Dear Family and friends,
I am on the fast/liquid diet for the 3rd time in as many months. Yelch. This along with the P90X (Thanks Josh and Regan!) which I've been doing in the mornings will surely keep me fitting into my skirts :) Sister Ku and Sister Martinez (one of my roommates) sometimes join me, and then we are all sore as we walk around on Temple Square. I like it. It feels great to be active and sore, especially in the winter. Mom, did you ever check it out?
Temple Square is cool because we get to meet and talk to people with so many different beliefs and backrounds every single day. They are at least somewhat interested in the history and beliefs of the church so 1/2 the battle is already over (I feel like in Poland that will be a hard fight) . This week I had several great experiences with people from each of these backrounds:
1. In the R/C (Referral Center) a 7th day Adventist, who was reading the Book of Mormon, called in and wanted to talk (sincerely) about why we worshiped the Sabbath on Sunday, and not Saturday. We had a good discussion, and with some quick learning from the Bible dictionary ( I love the Bible dictionary!) I found that the time that worship switched to Sunday was after Christ's resurrection, since it was on a Sunday.
2. Heather Gilliland, the girl I was in Haiti with, came to Temple Square and I got to see her. She gave me the number of her friend Andrew from Colorado who was moving to the East Coast to work at a Space Camp. We talked about religion and his beliefs making decisions, and I shared with him a scripture and he was really excited to have the missionaries come over and teach him. hooray!
3. On Wednesday I met an inactive member named Autumn who was there with her 2 kids. I started the conversation by telling her how much I loved her red scarf. We ended up talking for a long time, she had been going through some really hard things with the dad of kid. I thought of that forgiveness talk that you sent me, Dad, (thank you for that!) and shared with her some things I had learned from it. We connected really well and she recommitted to start going back to church- I am going to call her today and she how that is going. At the end of the conversation, she took of her scarf and gave it to me. I tried to refuse, but she was very persistent. I had just been thinking earlier that day how I wanted to buy a scarf to be from Temple Square, but now I have something much better!
4. In the RC I called the friend of Mike, this way sweet inactive motorcycle man, who had referred his friend. His wife answered, and went off on me forever about how we weren't Christians (she used to be a Mormon) and how we don't believe in Christ enough, b/c we try to earn our salvation through ordinances, etc etc. I tried to not Bible bash, and simply explain my beliefs, bear my testimony, and get off the phone, but it took a while.
5. Sister Ku and I had the chance to teach the whole first lesson in a discussion we had with this couple from Missouri. They came to us asking about why there were so many religions, how it doesn't seem to make sense (can you believe it!) and how they had been searching from church to church, but none seemed to be right. I have been becoming increasingly more bold with how this gospel is important, and the husband was stuck on her beliefs, but the wife was very reflective and interested. It came to my head like 5 times while we were talking to show the special witness clip from Elder Bednar about the Priesthood authority, so I hope its what they needed. As we finished, I realized that we had hit on every point except for focusing on how God is our loving Heavenly Father and how the gospel blesses families. Right at that moment, Sister Ku stepped up and bore the most powerful and passionate testimony I had ever heard from her, and the first words out of her mouth were how God is our loving Heavenly Father and how the gospel blesses families. She didn't even realize it. I wanted to stop and give her a high five.
6. We have been trying to get through to Poland in the R/C but the program has been down. I finally got through, and in my surprise was connected to a member in Poland. She spoke only Polish, but her son in the US spoke Polish and English. I was trying to get his number. It was a humiliating and humbling experience. I could not understand, or explain myself very clearly, and the woman angrily (and quickly) spoke back in Polish and when I said "przeprasem, nie rozumiem..." she hung up on me. I was frustrated at my lack of ability and the struggle to even be able to reach someone to be able to teach them. I still was in the process of hanging up the phone with it rang from an inbound phone call. My screen was broken, as was my spirits at the time, but the person on the phone immediately said "What do I need to do to be able to have the missionaries come teach me?" Miracles.
