This is going to be really quick because I have no time. I have to leave in 30 minutes and my hair isn't dry and i'm in sweats-- but it's ok, because i'm going to the temple.
Anyways- thank you so much for the package and the stamps. I was just about to go buy some (yes, i'm already out) when you sent me some more, so it was perfect.
And mom- you really don't need to send me food! I still have food from christmas that I don't know what to do with. I'm never in my room.. so i never eat it. I appreciate it though. Packages are so fun here.
Oh and the pictures were great. Could you send me the one of Heather Foster and I at my farewell and the one of Nate and I standing by each other (not the close up) ?
so Mikayla and Megans weddings sounded fantastic! Wish i could have been at both of those sealings - but the MTC is a pretty good excuse.
Haily Wankier (efy) and Kalee Mortenson came in this week and I stalked the drop off curb for over an hour- waiting for them. I attacked them when i saw them and when Hailey, Rachael and I gave a huge group hug it was super cool because 7 months ago we were all talking about mission and now we are all at the MTC!
Speaking of that- i've been here a month? ok- when did that happen?!
Oh mom - I said the prayer in sacrament meeting entirely in spanish. In front of everybody. You would be proud.
Oh! The story of Hna. Flirt
So there is this sister- who the elders (every elder at the MTC) Just flock to. After awhile we started calling her Hermana Flirt (don't know her and not in a mean way.. but in a funny way) well- the other day i'm talking to my district at lunch and Hna. Spencer gives me this strange look. I turn around and Hna Flirt is in my face. She's like "i know you." I looked confused, but realized she looked familiar too. long story short - after 10 minutes of guessing we realized that we played soccer together.. when i was on that purple team! Her name is Sydney and we were way good friends. All these memories started coming back and i realized how much i loved her. She's going to Ukraine on her mission and came in the week after me. Bt out of all the missionaries in the MTC, she recognized me when I haven't seen her since JR. High. It was so funny.
Then everyone laughed at district meeting because i'm friends with Hna. Flirt.
Well, its 2:40 and I need to go to the temple now! I sent you a memory card of the pictures i took before the broken camera, so i hope it finds you safely. Love you!
Oh! and dad- thanks for sending some love. i needed it that day!
love, your daughter Hna. Aquas.
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Family.
I'm going to try and make this letter shorter because i only have 25 minutes left of P day (well until i actually have to do stuff) so i'll try and whip stuff out. Mostly answering questions.
MTC choir: no mom, it's not in spanish. It's for everyone who wants to join in the MTC, so it's in english. I actually really like it, despite my singing abilities, but they haven't kicked me out yet, so I figure i'm good! As in where i stand, not good at singing. I'm convinced that if they added a few instruments, that's what heaven sounds like.
My branch presidency. My Branch President is Pres. Claybaugh-He's great and his wife reminds me of you. Then we have the Menloves and the Wasburns. The wives adore us (because there are only 4 of us sisters in our branch) I think both of them used to live in Pleasant Grove a long time ago. So we chat about how great it is, how we joke that they need to smuggle in Taco Amigo.
I laughed when you said you drove by or near the MTC because Hna Spencer's family did the same things. When I was walking to the temple I actually saw a car that looked like ours, but i knew it wasn't you guys. I actually talked to a family at the temple on Sunday. And they used to live in Arizona so they told me a few things and they said I would love it.
Shoot- I forgot I have to get ready for the devotional. Maybe i'll write after. If not, love you!
Love, Hna Aquas.
p.s.
how is the spanish coming? well keep me in your prayers that i can retain everything i'm learning, thats the biggest struggle... but i know i can do it eventually.
going into my 3rd week!
spiritual thought from devotional:
"your patriarchal blessing is like your own personal section of the doctrine and covenants"
"you may not have only been called to serve your mission because of the area, but you may have been called there because of your mission president."
