Monday, December 29, 2014
79th blog Hello Ffffaaaaaa-fffaaaaaa-mmmmmm-iiiiii-lllllleeeeeee
Ffffaaaaaa-fffaaaaaa-mmmmmm-iiiiii-lllllleeeeeee.
Stats time: now that Hermana Cook has taken over the role of Mission Nurse and I am a consulting nurse and translator. Therefore, my time as nurse is coming to close... of course it is my calling until I leave here the 19th, but I'm training to retire :). Sooooo, I have taken a rough count of how many nursing calls I received in 18 months..... 1,500. HOLY SMOKES! That's a lot of sick missionaries.
Speaking of sick missionaries. I do not understand what is going on in the mission. The weirdest things are happening and we're sending a ton of missionaries to the clinic. Gallbladder removal, Christmas day ankle injury, etc. We were doing so good for a while and then boom! it all came a crashing down. I'll blame it on the month of December.
This is necessary. Nurse News Flash: we have broken the head of a femur here in Chile Santiago Este. I wouldn't be surprised to say it's a first. How do you do it? You jump down 3 stairs in your house onto a freshly mopped floor (unknowlingly). How to fix it? Surgery to make sure you don't cut off too much blood supply to your leg and lose it... and lots of time in the hospital and the mission home. What really stinks? It's his last 6 weeks in the mission. How to prevent it? Stay on your 2 feet at all times and all places. =) Good job Elder, you've made history. SMH. Hahahaha. He's doing just fine. Reading lots of scriptures and sleeping a ton.
December 2014: record month for craziness in my entire mission. We've had sooo many meetings, activities, and uuggghh never a dull moment. However, I truly loved this month, even though it was difficult to schedule everything. Christmas was great! It actually felt like Christmas this year. December was amazing!
Family!!! We got to see each other even if it was in the bathroom! Guess what... Few weeks more and it will be even better. I loved talking to you all, laughing together, and getting made fun of. Thanks. Love you all too. :) But we didn't take any pictures! :(
The best ward idea ever: give 4 families Christmas Eve dinner with the ward's funds. I wish I could have been there to see their faces. Man, do I love service. Thanks Mom for inbreding that Godly principle in my life. I hope you all were able to serve someone this Christmas. That's what makes the day His day. Now may we all do it throughout the year.
Sooo, it was my last summer Christmas. It's so funny to me that the Chileans think it is terrible to have snow or for it to be cold at Christmas time. They like to go to the beach, have BBQs Christmas Eve for their Christmas dinner, stay up until midnight (of Christmas Eve) to open gifts, etc. Really they celebrate Christmas the night of the 24th and don't even wait cor the 25th to arrive. Haha. The traditions here are very different than at home. I can't imagine living in a place with summery Christmas and they can't imagine it in winter. Haha.
Christmas Eve we ate with the Familia Muñoz. Pizza. :) What a funny Christmas dinner, but it was good. Then we watched and talked about El es la Dádiva. We talked about how the invitation and message of the video is to "discover" and "accept" the gift, Christ. We had just been reading in our studies in the morning of how powerful our prayers can be. I know our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us; He loves us. He wants us to have what He has and know what He knows. So He gives us the opportunity to talk with Him; at times, we really talk to Him and others we just sound like a person ordering pizza. If we want to learn spiritual truths and enjoy the Spirit more in our lives, prayer is essential.
Late Christmas Eve (12am) we opened up some of the gifts. That's how the Chileans do it, so when in Chile... I was able to hand out the gifts from Patti Riggs to the 4 other Hermanas here in the house. They absolutely loved them and immediately started eating the candy. I think I heard: "I love Patti.", "Patti is my new best friend." and "THANKYOU Patti." at least 10 times. Haha. They loved the American candy! Thankyou so much!!! :) After we opened some gifts, we read The Living Christ together and talked about the meaning of Christmas. It was a wonderful moment together. Then we went to bed. Haha. Only to wake up in the morning, shower, study, stuff our faces with Hermana Grannis and Hermana Williams, and Skype with you guys. Then we went out to work in the evening and taught some great people. And that was Christmas! :)
Just for giggles: we contacted a sweet young lady last week who has some mental challenges, but is the happiest being I've ever seen. She talked about her friends and how happy she is almost the entire time. Then it came to explaining who we were. So we said, "Nosotras somos Mormonas." (we are Mormons) and she totally heard and understood, "Nosotras somos monjas." (we are nuns). Hahaha. It was quite a funny moment when we realized she thought we were nuns. :)
Sick. Sick. Sick. I have been SICK! It's hanging on for dead life; I am too. No voice for days. Fevers. Strep throat. Sinus infection. Etc. I think I'm sicker than when I had Swine Flu. I started on antibiotics, received the most precious Priesthood Blessing ever from Elder Mamani and Elder Vasquez, and slowed down to rest a little. I'm glad I've got more time to heal and am not coming home today. That would be miserable! Blessings of extending. :)
I've had a lot of time to think recently about school and what I'm gonna do. But wait for it... I still haven't decided. :) I have been quite bent on not going back and thinking 'for what?'. Until, our "How to Go Home and be Independent workshop"... I came up with this... Why be content with the education that you have?! You're young. You could work full time and school part time. Or work part time and school part time. You don't have to go into debt for it. Go for it. You'll use that knowledge for the rest of your life. Always continue learning. You can do online classes if needed.... Soooo... I'm more open to the idea now. Still haven't made the decision yet, but at least I've come to the conclusion that it's a reasonable idea.