7. I made a guy cry yesterday. I met this kid named Colton, who was studying his scriptures by the Christus statue. He had been home for 6 months for medical leave because of anxiety. He was now trying to make decisions about if he should try to go back, go to school, where to go to school etc. He had to come home before he left the MTC. It was amazing talking to him. I related with so many of his frustrations, of just wanting to serve and not being able to control the circumstances, of difficulty in making decisions and discerning answers. I have been amazed at all the things i have learned already from being on a mission, especially in regards to those specific things. I thought of this whole last year how I had tried to learn how to recognize the Spirit and answers to prayers. I wrote a whole list of scriptures, talks, and books that had helped me with situations like that. In having that discussion with him, I thought of 2 Nephi 2:2, where Lehi promises Jacob that his afflictions will be consecrated for his gain. I think the wording of that is so unique. I was so grateful for the things I've gone through, especially the feelings of anxiousness, inadequacy, indecision, and frustration in discerning answers; because they are things that I had to overcome (and I still am definitely working on...) . I have learned so much because of trying to find answers and results to those weaknesses and they allowed me to relate and help Colton yesterday b/c of the things I had learned. I told him that and honestly felt so gratitude for those hard things, and we both cried a little bit.
Well that's enough of the experiences, but there are plenty more, the mission is awesome. we had transfer conference yesterday, and I have 2 new companions! Sister Ku will be training someone new, and I will be with Sister Peets ( who is one of Crystal Stay's best friends) and Sister Samuels ( who is coming home a transfer early from outbound to help us out, she is from Pakistan) . The change happens Wednesday. Oh and I'm moved to Extended Zone, which means I'll be at Beehive house, Welfare Square, and the Humanitarian Center. Its great that in my short time here I still get to do some of everything!
I love you, life is great, thank you so much for your prayers, letters, and thoughts, they help so much! Grandma and Grandpa, I LOVE the ancestor stories you have sent, I tell them all the time as I'm taking tours. Amber, the anniversary book is beautiful! It stayed in the lunchroom for 2 days while 200 Sisters all looked through it and ooh-ed and ah'd over my family. I was proud. One of the Sisters was looking at it and said to me "This really is such an incredible blessing. Look at this family and how much they love one another, spend time with each other, and are firm in the gospel. That is my life dream is to have a family like that. Thats why we are doing missionary work, to be able to help make families into something like that. " Her comments really touched me, thank you so much family for being amazing and such great examples to me. I love you!
-Sister Stay
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
November 23, 2010
This has been a week of miracles. I can't believe that I have only been here for 1 week, oh man. I don't even know where to start.
It took me a few days to get over the shock of the sudden move to Temple Square, but now I am settled in and I feel like I can actually contribute. I 'passed off' yesterday, which means that I know the history and can bridge it to doctrine well enough that they aren't terrified of letting me lead a tour in a different language without saying all sorts of apostate things (Jake, I know how you feel about visitor center missionaries). Apparently this usually takes alot longer than one week to do, but that leads to the next great news...
I have had two Polish tours! The first one was Thursday, and was one of the first times that someone had come up to the information desk specifically asking for a Polish tour. But here I am, with my extremely limited capabilites, and the Poles have started to come. Apparently there has never been a Polish sister here. Sister Steadman in the MTC said that she felt like Moses. Polish is awkward and she said "I am slow of speech, but I know that God will make up for my lack" I thought of her as I started the tour. There were 2 Poles, Catholics, one who spoke a tiny bit of English, one who didn't speak any, and then an American, an inactive member, who was showing them around and knew no Polish whatsoever. He kept chiming in on difficult things to explain to his friends like polygamy and how he used to be able to go to the temple, but now he can't. My Polish was broken and awkward, but they were so kind and very interested. Together we got across the message and our beliefs. It took me half the time to figure out the word for pioneer. I kept asking the woman, and she would shrug, until we got to the handcart monument and she read it "oh! Pionier! " it sounds almost exactly the same! The tour was fun.
Usually visitor center missionaries have a week of training about being a visitor center missionary at the MTC and all sorts of orientation and training when then get here, but I came mid-transfer, so I just got thrown into the pot. I was feeling a little lost, because I didn't know what my objectives were or how to be useful. I would just try to approach people and everything seemed to be wrong, awkward, or focused on the wrong things. Another little blessing; this was a week full of training. We had Zone Conference, a mission meeting, a special "1st transfer" training session with the Mission President, and other smaller activities on other days. They did a lot of training this week because it is slow and will get a lot busier once the lights go on. It definitely helped me be able to understand how to be a good missionary here.
We got to clean the temple yesterday for a long time which was a blast, and I went through a session this morning. It was really cool to see a live session, I never have before.