-willian r. walker of the 70
MTC choir: no mom, it's not in spanish. It's for everyone who wants to join in the MTC, so it's in english. I actually really like it, despite my singing abilities, but they haven't kicked me out yet, so I figure i'm good! As in where i stand, not good at singing. I'm convinced that if they added a few instruments, that's what heaven sounds like.
My branch presidency. My Branch President is Pres. Claybaugh-He's great and his wife reminds me of you. Then we have the Menloves and the Wasburns. The wives adore us (because there are only 4 of us sisters in our branch) I think both of them used to live in Pleasant Grove a long time ago. So we chat about how great it is, how we joke that they need to smuggle in Taco Amigo.
I laughed when you said you drove by or near the MTC because Hna Spencer's family did the same things. When I was walking to the temple I actually saw a car that looked like ours, but i knew it wasn't you guys. I actually talked to a family at the temple on Sunday. And they used to live in Arizona so they told me a few things and they said I would love it.
Shoot- I forgot I have to get ready for the devotional. Maybe i'll write after. If not, love you!
Love, Hna Aquas.
p.s.
how is the spanish coming? well keep me in your prayers that i can retain everything i'm learning, thats the biggest struggle... but i know i can do it eventually.
going into my 3rd week!
spiritual thought from devotional:
"your patriarchal blessing is like your own personal section of the doctrine and covenants"
"you may not have only been called to serve your mission because of the area, but you may have been called there because of your mission president."
-willian r. walker of the 70
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
i Mi Familia !
Hola. Como esta?
I'll just go in order of journal entries.
[wednesday]
As soon as you dropped me off I got my tag (where i saw Sister Melic.. she also said my farewell talk was the best farewell she has ever been to.. I think she was just trying to make me feel good.) And I ran into some other ladies you know mum. I put my suitcase in my room and they said "this is your roommate Hermana Spencer". We both gasped and said we went to High School together.
*pre story*
The night before, Nate Jensen said "Anna Spencer is going to the MTC-wouldn't it be funny if you were comps?"
When i got my books I found out where we were! Weight lifted off my shoulders.
Then I went straight to class (I had been at the MTC for 15 minutes) and it was all in spanish. None of this half english half spanish business. No. All in spanish. It was so crazy.
Orientation we sang Army of Helaman. But they changed the words so it said:
"And we are now the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth"
Chills.
That night we had 3 investigators (spoke english - thank goodness) we taught in groups of 30 so it was more like a workshop. They were never resolved but it was really cool to see and listen.
[thursday]
Longest day of my life. 3 hours of spanish. Brain exploding. Investigator preview. Exhausted. Met branch Pres. hilarious Elders. So tired. Can't comprehend time here. Headaches = working hard. So tired. spanish. spanish. spanish. I was completely overwhelmed and frustrated. I was counting my blessings when that day was over.
*Funny story. So we got a video introducing us to our investigator Fernando. They gave us the impression that he was really an investigator and could speak no english (as well as other things regarding religion, family and past)
Hna spencer and I were walking around and i saw him. I sad "Hna Spencer, is that Fernando? She said she thought it was. We went up to him and asked in spanish what his name was. He turned and we saw a teacher badge and he said "Brother Baker" in English. We said "no, usted priemera es fernando?" (Is your first name fernando?) He turned bright red and said no. Then we wet him- and it was the same guy! Everyone and i mean everyone is trying to convince us he's really and investigator, especially my teacher, who is my age. I'm like "NO! HE SPEAKS ENGLISH! HE'S A TEACHER HERE! WHEN HE RAISED HIS HAND WE SAW HIS GARMENTS!"
Can't get anyhing past Hernama Spencer and I :)
Speaking of that. Its her birthday today.
[friday]
Service. Spanish. Spanish. Spanish. Taught Fernando. Tanked.
Went to buy a lanyard but the morning before, an elder smacked an elder in the eye and had to get stitches, so they are banned from selling them here now. Also, did you know we aren't allowed to listen to music here at the MTC? Major bummer.
