Hello my dear friendships!
It has been a while since I posted on a regular basis. I have to admit right now I will only be blogging 2 times a week. I've chosen Tuesdays and Thursdays to post on here.
Since my return home, a lot has happened. I've made a down payment on an apartment in which I will be living with two roommates from my new ward. I am now in the Young Single Adult ward. I've been going to institute and Family Home Evenings. I went to a dance on Saturday and met a really wonderful guy.
Life is going on. And I am so excited for what the future holds for me.
I wanted to go to BYU in the spring, but I can't take the SAT or ACT in time to go. But that's okay. I would rather be here for a while anyway in lovely Vancouver. I've got a job interview on Thursday and I am hoping I can maybe get two jobs at once so that I don't become financially unstable so early in my adult life. While working I plan on doing BYU independent study for my major in Civil Engineering. But if one of the classes is cheaper at the community college close to where I will live, I'll probably start there first.
Oh, that's another thing. I've decided to major in Civil Engineering and minor in Russian. Sounds so official right? I'm really excited. Science and architecture have always been so cool to me. And as much as it pains me to say it looking back at my high school years... I like math....
*GASP*
But it's true.
Let's see... what else?
I've been going to the gym pretty often lately in an effort to train to do swimming at BYU when I get there next fall. I already feel so much better health wise. Since I've been lifting weights and exercising, my back pain is very minor and happens only in the evenings once in a while. Which is fabulous. Life is good.
At the end of November I'll be moving so for that week or so I probably won't post. But I will do a two time a week posting. Does that make sense? I don't know. All my thoughts are in Russian now.
So, as always. Life is great. Grand actually. I am incredibly blessed to be able to be home and get my life going. My dream with civil engineering is to assist in the constructing of temples. Ideally a temple in Russia someday since I served there and I am minoring in Russian for that reason.
I am seriously so excited for what life has in store for me. I've gone through it seems like nonstop consecutive difficult trials for the past 2 and a half years and I am ready for some OPTIMISM! :) I have found that simply by choosing to be happy, I feel a lot happier. Easier said than done, but once I find good parts of a bad or awkward situation, the situation becomes a lot less bad, awkward or stressful. Does that make sense? Maybe. But that's how I've found I am happy. And also seriously, counting my blessings and saying all the time "WOW! I AM blessed!" The more you say something out loud the more you believe it and the more true it is!
Last night at FHE, we played Book of Mormon charades. SO much fun! I thought being a convert, I wouldn't get any answers right. BUT!! I read the Book of Mormon all the way through and studied it all the way through while on my mission and I realized that I knew all of the answers last night. I am so excited that I finally know the scripture stories in the Book of Mormon that well! The funniest one to watch being acted out was when Ammon cut off all those guys arms. Our ward is hilarious.
Anyway, that's all I really have for today. I'll get more into the habit of posting more interesting things. For now, go watch this Mormon message... I LOVE IT!
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages
PS: I also just this second got an interview for tomorrow at Macy's!!!!
I am so dang excited!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Friday, October 4, 2013
An early, but honorable return
I just came home less than a week ago from my 3 and a half month mission for the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. I was a full time missionary and I studied Russian in the MTC and in the field. Because of that I am now semi fluent.
Since I came home, I have had the feeling that I have to explain why I came home to everyone. But that really isn't the case. I've gotten so much judgement from some of the people I have told and haven't told. But some people who love and care about me very much have told me "You know why you're home, and the Lord knows why you're home. That's all that matters." It's true. It's extremely unchristlike for someone to judge a sister who came home from her mission early. Especially if they themselves have never served missions. And it's ironic and sad, but most of the people who have snubbed me haven't ever been on missions.
Anyway, I want to talk about what I learned on this mission. Yes, I learned Russian and I was able to go to Russia. That in and of itself is enough of an experience. But here are the life changing parts...
1.) I learned to respect the priesthood with all faith of heart. Not that I didn't respect it before, but before my mission I was under this state of mind: "Why do men get the priesthood and women don't? That's so not fair." And I was a little annoyed because it didn't seem like anything special really but it seemed like just a title to me. I was SO wrong. In the MTC I had the opportunity, privilege and blessing to be in a class with 6 Elders and 5 other sisters. Those Elders taught me so much about respecting the priesthood. I was able to be there for the first time most of them ever gave blessings. It was a beautiful and sacred experience. I was sick a lot and got a bad back injury in the MTC and each time I was hurting or really sick, the Elders gave me a blessing and always listened to the spirit and gave me truly inspired blessings. They became dear friends, incredible examples, and strong in their priesthood. I was blessed to have one last blessing the night before we left and the Elder who gave the blessing was in my first area in Orenburg, Russia when we got there. He was truly inspired. He called angels to surround me and I truly felt them and witnessed their hands in my life. He reallydid call angels to minister unto me, and he did it by being worthy and taking his priesthood seriously. I will always be so grateful for him and that blessing.
2.) I learned that women also have a sacred responsibility and divine nature. Not only in the caring for and nurturing of families and children. But in charity for others. I was able to minister to people by praying and recognizing my divine role as a woman/ sister. Women have a huge role and I have personally seen and gained a testimony that a priesthood holder cannot fulfill his priesthood responsibilities without the charity, help, love, and nurturing of women. And the same is true for women. We can't do all we need to do without priesthood holders. We really are equal and meant to support to each other as equal partners/companions.
3.) Life in Russia is hard. I was called an antichrist. I was told to go home because nobody wanted me there. A lady thought we were metaknights and said "Your church is dangerous for us. I cannot talk to you metaknights." There were broken bottles littered everywhere from liquor. Drunks walked up and down the streets everyday everywhere I went. People were rough and sad. But once I got to know them or connected to them or expressed a true desire to help them, they are the most genuine people I have ever met. The most beautiful souls. True blood of Israel.
4.) You can have back and forth conversation with Heavenly Father. I knew you could pray to Heavenly Father like a friend, but I had never experienced conversing back and forth with Him. Because of the sister who taught me and my class in the MTC, I learned this. And because of her, I received so much revelation. Some of it life changing even. And answers to questions I never really knew I had.
5.) I learned to work with another person equally and to work out conflicts or to just be open with them and ask for help. I learned how to support another person. I also by doing these things learned how to cook and how to cook for someone allergic to milk, wheat, and who couldn't really eat a lot of meat. I learned how to be supportive and loving in a companionship.
6.) I learned so much more too, but most importantly, I gained a solid testimony of the Book of Mormon. Of apostles and prophets. Of the priesthood. Sisterhood. And of the Holy Ghost.
When I had two more weeks left of my mission, I committed myself to work hard 100% everyday. Because of that I saw and felt miracles. I worked hard and Heavenly Father truly worked through me. I was an instrument of the Lord. I became a new person. When I came home I realized how much more obedient, patient, and spiritually clean I became. I am so grateful that I was able to be shaped by the Lord into who I am now.
My life has changed for the better the past three and a half months. I've experienced so much and learned so many life lessons. Even though Russia was hard to live in, and there were a lot of rough times and people... there were beautiful moments and beautiful people. I was so blessed to be there as long as I was.
I loved my mission. I served honorably and worked hard and served. It was short, but honorable. I know it, and the Lord knows it. That is what really matters. :)
Now on with life again. I will keep all I learned in my heart and apply it everyday in every way I can. I'll get a job, save money, go to college. And who knows what will happen along the way.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported me on my mission and who supports me know. God bless you beautiful people. I love you so much. Thank you thank you.
Since I came home, I have had the feeling that I have to explain why I came home to everyone. But that really isn't the case. I've gotten so much judgement from some of the people I have told and haven't told. But some people who love and care about me very much have told me "You know why you're home, and the Lord knows why you're home. That's all that matters." It's true. It's extremely unchristlike for someone to judge a sister who came home from her mission early. Especially if they themselves have never served missions. And it's ironic and sad, but most of the people who have snubbed me haven't ever been on missions.
Anyway, I want to talk about what I learned on this mission. Yes, I learned Russian and I was able to go to Russia. That in and of itself is enough of an experience. But here are the life changing parts...
1.) I learned to respect the priesthood with all faith of heart. Not that I didn't respect it before, but before my mission I was under this state of mind: "Why do men get the priesthood and women don't? That's so not fair." And I was a little annoyed because it didn't seem like anything special really but it seemed like just a title to me. I was SO wrong. In the MTC I had the opportunity, privilege and blessing to be in a class with 6 Elders and 5 other sisters. Those Elders taught me so much about respecting the priesthood. I was able to be there for the first time most of them ever gave blessings. It was a beautiful and sacred experience. I was sick a lot and got a bad back injury in the MTC and each time I was hurting or really sick, the Elders gave me a blessing and always listened to the spirit and gave me truly inspired blessings. They became dear friends, incredible examples, and strong in their priesthood. I was blessed to have one last blessing the night before we left and the Elder who gave the blessing was in my first area in Orenburg, Russia when we got there. He was truly inspired. He called angels to surround me and I truly felt them and witnessed their hands in my life. He reallydid call angels to minister unto me, and he did it by being worthy and taking his priesthood seriously. I will always be so grateful for him and that blessing.
2.) I learned that women also have a sacred responsibility and divine nature. Not only in the caring for and nurturing of families and children. But in charity for others. I was able to minister to people by praying and recognizing my divine role as a woman/ sister. Women have a huge role and I have personally seen and gained a testimony that a priesthood holder cannot fulfill his priesthood responsibilities without the charity, help, love, and nurturing of women. And the same is true for women. We can't do all we need to do without priesthood holders. We really are equal and meant to support to each other as equal partners/companions.
3.) Life in Russia is hard. I was called an antichrist. I was told to go home because nobody wanted me there. A lady thought we were metaknights and said "Your church is dangerous for us. I cannot talk to you metaknights." There were broken bottles littered everywhere from liquor. Drunks walked up and down the streets everyday everywhere I went. People were rough and sad. But once I got to know them or connected to them or expressed a true desire to help them, they are the most genuine people I have ever met. The most beautiful souls. True blood of Israel.
4.) You can have back and forth conversation with Heavenly Father. I knew you could pray to Heavenly Father like a friend, but I had never experienced conversing back and forth with Him. Because of the sister who taught me and my class in the MTC, I learned this. And because of her, I received so much revelation. Some of it life changing even. And answers to questions I never really knew I had.
5.) I learned to work with another person equally and to work out conflicts or to just be open with them and ask for help. I learned how to support another person. I also by doing these things learned how to cook and how to cook for someone allergic to milk, wheat, and who couldn't really eat a lot of meat. I learned how to be supportive and loving in a companionship.
6.) I learned so much more too, but most importantly, I gained a solid testimony of the Book of Mormon. Of apostles and prophets. Of the priesthood. Sisterhood. And of the Holy Ghost.