Luke 2:8-18. I noticed something this week as I was studying about the birth of the Savior. Read the scriptures. Focus on the shepherds.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
The shepherds heard the angel, believed him, decided to act upon his words (unknowing the results), went and saw the baby Jesus, felt it was something to share, and went out and shared it. And because of all of that, they affected the lives of many others. I'd never seen before that they were shepherd missionaries! How cool is that!
Love you all! Go out and be missionaries! Make known abroad the saying which was told...concerning this (Christ) child!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Make some goals for 2015. Write them down. =)
Love love love.
Brooklyn
Stats time: now that Hermana Cook has taken over the role of Mission Nurse and I am a consulting nurse and translator. Therefore, my time as nurse is coming to close... of course it is my calling until I leave here the 19th, but I'm training to retire :). Sooooo, I have taken a rough count of how many nursing calls I received in 18 months..... 1,500. HOLY SMOKES! That's a lot of sick missionaries.
Speaking of sick missionaries. I do not understand what is going on in the mission. The weirdest things are happening and we're sending a ton of missionaries to the clinic. Gallbladder removal, Christmas day ankle injury, etc. We were doing so good for a while and then boom! it all came a crashing down. I'll blame it on the month of December.
This is necessary. Nurse News Flash: we have broken the head of a femur here in Chile Santiago Este. I wouldn't be surprised to say it's a first. How do you do it? You jump down 3 stairs in your house onto a freshly mopped floor (unknowlingly). How to fix it? Surgery to make sure you don't cut off too much blood supply to your leg and lose it... and lots of time in the hospital and the mission home. What really stinks? It's his last 6 weeks in the mission. How to prevent it? Stay on your 2 feet at all times and all places. =) Good job Elder, you've made history. SMH. Hahahaha. He's doing just fine. Reading lots of scriptures and sleeping a ton.
December 2014: record month for craziness in my entire mission. We've had sooo many meetings, activities, and uuggghh never a dull moment. However, I truly loved this month, even though it was difficult to schedule everything. Christmas was great! It actually felt like Christmas this year. December was amazing!
Family!!! We got to see each other even if it was in the bathroom! Guess what... Few weeks more and it will be even better. I loved talking to you all, laughing together, and getting made fun of. Thanks. Love you all too. :) But we didn't take any pictures! :(
The best ward idea ever: give 4 families Christmas Eve dinner with the ward's funds. I wish I could have been there to see their faces. Man, do I love service. Thanks Mom for inbreding that Godly principle in my life. I hope you all were able to serve someone this Christmas. That's what makes the day His day. Now may we all do it throughout the year.
Sooo, it was my last summer Christmas. It's so funny to me that the Chileans think it is terrible to have snow or for it to be cold at Christmas time. They like to go to the beach, have BBQs Christmas Eve for their Christmas dinner, stay up until midnight (of Christmas Eve) to open gifts, etc. Really they celebrate Christmas the night of the 24th and don't even wait cor the 25th to arrive. Haha. The traditions here are very different than at home. I can't imagine living in a place with summery Christmas and they can't imagine it in winter. Haha.
Christmas Eve we ate with the Familia Muñoz. Pizza. :) What a funny Christmas dinner, but it was good. Then we watched and talked about El es la Dádiva. We talked about how the invitation and message of the video is to "discover" and "accept" the gift, Christ. We had just been reading in our studies in the morning of how powerful our prayers can be. I know our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us; He loves us. He wants us to have what He has and know what He knows. So He gives us the opportunity to talk with Him; at times, we really talk to Him and others we just sound like a person ordering pizza. If we want to learn spiritual truths and enjoy the Spirit more in our lives, prayer is essential.
Just for giggles: we contacted a sweet young lady last week who has some mental challenges, but is the happiest being I've ever seen. She talked about her friends and how happy she is almost the entire time. Then it came to explaining who we were. So we said, "Nosotras somos Mormonas." (we are Mormons) and she totally heard and understood, "Nosotras somos monjas." (we are nuns). Hahaha. It was quite a funny moment when we realized she thought we were nuns. :)
Sick. Sick. Sick. I have been SICK! It's hanging on for dead life; I am too. No voice for days. Fevers. Strep throat. Sinus infection. Etc. I think I'm sicker than when I had Swine Flu. I started on antibiotics, received the most precious Priesthood Blessing ever from Elder Mamani and Elder Vasquez, and slowed down to rest a little. I'm glad I've got more time to heal and am not coming home today. That would be miserable! Blessings of extending. :)
I've had a lot of time to think recently about school and what I'm gonna do. But wait for it... I still haven't decided. :) I have been quite bent on not going back and thinking 'for what?'. Until, our "How to Go Home and be Independent workshop"... I came up with this... Why be content with the education that you have?! You're young. You could work full time and school part time. Or work part time and school part time. You don't have to go into debt for it. Go for it. You'll use that knowledge for the rest of your life. Always continue learning. You can do online classes if needed.... Soooo... I'm more open to the idea now. Still haven't made the decision yet, but at least I've come to the conclusion that it's a reasonable idea.
Luke 2:8-18. I noticed something this week as I was studying about the birth of the Savior. Read the scriptures. Focus on the shepherds.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
The shepherds heard the angel, believed him, decided to act upon his words (unknowing the results), went and saw the baby Jesus, felt it was something to share, and went out and shared it. And because of all of that, they affected the lives of many others. I'd never seen before that they were shepherd missionaries! How cool is that!
Love you all! Go out and be missionaries! Make known abroad the saying which was told...concerning this (Christ) child!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Make some goals for 2015. Write them down. =)
Love love love.