[saturday]
4 square is the celestial sport here. It's one of the only sports the sisters can play with the Elders. It gets super competitive. By the end of 9 weeks i'll be pro.
The Elders and I had an awesome conversation and basicaly I learned that God needs me to speak spanish. Even if I only teach one person in spanish - I need to have that skill so i can do it. It's probably the only thought that keeps me going through language study. It's just not sticking yet.
Had an awesome visit with Fernando where we gave him the B.O.M. the spirit was strong and I understood most of what he said. I just can't say it back to him yet.
Oh, language barriers.
But Hna Spencer and i were litterally skipping down the sidewalk after.
Oh! And we got a paper christmas tree hanging in our room!
[sunday]
The answer to my prayers. Finally I was able to slow down and breathe. We went to sacrament. The prayers and talks were in spansih, except for when the Branch President and his wife spoke and I was amazed how uch i could understand. Also, I counted 42 Elders and 4 Hermanas. Ya. (I'm one of the 4_ and that's all there will be for awhile. I'm ok with that. The Branch Presidency Wives spoil us and always give us "hugs from mom" i love it.
Then we watched music in the spoken word christmas special. The spirit was so strong during it and i saw a ton of people I recognized performing in it.
Relief Society at the MTC is fantastic. If it was like that in singles ward - more people would go.
Then we were able to leave and go on a temple walk. Glory Hallelujah. Freedom. I'm sad we can't go inside because it's closed right now- but the walks are great. More class..Online.
I joined the MTC choir! NEver thought i would say that, but I did. They may have me play violin here too-so mom could you maybe send me the music to "how great thou art?" (Oh! and the choir director was a session director at EFY one week-so we talked for awhile)
Then more study and devotional! It was all about feelings and emotion in conversion. I took 5 pages of notes. That's how much i loved it.
anyway- i live for sundays. because now things are becoming incredible.
It's gotten to the point where i have only cried twice, and it's from laughing so hard. I love the people around me.
My brach Presidency rocks. 2 of them used to live in PG. I tell them to smuggle me Taco Amigo, but they can be released if they do - though, they eat in honor of us.
Tell McKay good job on scoring 8 goals! (but he could get more if he starts playing to feet and stops trying to make only pretty goals. ugly goals still count)
I'm glad you saw the Robinsons. Ryan wrote me the best letter! It's actually the first one i got and it helped me get through my toughest day.
Also. The MTC really is hogwarts. My key would never open the doors. (luckily I have a companion) So I started saying "Alohamora" and it has worked every.single.time! Also, you can only walk in the buildings if you have church clothes, so on P day when you can wear sweats/jeans... to get to laundry and such you take tunnels! Hogwarts I tell you.
Te amo!
love, hermana aguas
I'll just go in order of journal entries.
[wednesday]
As soon as you dropped me off I got my tag (where i saw Sister Melic.. she also said my farewell talk was the best farewell she has ever been to.. I think she was just trying to make me feel good.) And I ran into some other ladies you know mum. I put my suitcase in my room and they said "this is your roommate Hermana Spencer". We both gasped and said we went to High School together.
*pre story*
The night before, Nate Jensen said "Anna Spencer is going to the MTC-wouldn't it be funny if you were comps?"
When i got my books I found out where we were! Weight lifted off my shoulders.
Then I went straight to class (I had been at the MTC for 15 minutes) and it was all in spanish. None of this half english half spanish business. No. All in spanish. It was so crazy.
Orientation we sang Army of Helaman. But they changed the words so it said:
"And we are now the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth"
Chills.
That night we had 3 investigators (spoke english - thank goodness) we taught in groups of 30 so it was more like a workshop. They were never resolved but it was really cool to see and listen.
[thursday]
Longest day of my life. 3 hours of spanish. Brain exploding. Investigator preview. Exhausted. Met branch Pres. hilarious Elders. So tired. Can't comprehend time here. Headaches = working hard. So tired. spanish. spanish. spanish. I was completely overwhelmed and frustrated. I was counting my blessings when that day was over.