When I had two more weeks left of my mission, I committed myself to work hard 100% everyday. Because of that I saw and felt miracles. I worked hard and Heavenly Father truly worked through me. I was an instrument of the Lord. I became a new person. When I came home I realized how much more obedient, patient, and spiritually clean I became. I am so grateful that I was able to be shaped by the Lord into who I am now.
My life has changed for the better the past three and a half months. I've experienced so much and learned so many life lessons. Even though Russia was hard to live in, and there were a lot of rough times and people... there were beautiful moments and beautiful people. I was so blessed to be there as long as I was.
I loved my mission. I served honorably and worked hard and served. It was short, but honorable. I know it, and the Lord knows it. That is what really matters. :)
Now on with life again. I will keep all I learned in my heart and apply it everyday in every way I can. I'll get a job, save money, go to college. And who knows what will happen along the way.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported me on my mission and who supports me know. God bless you beautiful people. I love you so much. Thank you thank you.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Things are getting real... 4 days left.
Today I had my open house. I was expecting maybe a few people to come, but tons showed up. It was so nice. I felt very loved and I was so happy to see everyone that came. I have some very loving friends in my life. They feel so much like family.
I am so excited to serve my mission. I am truly 100% grateful for this opportunity. I think even since I got my call in February, I feel a lot more humbled by this opportunity. I am so blessed to be able to go and to have so much support from my dad, friends, and members of my ward.
I have been thinking a lot lately about "what if's" I know we all do it. We imagine and try to picture our lives if we had made a different decision somewhere in the past. Maybe we think our lives would be better. Maybe we think we are stupid for not making that decision or not saying something when we should have. I know for me I feel like if I had treated one of my friends differently, we might still be talking right now. I miss talking with him and hearing how his days are and just in general hearing the simple day to day things that we talked about. But I realize that I cannot change the past. Yes, I have grown since then. But even though I have changed and am really a whole lot different now than I was 2 years ago, and even a year ago, I still cannot change who I was in the past. And you know what?
That's okay.
Why?
Because I'm human.
The only thing I can do now is move forward and work hard to continue to progress in a positive way. I feel like I am absolutely headed in the right direction with my life. I have grown and overcome trials that I never thought I would be able to overcome. I am not trying to show off or boast. I am merely stating that what I thought was impossible became possible because I kept the faith. I endured to the end, prayed hard, fasted, lived as obediently as I could, served others when I could, etc. I went through a lot of trials you guys. I mean, a lot. There were many days where all I wanted to do was not face the world and to get back in bed and stay in my warm covers. I didn't want to face those hard times. But if we don't go out and face those difficult things, we don't grow. If we stay where we are comfortable, we do not progress. Or at least, we do not get very far.
It was not easy, it still isn't. There were many tears shed and so many many many prayers said.
That's another thing. I struggle to remember to pray when I wake up, before meals, and before bed. I pray a lot during the day and I give thanks where it is due and sometimes just because. But I always struggle to remember those three times during the day. That is something I need to improve on because I think maybe I could be getting some revelations or some insight or maybe even just good feelings that would make my days easier and more worthwhile.
This is all just stuff that's on my mind at the moment. I have so much to be grateful for. I love my ward and my friends. I am so grateful to them. I wouldn't be who I am without Heavenly Father or without those people in my life. I truly believe that with all my heart.
I may not get the chance to write again on this blog before I go. I will try, but in case I forget...
Thank you for reading. I am so blessed to have a HUGE audience that reads this blog. I don't get a lot of comments, but I know you are reading because of the pageviews I have received since I started this blog in April. I hope if you are preparing for a mission that I have helped at least a little in some small way. I really loved blogging and wish I had had more time to commit to it. If you would like to hear how I do on my mission, please email me at ashleighrobynb@gmail.com. I will email you the same group email I do every week on my mission. And if you would like, I would also love to write letters to you. So send me your emails/ physical addresses.
Thanks again. I love my readers!
Cheers,
cectpa Bonazelli.
I am so excited to serve my mission. I am truly 100% grateful for this opportunity. I think even since I got my call in February, I feel a lot more humbled by this opportunity. I am so blessed to be able to go and to have so much support from my dad, friends, and members of my ward.
I have been thinking a lot lately about "what if's" I know we all do it. We imagine and try to picture our lives if we had made a different decision somewhere in the past. Maybe we think our lives would be better. Maybe we think we are stupid for not making that decision or not saying something when we should have. I know for me I feel like if I had treated one of my friends differently, we might still be talking right now. I miss talking with him and hearing how his days are and just in general hearing the simple day to day things that we talked about. But I realize that I cannot change the past. Yes, I have grown since then. But even though I have changed and am really a whole lot different now than I was 2 years ago, and even a year ago, I still cannot change who I was in the past. And you know what?
That's okay.
Why?
Because I'm human.
The only thing I can do now is move forward and work hard to continue to progress in a positive way. I feel like I am absolutely headed in the right direction with my life. I have grown and overcome trials that I never thought I would be able to overcome. I am not trying to show off or boast. I am merely stating that what I thought was impossible became possible because I kept the faith. I endured to the end, prayed hard, fasted, lived as obediently as I could, served others when I could, etc. I went through a lot of trials you guys. I mean, a lot. There were many days where all I wanted to do was not face the world and to get back in bed and stay in my warm covers. I didn't want to face those hard times. But if we don't go out and face those difficult things, we don't grow. If we stay where we are comfortable, we do not progress. Or at least, we do not get very far.
It was not easy, it still isn't. There were many tears shed and so many many many prayers said.
That's another thing. I struggle to remember to pray when I wake up, before meals, and before bed. I pray a lot during the day and I give thanks where it is due and sometimes just because. But I always struggle to remember those three times during the day. That is something I need to improve on because I think maybe I could be getting some revelations or some insight or maybe even just good feelings that would make my days easier and more worthwhile.
This is all just stuff that's on my mind at the moment. I have so much to be grateful for. I love my ward and my friends. I am so grateful to them. I wouldn't be who I am without Heavenly Father or without those people in my life. I truly believe that with all my heart.
I may not get the chance to write again on this blog before I go. I will try, but in case I forget...
Thank you for reading. I am so blessed to have a HUGE audience that reads this blog. I don't get a lot of comments, but I know you are reading because of the pageviews I have received since I started this blog in April. I hope if you are preparing for a mission that I have helped at least a little in some small way. I really loved blogging and wish I had had more time to commit to it. If you would like to hear how I do on my mission, please email me at ashleighrobynb@gmail.com. I will email you the same group email I do every week on my mission. And if you would like, I would also love to write letters to you. So send me your emails/ physical addresses.
Thanks again. I love my readers!
Cheers,
cectpa Bonazelli.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Spiritual thoughts
I am currently listening to this talk today:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/pride-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng#watch=video
It is about pride. I know it is a priesthood session talk, but I fully believe that it applies to sisters as well.
I have heard a lot of very interesting and clarifying points in this talk.
I have nothing to say about it except that we all struggle with pride in different ways. Therefore the only spiritual thought or advice I can give, is to read this talk or listen to it.
I adore this talk. I am going to print it out and take it with me and read it often on my mission. I hope that you all take this message seriously too in serving the Lord.
My friend who is serving in Ukraine recently said in one of his letters that his companion is Russian and the Russians/Ukrainians (some of them anyway) are a little racist toward gypsies. So this Elder refuses to teach the gypsies. That is a big example of pride.
I think he could really use this talk so I am going to send it to my friend and suggest it.
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/pride-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng#watch=video
It is about pride. I know it is a priesthood session talk, but I fully believe that it applies to sisters as well.
I have heard a lot of very interesting and clarifying points in this talk.
I have nothing to say about it except that we all struggle with pride in different ways. Therefore the only spiritual thought or advice I can give, is to read this talk or listen to it.
I adore this talk. I am going to print it out and take it with me and read it often on my mission. I hope that you all take this message seriously too in serving the Lord.
My friend who is serving in Ukraine recently said in one of his letters that his companion is Russian and the Russians/Ukrainians (some of them anyway) are a little racist toward gypsies. So this Elder refuses to teach the gypsies. That is a big example of pride.
I think he could really use this talk so I am going to send it to my friend and suggest it.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
My farewell talk, and 10 days left
Today I did my farewell talk because next sunday is father's day and I didn't want to take up the father's day meeting.
But today was one of the best days at church I've had in so long. I absolutely adored it. Almost half of my previous ward came to see me, and so many of my non member friends also came. It meant so much to me. Our ward was recently split, and so we haven't had enough people to open up the cultural hall since January or February. It was so cool to see so many people there to support me.
I didn't write out my talk on the computer yet, but I will post it later tonight or tomorrow.
Tomorrow I will be into the single digits in my countdown. I am so stinking excited. It is crunch time. Time to get everything together.
:)
But today was one of the best days at church I've had in so long. I absolutely adored it. Almost half of my previous ward came to see me, and so many of my non member friends also came. It meant so much to me. Our ward was recently split, and so we haven't had enough people to open up the cultural hall since January or February. It was so cool to see so many people there to support me.
I didn't write out my talk on the computer yet, but I will post it later tonight or tomorrow.
Tomorrow I will be into the single digits in my countdown. I am so stinking excited. It is crunch time. Time to get everything together.
:)
Friday, June 7, 2013
12 more days!!!!
While packing up the clothes I won't need and doing all my laundry tonight, I was thinking about the little things that missionaries probably miss in packing. I know that my booklet doesn't tell you everything you need to bring. And I know that there are definitely necessary items that they don't mention in the booklets.
For example:
They don't often tell you how much feminine hygiene product you need to bring. I am not sure what there is in my mission, but I know that if Russian women can live off of what's there, then so can I. So I am just bringing enough for my stay at the MTC, and once I get to Russia, I will see what's there. If worst comes to worst, I will just have someone ship me some.
Fingernail clippers/nail file.
exercise equipment (I am bringing resistance bands. They work well to build arm muscle and you can use them to develop leg muscle with certain exercises.)
There are probably a couple other things, but they aren't coming to mind immediately.
Also, I learned that retail was the best industry to work in before my mission. I saved enough to pay for all my upfront costs (clothes, luggage, toiletries, shoes, bag, passport, garments, etc.)
While most of my paychecks went to buying clothes that I liked there. Which was also good because I was inadvertently stocking up for a wardrobe for after my mission. I just packed all the clothes that I didn't need for the next 11 days or the 18 months to follow. Trust me, I have almost a whole wardrobe.
My farewell is this sunday even though I leave on the 19th. So tonight my other project will be to pack up my entire room except for a couple things. Then tomorrow, I will write the rest of my talk. I will also probably end up having to get my two shots done tomorrow. Ugh. Oh well.
That's really all I have for you tonight. I have a ton to do. I did get a request to show you my shoes and where I got them from. They are lined up in the garage next to my suitcase so I will work on that for my post tomorrow.