Brooklyn
78 Blog Pictures of the one and only Hermana Talbot
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| The whole entire mission!!! |
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| picture of the mission. Cool huh? |
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| President Wright, Hermana Wright, and me. This was our Day of Honor at their house. |
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| Talent Show at J.P. Alessandri! Clarina and Miguel came. |
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| This dog followed us to church... waited 3 1/2 hours for us in the church parking lot... and walked us home after (30 minute walk). We named him Joaquin. |
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| FELIZ NAVIDAD!!! |
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| I got cards and a package this week! Thanks to Mom, Patti, Joy, and Dr. & Hna Johnson. HAPPY HAPPY GIRL |
78th Blog….. Calling all of the hooligans in Hooliganville
78th Blog of Hermana Talbot
Family... Dearest hooligans... Hi. :)
18 months in the mission!!!! One more to go for the record of 19 months! I spent this special day in the temple and at President's house. It can't get any better than that!
Alejandro had a break through with family history! First time sitting down at the computer with the family history consultant, Solange, and he had a great time! He came to the computer not knowing who anyone was after his parents... and he left knowing his grandparents. :) Gotta love family history!
Story time: we got a reference from the office of a Juan Ignacio. He's 21 years old and is absolutely wonderful. We met him that same day and set up an appointment for 2 days later. Thursday came and we taught him in a park. We simply asked him, "For you, who is God?". I cannot even express what I felt as he told us his feelings about God, his Heavenly Father. He spoke of a father, someone who loves him and knows him. He spoke of someone who is interested in his life and who is there to help in every way. I sat there astounded. I felt the Spirit as he was talking. My eyes filled with tears and I felt edified by my investigator's testimony. I never realized how much these people can and are changing me. My testimony is much stronger. I know, just as Juan Ignacio knows, that Heavenly Father loves us all more than we can comprehend. Bad news... he's moving... BUMMER.
I had my Temple Day and Day of Honor with President and Hermana Wright this past Thursday!! I still can't believe that I'm coming home. I feel bipolar when it comes to my feelings, but I think I'll normal out soon. Haha. So this change there are almost 40 of us who are going home. It's one of the largest groups to leave the mission at one time. In fact, for all of us to have our Day of Honor, they had to split up the Elders and the Hermanas because it isn't possible to feed us all at one time. So all of us Hermanas had our own special day with the Wrights. Cool!! It was better off that way because we didn't have to act like ladies (ex: playing basketballs in dresses haha). It was a wonderful day. I have many memories to write in my journal. It was a great goodbye, even though I'm not leaving with the group on the 29th of December. I've got a little more time to play. :)
Funny fact: Hermana Tingey and Hermana Cook have been struggling with names recently. We're not sure why, but they've been calling each other Hermana Talbot!!! Bahahahahahah. It's so funny to hear them talking and then hear the exasperation after they say my name. Pure shock and shame. Bahahahaha.
Second story time: okay, 2 less actives. We always pass for them. Always. They're never home or never have time. They can be very short tempered, but also very loving people. I have entered their house maybe 4 times since I've been in this sector (almost 10 months of passing by for them) and 2 of those times were while Clarina was working inside her house and 2 others to offer service. However, POR FIN, we got into the house this past week and we had a bomb of a lesson (as Hermana Cook called it). I talked a lot. Ooppss. But I know the spirit was present and there were very inspired moments as I poured my heart out to them and them to me. Also, they made me feel wonderful for 2 reasons. (1) They said I was the first missionary who had come into their home of the which they felt I was truly interested and worried about their spiritual lives. [Side note: I was very bold with them and told them how it was... they must have liked it.] Anyway, (2) as we were leaving Miguel said to me that he was happy that Clarina got was she wanted and accomplished a desire. Her desire was for me to come back to their home before Christmas so the two of us could talk. And lo and behold, they came to church for the first time in about 5 years. How amazing is that! Those are the little breakthroughs that make this all worth it. All people can change!!
Speaking of changes. In South America, we're changing the way we count lessons and people in our key indicatores! For the first time here in the mission, President called a meeting of the entire mission to let us know about these changes. I am so excited to see the photos! So starting 2015, we will not be counting lessons with members, recent converts, or less actives, references, and progressing investigators. Wow! What a change! However, I am excited because now our focus will change. We will look more toward ordinances and those who are progressing. Also we are starting to report the total assistance in the chapel every Sunday. The area presidency of South America are crackin' down! Yyyahhhoooo!
It's the little things: we were in the metro contacting people as we were traveling to a reunion and all the sudden I saw something that lifted my spirits. This teenager, a very tall and white looking Chilean at that, pulled out his cellphone. I thought nothing of it, until I saw Moroni sounding his trump at the top left corner. He started reading and had a thoughtful look on his face. I immediately reached over 5 people and tapped him on the shoulder. I asked him, yelling at that, "Are you a member?" He said, "Yes." with a big grin on his face. I responded, "I have an assignment for you to do." and gave him 3 'El es la Dádiva' (#heisthegift) cards to hand out before Christmas. He accepted the challenge and we got off of the metro. It warmed my heart to know that a youth in the church took his precious time in the crowded metro to read about the gospel and strenghten his testimony in Jesus Christ. Every person, young and old, should aspire to do just the same.
Have courage, stand for truth, testify of Christ, strengthen your testimony... I'll do the same. That's a promise. :)
FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! May we remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. It's not our birthdays. It's the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Had He never been born... had He never offered Himself and completed His mission, the Atonement, there would be no hope for any of us. Let us celebrate Him, forget ourselves, and serve those around us.