Sunday was a miracle day. I had another Polish tour and I was praying so hard that they would be able to understand me and be able to feel the Spirit. My Polish was way better and much more fluid. I spoke completely in Polish the whole time. (I just got approval today to study Polish for 1/2 hour most days) Dang, I have to go. Maybe I will write it in a letter and mail the story to you.
I love you so much! have a great day and a great Thanksgiving!
-Sister Stay
It took me a few days to get over the shock of the sudden move to Temple Square, but now I am settled in and I feel like I can actually contribute. I 'passed off' yesterday, which means that I know the history and can bridge it to doctrine well enough that they aren't terrified of letting me lead a tour in a different language without saying all sorts of apostate things (Jake, I know how you feel about visitor center missionaries). Apparently this usually takes alot longer than one week to do, but that leads to the next great news...
I have had two Polish tours! The first one was Thursday, and was one of the first times that someone had come up to the information desk specifically asking for a Polish tour. But here I am, with my extremely limited capabilites, and the Poles have started to come. Apparently there has never been a Polish sister here. Sister Steadman in the MTC said that she felt like Moses. Polish is awkward and she said "I am slow of speech, but I know that God will make up for my lack" I thought of her as I started the tour. There were 2 Poles, Catholics, one who spoke a tiny bit of English, one who didn't speak any, and then an American, an inactive member, who was showing them around and knew no Polish whatsoever. He kept chiming in on difficult things to explain to his friends like polygamy and how he used to be able to go to the temple, but now he can't. My Polish was broken and awkward, but they were so kind and very interested. Together we got across the message and our beliefs. It took me half the time to figure out the word for pioneer. I kept asking the woman, and she would shrug, until we got to the handcart monument and she read it "oh! Pionier! " it sounds almost exactly the same! The tour was fun.
Usually visitor center missionaries have a week of training about being a visitor center missionary at the MTC and all sorts of orientation and training when then get here, but I came mid-transfer, so I just got thrown into the pot. I was feeling a little lost, because I didn't know what my objectives were or how to be useful. I would just try to approach people and everything seemed to be wrong, awkward, or focused on the wrong things. Another little blessing; this was a week full of training. We had Zone Conference, a mission meeting, a special "1st transfer" training session with the Mission President, and other smaller activities on other days. They did a lot of training this week because it is slow and will get a lot busier once the lights go on. It definitely helped me be able to understand how to be a good missionary here.
We got to clean the temple yesterday for a long time which was a blast, and I went through a session this morning. It was really cool to see a live session, I never have before.
Sunday was a miracle day. I had another Polish tour and I was praying so hard that they would be able to understand me and be able to feel the Spirit. My Polish was way better and much more fluid. I spoke completely in Polish the whole time. (I just got approval today to study Polish for 1/2 hour most days) Dang, I have to go. Maybe I will write it in a letter and mail the story to you.
I love you so much! have a great day and a great Thanksgiving!
-Sister Stay
November 16, 2010
Moja Rodzina,
Well, what a surprise, here I am, in Temple Square! I have received more hugs and hellos than I knew what to do with. For people who haven't heard the story, I found out yesterday that I will be serving in the Temple square mission for 4 weeks, then I will take another IVP test and be off to Poland! I'm excited for the experience, and to learn all of the history. I dropped off my bags, walked to meet my companion, and we went straight to Walmart to buy real food! My companion, Sister Ku, from South Korea, made fun of me for having 3 suitcases, but I made fun of her when we packed up her things (2 suitcases, 2 shopping carts FULL and a huge box) and we both moved into an apartment with 6 other girls... Craziness. It also happened to be one of my roommate's birthdays, so a huge gathering and party was happening. Every Sister that I met yesterday somehow knew that I was going to Poland and were extremely confused as to why I was in temple square, or why I had learned Polish to come to temple square or every possible variation on the story. I felt like I had snuck into a secret club, though everyone was super friendly. I asked Sister Ku how everyone knew about me, and she said "You are in one square block with 200 girls, how do you think they know?"
My whole day was filled with a lot of funny tender mercies, and Sister Ku was a big one of them. Mom, don't worry, one of the things that Sister Ku had me help her move was her medicine ball! She is 27, born in S. Korea and lived since she was 10 in Hawaii and was a convert at 19. She loves rock climbing and hiking, and warned me the first day "I'm sorry, but I'm not super affectionate..." She is more likely to give me a little shove and attitude then to squeal and envelop me in a hug. I love her already. This is her 4th transfer, and I am her first trainee. I foresee some great adventures together.