*Funny story. So we got a video introducing us to our investigator Fernando. They gave us the impression that he was really an investigator and could speak no english (as well as other things regarding religion, family and past)
Hna spencer and I were walking around and i saw him. I sad "Hna Spencer, is that Fernando? She said she thought it was. We went up to him and asked in spanish what his name was. He turned and we saw a teacher badge and he said "Brother Baker" in English. We said "no, usted priemera es fernando?" (Is your first name fernando?) He turned bright red and said no. Then we wet him- and it was the same guy! Everyone and i mean everyone is trying to convince us he's really and investigator, especially my teacher, who is my age. I'm like "NO! HE SPEAKS ENGLISH! HE'S A TEACHER HERE! WHEN HE RAISED HIS HAND WE SAW HIS GARMENTS!"
Can't get anyhing past Hernama Spencer and I :)
Speaking of that. Its her birthday today.
[friday]
Service. Spanish. Spanish. Spanish. Taught Fernando. Tanked.
Went to buy a lanyard but the morning before, an elder smacked an elder in the eye and had to get stitches, so they are banned from selling them here now. Also, did you know we aren't allowed to listen to music here at the MTC? Major bummer.
[saturday]
4 square is the celestial sport here. It's one of the only sports the sisters can play with the Elders. It gets super competitive. By the end of 9 weeks i'll be pro.
The Elders and I had an awesome conversation and basicaly I learned that God needs me to speak spanish. Even if I only teach one person in spanish - I need to have that skill so i can do it. It's probably the only thought that keeps me going through language study. It's just not sticking yet.
Had an awesome visit with Fernando where we gave him the B.O.M. the spirit was strong and I understood most of what he said. I just can't say it back to him yet.
Oh, language barriers.
But Hna Spencer and i were litterally skipping down the sidewalk after.
Oh! And we got a paper christmas tree hanging in our room!
[sunday]
The answer to my prayers. Finally I was able to slow down and breathe. We went to sacrament. The prayers and talks were in spansih, except for when the Branch President and his wife spoke and I was amazed how uch i could understand. Also, I counted 42 Elders and 4 Hermanas. Ya. (I'm one of the 4_ and that's all there will be for awhile. I'm ok with that. The Branch Presidency Wives spoil us and always give us "hugs from mom" i love it.
Then we watched music in the spoken word christmas special. The spirit was so strong during it and i saw a ton of people I recognized performing in it.
Relief Society at the MTC is fantastic. If it was like that in singles ward - more people would go.
Then we were able to leave and go on a temple walk. Glory Hallelujah. Freedom. I'm sad we can't go inside because it's closed right now- but the walks are great. More class..Online.
I joined the MTC choir! NEver thought i would say that, but I did. They may have me play violin here too-so mom could you maybe send me the music to "how great thou art?" (Oh! and the choir director was a session director at EFY one week-so we talked for awhile)
Then more study and devotional! It was all about feelings and emotion in conversion. I took 5 pages of notes. That's how much i loved it.
anyway- i live for sundays. because now things are becoming incredible.
It's gotten to the point where i have only cried twice, and it's from laughing so hard. I love the people around me.
My brach Presidency rocks. 2 of them used to live in PG. I tell them to smuggle me Taco Amigo, but they can be released if they do - though, they eat in honor of us.
Tell McKay good job on scoring 8 goals! (but he could get more if he starts playing to feet and stops trying to make only pretty goals. ugly goals still count)
I'm glad you saw the Robinsons. Ryan wrote me the best letter! It's actually the first one i got and it helped me get through my toughest day.
Also. The MTC really is hogwarts. My key would never open the doors. (luckily I have a companion) So I started saying "Alohamora" and it has worked every.single.time! Also, you can only walk in the buildings if you have church clothes, so on P day when you can wear sweats/jeans... to get to laundry and such you take tunnels! Hogwarts I tell you.
