day & then say "I love you" & I think it's nonsensical & illogical. I KNOW there's a difference between Christ-like love & 'family love' but here's the thing -- Christ knows EVERYTHING about everyone & yet he still loves them. So I reserve the right to get to know someone for more than a day before I say "I love you". The End.
Thursday: Sister Hansen & I have been exchanging as comps a lot lately & we both love it :) The temple was fantastic. I am so excited for SLC! Lunch with everyone was great -- Elder Bake got me a dreamscicle even though I didn't ask for it & I was successful at eating it!!! That's right! No "A Christmas Story" action today!!! I feel so accomplished :)
I PROMISE I'll write everyone as soon as I can! I've actually got time today for letters so be on the lookout! They print DearElder letters after lunch & dinner -- just so you know. Write me write me! I'll get back to you STASAP!
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!
~Sis. Ains
Friday: My teacher Brother Ferreday called us in for personal interviews - to see how we were doing & I'm SO glad he did. So I was fine for 3.1 seconds before I started crying & basically poured my soul out to him. He's an amazing teacher & only 2 years older than us...so he's more like a big brother. Which I really needed. I felt so much better after I told him some of my frustrations & he gave me great advice! He thanked me "for being a saint" & all was well.
Saturday: Bro Ferreday wanted Sis Keddington to talk to me - in case there were some things I couldn't talk about with him -- so I told her everything(without crying) & she had fantastic advice too! Looks like I've got to focus on having a greater love for everyone :)
Sunday: At Music & the Spoken Word, they sang "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof! It was really beautiful & made me think of good ole Brother/President/Bishop Lee when he sang it eons ago :) good times
Monday: I got SIX letters!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you all for writing me! I felt really special getting so much mail -- it's great to hear how everyone is doing! That night at dinner Elder Bake recounted the story of "Rumplestiltskin" to me -- I was a tad fuzzy on the details so he cleared it up for me. Apparently his little siblings watched the movie a lot before he left....riiiiight :)
Tuesday: During comp study...or some other really important activity...the Elders started talking politics -- great, huh? When I reminded them "no politics" they said it was probably because I don't have an opinion on anything. Which is totally NOT true! Which they ALL know....so then Elder Edwards proceeded to bring up every single controversial political topic to see if I would crack & debate with him. Gotta say - that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to sit through. It was pretty hilarious though. I didn't crack though! District next door has ELDER MCCULLOGH who is going out with Alyssa Rentz in the Garner ward who knows Shannon West whose sister Laurel - is my best friend!!! WEIRD!!!
Wednesday: NEVER thought this would happen -- but I taught a sister how to iron!?!??!?! I guess I thought everyone especially the sisters would know how to iron...it was interesting & she is very proud of her new found skill :) Our district got to host yesterday! I hosted a sister from Virginia!!! Her name is April Todd & she was really sweet. I hate the elevators in 17M & I'm glad I have 3 flights of stairs to deal with everyday. So much easier. Elder Bake got a package at mail time -- when I asked what was in it he gave me a strawberry fruit strip! SCORE!!! Who knew a fruit strip could make you so happy?!? During class, I made the mistake of bringing up the point that "I love very few people. And I think I might view love a little differently than other people..." I have hereby been deemed heartless & without a soul ;) My POINT though, was that some people know someone for a day & then say "I love you" & I think it's nonsensical & illogical. I KNOW there's a difference between Christ-like love & 'family love' but here's the thing -- Christ knows EVERYTHING about everyone & yet he still loves them. So I reserve the right to get to know someone for more than a day before I say "I love you". The End.
Thursday: Sister Hansen & I have been exchanging as comps a lot lately & we both love it :) The temple was fantastic. I am so excited for SLC! Lunch with everyone was great -- Elder Bake got me a dreamscicle even though I didn't ask for it & I was successful at eating it!!! That's right! No "A Christmas Story" action today!!! I feel so accomplished :)
I PROMISE I'll write everyone as soon as I can! I've actually got time today for letters so be on the lookout! They print DearElder letters after lunch & dinner -- just so you know. Write me write me! I'll get back to you STASAP!
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!
~Sis. Ains
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