Today we also got to go to the BYU MOA exhibits on Christ. I know, right? I took the trip back down to Provo this morning, and helped our extremely lost bus driver find his way to BYU and the MOA. We talked the whole way back to SLC about how he is a bike skiing instructor... "There's something following them..." "I want my 2 dollars!" Better Off Dead. I was happy when he got the reference, his mission, and his wife who is investigating the church. It is great to talk to real people, but a new experience to think of ways to be a good missionary without being awkward or super pushy. I feel that people in Utah either are members or have been exposed to the Church many times. I realize I am fine talking about the gospel since that is what I am here doing, but I'm struggling on figuring out the best way to bring it into the conversation. I would love any advice. I still have a lot to learn, and a long way to go.
The art exhibit was great, they had a lot of the altar paintings from Denmark, Mom and Dad, aren't that the paintings you went to see when you were there? Mom, your favorite Garden of Gethsemane picture was there as well. I thought of you, looking at it. There also were a whole bunch of watercolors about the life of Christ. (I'm sorry, but both painters' names have escaped my head)
I still feel like I am just wandering around floating from place to place, I haven't spoken with the mission president yet, and it seems like a different world here with a lot of unspoken expectations. I am so grateful for doing Jr. Miss, I think it has helped me to be a lot more comfortable in this foreign environment. I look forward to the day when I can be an asset to the work here. There are no Sisters who speak Polish here, but they said that there have been a good number visiting lately. I'm not quite sure what the plan is for maintaining my language here... it is very highly emphasized that this is an English-speaking mission, and that is what should be spoken. Every sister who is here with another language is a native from that place, so they already speak it fluently. I will find a way.
I need to learn how to 'pass off' the tours, and then I will also work on doing it in Polish, so I can explain and maybe even lead tours in Polish. It will be good to work towards.
Love,
Siostra Stay
Well, what a surprise, here I am, in Temple Square! I have received more hugs and hellos than I knew what to do with. For people who haven't heard the story, I found out yesterday that I will be serving in the Temple square mission for 4 weeks, then I will take another IVP test and be off to Poland! I'm excited for the experience, and to learn all of the history. I dropped off my bags, walked to meet my companion, and we went straight to Walmart to buy real food! My companion, Sister Ku, from South Korea, made fun of me for having 3 suitcases, but I made fun of her when we packed up her things (2 suitcases, 2 shopping carts FULL and a huge box) and we both moved into an apartment with 6 other girls... Craziness. It also happened to be one of my roommate's birthdays, so a huge gathering and party was happening. Every Sister that I met yesterday somehow knew that I was going to Poland and were extremely confused as to why I was in temple square, or why I had learned Polish to come to temple square or every possible variation on the story. I felt like I had snuck into a secret club, though everyone was super friendly. I asked Sister Ku how everyone knew about me, and she said "You are in one square block with 200 girls, how do you think they know?"
My whole day was filled with a lot of funny tender mercies, and Sister Ku was a big one of them. Mom, don't worry, one of the things that Sister Ku had me help her move was her medicine ball! She is 27, born in S. Korea and lived since she was 10 in Hawaii and was a convert at 19. She loves rock climbing and hiking, and warned me the first day "I'm sorry, but I'm not super affectionate..." She is more likely to give me a little shove and attitude then to squeal and envelop me in a hug. I love her already. This is her 4th transfer, and I am her first trainee. I foresee some great adventures together.
Today we also got to go to the BYU MOA exhibits on Christ. I know, right? I took the trip back down to Provo this morning, and helped our extremely lost bus driver find his way to BYU and the MOA. We talked the whole way back to SLC about how he is a bike skiing instructor... "There's something following them..." "I want my 2 dollars!" Better Off Dead. I was happy when he got the reference, his mission, and his wife who is investigating the church. It is great to talk to real people, but a new experience to think of ways to be a good missionary without being awkward or super pushy. I feel that people in Utah either are members or have been exposed to the Church many times. I realize I am fine talking about the gospel since that is what I am here doing, but I'm struggling on figuring out the best way to bring it into the conversation. I would love any advice. I still have a lot to learn, and a long way to go.