Love,
Hermana Talbot
P.S. We had a missionary ward activity... We Hermanas did synchronized swimming. It was sooo much fun. Too bad I can't send the video. :P
P.P.S. Last photo... it was of today. We had a Christmas Devotional with President Wright, Hermana Wright, and their oldest son, Jonathan. We ran into a whole bunch of people... one of them being Hermana Allred! Kodak moment. =)
Family... Dearest hooligans... Hi. :)
18 months in the mission!!!! One more to go for the record of 19 months! I spent this special day in the temple and at President's house. It can't get any better than that!
Alejandro had a break through with family history! First time sitting down at the computer with the family history consultant, Solange, and he had a great time! He came to the computer not knowing who anyone was after his parents... and he left knowing his grandparents. :) Gotta love family history!
Story time: we got a reference from the office of a Juan Ignacio. He's 21 years old and is absolutely wonderful. We met him that same day and set up an appointment for 2 days later. Thursday came and we taught him in a park. We simply asked him, "For you, who is God?". I cannot even express what I felt as he told us his feelings about God, his Heavenly Father. He spoke of a father, someone who loves him and knows him. He spoke of someone who is interested in his life and who is there to help in every way. I sat there astounded. I felt the Spirit as he was talking. My eyes filled with tears and I felt edified by my investigator's testimony. I never realized how much these people can and are changing me. My testimony is much stronger. I know, just as Juan Ignacio knows, that Heavenly Father loves us all more than we can comprehend. Bad news... he's moving... BUMMER.
I had my Temple Day and Day of Honor with President and Hermana Wright this past Thursday!! I still can't believe that I'm coming home. I feel bipolar when it comes to my feelings, but I think I'll normal out soon. Haha. So this change there are almost 40 of us who are going home. It's one of the largest groups to leave the mission at one time. In fact, for all of us to have our Day of Honor, they had to split up the Elders and the Hermanas because it isn't possible to feed us all at one time. So all of us Hermanas had our own special day with the Wrights. Cool!! It was better off that way because we didn't have to act like ladies (ex: playing basketballs in dresses haha). It was a wonderful day. I have many memories to write in my journal. It was a great goodbye, even though I'm not leaving with the group on the 29th of December. I've got a little more time to play. :)
Funny fact: Hermana Tingey and Hermana Cook have been struggling with names recently. We're not sure why, but they've been calling each other Hermana Talbot!!! Bahahahahahah. It's so funny to hear them talking and then hear the exasperation after they say my name. Pure shock and shame. Bahahahaha.
Second story time: okay, 2 less actives. We always pass for them. Always. They're never home or never have time. They can be very short tempered, but also very loving people. I have entered their house maybe 4 times since I've been in this sector (almost 10 months of passing by for them) and 2 of those times were while Clarina was working inside her house and 2 others to offer service. However, POR FIN, we got into the house this past week and we had a bomb of a lesson (as Hermana Cook called it). I talked a lot. Ooppss. But I know the spirit was present and there were very inspired moments as I poured my heart out to them and them to me. Also, they made me feel wonderful for 2 reasons. (1) They said I was the first missionary who had come into their home of the which they felt I was truly interested and worried about their spiritual lives. [Side note: I was very bold with them and told them how it was... they must have liked it.] Anyway, (2) as we were leaving Miguel said to me that he was happy that Clarina got was she wanted and accomplished a desire. Her desire was for me to come back to their home before Christmas so the two of us could talk. And lo and behold, they came to church for the first time in about 5 years. How amazing is that! Those are the little breakthroughs that make this all worth it. All people can change!!
Speaking of changes. In South America, we're changing the way we count lessons and people in our key indicatores! For the first time here in the mission, President called a meeting of the entire mission to let us know about these changes. I am so excited to see the photos! So starting 2015, we will not be counting lessons with members, recent converts, or less actives, references, and progressing investigators. Wow! What a change! However, I am excited because now our focus will change. We will look more toward ordinances and those who are progressing. Also we are starting to report the total assistance in the chapel every Sunday. The area presidency of South America are crackin' down! Yyyahhhoooo!
It's the little things: we were in the metro contacting people as we were traveling to a reunion and all the sudden I saw something that lifted my spirits. This teenager, a very tall and white looking Chilean at that, pulled out his cellphone. I thought nothing of it, until I saw Moroni sounding his trump at the top left corner. He started reading and had a thoughtful look on his face. I immediately reached over 5 people and tapped him on the shoulder. I asked him, yelling at that, "Are you a member?" He said, "Yes." with a big grin on his face. I responded, "I have an assignment for you to do." and gave him 3 'El es la Dádiva' (#heisthegift) cards to hand out before Christmas. He accepted the challenge and we got off of the metro. It warmed my heart to know that a youth in the church took his precious time in the crowded metro to read about the gospel and strenghten his testimony in Jesus Christ. Every person, young and old, should aspire to do just the same.
Have courage, stand for truth, testify of Christ, strengthen your testimony... I'll do the same. That's a promise. :)
FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! May we remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. It's not our birthdays. It's the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Had He never been born... had He never offered Himself and completed His mission, the Atonement, there would be no hope for any of us. Let us celebrate Him, forget ourselves, and serve those around us.
Love,
Hermana Talbot
P.S. We had a missionary ward activity... We Hermanas did synchronized swimming. It was sooo much fun. Too bad I can't send the video. :P
P.P.S. Last photo... it was of today. We had a Christmas Devotional with President Wright, Hermana Wright, and their oldest son, Jonathan. We ran into a whole bunch of people... one of them being Hermana Allred! Kodak moment. =)
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
77th Blog …. time is drawing near ….. 5 more yipppppeeeee
Family!!!