12 more days.... choosh..? Nyet! :)
For example:
They don't often tell you how much feminine hygiene product you need to bring. I am not sure what there is in my mission, but I know that if Russian women can live off of what's there, then so can I. So I am just bringing enough for my stay at the MTC, and once I get to Russia, I will see what's there. If worst comes to worst, I will just have someone ship me some.
Fingernail clippers/nail file.
exercise equipment (I am bringing resistance bands. They work well to build arm muscle and you can use them to develop leg muscle with certain exercises.)
There are probably a couple other things, but they aren't coming to mind immediately.
Also, I learned that retail was the best industry to work in before my mission. I saved enough to pay for all my upfront costs (clothes, luggage, toiletries, shoes, bag, passport, garments, etc.)
While most of my paychecks went to buying clothes that I liked there. Which was also good because I was inadvertently stocking up for a wardrobe for after my mission. I just packed all the clothes that I didn't need for the next 11 days or the 18 months to follow. Trust me, I have almost a whole wardrobe.
My farewell is this sunday even though I leave on the 19th. So tonight my other project will be to pack up my entire room except for a couple things. Then tomorrow, I will write the rest of my talk. I will also probably end up having to get my two shots done tomorrow. Ugh. Oh well.
That's really all I have for you tonight. I have a ton to do. I did get a request to show you my shoes and where I got them from. They are lined up in the garage next to my suitcase so I will work on that for my post tomorrow.
12 more days.... choosh..? Nyet! :)
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Russian is a difficult language.
You guys, Russian is a HARD language.
I took 3 languages in high school and all of them were cake compared to Russian. I took Japanese, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
But today, even just making new flashcards for myself, I had kind of a break through.
I know languages don't really stick until you get out in the field and start actually speaking it. And I have heard many times "if you dream in the language, you've mastered it, or are fluent". Neither of those has happened yet, however, after a month of studying, the alphabet it starting to come much easier to me. I can read words really well, even if I don't know what they mean. There are still a couple letters I struggle to grasp, but I know if I study hard the next few days that I will be able to get those into my noggin.
I am getting better with pronunciation, although it is one of the hardest parts for me. I recently had a lot of work done on my teeth, including two crowns put on my front teeth. The dentist straightened them pretty well in the process too. I am still trying to get used to my straight front teeth so when I talk sometimes I have a lisp or my tongue just gets jumbled. Working on that as well!
But so far I love the Russian language. It sounds so cool. And when I hear something on TV or out in public about Russia, I immediately turn my head to listen. And when I hear a language that sounds like Russian, I try to listen and catch words I know.
Lets see... what else. Oh right! I am sorting through all of my clothes today. I have 18 days left so I am packing my entire room except for what is absolutely necessary to keep out. So I will take pictures of my mission clothes and combinations and I will post a collage of sorts later on. I have found that it really helps to see what other sisters are planning on bringing. However, I will not be putting on my sweater tights or my light coat. I will put the shoes on to see what shoes go with the outfits though.
I am so excited to get out into the MTC. I can hardly believe it is only 2 1/2 weeks away. My farewell talk is only 8 days away! Oooh... I have to write that...
I am a little sad that I only have three sundays left in my calling though. I LOVE this calling. Ward chorister is so much fun. I have gotten to choose the hymns and have gotten to lead the music and hear the congregation sing. It's so spiritually uplifting. I might even cry on the closing hymn on June 16th. That will be my last day in the ward.
It's so insane. Three months ago I was waiting and running to the mailbox everyday before and after work. Now I am about to ACTUALLY go to Russia. I feel like it is the perfect mission for me. I know Russian is the language I really needed to learn because there is a high population of Russian speakers around where I live. I know I can get a job really easily with the knowledge of this language.
My mind can hardly comprehend what I am about to do. Right now it can't even comprehend how excited it is. I feel on top of the world, even with all the stress.
I am going to the temple again this week with a friend. I can't wait. I love the temple. I have been thinking of some answers I need in the scriptures and in just life in general and I think going to the temple this week will be the best thing for me.
So, I will post my outfit combinations later today. I will also make sure that I write a spiritual tidbit. I think I'll also post the hymns that my ward is going to do tomorrow.
I took 3 languages in high school and all of them were cake compared to Russian. I took Japanese, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
But today, even just making new flashcards for myself, I had kind of a break through.
I know languages don't really stick until you get out in the field and start actually speaking it. And I have heard many times "if you dream in the language, you've mastered it, or are fluent". Neither of those has happened yet, however, after a month of studying, the alphabet it starting to come much easier to me. I can read words really well, even if I don't know what they mean. There are still a couple letters I struggle to grasp, but I know if I study hard the next few days that I will be able to get those into my noggin.
I am getting better with pronunciation, although it is one of the hardest parts for me. I recently had a lot of work done on my teeth, including two crowns put on my front teeth. The dentist straightened them pretty well in the process too. I am still trying to get used to my straight front teeth so when I talk sometimes I have a lisp or my tongue just gets jumbled. Working on that as well!
But so far I love the Russian language. It sounds so cool. And when I hear something on TV or out in public about Russia, I immediately turn my head to listen. And when I hear a language that sounds like Russian, I try to listen and catch words I know.
Lets see... what else. Oh right! I am sorting through all of my clothes today. I have 18 days left so I am packing my entire room except for what is absolutely necessary to keep out. So I will take pictures of my mission clothes and combinations and I will post a collage of sorts later on. I have found that it really helps to see what other sisters are planning on bringing. However, I will not be putting on my sweater tights or my light coat. I will put the shoes on to see what shoes go with the outfits though.
I am so excited to get out into the MTC. I can hardly believe it is only 2 1/2 weeks away. My farewell talk is only 8 days away! Oooh... I have to write that...
I am a little sad that I only have three sundays left in my calling though. I LOVE this calling. Ward chorister is so much fun. I have gotten to choose the hymns and have gotten to lead the music and hear the congregation sing. It's so spiritually uplifting. I might even cry on the closing hymn on June 16th. That will be my last day in the ward.
It's so insane. Three months ago I was waiting and running to the mailbox everyday before and after work. Now I am about to ACTUALLY go to Russia. I feel like it is the perfect mission for me. I know Russian is the language I really needed to learn because there is a high population of Russian speakers around where I live. I know I can get a job really easily with the knowledge of this language.
My mind can hardly comprehend what I am about to do. Right now it can't even comprehend how excited it is. I feel on top of the world, even with all the stress.
I am going to the temple again this week with a friend. I can't wait. I love the temple. I have been thinking of some answers I need in the scriptures and in just life in general and I think going to the temple this week will be the best thing for me.
So, I will post my outfit combinations later today. I will also make sure that I write a spiritual tidbit. I think I'll also post the hymns that my ward is going to do tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Hello friends... 22 more days left...
Hello everyone. I am just going to admit right now, I am a bad blogger. I promised to post everyday and I did not. Also, I attempted to vlog, and it stunk.
So I am going to blog as often as I can and not vlog ever. :)
I will tell you what I did today. It didn't involve any mission prep at all. Just learning how to talk to people I don't know and come out of my shy shell a little.
I went to a YSA Memorial day BBQ with a good friend. I did not know very many people at all, but I ended up making some friends. And having a lot of fun. We ate first, then we went inside and played these awkward "team building" games. One of them was where there were two lines of people. In each line, there was a pattern of "boy girl, boy girl". We each got a tootpick. Then a mint started off in front of the two lines. The object was to pass on the mint (Lifesaver wintermint) with just the toothpick. But here was the rough part: we could not hold the toothpick with anything but our mouths. It was awkward and you were close enough to the person you were receiving the mint from or giving the mint to, to kiss them. Seriously. It was too close for words. I don't think I have ever been that close to a guy's face before without kissing them or them kissing me. But that's besides the point.
Then we played volleyball, which was a ton of fun. After that, a few of us went to menchies, a frozen yogurt place by the JCPenney where I used to work. Then we met another friend to go see star trek. My friend was so sweet and paid for my ticket. He didn't have to, but he did. It's so nice to see a man with manners.
So there you have it. I did however, get my space bags, address book, face lotion, and tide to go sticks today. So that means tomorrow I will probably start doing some packing. As in packing my clothes into my suitcase... but I mean I really have 22 days left. I might just wait until next week.
It's crazy. Only 3 weeks left.
3 weeks.
3.
Right now I am so super tired, but I will leave you with a spiritual thought.
Here is what I have been thinking about this weekend... relationships and marriage. If you're a church leader and you're reading this... hear me out and don't freak out before you read what I have to say.
I believe that a relationship should be based on mutual trust and love. Otherwise it's pointless. I personally have only dated 2 non LDS members in my entire life. Does that mean I don't trust non members? No. It means that I simply want someone who shares my values and love and affinity for the gospel. I know the church is true and I know that I want to be married in the temple and raise my children in the gospel. I know it is the way to having a happy family.
I personally believe that no relationship is complete without Christ. You must must MUST live the gospel even and perhaps - especially in relationships and dating.
I will broaden it even further. With ANYTHING you do, you must center it on love, trust, and the gospel. Or, Christ. When I do this I am much happier and successful in the instance.
I'm really so so so tired. I've been up for 18 hours, doing a ton the whole day. I'm sorry if that spiritual thought doesn't make sense. It may not. But that's what's on my mind at the moment.
So I am going to blog as often as I can and not vlog ever. :)
I will tell you what I did today. It didn't involve any mission prep at all. Just learning how to talk to people I don't know and come out of my shy shell a little.
I went to a YSA Memorial day BBQ with a good friend. I did not know very many people at all, but I ended up making some friends. And having a lot of fun. We ate first, then we went inside and played these awkward "team building" games. One of them was where there were two lines of people. In each line, there was a pattern of "boy girl, boy girl". We each got a tootpick. Then a mint started off in front of the two lines. The object was to pass on the mint (Lifesaver wintermint) with just the toothpick. But here was the rough part: we could not hold the toothpick with anything but our mouths. It was awkward and you were close enough to the person you were receiving the mint from or giving the mint to, to kiss them. Seriously. It was too close for words. I don't think I have ever been that close to a guy's face before without kissing them or them kissing me. But that's besides the point.
Then we played volleyball, which was a ton of fun. After that, a few of us went to menchies, a frozen yogurt place by the JCPenney where I used to work. Then we met another friend to go see star trek. My friend was so sweet and paid for my ticket. He didn't have to, but he did. It's so nice to see a man with manners.
So there you have it. I did however, get my space bags, address book, face lotion, and tide to go sticks today. So that means tomorrow I will probably start doing some packing. As in packing my clothes into my suitcase... but I mean I really have 22 days left. I might just wait until next week.
It's crazy. Only 3 weeks left.
3 weeks.
3.
Right now I am so super tired, but I will leave you with a spiritual thought.