The art exhibit was great, they had a lot of the altar paintings from Denmark, Mom and Dad, aren't that the paintings you went to see when you were there? Mom, your favorite Garden of Gethsemane picture was there as well. I thought of you, looking at it. There also were a whole bunch of watercolors about the life of Christ. (I'm sorry, but both painters' names have escaped my head)
I still feel like I am just wandering around floating from place to place, I haven't spoken with the mission president yet, and it seems like a different world here with a lot of unspoken expectations. I am so grateful for doing Jr. Miss, I think it has helped me to be a lot more comfortable in this foreign environment. I look forward to the day when I can be an asset to the work here. There are no Sisters who speak Polish here, but they said that there have been a good number visiting lately. I'm not quite sure what the plan is for maintaining my language here... it is very highly emphasized that this is an English-speaking mission, and that is what should be spoken. Every sister who is here with another language is a native from that place, so they already speak it fluently. I will find a way.
I need to learn how to 'pass off' the tours, and then I will also work on doing it in Polish, so I can explain and maybe even lead tours in Polish. It will be good to work towards.
Love,
Siostra Stay
November 15, 2010
Note from Tim, Nov 15:
Dominique was able to get clearance last week from the doctor that did the surgery, but the Mission medical doctors wanted to give it a little more time, so Sister Stay was assigned to the Salt Lake Mission assigned to Temple Square to work with Polish visitors, so she will get some chance to use her Polish. We got a call today about noon informing us of this and asking if we could transport Sister Stay up to Temple Square. So we picked her up from the MTC around 3 pm this afternoon. Dalita and I felt like we were busting her out of her long imprisonment and we even took a picture of us with bandannas dragging Sister Stay away from the MTC. We picked up 2 sisters from Temple Square who showed us where Sister Stay's apartment would be and we dropped her off there and said goodbye.The doctors want her to run some tests in 3 more weeks and if everything is ok, she should be able to leave for Poland! She is excited to be preaching the gospel and the sisters we met said that they spend the entire day teaching and that the day is filled with miracles.Thanks for all your prayers and support. It is nice to have her moving to the next stage, even if it isn't the path we expected!
Tim
Here is her letter from November 9th:
This week has been a good one. My district is awesome. On Sunday after the devotional we played signs together, it made me miss our family get-togethers and game nights. I stole Chris' 'go-to' knee sign, it was a blast. There may or may not have been some signs passed around during class the next day :D.
So turns out God is blessing me and everyone around me because I am still stuck in this place. Last Tuesday we had our third General Authority (in a row!) come to the fireside. Elder Ballard gave a great talk about becoming a master communicator. Sheri Dew also came on Sunday and spoke about fulfilling our life mission. It was a subject already on the minds of me and my companions because of that great talk from Women's Conference that mom sent earlier that week. She said that there were three abilities Satan would try to keep from you to paralyze you and keep you from fulfilling your mission. On the opposite side, if we had a firm knowledge of them, nothing could stop us from being an instrument in the Lord's hand and succeeding in everything we were sent here to do.
1. Who we are
2. a personal witness that Jesus is the Christ
3. the ability to receive instructions from our Heavenly Father
I"m pretty positive that since I am still here today, I will get another apostle tonight. I'll let you know ;)
It is hard to stay as driven and feel that I am progressing as fast as I was before the last district left, but I am still working at it. I was able to teach Stasha, the only Polish lady who comes to TRC every week. I taught her the third lesson in Polish by myself, but it was great! It was so nice to be teaching and personalizing, and applying the things I have been learning. For the first time here, I was able to just have a conversation with her about the gospel and how much it has blessed my life and will bless her life. This week if I'm still here I will be teaching the first lesson, I'm excited.
I help the new district with any questions they have about Polish, since we have a lot of time without teachers. It was fun to teach them Mianownik plural, and all the weird little things I do to remember the rules and order of things. After practicing together a lot, they seemed to understand it a lot better. Hopefully I was some help. It has been strengthening my grammar knowledge as well, having to answer why things work the way they do.
I love you so much and am excited to have answers tomorrow, and maybe leave (somewhere..) this week, although I will be sad to leave my new companions and district. Thank you everyone so much for the letters, prayers, and thoughts. They strengthen me and cheer me up. I have been able to see so much how many people care for me and are aware of me. I love you! Kocham cie!