Last Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. :) There's this cute grandpa, Hermano Barrera, in our sector. Hey, I think I've sent a picture of him before. The one when we're making empanadas. Anyway. So he's just this cute, quiet grandpa who rarely ever gets up to the pulpit. Well, this past Sunday he totally did. And he sang in MAPUCHE!! It was the coolest thing ever, even if it caught me off guard. He was talking about how they used to translate the hymns into Mapuche a long time ago in order to sing them. It was so cute and he was so shy about it. I might not understand diddly squat of Mapuche, but it was equally fun!
Family, let's have a Skype date okay?!? Christmas Day? I've still got to figure out who's house we're going to in order to give you a time, but give me some ideas of when you'll be available. Dad and bros: I'm 4 hours later than you. Mom and Joy: I'm 2 hours later than you.
Martin went to mutual this week. He's just such an amazing kid. And he totally went on his birthday cause he didn't have anything else better to do. The crazy butt, though, is waiting to live the Word of Wisdom until the end of this week so he can party with his friends for one last time. He's a pretty amazing 15 year old kid. We taught him the entire Plan of Salvation in like 30 minutes and then asked him to teach us the plan. He totally did it. Perfectly. I'm excited to see him progress and to see his life change. He was just made to be a missionary.
I just had to write this down. Our zone leader, Elder Mamani, was in our district class. We talked about attributes of Christ and recent experiences we have had. He stated that he admires all of us English speaking missionaries for our courage to learn and speak a different language. I had never heard that from a Latino before and it made me realize how much courage that actually takes to speak Spanish. I admire Hermana Cook and Hermana Tingey for their constant effort to conquer this language! They're champs. I am grateful for my Spanish and the blessing I have been given to learn quickly.
Zone conferences are the bomb!! I absolutely love learning about the gospel. My mind, at times, just explodes in amazement of the plan God has for us. He really does love us and wants us to live with Him again. I have learned so much about the gospel, here on the mission, and cannot wait to learn more when I have Internet access. :) Also, Hermana Cook sang at the conference a BEAUTIFUL song, "More Like Thee" and accompanied her. Hermana Wright asked us to sing a few weeks ago and I thought the song was really slow and boring... until we got practicing it and I learned how spiritually lifting it was. We also learned that so far in December, as of the 10th, there have been 14 baptisms. According to President Wright, this is the highest number so far at the beginning of a month. We are expecting to give our Savior a huge, return to sender gift of love this year. #heisthegift
We hit a record this past week of how many sick calls I received during the night. 12am. 3am. I have been so tired. I wake up in the morning to the alarm and feel more tired than I did when I went to bed the night before. One morning, I was filling up my water bottle and needed to dump out the old water from my bottle. I literally went to the window of our 14 story apartment to dump it out. Can you say loca?
Ramon. The 30 year old Chilean "wow kid". He's a little odd, not gonna lie. He wears a black, leather, rain hat with black James Bond sunglasses and his shirt was on inside out. An honest description. Haha. So every time we would say something he'd say, "wow...". Example: Us - "We have a message about Jesus Christ to share with you." Him - "wow, I'm so interested in that." Us - "We'd love to pass by your house tomorrow and teach you more." Him - "wow, at what time?". Hahahahahaha. Not even joking. :)
12-13-14. Totally happened this week. That's the last run of numbers for a while... just so you all know. It's very important information right there.}
We went to Aguas de Ramon again! I think it's a yearly adventure. This time though, it was just us three. Until... we ran into this 21 year old girl from Brazil hiking by herself... she was lost and had lost her friend on the trail (scary!). She spoke very good English and it was fun to talk to her in Spanish, her to talk back in Portugues and to undertsand it. YES! Anyway, she hiked with us to the waterfall and back to camp. We found her friend back at camp after we got down (thank goodness). It was record time that we got up there, sat at the waterfall, and got back to camp. It's supposed to take 2-4 hours. We got up there in like an hour. GOOD WORKOUT RIGHT THERE. I honestly think I am sleeping at the computer as I am typing. It's the first time we've sat and relaxed all day long. But let me say, I was wonderful to get outdoors and smell the wonderful smoggy air of Santiago. =)
News break: Alejandro PASSED THE SACRAMENT for the first time yesterday!! He was sooo happy and content. After it was over, he said he loved it and that it was "quite easy". Hahaha. We are working with him tomorrow with his Family History so we can get him to the temple for baptisms before I come home. That's the goal!
President Benson said that one of the greatest things about Christmastime is that it increases our sensitivity to things of God: “It causes us to contemplate our relationship with our Father and the degree of devotion we have for God. “It prompts us to be more tolerant and giving, more conscious of others, more generous and genuine, more filled with hope and charity and love—all Christlike attributes. No wonder the spirit of Christmas touches the hearts of people the world over. … For at least a time, increased attention and devotion are turned toward our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” This Christmas, as the spirit of the season permeates our hearts, let us do something that expresses our feelings in an outward way, showing that we understand that the babe born in Bethlehem is the real Redeemer.
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) gave some practical advice that helps us do that:
“This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
Without Christ, there would be no Christmas. Without Christ, there can be no fulness of joy. Without His birth and His Atonement, we would have no Intercessor, no Advocate with the Father, and no Mediator who makes it possible for us to return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and live together as eternal families.
May we all remember who we are and to help others along the way.