Here is what I have been thinking about this weekend... relationships and marriage. If you're a church leader and you're reading this... hear me out and don't freak out before you read what I have to say.
I believe that a relationship should be based on mutual trust and love. Otherwise it's pointless. I personally have only dated 2 non LDS members in my entire life. Does that mean I don't trust non members? No. It means that I simply want someone who shares my values and love and affinity for the gospel. I know the church is true and I know that I want to be married in the temple and raise my children in the gospel. I know it is the way to having a happy family.
I personally believe that no relationship is complete without Christ. You must must MUST live the gospel even and perhaps - especially in relationships and dating.
I will broaden it even further. With ANYTHING you do, you must center it on love, trust, and the gospel. Or, Christ. When I do this I am much happier and successful in the instance.
I'm really so so so tired. I've been up for 18 hours, doing a ton the whole day. I'm sorry if that spiritual thought doesn't make sense. It may not. But that's what's on my mind at the moment.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Spiritual thought for today
Tomorrow would have been my mother's 40th birthday. I don't know how I really feel about that. I don't grieve a lot in public anymore over the loss of my mother. Actually I don't really grieve over the loss of her at all. Every once in a while I might have a pang of sadness. It is rare for me to break down in grief. But I do miss her every second of every day.
Sometimes if she would walk by, I would just walk up to her and hug her. Sometimes she would do the same for me. Most of the time we never said anything, just the hug and we would keep walking or doing what we were doing. That was our thing.
I remember 12 years ago (ish) one Halloween, my mom was 7 months pregnant. My sisters were tired, but I still wanted to trick or treat. She didn't get mad at me or say no, she just took me around. Afterward it was obvious that her back and her feet hurt. She didn't make me feel bad about it. She just did it to make me happy.
I remember when I brought ...home my white high school graduation robes. She smiled and said "FINALLY!"
Even in October, just 2 1/2 months before she died, it was the week of my 19th birthday. I had awful pain in my face from a cyst above my left front tooth and bad headaches because of my wisdom teeth. I was on vicodin the whole weekend and then on Monday I had a 2 (ish) hour last minute root canal done. It was painful and scary, but then three days later, I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. The only thing I remember that Thursday when I got them pulled was my mom saying she was happy she finally got to take care of me in some way. She rubbed my back while I cried because my face hurt so stinking bad and I was confused because of the pain meds. She comforted me when I cried because I thought I wouldn't be able to go on a mission because they had pulled all the teeth in my mouth out (true story, I actually thought I had all my teeth pulled out and that I wouldn't be able to go anymore.). She bought applesauce and helped me eat it for four days.
I don't grieve, because I have all these memories. I had my time on earth with my mom. And now I get to look forward to my time with my mom in the Celestial Kingdom because I know that families are forever. That when we die, and others die, we are not gone. We don't just vanish, neither do our souls or our spirits. We are judged according to our works on earth. So I know that I will see my mom again because I will work hard to make sure I do.
For this reason, I don't have any regrets. I know my mom knew I loved her.
Sometimes if she would walk by, I would just walk up to her and hug her. Sometimes she would do the same for me. Most of the time we never said anything, just the hug and we would keep walking or doing what we were doing. That was our thing.
I remember 12 years ago (ish) one Halloween, my mom was 7 months pregnant. My sisters were tired, but I still wanted to trick or treat. She didn't get mad at me or say no, she just took me around. Afterward it was obvious that her back and her feet hurt. She didn't make me feel bad about it. She just did it to make me happy.
I remember when I brought ...home my white high school graduation robes. She smiled and said "FINALLY!"
Even in October, just 2 1/2 months before she died, it was the week of my 19th birthday. I had awful pain in my face from a cyst above my left front tooth and bad headaches because of my wisdom teeth. I was on vicodin the whole weekend and then on Monday I had a 2 (ish) hour last minute root canal done. It was painful and scary, but then three days later, I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. The only thing I remember that Thursday when I got them pulled was my mom saying she was happy she finally got to take care of me in some way. She rubbed my back while I cried because my face hurt so stinking bad and I was confused because of the pain meds. She comforted me when I cried because I thought I wouldn't be able to go on a mission because they had pulled all the teeth in my mouth out (true story, I actually thought I had all my teeth pulled out and that I wouldn't be able to go anymore.). She bought applesauce and helped me eat it for four days.
I don't grieve, because I have all these memories. I had my time on earth with my mom. And now I get to look forward to my time with my mom in the Celestial Kingdom because I know that families are forever. That when we die, and others die, we are not gone. We don't just vanish, neither do our souls or our spirits. We are judged according to our works on earth. So I know that I will see my mom again because I will work hard to make sure I do.
For this reason, I don't have any regrets. I know my mom knew I loved her.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Oops I keep forgetting to post... Day 18 of 48
I have 30 days left...
And I can't even begin to describe how happy I will be to be on my mission. I am so excited.
As of today, I only need to buy these things:
-umbrella
-shoe polish kit
-passport holder
-22V converter
-carry on bag
You guys, my list is SO SMALL now. It makes me so happy to have all of that crossed off and out of the way. But I am so low on funds that I don't think I'll be able to pay for the actual mission part at all. I saved and saved but I didn't have a lot of money that I earned at work to begin with.
I've done so much the past week to get ready to go. I bought so much and I went to the temple again on Thursday. I love the temple. I can't wait to go again.
I need to study like crazy on my scriptures. I also need to get my two shots done this week or next.
I seriously cannot wait to go. I'm so excited. I only have one more month. My plaque has already been ordered and delivered to my bishop too. I get to see it either Wednesday night or this sunday. I still need to choose a picture, but oh my gosh. This is all becoming so real. It makes me extremely happy.
I haven't tried any new hairstyles yet. My bangs are growing out nicely so I will be able to just tuck them entirely behind my ear soon. Which will be nice. That will make things easier.
I gained a lot of weight this past month. I think I may have mentioned that before. But today I don't even feel like eating at all. Ever since I ran a 5k race on Saturday, (which by the way, I did not get last place :), I think I've only eaten 3 times. Out of 7 meals already passed, I've only eaten two meals and one snack. I'm trying to be healthy. But I'm just not hungry. I think it's nerves and excitement about going to Russia.
Well, that's all I really have. But I found this really cool resource for sister missionaries to find good bags. Here's the link:
http://giftsformormons.com/?tag=sister-missionary-bags
I actually bought one of the bags listed there.
And I can't even begin to describe how happy I will be to be on my mission. I am so excited.
As of today, I only need to buy these things:
-umbrella
-shoe polish kit
-passport holder
-22V converter
-carry on bag
You guys, my list is SO SMALL now. It makes me so happy to have all of that crossed off and out of the way. But I am so low on funds that I don't think I'll be able to pay for the actual mission part at all. I saved and saved but I didn't have a lot of money that I earned at work to begin with.
I've done so much the past week to get ready to go. I bought so much and I went to the temple again on Thursday. I love the temple. I can't wait to go again.
I need to study like crazy on my scriptures. I also need to get my two shots done this week or next.
I seriously cannot wait to go. I'm so excited. I only have one more month. My plaque has already been ordered and delivered to my bishop too. I get to see it either Wednesday night or this sunday. I still need to choose a picture, but oh my gosh. This is all becoming so real. It makes me extremely happy.
I haven't tried any new hairstyles yet. My bangs are growing out nicely so I will be able to just tuck them entirely behind my ear soon. Which will be nice. That will make things easier.
I gained a lot of weight this past month. I think I may have mentioned that before. But today I don't even feel like eating at all. Ever since I ran a 5k race on Saturday, (which by the way, I did not get last place :), I think I've only eaten 3 times. Out of 7 meals already passed, I've only eaten two meals and one snack. I'm trying to be healthy. But I'm just not hungry. I think it's nerves and excitement about going to Russia.
Well, that's all I really have. But I found this really cool resource for sister missionaries to find good bags. Here's the link:
http://giftsformormons.com/?tag=sister-missionary-bags
I actually bought one of the bags listed there.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Spiritual thoughts, at midnight.
So I started my Book of Mormon reading the other night. I am in chapter three of Nephi right now. So far, Nephi's family has fled from Jerusalem because the Jews sought after Lehi's life. Lehi had seen a vision of a pillar of fire. He foretold the coming of Christ and the destruction of the wicked people in Jerusalem. Now they are taking the journey into the wilderness. That's as far as I've gotten as of right now.
I was thinking about how small scripture verses can have profound meaning. For example, the shortest verse in the Book of Mormon is in the second chapter, when it says "and my father dwelt in a tent". This scripture shows humility, faith, and love all at once. I will prove it to you by using examples in the BOM so far in just two chapters.
Humility.
Nephi's family had gave up their valuables (gold, silver, precious things) to follow their father into the wilderness. I have been camping, and I have lived in a house. I have to say, given the choice most people would live in the house. Lehi chose to follow the counsel and promptings of the Lord, and in doing so, he humbled himself to the point where he dwelled in a tent. Not many men (or women) would do the same.
Therefore...
Faith.
Great faith is shown by Lehi. He prayed and shared with others. He wished for his sons to follow him and his counsel; and also to follow God and His counsel. He had faith that this was the path to follow to protect himself and his family. He had faith that if he left his comforts in Jerusalem, that the Lord would bless him.
Love.
Obviously Lehi is a great father. He fled Jerusalem with his family. One verse that shows how much he loves his family is in 2:4 "And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and adeparted into the wilderness."
It compares his family to the gold and silver and precious things... his inheritance and his home... to his family. And shows that he chose family over all of those things of temporal worth because family is of celestial worth.
I know that Lehi was inspired of God to do these things and I know that following his example of making sacrifices and humbling ourselves as missionaries to do the work of the Lord and uplift others and protect others, will bring us blessings. It is what the Lord wants of us as missionaries and as latter-day saints.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
I was thinking about how small scripture verses can have profound meaning. For example, the shortest verse in the Book of Mormon is in the second chapter, when it says "and my father dwelt in a tent". This scripture shows humility, faith, and love all at once. I will prove it to you by using examples in the BOM so far in just two chapters.
Humility.
Nephi's family had gave up their valuables (gold, silver, precious things) to follow their father into the wilderness. I have been camping, and I have lived in a house. I have to say, given the choice most people would live in the house. Lehi chose to follow the counsel and promptings of the Lord, and in doing so, he humbled himself to the point where he dwelled in a tent. Not many men (or women) would do the same.
Therefore...
Faith.
Great faith is shown by Lehi. He prayed and shared with others. He wished for his sons to follow him and his counsel; and also to follow God and His counsel. He had faith that this was the path to follow to protect himself and his family. He had faith that if he left his comforts in Jerusalem, that the Lord would bless him.
Love.
Obviously Lehi is a great father. He fled Jerusalem with his family. One verse that shows how much he loves his family is in 2:4 "And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and adeparted into the wilderness."