-Siostra Stay
Dominique was able to get clearance last week from the doctor that did the surgery, but the Mission medical doctors wanted to give it a little more time, so Sister Stay was assigned to the Salt Lake Mission assigned to Temple Square to work with Polish visitors, so she will get some chance to use her Polish. We got a call today about noon informing us of this and asking if we could transport Sister Stay up to Temple Square. So we picked her up from the MTC around 3 pm this afternoon. Dalita and I felt like we were busting her out of her long imprisonment and we even took a picture of us with bandannas dragging Sister Stay away from the MTC. We picked up 2 sisters from Temple Square who showed us where Sister Stay's apartment would be and we dropped her off there and said goodbye.The doctors want her to run some tests in 3 more weeks and if everything is ok, she should be able to leave for Poland! She is excited to be preaching the gospel and the sisters we met said that they spend the entire day teaching and that the day is filled with miracles.Thanks for all your prayers and support. It is nice to have her moving to the next stage, even if it isn't the path we expected!
Tim
Here is her letter from November 9th:
This week has been a good one. My district is awesome. On Sunday after the devotional we played signs together, it made me miss our family get-togethers and game nights. I stole Chris' 'go-to' knee sign, it was a blast. There may or may not have been some signs passed around during class the next day :D.
So turns out God is blessing me and everyone around me because I am still stuck in this place. Last Tuesday we had our third General Authority (in a row!) come to the fireside. Elder Ballard gave a great talk about becoming a master communicator. Sheri Dew also came on Sunday and spoke about fulfilling our life mission. It was a subject already on the minds of me and my companions because of that great talk from Women's Conference that mom sent earlier that week. She said that there were three abilities Satan would try to keep from you to paralyze you and keep you from fulfilling your mission. On the opposite side, if we had a firm knowledge of them, nothing could stop us from being an instrument in the Lord's hand and succeeding in everything we were sent here to do.
1. Who we are
2. a personal witness that Jesus is the Christ
3. the ability to receive instructions from our Heavenly Father
I"m pretty positive that since I am still here today, I will get another apostle tonight. I'll let you know ;)
It is hard to stay as driven and feel that I am progressing as fast as I was before the last district left, but I am still working at it. I was able to teach Stasha, the only Polish lady who comes to TRC every week. I taught her the third lesson in Polish by myself, but it was great! It was so nice to be teaching and personalizing, and applying the things I have been learning. For the first time here, I was able to just have a conversation with her about the gospel and how much it has blessed my life and will bless her life. This week if I'm still here I will be teaching the first lesson, I'm excited.
I help the new district with any questions they have about Polish, since we have a lot of time without teachers. It was fun to teach them Mianownik plural, and all the weird little things I do to remember the rules and order of things. After practicing together a lot, they seemed to understand it a lot better. Hopefully I was some help. It has been strengthening my grammar knowledge as well, having to answer why things work the way they do.
I love you so much and am excited to have answers tomorrow, and maybe leave (somewhere..) this week, although I will be sad to leave my new companions and district. Thank you everyone so much for the letters, prayers, and thoughts. They strengthen me and cheer me up. I have been able to see so much how many people care for me and are aware of me. I love you! Kocham cie!
-Siostra Stay
October 27, 2010
Dear Family!
Oh man, tons to say and no time to say it. This was a super crazy week (I seem to say that every week). My district had been looking forward to the 'Halloween surprise' that Mom mentioned a few times and we got it right in time on Saturday night. Everyone laughed so hard when they pulled out the eyebrows and Elder Krzyminski didn't have one. Oh man. Everyone's mustaches also fit their personalities PERFECTLY. I could just see you and Ali sitting in the kitchen planning who got what mustache. Don't worry, pictures will come. We took pictures all night. Needless to say, you won the coolest mom ever prize. Hands down. I never told you how amazing the caramel apples were either. We had them after a TRC and they were delicious and perfectly fall-ish.
Ali- because I know you've been dying in anticipation. The General Authority that came on Tues was Elder Nelson. He gave a great, very simple to the doctrine talk and ended 20 minutes early. THEN, this Tuesday, I was sitting and singing before the devotional when the choir director ( who I honestly think is the actor from 'the music man' his voice is EXACTLY the same. Find out his name and I will investigate....) said "We don't stand to sing the hymns of Zion (yes he speaks like that) unless we are directed to by the MTC presidency or an apostle of the Lord walks in the room." 30 seconds later in came Richard G. Scott. Craziness.
His devotional was one of the most moving things I have ever heard. It was about the precious truths he had obtained about the Spirit throughout his life. He gave us all a handout of the points he spoke about. I know, awesome. I am going to the copy center and will send one home to you. He also used very strong language and spoke directly to the sisters several times during the talk.