Love,
Brooklyn
Friday, December 12, 2014
76th Pearls of Wisdom from MY Brooklyn… Don't forget about christmas.mormon.org. =)
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| En la Plaza de Armas... again... for my carnet... They are restoring a building there and have this amazing tarp over it. Isn't that cool!? |
We were talking about service today and I found this amazing quote. It made me think a ton and want to work harder at being a more serving person. "Throughout our lives all of us depend on others for help. When we were infants, our parents fed, clothed, and cared for us. Without this care we would have died. When we grew up, other people taught us skills and attitudes. Many of us have needed nursing care during illness or money in a financial crisis. Some of us ask God to bless suffering people and then do nothing for them. We must remember that God works through us." May we all look around us, focus on someone else, and be the hands God needs us to be.
Don't forget about christmas.mormon.org. =)
Martin is amazing. He legit is a 25 year old in a 14 year old body. We saw him twice this week. He started reading The Book of Mormon and has already gone to church. I'm not sure why he likes to learn from us. He does get a kick out of Hermana Tingey and Hermana Cook, though. Anyway, he's progressing well and I'm excited to see where we end up with him next week. I am trying to think up some good ideas for how to get his Dad involved in our lessons. :) In one of our lessons, he was getting ready to head out with one of his 18 year old friends. We showed up and he told his friend that they were both going to listen to us first. How amazing is that? As a 14 year old, I definitely would have had fear or felt embarrassed to say to my friend "hey, we're gonna listen to 3 crazy Gringas talk about God for 40 minutes and then we can go celebrate your birthday." Especially because his friend doesn't even believe in God. WOW. Also, he said something super cute this past week. I asked him, "Martin, why do you listen to our message?" and he said, "Because I want to know the truth.". I then responded, "And have you found it?" and he stated with a smile, "I believe I have.". He has sent a baptismal date for 21 December 2014 and is very excited. Now we just have to make sure he's ready. Pray hard!!
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| Marcela!!! She has a baptismal date and she's a drinker, smoker, etc... She's going to do all she can to stop doing those things to her body. She knows it's bad, but is hard core addicted. For the 3rd time here in the mission, I carried cigarettes in my bag for the day. |
Marcela. Dunno if Ive told you guys about her. She's an investigator that I've been trying to find for months. I met her with Hermana Tax and she just had this feeling about her that she'd be open to our message. But then she was never at her brother's house and we didn't know where he lived. Well a few weeks ago she was sitting outside of her house and we walked by. It was really funny to pass her and think 'hey I know her' and to finally realize who she was and be so happy to have found her again. Anyway, so we've been teaching her now and we invited her to be baptized after I shared my testimony and experience at my baptism as an 8 year old. She also accepted the date of the 21 December 2014 and stated she wanted to feel the same way I felt when I was baptized. I am soooo excited for her. We've got a lot to teach her still, but she's excited, scared, dedicated to learn, and wants to receive her answer from Heavenly Father about or message. Pray for her please. What an amazing CHRISTmas present that would be!!
Coolest Contact Ever: Anthony, the Peruvian. Where: In the Immigration office of Chile with 200 other people. Okay. So Anthony is sitting on the floor reading a book. I think in my head 'hey I've got a better book for you to read (the Book of Mormon of course)'. But didnt say anything because he was 4 people down. Then, lo and behold, Hermana Tingey starts talking to him. Literally we didn't stop talking until we left the immigration office... about 4 hours later. He's just a cool guy, what else is there to say. :) Wish you all could meet him. Mom, you're gonna get a FaceBook request from him. Haha. The one and only contact I've ever had that I've added on FaceBook during the contact. He is Mormon material and extremely nice. He's got family who are members of the Church and has read the Book of Mormon. Don't you worry. We sent his contact information on and I'm excited to see what becomes of him. :)
Crazy Chilean Weather. Ugh! One day: 95 degrees ... we walk around all day and are sweating to death ... we teach 6 lessons (booya!). Next day: Sunny and hot in the immigration office and the PDI (police peeps) ... we sweat and stand all day waiting. Next day: Colder than cold ... we're back to wearing tights and thermal shirts. WHAT KIND OF WEATHER IS THIS?!?!? (The more and more time I think about coming to the bitterness of Maine, the more I realize... I am going to freeze to death!)
I've got a new goal until the end of the mission. Well I've got lots of goals, but one that I want to complete. Everyday I'm going to find the weirdest word to use in our contacts. Fork. Toaster. Snail. Dirt. Etc. Give me some ideas!!
We all have insecure moments right? Personality, outside appearance, embarrassing moments, etc... Ya well, I think we all forget how grateful we should be of who we are AND stop comparing ourselves to others. We had to go 2 days in a row to finish my carnet and on the way home there was a man in the metro rapping for money. He was a severe burn victim with thick scar tissue on his entire face. He lacked eyebrows, had sunken eyes, thickly scared lips, etc. I learned something only by looking at him and imagining his pain. All of us have a lack of confidence and love for ourselves and it's completely uncalled for. We are God's children; we have a divine potential. What are we doing beating up on ourselves?
Let's all realize our potential this week! Posi+ivity goes a long ways.
Love you all.
Brooklyn
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
75 B-Day www.christmas.mormon.org to watch a wonderful Christmas video
Hey family and friends!!!
This week was much better, even though we did send someone to the hospital (who came back with a combination of weird diagnoses which don't make sense). The nursing calls were calmer, crazy as usual (elbow rashes, nasty stomach virus with missionaries dropping like flies, an elder who complains about falling asleep during studies in the AM hahaha, pink eye, etc), but overall calmer...as was our missionary schedule. We did have meetings, nursing and missionary; however, we worked hard. Hermana Cook and Hermana Tingey are great. They're learning tons!! I have seen serious leaps of growth in both of them. Training really does make you put your best foot forward. I wish I would have trained a long time ago. I have discovered so many new things in the gospel and as a missionary. I guess I've got a life-time of growing to do. Thank goodness for that.