It compares his family to the gold and silver and precious things... his inheritance and his home... to his family. And shows that he chose family over all of those things of temporal worth because family is of celestial worth.
I know that Lehi was inspired of God to do these things and I know that following his example of making sacrifices and humbling ourselves as missionaries to do the work of the Lord and uplift others and protect others, will bring us blessings. It is what the Lord wants of us as missionaries and as latter-day saints.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Day 12 of 48... Sorry. I've negelected you.
I'm sorry my lovies. I've neglected you with spiritual thoughts, tips and stories.
For shame.
So I'll make it up to you with two extra long and packed posts. k? k. :)
Sunday was pretty good this week. The hymns were lovely and I did pretty well leading the congregation this week. (By the way, if possible learn how to lead hymns before you go, you never know when you might help the ward out!) The topics of course were centered around mothers so it was a little awkward for me, but I loved it. The primary sang beautifully and so did the priesthood. I don't remember what they sang, but it was great. This sunday made me really excited to be a mom in the future.
As far as preparing, I re-evaluated my to do and to buy lists. I got to cross a lot off of both (Hooray!) I bought comfortable, black, leather shoes for super cheap off of 6pm.com (seriously check it out sisters.) I am still waiting on that skirt and that coat to come from when I ordered online, but I know they'll show soon.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is my last day at work, therefore I will only get one more small paycheck, so I really have to stretch my money and make it last so I can get all of the initial costs paid (clothes, incidentals, etc.) I worked really hard and so far I have paid for almost all of my packing list myself. I am very proud because all of this stuff together is expensive. But I've stretched it and found good quality stuff and found really good bargains. I'm worried about that last paycheck though. I know I will have about 100 dollars and honestly, I don't know how much that will cover.
But I will pray and I know that it will all be okay and it will all turn out. I've worked hard and saved so I could buy all this stuff for the mission. So I know it will not be a wasted effort.
Hmmm... what else...
Oh yeah! So I have been studying up on my Russian quite a bit. A friend at work taught me to say "thank you." and tonight I learned how to say "Rice, woman, swim, run, water, yes, no, dog, and cat". I also learned that the sound for "and" in between listing things in a sentence is pronounced the same way it is in Spanish "ee". It's a backwards N, but it's the same sound.
My best friend, Elder Johnson, is in Ukraine right now on his mission. In fact, his mission (Donetsk, Ukraine) is the mission right next to mine. We are going to be speaking the same language. So on Mother's day, his family taped him talking in Russian a little. He said basically "Hello, thank you mothers for all you do. Happy Mothers day." I recognized "Hello" and "thank you"! It's so exciting to hear and recognize words in another language. I do really need to work on my pronunciation though.
Advice I have for you today... hmm... I know that for me, I have been a little angsty and irritated lately. Especially toward my family. It's hard having two teenage sisters in the house. It really is. But I need to get over myself and act civil because even though they do things that hurt my feelings and irritate me, they are family. And I bet I do things that irritate them. (I don't try to, I've come a long way and learned how to be mature in that sense.) I'm not perfect, so I can't expect them to be.
SO my advice is, you have a short time with your family while you are preparing for your mission. Don't be so sensitive or irritable. I know, easier said than done. When you're on your mission you only get 2 phone calls or Skype calls a year. You get to email once a week and write whenever you want, but it is nothing compared to the contact you have right now with them. Don't take it for granted.
I'll post a spiritual thought in the next post. Thank you for reading my blog. I have had so many pageviews this week! Almost 200 in 7 days. That's more than any other blog I've produced. Thank you thank you, and please as always, feel free to post comments with questions or suggestions or tips you might have.
For shame.
So I'll make it up to you with two extra long and packed posts. k? k. :)
Sunday was pretty good this week. The hymns were lovely and I did pretty well leading the congregation this week. (By the way, if possible learn how to lead hymns before you go, you never know when you might help the ward out!) The topics of course were centered around mothers so it was a little awkward for me, but I loved it. The primary sang beautifully and so did the priesthood. I don't remember what they sang, but it was great. This sunday made me really excited to be a mom in the future.
As far as preparing, I re-evaluated my to do and to buy lists. I got to cross a lot off of both (Hooray!) I bought comfortable, black, leather shoes for super cheap off of 6pm.com (seriously check it out sisters.) I am still waiting on that skirt and that coat to come from when I ordered online, but I know they'll show soon.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is my last day at work, therefore I will only get one more small paycheck, so I really have to stretch my money and make it last so I can get all of the initial costs paid (clothes, incidentals, etc.) I worked really hard and so far I have paid for almost all of my packing list myself. I am very proud because all of this stuff together is expensive. But I've stretched it and found good quality stuff and found really good bargains. I'm worried about that last paycheck though. I know I will have about 100 dollars and honestly, I don't know how much that will cover.
But I will pray and I know that it will all be okay and it will all turn out. I've worked hard and saved so I could buy all this stuff for the mission. So I know it will not be a wasted effort.
Hmmm... what else...
Oh yeah! So I have been studying up on my Russian quite a bit. A friend at work taught me to say "thank you." and tonight I learned how to say "Rice, woman, swim, run, water, yes, no, dog, and cat". I also learned that the sound for "and" in between listing things in a sentence is pronounced the same way it is in Spanish "ee". It's a backwards N, but it's the same sound.
My best friend, Elder Johnson, is in Ukraine right now on his mission. In fact, his mission (Donetsk, Ukraine) is the mission right next to mine. We are going to be speaking the same language. So on Mother's day, his family taped him talking in Russian a little. He said basically "Hello, thank you mothers for all you do. Happy Mothers day." I recognized "Hello" and "thank you"! It's so exciting to hear and recognize words in another language. I do really need to work on my pronunciation though.
Advice I have for you today... hmm... I know that for me, I have been a little angsty and irritated lately. Especially toward my family. It's hard having two teenage sisters in the house. It really is. But I need to get over myself and act civil because even though they do things that hurt my feelings and irritate me, they are family. And I bet I do things that irritate them. (I don't try to, I've come a long way and learned how to be mature in that sense.) I'm not perfect, so I can't expect them to be.
SO my advice is, you have a short time with your family while you are preparing for your mission. Don't be so sensitive or irritable. I know, easier said than done. When you're on your mission you only get 2 phone calls or Skype calls a year. You get to email once a week and write whenever you want, but it is nothing compared to the contact you have right now with them. Don't take it for granted.
I'll post a spiritual thought in the next post. Thank you for reading my blog. I have had so many pageviews this week! Almost 200 in 7 days. That's more than any other blog I've produced. Thank you thank you, and please as always, feel free to post comments with questions or suggestions or tips you might have.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Spiritual thought
I hope this makes sense to more people than me, it's 4 minutes to midnight and I'm really tired.
A coworker of mine asked when I leave for Russia. I told him in July or August, after I am at the MTC to prepare. He was really rude and asked in a rude tone "why would you go to Utah, that doesn't make any sense."
It made me think of the opposition we face as Latter Day Saints. I once was walking into a temple and there were actually people protesting our religion.
We are going to face a lot of opposition because Satan will work hard to drive people to hate us or our beliefs. Because He knows the truth, but he is unable to live as we are and he will be unable to live with God or in Celestial Glory.
He will work hard to bring us down.
All we can do is love one another and love our fellow man. That's the ultimate commandment that will lead us closer to God.
It will be hard, but seriously, we just have to endure. Stay true to who we are and what we know and love. Stick close to the spirit.
I know this to be truth.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
A coworker of mine asked when I leave for Russia. I told him in July or August, after I am at the MTC to prepare. He was really rude and asked in a rude tone "why would you go to Utah, that doesn't make any sense."
It made me think of the opposition we face as Latter Day Saints. I once was walking into a temple and there were actually people protesting our religion.
We are going to face a lot of opposition because Satan will work hard to drive people to hate us or our beliefs. Because He knows the truth, but he is unable to live as we are and he will be unable to live with God or in Celestial Glory.
He will work hard to bring us down.
All we can do is love one another and love our fellow man. That's the ultimate commandment that will lead us closer to God.
It will be hard, but seriously, we just have to endure. Stay true to who we are and what we know and love. Stick close to the spirit.
I know this to be truth.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Day 8 of 48
Hello again.
So when I went through the temple in April, I got 10 garment sets of Carinessa 2s. They are absolutely great, as I've mentioned before, and I highly recommend them to all sisters. But today I also bought one thermal top garment and one mesh top garment. I am going to try these out, because I will be in Utah June through August when it's really hot. It also gets really humid during the summer in Samara, Russia. And I want to try the thermal garment. I might just buy a few of those instead of buying all long underwear.
Anyway, so I ordered those and a new mini preach my gospel because I left mine behind in Sunriver, Oregon on a vacation by mistake.
So those should be here next week or the week after.
I have checked one more thing off my to do list!! :)
Today I am going to get a few more things done as well. I need to buy pajamas because it turns out I really don't have any. I sleep in jeans or just garments. That's just what's comfortable for me.
So when I go to work tonight at 4:30, I need to buy those.
Now here's something I'm embarrassed to talk about. I have gained a lot of weight since I got my call. I usually gain weight when I am really stressed. My mother passed away in January and then I got my call. And I've been working almost 40 hours a week for the past two months. I also petsat and babysat in between. Funds are still stressing me out. I still need to get my driver's license...
the list goes on.
Anyway, I've been going to the gym at least 3 times a week for about two months as well, but my diet has not been very healthy. I eat out a lot because I am doing so much during the day that I forget to make a sandwich or something for lunch at work. The three closest places to eat are Sonic, Burger King, and Five Guys Burgers. So I usually end up going there last minute. However, I'm trying to be better about it. I love to ride my bike to work and I love subway. I'm a huge sandwich fan. So today after I get my laundry done and get ready for work, I am going early at about 3 so I can stop by a grocery store on the way and get something healthier.
I have been told that since there are so little members in Russia, there won't be many dinner appointments. Plus, I'm a picky eater. So I have been told that most of the sisters lose a lot of weight when they go.
So I am going to try very hard to get healthy before I go.
I'll get off work at 10 PM (Washington state time...?) so when I get home, I'll post a spiritual thought.
So when I went through the temple in April, I got 10 garment sets of Carinessa 2s. They are absolutely great, as I've mentioned before, and I highly recommend them to all sisters. But today I also bought one thermal top garment and one mesh top garment. I am going to try these out, because I will be in Utah June through August when it's really hot. It also gets really humid during the summer in Samara, Russia. And I want to try the thermal garment. I might just buy a few of those instead of buying all long underwear.
Anyway, so I ordered those and a new mini preach my gospel because I left mine behind in Sunriver, Oregon on a vacation by mistake.
So those should be here next week or the week after.
I have checked one more thing off my to do list!! :)
Today I am going to get a few more things done as well. I need to buy pajamas because it turns out I really don't have any. I sleep in jeans or just garments. That's just what's comfortable for me.
