.............and as of this moment,
Sister Sackley is the one and only sister in the Provo MTC going Portuguese
speaking. For at least a week....but it's looking like 2 weeks. This week is
going to be LONG. I found out yesterday I can keep my residence hall room, new
English speaking sisters come tomorrow so they will be moving in with me...at
least no Ukrainians! Tonight I have to find a room to sleep in since i can't
sleep alone, but tomorrow i get back to my old room and i get a bottom bunk
which is a total win win. This was FOR SURE a blessing from above. I was so
scared and worried about that. Anyways, I have 22 Elders that are taking care of
me and so far, (the last 5 minutes) they've done very well. Right now I am with
Elders W and I...and an Elder A.
They had already checked emails for the day but they said they'd come with me
anyways. I am forgetting everything I was going to say....
There is an Elder here named elder Laga (I'll send pictures this week) and he is the most chivalrous elder i have yet to
meet. He stands when a Sister comes in the room, he opens doors, holds your
purse, takes trays....the Elders call him "whipped" and the Sisters love
him....pretty sure you can figure out who's opinion counts. As of Sunday the
Elders started noticing how what he's doing is a good thing, and they all want
to be like him now.
I had a solo Sister who was somewhat my companion, Irma D, but she
wasn't a completely normal companion, we didn't do a lot together. We got four
new elders this past week and I love them. they're going to Brazil and they
look fresh from the womb. Babies I tell you. Babies.
Answers: I got my Patriarchal Blessing at 16 because I wanted it. There was no real reason other than
that, I just wanted to know what the Lord had in store for my life. It has been
a HUGE blessing and I am so glad I got it when I did. It helped me through most
of high school and then onto college and now, it's been such a help in my life.
The funny thing about the MTC is that you know these people for
just a few weeks or months, and yet you are SO connected to them. Go out of your
comfort zone, ask people to hang out with you. Sit by them at events.
My clothes are great! A note for any future sister
missionaries: things to buy: Tom's. and lots of skirts. Also, there are
boxes on every floor of the residence hall called "give away" and it's anything
sisters don't want. I have found some awesome comfy shoes i can wear to class, a
blazer that fits me perfectly, and a skirt and blouse. Trust me when i say you
DON'T need to pack hangers either. you will be up to your ears in hangers around
here. My shoes are fabulous, the Elders think it's funny my stone colored ones
are the same color as the cement...and the carpet in our room. hahahaha.
I got the cupcakes you sent! THANK YOU SO MUCH. My Elders loved two of
them, and then I saved the rest for that night...turns out Sister Barthalomew,
one of the counselors wives sent us cupcakes as well so we had a huge cupcake
party, all of us Irma's. It was a happy night and we all ate way too much.
None the less, totally worth it. on the food note, the food here is rank. I have
been eating salads mostly. I am so not a fan of the food. blagh.
My Elders have been fabulous lately, the picking on was done by just a few
and it would be comparable to how boys treat each other...I just was NOT feeling
strong last week so i was quite upset when they tried teasing me. The language
is slowing down for whatever reason...or so it feels. I don't feel like I've
progressed a whole lot this past week but everyone says it comes in waves, so
I'm not too worried. we watched a film this morning about the saints in Cabo
Verde. IT'S SO AWESOME. We watched it with the subtitles covered up and not only
did it make me cry, I UNDERSTOOD EVERYTHING THEY WERE SAYING. So I guess I'm not
doing too horribly with the language.
On Sunday we had a devotional with a man who's name I have forgotten. He
talked about one night where his children wanted to go to Olive Garden. He's
Italian so he was a little frustrated his kids would go for food so not real.
However they went and before their waitress took their orders, she picked up the
menus. When they reminded her they hadn't ordered, she told them she would order
for them. She then proceded to bring out a salad, just like olive garden salad
and put it on each of their plates for them. She then said "it's beautiful
salad, no?" (she's a 72 year old Italian woman). They agreed and ate salad. She
then brought out the bread sticks and taught them how to eat them. Then more
salad, and then the main course. Which he can't remember, but he can remember
how she made them feel. And how passionate she was about her work. He then told
us that since that night some years ago, they have gone back again and again to
have a meal with this waitress. She makes them feel so special and they have
realized she is a true friend. He even played us a voicemail he got from her
after his daughter had died. It was a very thick Italian accent and very
inaudible, however she offered her support and told the family she loved them
with her whole heart. He then relayed how loving those you serve with your whole
heart is so important to understanding them and the work. It was such a great
story, I totally cried. and they Elders cried too.
Alright I have to go for now, I'll check my email around 5 tonight again so
if you have anything write back fast!
Eu Amo Voçe com minha coração! (I love you with my whole heart,)
mad
No comments:
Post a Comment