Weird Chilean fact: all of them have 2 scars the sizes of dimes (or larger) on their upper arms. I finally asked them what vaccine they were from and they said a combination of hepatitis and measles. Some of them say they're vaccine was placed wrong, had balls of infection and huge scars after, and had them surgically removed (only to be left with a dime size scar anyway). I still do not understand what vaccine they are receiving. I'm grateful I don't have scars on my arms, just sayin.
I totally had a Marilyn Monroe moment! Let's just say I couldn't think about it much because I was turning red. Anyway, so we're walking by the hospital and there's this vent in the ground... I didn't realize that cold air was coming out... until I see my skirt at eye level. No worries no one noticed...or at least before I screamed they didn't. Oooppppssss.
Story time... well 2 cool stories... You know, I'm learning that everyday is completely different than another. One day is extremely sad and you cry in the lesson because your soul hurts from someone rejecting this message of hope, love, joy, etc; then the next day, after enduring to the end, talking to everyone, and praying with lots of faith, you run into amazing people who really have been prepared. So here's a few of them:
(1) Martin - 14 years old - grew up in the Evangelical church - has never wanted to be baptized - believes in God and Christ - lives with his dad and grandmother - on the shy, but willing side - very sober and intelligent - point blank, a mystery to me. We contacted his grandmother a few weeks ago. She didn't want much, but I had a feeling when we were talking with her that her husband had recently passed away. So I asked her and yes indeed he had passed away a few months earlier. We talked for a few minutes with her and she told us we could come back, but didn't know when. So we retuned this week to see her and Martin answered the door. She was not there, we started to leave, and I felt we needed to talk to Martin. So I asked him if I could give him something. He said of course and we talked for a bit about God and prophets. I practically interrogated him with questions about religion and what he believes. He answered many of my questions, but still left me not completely understanding or satisfied with who he is or what he believes. Why did he never want to be baptized in the church he grew up in? Anyway, Hermana Cook taught him an object lesson about prophets and he told us to come back in 3 days. We definitely went back. Haha. Returning to his home we found him, his uncle, his aunt and her boyfriend. They invites us right in... we sat down... and taught them all about the restauration. AND Martin taught them the object lesson about prophets! In that moment, I saw him as a missionary... it was sooo amazing! I have not seen such interested people before in months. You could just see in their eyes that they were soaking it all in and wanted more. That's not to say they agreed with it all; however, they listened intently, gave us their direction for other missionaries to teach them, and have committed to read the Book of Mormon. How cool is that?!? Best part, Martin went to church with us yesterday! Talk about hitting him with a Mormon bang. Haha.
(2) There's a couple, Hector and Javiera, and their daughter, Anastasia (5), who live down the hall from us in our apartment building. He's from Uruguay and looks just like Chris Martin from Coldplay (no joke); she's from Chile, speaks fluent English, and is adorable. I met him a long time ago (months ago) in the elevator and always felt I needed to talk to them. But the moment never came. I don't know if it didn't come for a reason or if I lacked in faith. However, finally, I kept thinking about them the other day and said okay I'm gonna just go knock on their door. And we did. THEY'RE AMAZING. :) He grew up in the church; he's been an inactive member for all of his life. His parents are temple workers and family history gooroos in Uruguay. He remembers a lot of the teachings of the church; not that he agrees with them all though. They are legit, amazing people. When we knocked on their door, she greeted us like we were long, lost friends who hadn't visited in 20 years; she was so excited. They told us they were drinking and smoking (Friday night) but we were more than welcome to say and they would listen. I felt we needed to stay, so we sat out on their balcony and we talked for a few minutes. It made me feel so grateful for all of my non-member friends, their respect for my hatred of alcohol, and the acceptance I have learned from them. I honestly don't know if I would had say there if I hadn't had the Maine experience and learned to appreciate all types of people outside of the Utah bubble. Anyway, we have an appointment with them too. I feel we have found some amazing people to teach and amazing, new friends. :)
It rained Saturday. A lot. Bad part: I sent my rain boots back to the office 2 weeks ago. Opps. Let's just say, I didn't know what it was like to swim in your own shoes... but now I do. My feet by the end of the day were itching. I hope I don't get some kind of weird fungus or growth. Gross. Pray for my feet. Hahaha.
I tried to send you all legit, amazing, Christmas packages.... the USA will not accept clothes from Chile. How stupid is that?!?! So sorry, but you'll all have to wait till I can get home and send them off. Brandon says to just send them to Canada and then have them shipped to the US.... hahahaha... I might think about it. For now, we'll just say my Christmas presents will be Skype calls! =) Not too long now!
EVERYONE!!! Use the new video of "christmas.mormon.org" and #heisthegift ... or in Spanish "navidad.mormon.org" and #elesladádiva. Let's go baptize, retain, and reactivate!! There's a no better time than now... it's HIS time... it's Christmas time.
Love,
Brooklyn
P.S. Mom and Brandon, I still go to bed every night thinking about what I'm gonna eat for breakfast. Haha.