So when I go to work tonight at 4:30, I need to buy those.
Now here's something I'm embarrassed to talk about. I have gained a lot of weight since I got my call. I usually gain weight when I am really stressed. My mother passed away in January and then I got my call. And I've been working almost 40 hours a week for the past two months. I also petsat and babysat in between. Funds are still stressing me out. I still need to get my driver's license...
the list goes on.
Anyway, I've been going to the gym at least 3 times a week for about two months as well, but my diet has not been very healthy. I eat out a lot because I am doing so much during the day that I forget to make a sandwich or something for lunch at work. The three closest places to eat are Sonic, Burger King, and Five Guys Burgers. So I usually end up going there last minute. However, I'm trying to be better about it. I love to ride my bike to work and I love subway. I'm a huge sandwich fan. So today after I get my laundry done and get ready for work, I am going early at about 3 so I can stop by a grocery store on the way and get something healthier.
I have been told that since there are so little members in Russia, there won't be many dinner appointments. Plus, I'm a picky eater. So I have been told that most of the sisters lose a lot of weight when they go.
So I am going to try very hard to get healthy before I go.
I'll get off work at 10 PM (Washington state time...?) so when I get home, I'll post a spiritual thought.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Random tips
Hello again, lovelies.
Here are some tips I have from my experiences so far or from what others have told me. Some apply to only Sisters and some apply to both Sisters and Elders. I may have a couple for Elders as well (I helped an ex boyfriend get ready for his mission)
Passport:
-You have a certain date where you have to send in a copy of your passport to the mission travel office. DO NOT PUT THIS OFF. Get your passport as soon as you possibly can. My passport was expedited and took two weeks to get here rather than the usual expedited timeframe. It would be unfortunate to send it in late to the mission travel office. Your departure date could actually be pushed to a further date if you do not get it in.
-Don't print out the passport forms front and back. They will make you redo the whole thing.
-Bring as many forms of ID as you can. I brought my valid certificate of live birth and my driving permit. The guy still wanted another photo ID (this usually never happens, and I am still not sure why it did.) but luckily that day I had other forms of ID on me. Bring as much as you can just in case.
-know your social security number.
-passport pictures are more expensive at the post office. I got mine done at Costco. They gave me 4 pictures and it only cost 5 dollars. At the post office, it was something like one photo for 15 bucks or something like that. Costco is your best bet.
Packing:
-bring a collapsible duffel bag because you are probably going to have more things to cart around for transfers. I know when I get to Russia I will have extras like my winter coat, winter boots, and long underwear.
-Space bags! If you're worried about your clothes fitting in with your incidentals or shoes, buy space bags. With my boyfriend, he was going to Canada and had to bring his winter coat and all his clothes and all his winter stuff. So we bought him some space bags. They work really well and you can just squeeze the air out. You don't need a vacuum. They're less than 20 dollars at Walmart.
-If you can, take all your incidentals (IE: toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, etc.) out of the boxes. Put them in Ziploc bags. This will save a lot more space.
-
Clothes:
-Elders: Trust me, iron your shirts and suits BEFORE you pack them. And fold EVERYTHING neatly. You don't want to show up to the MTC with wrinkled clothes. Especially because you only get one day a week for laundry and you won't have a lot of time to iron.
-Sisters: make sure you can do a lot of combinations with your clothes and that different things work together. The more combinations you have, the better off you'll probably be.
-Make sure your shoes match your outfits... so far I only have two pairs of brown shoes. So obviously I need to buy black shoes.
Misc:
-Go to the temple early if you can. Don't wait until one month before your mission. I got my endowments out about two months before and so far it has richly blessed me. Russia doesn't have any temples, so I may not get to go much if at all. Even if youre going to live close to a temple, it never hurts to seek blessings! :)
-Watch all the episodes of the district. Seriously, it helps. And it's so interesting (to me anyway) and spiritual. It made me really excited about my mission!
That's all I have so far. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head at the moment. Leave comments below or questions below. I will do my best to answer them.
Here are some tips I have from my experiences so far or from what others have told me. Some apply to only Sisters and some apply to both Sisters and Elders. I may have a couple for Elders as well (I helped an ex boyfriend get ready for his mission)
Passport:
-You have a certain date where you have to send in a copy of your passport to the mission travel office. DO NOT PUT THIS OFF. Get your passport as soon as you possibly can. My passport was expedited and took two weeks to get here rather than the usual expedited timeframe. It would be unfortunate to send it in late to the mission travel office. Your departure date could actually be pushed to a further date if you do not get it in.
-Don't print out the passport forms front and back. They will make you redo the whole thing.
-Bring as many forms of ID as you can. I brought my valid certificate of live birth and my driving permit. The guy still wanted another photo ID (this usually never happens, and I am still not sure why it did.) but luckily that day I had other forms of ID on me. Bring as much as you can just in case.
-know your social security number.
-passport pictures are more expensive at the post office. I got mine done at Costco. They gave me 4 pictures and it only cost 5 dollars. At the post office, it was something like one photo for 15 bucks or something like that. Costco is your best bet.
Packing:
-bring a collapsible duffel bag because you are probably going to have more things to cart around for transfers. I know when I get to Russia I will have extras like my winter coat, winter boots, and long underwear.
-Space bags! If you're worried about your clothes fitting in with your incidentals or shoes, buy space bags. With my boyfriend, he was going to Canada and had to bring his winter coat and all his clothes and all his winter stuff. So we bought him some space bags. They work really well and you can just squeeze the air out. You don't need a vacuum. They're less than 20 dollars at Walmart.
-If you can, take all your incidentals (IE: toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, etc.) out of the boxes. Put them in Ziploc bags. This will save a lot more space.
-
Clothes:
-Elders: Trust me, iron your shirts and suits BEFORE you pack them. And fold EVERYTHING neatly. You don't want to show up to the MTC with wrinkled clothes. Especially because you only get one day a week for laundry and you won't have a lot of time to iron.
-Sisters: make sure you can do a lot of combinations with your clothes and that different things work together. The more combinations you have, the better off you'll probably be.
-Make sure your shoes match your outfits... so far I only have two pairs of brown shoes. So obviously I need to buy black shoes.
Misc:
-Go to the temple early if you can. Don't wait until one month before your mission. I got my endowments out about two months before and so far it has richly blessed me. Russia doesn't have any temples, so I may not get to go much if at all. Even if youre going to live close to a temple, it never hurts to seek blessings! :)
-Watch all the episodes of the district. Seriously, it helps. And it's so interesting (to me anyway) and spiritual. It made me really excited about my mission!
That's all I have so far. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head at the moment. Leave comments below or questions below. I will do my best to answer them.
Day 5 of 48 **UPDATE: IT'S ACTUALLY DAY 7...
**update: I just recounted my days... I made a mistake. I'm actually on day 7 of 48. Sooooo.... my bad. I'll do another post today with just tips to make it up to you for losing those other 2 days.
Hello, lovelies.
Yesterday I spent a lot of my day packing up my room and cleaning it. Then I sorted through my laundry. (I keep forgetting I have garments, so I keep throwing them in with my regular clothes). But honestly I don't mind my garments. In fact, I like wearing them. Mine are really comfortable and they keep me reasonably warm when I'm cold, but they aren't thick. I bought the carinessa 2's in XSB. I love them! I'm going to buy a couple more pairs in a different, warmer fabric just to make sure I have some when I get really cold. So sisters, I highly recommend getting the carinessa 2's.
Anyway, today I tried one of the hairstlyes I pinned on pinterest yesterday. This is the tutorial for it:
What I did too, since my hair is really curly, I brushed it out really well beforehand. I did this with semi-wet washed hair. I don't like having messy or day old hair. Since my hair is red, leaving it for a day makes it look ultra-greasy. So I have to wash it everyday. The first picture was the style without my hair accessory in it. The other three are with. I bought this hair accessory at the Portland, OR Saturday market about 2 weeks ago. This really talented guy works with wire and metal. He makes tons of rings and hair sticks and other metal jewelry. I really like this hairpiece.
So today's hair tutorial was a success. We'll see what happens with tomorrows. I am still deciding on one to do. Since I have to go back to work tomorrow it might just be a simple one.
The only things I really have left to do require money, and until tomorrow (payday), I have 6 dollars to my name. Luckily I don't owe anyone money so I don't have to give up my 6 dollars :)
But I still need to get two shots done... yuck. I am going to wait until I stop working to get those done because my arms are really sensitive to shots. And in retail, I use my arms A LOT. Also, I'm a wimp and I don't wanna :)
So a spiritual thought for the day...
Some advice I have for both Sisters and Elders, is to make sure you repent totally of everything before your mission. If you suffer from any kind of addiction, it isn't going to just go away when you are out. Of course you won't have access to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, pornography, etc. while in the field as a missionary; but the addiction won't go away on it's own. You need to talk to your bishop and get it off your shoulders. Your bishop has been set apart to help the members of the ward with things like this. He isn't going to tell anyone (maybe your parents if it's serious enough I guess). He isn't going to judge you. He is there to help you. Addiction is not something you can simply get rid of in a day. Nor is any other serious sin.
It's okay to ask for help. Reaching out to others for help is a skill that everyone must learn because at some point in your life you will need help from others.
Plus, you need to remain worthy in order to go through the temple, which is one of the greatest blessings I have found in my life. I love the temple.
I do not know much about helping people with addictions, but I know of some people who were actually addicted to video games to the point where that is all they ever did in their spare time. I have also known people who suffer an addiction to pornography.
If you are struggling with any kind of addiction like that, I highly recommend this talk by David A. Bednar:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/06/things-as-they-really-are?lang=eng
I know it may seem hard to dig yourself out of a hole you have created for yourself. Sometimes it seems hopeless, but it's really not. You can always repent and make an effort to remain virtuous. Like I said yesterday, the Savior atoned for the sins of all men so that they can repent and make it back to live with Heavenly Father.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Hello, lovelies.
Yesterday I spent a lot of my day packing up my room and cleaning it. Then I sorted through my laundry. (I keep forgetting I have garments, so I keep throwing them in with my regular clothes). But honestly I don't mind my garments. In fact, I like wearing them. Mine are really comfortable and they keep me reasonably warm when I'm cold, but they aren't thick. I bought the carinessa 2's in XSB. I love them! I'm going to buy a couple more pairs in a different, warmer fabric just to make sure I have some when I get really cold. So sisters, I highly recommend getting the carinessa 2's.
Anyway, today I tried one of the hairstlyes I pinned on pinterest yesterday. This is the tutorial for it:
This was super easy to do. And it worked really well for me. I only used a ponytail holder, 4 bobby pins and a hair accessory. (Girls with longer hair, might need more bobby pins. My hair is two inches below my shoulders.) It took about 5 minutes at the most. So there's the tutorial and here's how mine turned out:
So today's hair tutorial was a success. We'll see what happens with tomorrows. I am still deciding on one to do. Since I have to go back to work tomorrow it might just be a simple one.