Here is what he said "Sisters, I know exercise my divine apostleship and invoke a protective shield on you. As you serve and act in faith with that shield, I promise that you will be protected.Other promises he gave using the phrase "Under authority of my apostleship I invoke a blessing on you.."
- the gift of tongues. I am installing the capability. You have to use it, develop it.
-blessing of confidence, and guidance of the Spirit
-a blessing that the lessons you lear on your mission will be retained throughout your life, and you will be about to use it. You will have an understanding of gospel truths.
It was like a priesthood blessing on each of us, it was crazy. His testimony as an apostle was also the most powerful testimony I have ever heard. He aslo stopped and gave a requirement to the sisters to watch our health, and rest when we need it. His wife had to go home for several months from her mission b/c she didn't slow down when she needed to. She lost that time of service b/c she didn't take care of it.
Even if this was the only reason I stayed back it was worth it. My scripture of the week has been D&C 98:1-3 I love the action words and promises in there. I was companionless for 2 days which was crazy-- I went to the health clinic w/ the Finns, temple with the Ukrainians, breakfast with the Russians, lunch w/ the Italians, dinner with the bulgs, and slept in a room w/ the Greeks.
I feel healthy and fine, and have been studying super hard the grammar. It has been a great experience. Oh! and I saw SUZY Q! I was her host and showed her around. She lives 2 doors down. I love you thanks for the letters and emails. Send Dear Elder if you can!
I have also really felt the fasting and prayers on my behalf. Thank you! I love you and am fine and healthy.
-Siostra Stay
Oh man, tons to say and no time to say it. This was a super crazy week (I seem to say that every week). My district had been looking forward to the 'Halloween surprise' that Mom mentioned a few times and we got it right in time on Saturday night. Everyone laughed so hard when they pulled out the eyebrows and Elder Krzyminski didn't have one. Oh man. Everyone's mustaches also fit their personalities PERFECTLY. I could just see you and Ali sitting in the kitchen planning who got what mustache. Don't worry, pictures will come. We took pictures all night. Needless to say, you won the coolest mom ever prize. Hands down. I never told you how amazing the caramel apples were either. We had them after a TRC and they were delicious and perfectly fall-ish.
Ali- because I know you've been dying in anticipation. The General Authority that came on Tues was Elder Nelson. He gave a great, very simple to the doctrine talk and ended 20 minutes early. THEN, this Tuesday, I was sitting and singing before the devotional when the choir director ( who I honestly think is the actor from 'the music man' his voice is EXACTLY the same. Find out his name and I will investigate....) said "We don't stand to sing the hymns of Zion (yes he speaks like that) unless we are directed to by the MTC presidency or an apostle of the Lord walks in the room." 30 seconds later in came Richard G. Scott. Craziness.
His devotional was one of the most moving things I have ever heard. It was about the precious truths he had obtained about the Spirit throughout his life. He gave us all a handout of the points he spoke about. I know, awesome. I am going to the copy center and will send one home to you. He also used very strong language and spoke directly to the sisters several times during the talk.
Here is what he said "Sisters, I know exercise my divine apostleship and invoke a protective shield on you. As you serve and act in faith with that shield, I promise that you will be protected.Other promises he gave using the phrase "Under authority of my apostleship I invoke a blessing on you.."
- the gift of tongues. I am installing the capability. You have to use it, develop it.
-blessing of confidence, and guidance of the Spirit
-a blessing that the lessons you lear on your mission will be retained throughout your life, and you will be about to use it. You will have an understanding of gospel truths.
It was like a priesthood blessing on each of us, it was crazy. His testimony as an apostle was also the most powerful testimony I have ever heard. He aslo stopped and gave a requirement to the sisters to watch our health, and rest when we need it. His wife had to go home for several months from her mission b/c she didn't slow down when she needed to. She lost that time of service b/c she didn't take care of it.
Even if this was the only reason I stayed back it was worth it. My scripture of the week has been D&C 98:1-3 I love the action words and promises in there. I was companionless for 2 days which was crazy-- I went to the health clinic w/ the Finns, temple with the Ukrainians, breakfast with the Russians, lunch w/ the Italians, dinner with the bulgs, and slept in a room w/ the Greeks.
I feel healthy and fine, and have been studying super hard the grammar. It has been a great experience. Oh! and I saw SUZY Q! I was her host and showed her around. She lives 2 doors down. I love you thanks for the letters and emails. Send Dear Elder if you can!