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| Sister and President Riggs strike again with a Thanksgiving package!!! Thanksgiving surprises!! Thanks Patti and Mike! Isn't that tree adorable? |
This week was much better, even though we did send someone to the hospital (who came back with a combination of weird diagnoses which don't make sense). The nursing calls were calmer, crazy as usual (elbow rashes, nasty stomach virus with missionaries dropping like flies, an elder who complains about falling asleep during studies in the AM hahaha, pink eye, etc), but overall calmer...as was our missionary schedule. We did have meetings, nursing and missionary; however, we worked hard. Hermana Cook and Hermana Tingey are great. They're learning tons!! I have seen serious leaps of growth in both of them. Training really does make you put your best foot forward. I wish I would have trained a long time ago. I have discovered so many new things in the gospel and as a missionary. I guess I've got a life-time of growing to do. Thank goodness for that.
 |
| Santa Lucia! Hermana Cook's 1st empanada. Chicken and Cheese |
Weird Chilean fact: all of them have 2 scars the sizes of dimes (or larger) on their upper arms. I finally asked them what vaccine they were from and they said a combination of hepatitis and measles. Some of them say they're vaccine was placed wrong, had balls of infection and huge scars after, and had them surgically removed (only to be left with a dime size scar anyway). I still do not understand what vaccine they are receiving. I'm grateful I don't have scars on my arms, just sayin.
I totally had a Marilyn Monroe moment! Let's just say I couldn't think about it much because I was turning red. Anyway, so we're walking by the hospital and there's this vent in the ground... I didn't realize that cold air was coming out... until I see my skirt at eye level. No worries no one noticed...or at least before I screamed they didn't. Oooppppssss.
Story time... well 2 cool stories... You know, I'm learning that everyday is completely different than another. One day is extremely sad and you cry in the lesson because your soul hurts from someone rejecting this message of hope, love, joy, etc; then the next day, after enduring to the end, talking to everyone, and praying with lots of faith, you run into amazing people who really have been prepared. So here's a few of them:
 |
| With Martin... He's amazing |
(1) Martin - 14 years old - grew up in the Evangelical church - has never wanted to be baptized - believes in God and Christ - lives with his dad and grandmother - on the shy, but willing side - very sober and intelligent - point blank, a mystery to me. We contacted his grandmother a few weeks ago. She didn't want much, but I had a feeling when we were talking with her that her husband had recently passed away. So I asked her and yes indeed he had passed away a few months earlier. We talked for a few minutes with her and she told us we could come back, but didn't know when. So we retuned this week to see her and Martin answered the door. She was not there, we started to leave, and I felt we needed to talk to Martin. So I asked him if I could give him something. He said of course and we talked for a bit about God and prophets. I practically interrogated him with questions about religion and what he believes. He answered many of my questions, but still left me not completely understanding or satisfied with who he is or what he believes. Why did he never want to be baptized in the church he grew up in? Anyway, Hermana Cook taught him an object lesson about prophets and he told us to come back in 3 days. We definitely went back. Haha. Returning to his home we found him, his uncle, his aunt and her boyfriend. They invites us right in... we sat down... and taught them all about the restauration. AND Martin taught them the object lesson about prophets! In that moment, I saw him as a missionary... it was sooo amazing! I have not seen such interested people before in months. You could just see in their eyes that they were soaking it all in and wanted more. That's not to say they agreed with it all; however, they listened intently, gave us their direction for other missionaries to teach them, and have committed to read the Book of Mormon. How cool is that?!? Best part, Martin went to church with us yesterday! Talk about hitting him with a Mormon bang. Haha.
(2) There's a couple, Hector and Javiera, and their daughter, Anastasia (5), who live down the hall from us in our apartment building. He's from Uruguay and looks just like Chris Martin from Coldplay (no joke); she's from Chile, speaks fluent English, and is adorable. I met him a long time ago (months ago) in the elevator and always felt I needed to talk to them. But the moment never came. I don't know if it didn't come for a reason or if I lacked in faith. However, finally, I kept thinking about them the other day and said okay I'm gonna just go knock on their door. And we did. THEY'RE AMAZING. :) He grew up in the church; he's been an inactive member for all of his life. His parents are temple workers and family history gooroos in Uruguay. He remembers a lot of the teachings of the church; not that he agrees with them all though. They are legit, amazing people. When we knocked on their door, she greeted us like we were long, lost friends who hadn't visited in 20 years; she was so excited. They told us they were drinking and smoking (Friday night) but we were more than welcome to say and they would listen. I felt we needed to stay, so we sat out on their balcony and we talked for a few minutes. It made me feel so grateful for all of my non-member friends, their respect for my hatred of alcohol, and the acceptance I have learned from them. I honestly don't know if I would had say there if I hadn't had the Maine experience and learned to appreciate all types of people outside of the Utah bubble. Anyway, we have an appointment with them too. I feel we have found some amazing people to teach and amazing, new friends. :)
It rained Saturday. A lot. Bad part: I sent my rain boots back to the office 2 weeks ago. Opps. Let's just say, I didn't know what it was like to swim in your own shoes... but now I do. My feet by the end of the day were itching. I hope I don't get some kind of weird fungus or growth. Gross. Pray for my feet. Hahaha.
I tried to send you all legit, amazing, Christmas packages.... the USA will not accept clothes from Chile. How stupid is that?!?! So sorry, but you'll all have to wait till I can get home and send them off. Brandon says to just send them to Canada and then have them shipped to the US.... hahahaha... I might think about it. For now, we'll just say my Christmas presents will be Skype calls! =) Not too long now!
EVERYONE!!! Use the new video of "christmas.mormon.org" and #heisthegift ... or in Spanish "navidad.mormon.org" and #elesladádiva. Let's go baptize, retain, and reactivate!! There's a no better time than now... it's HIS time... it's Christmas time.
Love,
Brooklyn
P.S. Mom and Brandon, I still go to bed every night thinking about what I'm gonna eat for breakfast. Haha.
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