The only things I really have left to do require money, and until tomorrow (payday), I have 6 dollars to my name. Luckily I don't owe anyone money so I don't have to give up my 6 dollars :)
But I still need to get two shots done... yuck. I am going to wait until I stop working to get those done because my arms are really sensitive to shots. And in retail, I use my arms A LOT. Also, I'm a wimp and I don't wanna :)
So a spiritual thought for the day...
Some advice I have for both Sisters and Elders, is to make sure you repent totally of everything before your mission. If you suffer from any kind of addiction, it isn't going to just go away when you are out. Of course you won't have access to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, pornography, etc. while in the field as a missionary; but the addiction won't go away on it's own. You need to talk to your bishop and get it off your shoulders. Your bishop has been set apart to help the members of the ward with things like this. He isn't going to tell anyone (maybe your parents if it's serious enough I guess). He isn't going to judge you. He is there to help you. Addiction is not something you can simply get rid of in a day. Nor is any other serious sin.
It's okay to ask for help. Reaching out to others for help is a skill that everyone must learn because at some point in your life you will need help from others.
Plus, you need to remain worthy in order to go through the temple, which is one of the greatest blessings I have found in my life. I love the temple.
I do not know much about helping people with addictions, but I know of some people who were actually addicted to video games to the point where that is all they ever did in their spare time. I have also known people who suffer an addiction to pornography.
If you are struggling with any kind of addiction like that, I highly recommend this talk by David A. Bednar:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/06/things-as-they-really-are?lang=eng
I know it may seem hard to dig yourself out of a hole you have created for yourself. Sometimes it seems hopeless, but it's really not. You can always repent and make an effort to remain virtuous. Like I said yesterday, the Savior atoned for the sins of all men so that they can repent and make it back to live with Heavenly Father.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Day 4, yes I forgot to post the other days
Today I actually did quite a bit to get ready for my mission!
I woke up and realized my room is so jam packed full of STUFF.
And it was everywhere.
So I grabbed two big plastic tubs and started to clean. I packed up about half of my room as well. That way my dad won't have to do it after I leave.
I also went through the missionary stuff I have already in a tub downstairs. I discovered I still have quite a few things to buy. But nothing really too expensive.
I have 42 days left. It seems surreal. My friend Sister Killen reported to the MTC today. She's going to the Philippines. I think her leaving really opened up my eyes to see that I really don't have a lot of time left to prepare!
I have to read the BOM in 42 days, and get everything packed and ready. I have to get a few shots, and get my driver's license and international permit.
42 days.
Dang.
I'm going to start trying out missionary hairstyles and posting the ones that work and the ones that don't. I'm also going to start packing up my suitcase. And I can already tell that I will need space bags for my clothes. I have wool skirts and blazers, and they aren't too thick or anything but they are a bit bulky. And I need a varied wardrobe because it gets hot in the summer but it's absolutely freezing in the winter (gets to -20).
Here is the link to my pinterest, I will be repining hairstyles, tips, etc that I find useful and I will blog about the ones that have worked for me.
I'll take pictures of the hairstyles I try. My hair is really difficult because it's naturally curly on the bottom layers and just wavy on the top layers. It's strawberry blonde (leaning just a tad more toward red) and hard to keep from frizzing. So hopefully I can help out you sisters with difficult hair.
My Russian is coming along a little at a time. Very little bits at a time.
As for a spiritual thought, I've mentioned before that I adore music. Especially to become uplifted or feel the spirit during the day. And there's this Alex Boye song that has been stuck in my head and on my mind for about three or four days.
It's called "I will rise". It's epic. For real.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FQb-cVwbKE
I love it because it's a simple set of lyrics with a powerful message regarding the resurrection. We will all be resurrected and judged according to our works here on Earth. The Savior atoned for our sins. The line "Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed" strikes me quite a bit. It makes me think of the pain Jesus overcame and how He was resurrected. I know that He did that for us and that He lives.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Anyway, not a very long spiritual thought because I have quite a bit to do.
Here's my pinterest, go ahead and follow me :)
http://pinterest.com/songbird1615/
I woke up and realized my room is so jam packed full of STUFF.
And it was everywhere.
So I grabbed two big plastic tubs and started to clean. I packed up about half of my room as well. That way my dad won't have to do it after I leave.
I also went through the missionary stuff I have already in a tub downstairs. I discovered I still have quite a few things to buy. But nothing really too expensive.
I have 42 days left. It seems surreal. My friend Sister Killen reported to the MTC today. She's going to the Philippines. I think her leaving really opened up my eyes to see that I really don't have a lot of time left to prepare!
I have to read the BOM in 42 days, and get everything packed and ready. I have to get a few shots, and get my driver's license and international permit.
42 days.
Dang.
I'm going to start trying out missionary hairstyles and posting the ones that work and the ones that don't. I'm also going to start packing up my suitcase. And I can already tell that I will need space bags for my clothes. I have wool skirts and blazers, and they aren't too thick or anything but they are a bit bulky. And I need a varied wardrobe because it gets hot in the summer but it's absolutely freezing in the winter (gets to -20).
Here is the link to my pinterest, I will be repining hairstyles, tips, etc that I find useful and I will blog about the ones that have worked for me.
I'll take pictures of the hairstyles I try. My hair is really difficult because it's naturally curly on the bottom layers and just wavy on the top layers. It's strawberry blonde (leaning just a tad more toward red) and hard to keep from frizzing. So hopefully I can help out you sisters with difficult hair.
My Russian is coming along a little at a time. Very little bits at a time.
As for a spiritual thought, I've mentioned before that I adore music. Especially to become uplifted or feel the spirit during the day. And there's this Alex Boye song that has been stuck in my head and on my mind for about three or four days.
It's called "I will rise". It's epic. For real.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FQb-cVwbKE
I love it because it's a simple set of lyrics with a powerful message regarding the resurrection. We will all be resurrected and judged according to our works here on Earth. The Savior atoned for our sins. The line "Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed" strikes me quite a bit. It makes me think of the pain Jesus overcame and how He was resurrected. I know that He did that for us and that He lives.
во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь.
Anyway, not a very long spiritual thought because I have quite a bit to do.
Here's my pinterest, go ahead and follow me :)
http://pinterest.com/songbird1615/
Sunday, May 5, 2013
A spiritual tidbit
If you need a spiritual boost from something simple, I always find that music lifts my spirits quicker and better than anything else. So without further ado; your spiritual smorgasbord...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8r0ftjCTNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqWKuq510pI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8TNpZOdYA8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM2dWn8cuSg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8r0ftjCTNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqWKuq510pI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8TNpZOdYA8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM2dWn8cuSg
Day 2 of 46
So today was a pretty good day. Although, toward the end I had some frustration that was hard to deal with and not react to.
Anyway, today was fast and testimony meeting and I actually fasted for the first time in a while. It's really hard for me to fast because I get really shaky and sick feeling. And I wasn't going to bear my testimony but I ended up getting up there. It was really awkward because it was about 4 minutes until they usually wrap it up and end the meeting and the 2nd counselor was about to get up and end the meeting, but the bishop told him "no someone else needs to". I got up and did. They told me that happened after the meeting. It was a really cool experience and another testament that our bishop is truly inspired of God.
I didn't do any mission prep today at all. But I came to the realization that I need a blessing and I need to go to the temple this week.
I will write more tomorrow, but this evening I have gotten to be really frustrated and I need to just spend some time getting ready for the week.
Anyway, today was fast and testimony meeting and I actually fasted for the first time in a while. It's really hard for me to fast because I get really shaky and sick feeling. And I wasn't going to bear my testimony but I ended up getting up there. It was really awkward because it was about 4 minutes until they usually wrap it up and end the meeting and the 2nd counselor was about to get up and end the meeting, but the bishop told him "no someone else needs to". I got up and did. They told me that happened after the meeting. It was a really cool experience and another testament that our bishop is truly inspired of God.
I didn't do any mission prep today at all. But I came to the realization that I need a blessing and I need to go to the temple this week.
I will write more tomorrow, but this evening I have gotten to be really frustrated and I need to just spend some time getting ready for the week.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Day 1 of 46.
I started this blog to help other sisters who are preparing to go on missions or who are thinking of going on missions. And in all honesty, I haven't been able to post because I've been so busy, which is I think the best way of illustrating preparation for a mission. Especially if you're working to pay for your mission or part of it.
I work at JCPenney, a well known and generally well respected retail chain. With the new CEO, things are going back to the way they used to be and we are getting a lot of our customers back. So the past two days I worked super long shifts at the front end registers. Last night I closed (2:30 PM to 10.) and today I opened (we open at 10, but I came in at 7 AM to straighten the store.)
So the past two days have been EXTREMELY busy with a couple coupons, and sales in the store.
And, every week each associate on the floor has an expected goal to get at least one customer to apply for a JCP credit card. This week, I kid you not, I got 10. So for the month I had 11 or 12. Our goal for the month is 4. I feel really proud because I worked hard and one of my bosses recognized my effort and I was awarded this little thank you card associates sometimes get. It has a code on it and we go on a special website and choose a reward. It was nice, I got a free subscription to Rolling Stone out of it. (I collect the covers. I have a ton in a box in my closet. And I love to read the articles and music reviews.)
Anyway, so I have been working hard to do a good job in my last couple weeks at this job.
As of this moment, I have 46 days left until my departure for the provo MTC.
As of this moment, I know about 15 words in Russian. I know 3 or 4 phrases. I can recognize when you're talking about a group of people or one person individually or male or female.
I have a lot of sorting I need to do, through my clothes and through the mission stuff I already have bought. I have Sunday through Thursday off this week and I plan to use those days to my full advantage. IE, getting some shopping done, and studying Russian every possible second.
Oh! I have a couple interesting experiences from today. So, at work, when I was helping a woman apply for her credit card, she was Russian and spoke very little English. In the end, I was able to convey the necessary questions and information to her. But sadly, I did not remember any of the Russian I know at the time. I was flustered and the line was getting long. She said a couple times "Sorry, I do not understand." So I had to push myself to think of ways to communicate with her. That moment made me grit my teeth and wish I had started studying Russian earlier.
But I am making some strides.
When I got home, my sister was watching Iron man 2. In the movie, there's a part set in Russia where the bad guy was hiding out. And I recognized the language when I saw signs on the scenery in the movie. I could verbalize a couple of the letters but I did not know what they meant. BUT I am getting to the point where I know the Russian alphabet and can read it.