Te amo!
love, hermana aguas
Thursday, December 15, 2011
mum & dad
- I'm alive! Barely. I am so tired that i'm pretty sure the muscles in my face have forgotten how to function. Luckily, it's great here. It's such a happy place (it looks like a mini temple square with all the lights) and people are so welcoming.
It's only been 2 days and i feel like i have been here for weeks (besides having no clue where things are). I could go into long stories- but maybe i'll save that for email because i still need to read with my roommates, write in my journal and maybe sleep. (we have a service activity at 6:00 am tomorrow... no bueno) <-- spanish!
so here are the highlights.
-My companion. No worries, we went to highschool together and played violin together. People are floored when they find out. Her name is Hermana Spencer and i have the hardest time not calling her Anna. Love her.
-Besides Hmna Spencer, I have 2 roommates. Hmna Baker (American Fork) and Hmna Butt (Tuscson, Arizona!) They are both going to Kirk's mission (Chile).
-My district is HILARIOUS. The elders are a riot. They are the only reason i can stay awake.
-I have already seen Rachael Garder, my efy boy, the kid who got set apart after me, Court Iorg and Rickey Callister.
-8 Elders ran up to Hmna Spencer and i and started speaking spanish. (knowing we were new) all we said was "Por Que?"
-All my classes..(besides workshops) they only speak to you in spanish. i can get the basic idea, but speaking is completely different.
-I'm teaching my first investigator, Fernando, tomorrow.. get this, completely in spanish!!
-We play this game called "try to guess people's first name"... pretty humorous.
-Met my branch Pres. today. He's fantastic. Also, the 4 of us sisters are the only ones in our branch. Represent.
-I'm so tired. ( I hear it gets better sunday )
-The Provo Temple is closed, so I can't go again until Jan. 3rd, I think :(
- I had 3 hours straight of spanish today. I'm going to explode! (they say if you get headaches, it's a good things. well- way beyond that)
- I have lots of stories. and i know i could write more.. but i'll tell those on P day.
But, i'm doing great. I'm happy. This place really is so special. I'll learn spanish one day..
te amo!
Buenos Noches!
love, Hermana Aquas.
It's only been 2 days and i feel like i have been here for weeks (besides having no clue where things are). I could go into long stories- but maybe i'll save that for email because i still need to read with my roommates, write in my journal and maybe sleep. (we have a service activity at 6:00 am tomorrow... no bueno) <-- spanish!
so here are the highlights.
-My companion. No worries, we went to highschool together and played violin together. People are floored when they find out. Her name is Hermana Spencer and i have the hardest time not calling her Anna. Love her.
-Besides Hmna Spencer, I have 2 roommates. Hmna Baker (American Fork) and Hmna Butt (Tuscson, Arizona!) They are both going to Kirk's mission (Chile).
-My district is HILARIOUS. The elders are a riot. They are the only reason i can stay awake.
-I have already seen Rachael Garder, my efy boy, the kid who got set apart after me, Court Iorg and Rickey Callister.
-8 Elders ran up to Hmna Spencer and i and started speaking spanish. (knowing we were new) all we said was "Por Que?"
-All my classes..(besides workshops) they only speak to you in spanish. i can get the basic idea, but speaking is completely different.
-I'm teaching my first investigator, Fernando, tomorrow.. get this, completely in spanish!!
-We play this game called "try to guess people's first name"... pretty humorous.
-Met my branch Pres. today. He's fantastic. Also, the 4 of us sisters are the only ones in our branch. Represent.
-I'm so tired. ( I hear it gets better sunday )
-The Provo Temple is closed, so I can't go again until Jan. 3rd, I think :(
- I had 3 hours straight of spanish today. I'm going to explode! (they say if you get headaches, it's a good things. well- way beyond that)
- I have lots of stories. and i know i could write more.. but i'll tell those on P day.
But, i'm doing great. I'm happy. This place really is so special. I'll learn spanish one day..
te amo!
Buenos Noches!
love, Hermana Aquas.
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