I have also really felt the fasting and prayers on my behalf. Thank you! I love you and am fine and healthy.
-Siostra Stay
Friday, October 22, 2010
October 15, 2010
Hello family!
Well it has been a crazy week (like every week) but I feel like I have been able to communicate with you a lot, so not a ton is new :) Ah, but I have GREAT news, I got my travel plans!!!! I will be leaving Monday morning 6 am, and flying to Chicago, London, and then POLAND! It finally seems real. My whole district is bursting with excitement. We are definitely ready to leave the MTC. I will miss them though, we really became a family. Apparently we can call during layovers, should I just get a phone card? I still have to get cleared on Thursday by the doctor to leave.
Speaking of doctors, surgery went well, it was fine that you weren't there; I was out of it the whole time anyways. It definitely wasn't worth you staying home from the trip. It sounds like you had a great time! Thank you so much for the letters, flowers, and treats. (I definitely got a ton of junior high 'oohs' and teasing 'ahs' when flowers were sent to me, asking what boy had sent them) Recovering from the surgery isn't what I thought it would be. I have stopped taking all of the pain pills except for the antibiotic and some ibuprofen because the side effects were so bad. However, I still am really nauseous, bloated, and feel like I'm going to pass out. I thought this might have been the Lortab, but two days later it is still lingering... I feel the pain a lot, especially at night, but at least I have a bit more of my mental capacities than when I was on the drugs. I am feeling a bit better today though, and hopefully everything will be back to normal by the end of this week. I don't like not being able to function!! I just am trying to make sure that the things I am experiencing is normal for after surgery, and to avoid having to deal with complications in Poland. Thank you for your prayers, I have definitely felt them. :D
On Thursday after surgery I slept all day (in a place in the health clinic called "sick bay"-- 100% it reminded me of the Space Center. Zach, you should work there :D ), but then was able to teach in the TRC that night. It was awesome. I could recall everything I had studied, answer the questions of the investigator, and for the first time, I was able to teach with the spirit in Polish, instead of just reciting my memorized lines. It makes me very excited to teach real people and actually get started on the work.
Now that I'm not on the Lortab it is really hard to sleep at night (I got 3 hours last night :( ) but when I was on it, I had CRAZY dreams. In one of them, our whole Twin Lakes family was in it! Which reminds me, I see Elder Hunt here all the time and we talk about Twin Lakes. He's way jealous that I'm only going to miss 1 year of it.
On Tuesday we had a devotional by Bishop Richard C Edgley, he is a very good speaker and teacher. He talked about being a successful missionary and how we are a peculiar people. One of the quotes that he said that I really enjoyed was "Faith is the power, obedience is the price, love is the motive, the Spirit is the key, and Christ is the reason" (from Pres Faust). On Sunday Susan Tanner spoke to us in Relief Society (she was in the old YW general presidency) She gave a great history of Relief Society and how Joseph Smith said it was a restored organization, not a new one. She spoke a lot about Charity and our role as women of the church. I also watch Music and the Spoken Word every Sunday. I think of you kids getting ready for church watching it. I liked the phrase "Great achievements are made up of hundreds of mundane acts", talking about Louis and Clark this past week.
Well I love you, here are your Polish phrases of the week:
"Wiem ze mozes to zrobic' " which means "I know you can do it!" Sister Steadman and Marshall and I say it to e/o ALL the time. I think it will continue to be a phrase of the mission.
z byka spadl/es', czy co? --> did you fall off a bull or what? it is a Polish saying which means are you crazy or something? I thoroughly enjoy saying it.
Heath Count:
18 visits to the health clinic and 20 outside visits to different doctors. No joke, we have kept tally.
I love you family, I think about you all the time! Thank you for your prayers and letters, siblings, you will get letters soon!
-Siostra Stay
PS I cleared Physical Therapy for my shoulder, and I’m not worried about it being a problem in Poland.
Sister Stay's Medical Issues
Sister Stay asked me to clarify what she's been dealing with medically, so all of you wouldn't worry.
There's a tube that goes from the kidney to the bladder, and it was partially blocked and causing infections. Sister Stay had outpatient surgery on 10/14 to clear the obstruction. She had a few days of nausea, but has since recovered very well.
She has also had some shoulder pain, and has been working with a physical therapist, and that seems to have helped.
Sister Stay is still planning to leave on Monday for Poland.
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