So there's two motivations to KEEP STUDYING :)
I haven't gotten to read the scriptures lately, so I don't really have a scripture to share. But I have been thinking a lot about the temple ever since I went through to get my endowments. Obviously now I wear garments everyday and I have noticed a change in myself. I find that I am a lot more faithful. I don't always remember to pray in the morning, at night, or before meals, but I do pray often. Probably 3 or 4 times a day at least. Today for example, I prayed in my head to be able to communicate with that woman on the credit app. I was able to get through it with grace. I prayed that I would be able to stay awake the whole day at work. I did. And I prayed for some other more personal things.
I also thought about my patriarchal blessing. I haven't read it in a long time and I think that in my few days off, I will need to really read it a few times. I plan to read it every day and before I read my scriptures.
So there you have it. Just some simple thoughts today. I am really tired right now and I want to get some other things done before church tomorrow. I am ward chorister and I need to practice the hymns a couple times before I lead the congregation tomorrow. Last sunday I didn't practice and I was so embarrassed that I messed up so bad. This sunday will be different.
I think tomorrow I will post a scripture or a story and what I read or something. Then on Monday, I'll post again. I will do my very best to make it a daily thing so that I can help some of my friends and other sisters prepare.
One tip for the day: be PATIENT with yourself. Also, time goes by quickly when you're idling your time away. Don't be idle because one day you'll have a startling realization that you have very little time left to complete the things that stand in need of completion.
I work at JCPenney, a well known and generally well respected retail chain. With the new CEO, things are going back to the way they used to be and we are getting a lot of our customers back. So the past two days I worked super long shifts at the front end registers. Last night I closed (2:30 PM to 10.) and today I opened (we open at 10, but I came in at 7 AM to straighten the store.)
So the past two days have been EXTREMELY busy with a couple coupons, and sales in the store.
And, every week each associate on the floor has an expected goal to get at least one customer to apply for a JCP credit card. This week, I kid you not, I got 10. So for the month I had 11 or 12. Our goal for the month is 4. I feel really proud because I worked hard and one of my bosses recognized my effort and I was awarded this little thank you card associates sometimes get. It has a code on it and we go on a special website and choose a reward. It was nice, I got a free subscription to Rolling Stone out of it. (I collect the covers. I have a ton in a box in my closet. And I love to read the articles and music reviews.)
Anyway, so I have been working hard to do a good job in my last couple weeks at this job.
As of this moment, I have 46 days left until my departure for the provo MTC.
As of this moment, I know about 15 words in Russian. I know 3 or 4 phrases. I can recognize when you're talking about a group of people or one person individually or male or female.
I have a lot of sorting I need to do, through my clothes and through the mission stuff I already have bought. I have Sunday through Thursday off this week and I plan to use those days to my full advantage. IE, getting some shopping done, and studying Russian every possible second.
Oh! I have a couple interesting experiences from today. So, at work, when I was helping a woman apply for her credit card, she was Russian and spoke very little English. In the end, I was able to convey the necessary questions and information to her. But sadly, I did not remember any of the Russian I know at the time. I was flustered and the line was getting long. She said a couple times "Sorry, I do not understand." So I had to push myself to think of ways to communicate with her. That moment made me grit my teeth and wish I had started studying Russian earlier.
But I am making some strides.
When I got home, my sister was watching Iron man 2. In the movie, there's a part set in Russia where the bad guy was hiding out. And I recognized the language when I saw signs on the scenery in the movie. I could verbalize a couple of the letters but I did not know what they meant. BUT I am getting to the point where I know the Russian alphabet and can read it.
So there's two motivations to KEEP STUDYING :)
I haven't gotten to read the scriptures lately, so I don't really have a scripture to share. But I have been thinking a lot about the temple ever since I went through to get my endowments. Obviously now I wear garments everyday and I have noticed a change in myself. I find that I am a lot more faithful. I don't always remember to pray in the morning, at night, or before meals, but I do pray often. Probably 3 or 4 times a day at least. Today for example, I prayed in my head to be able to communicate with that woman on the credit app. I was able to get through it with grace. I prayed that I would be able to stay awake the whole day at work. I did. And I prayed for some other more personal things.
I also thought about my patriarchal blessing. I haven't read it in a long time and I think that in my few days off, I will need to really read it a few times. I plan to read it every day and before I read my scriptures.
So there you have it. Just some simple thoughts today. I am really tired right now and I want to get some other things done before church tomorrow. I am ward chorister and I need to practice the hymns a couple times before I lead the congregation tomorrow. Last sunday I didn't practice and I was so embarrassed that I messed up so bad. This sunday will be different.
I think tomorrow I will post a scripture or a story and what I read or something. Then on Monday, I'll post again. I will do my very best to make it a daily thing so that I can help some of my friends and other sisters prepare.
One tip for the day: be PATIENT with yourself. Also, time goes by quickly when you're idling your time away. Don't be idle because one day you'll have a startling realization that you have very little time left to complete the things that stand in need of completion.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Called to serve
I guess I will introduce myself.
My name is Sister Bonazelli... or I guess сестра Bonazelli now :)
In March I was called to serve as a full time missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. I have been called to serve in the Samara, Russia mission. Russian speaking. I depart for the Provo, UT MTC on June 19th.
My mission is very large in area, but very small right now in terms of missionaries currently serving there. There are even fewer sisters than elders. There are currently 0 temples in all of Russia. The nearest one is in Kyiev (I know I probably spelled that wrong) Ukraine.
I am really excited (but nervous as of late) about this mission call.
My best friend, Elder Johnson, is currently serving in the mission right exactly next to mine. He is serving in Donetsk, Ukraine and speaking Russian as well. I think that's really cool and I am excited to converse with him in our letters in Russian!
So far I haven't been able to get much mission prep done because of a number of reasons...
1.) I am the only member in my family. No one has ever done this in my family before so it's totally new!
2.) I have a job in which I'm working 40 ish hours a week.
3.) I have two callings right now that take up a lot of my time and effort. I am YSA leader for the ward and Ward chorister. A new YSA leader was just called so I will probably be released soon. But choristing takes a lot because I'm still learning how to do it. I love my callings though!
4.) Family. Trying to do lots of stuff for my family and keeping track of my puppy can be a lot.
We are going on vacation for a bit and when I get back I have goals and things I want to get done as soon as possible.
So far I have a rough draft of a packing list and things I need to do.
I need to get my driver's license, get my passport done, get at least 2 more shots (Yuck! Hate needles!), figure out banking stuff, lots of shopping, read book of Mormon, temple stuff, and more!
But...
I just finished both interviews for my temple recommend. I officially have it ready to go and within the next month or so, I can go to the temple to get my endowments! I am so excited. Soon after I get back from vacation it will happen. That is one of the parts I am looking forward to most about preparing to serve my mission.
I also have this goal of learning at least 20 hymns on piano before I leave. So far I have these totally learned:
Come, follow me; we thank thee o god for a prophet; I am a child of God; Sweet Hour of Prayer; As Sisters in Zion.
So I am 20% of the way to that goal. I also have a few childrens songs learned... Army of Helaman, When I am baptized, and I love to see the temple. So I guess those can count too. So I guess I'm really at about 40%... right? Mental math. I hope I'm right. Otherwise, that's pretty embarrassing. I promise I took 3 math classes in High School.
Well, I don't have much else to say. I have to wake up early to go get my teeth cleaned. So I really should be getting to bed.
Before I do... I've been thinking a lot about the story in the bible, in John, where the Savior washes the feet of the disciples. I know it's because of the popular quote (a hymn is totally based on this scripture) where Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another as he has loved us. It goes along with my thoughts and observations in the whole gay-marriage debates lately. Here is a status I posted on facebook today because I got totally irritated with all the hate that has been launched back and forth from both sides of the debate:
My name is Sister Bonazelli... or I guess сестра Bonazelli now :)
In March I was called to serve as a full time missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. I have been called to serve in the Samara, Russia mission. Russian speaking. I depart for the Provo, UT MTC on June 19th.
My mission is very large in area, but very small right now in terms of missionaries currently serving there. There are even fewer sisters than elders. There are currently 0 temples in all of Russia. The nearest one is in Kyiev (I know I probably spelled that wrong) Ukraine.
I am really excited (but nervous as of late) about this mission call.
My best friend, Elder Johnson, is currently serving in the mission right exactly next to mine. He is serving in Donetsk, Ukraine and speaking Russian as well. I think that's really cool and I am excited to converse with him in our letters in Russian!
So far I haven't been able to get much mission prep done because of a number of reasons...
1.) I am the only member in my family. No one has ever done this in my family before so it's totally new!
2.) I have a job in which I'm working 40 ish hours a week.
3.) I have two callings right now that take up a lot of my time and effort. I am YSA leader for the ward and Ward chorister. A new YSA leader was just called so I will probably be released soon. But choristing takes a lot because I'm still learning how to do it. I love my callings though!
4.) Family. Trying to do lots of stuff for my family and keeping track of my puppy can be a lot.
We are going on vacation for a bit and when I get back I have goals and things I want to get done as soon as possible.
So far I have a rough draft of a packing list and things I need to do.
I need to get my driver's license, get my passport done, get at least 2 more shots (Yuck! Hate needles!), figure out banking stuff, lots of shopping, read book of Mormon, temple stuff, and more!
But...
I just finished both interviews for my temple recommend. I officially have it ready to go and within the next month or so, I can go to the temple to get my endowments! I am so excited. Soon after I get back from vacation it will happen. That is one of the parts I am looking forward to most about preparing to serve my mission.
I also have this goal of learning at least 20 hymns on piano before I leave. So far I have these totally learned:
Come, follow me; we thank thee o god for a prophet; I am a child of God; Sweet Hour of Prayer; As Sisters in Zion.
So I am 20% of the way to that goal. I also have a few childrens songs learned... Army of Helaman, When I am baptized, and I love to see the temple. So I guess those can count too. So I guess I'm really at about 40%... right? Mental math. I hope I'm right. Otherwise, that's pretty embarrassing. I promise I took 3 math classes in High School.
Well, I don't have much else to say. I have to wake up early to go get my teeth cleaned. So I really should be getting to bed.
Before I do... I've been thinking a lot about the story in the bible, in John, where the Savior washes the feet of the disciples. I know it's because of the popular quote (a hymn is totally based on this scripture) where Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another as he has loved us. It goes along with my thoughts and observations in the whole gay-marriage debates lately. Here is a status I posted on facebook today because I got totally irritated with all the hate that has been launched back and forth from both sides of the debate:
"It's really annoying how people want their opinions and views to be respected, yet they call others of the opposite opinion bigots or close minded. Isn't that a double standard? There is hate toward both parties in every situation. I'm a straight white teenage Mormon girl. I don't hate anything except the word itself. But guess what? I get hate. And on the opposite end, I have friends who are gay ...and my age and not necessarily religious. They are good people and they also receive hate. Hate and bigotry and prejudice can go both ways. In the bible Jesus washed the feet of the disciples to teach by example the commandment to live one another as Jesus loves you. Guess why? God and Jesus Christ loves everyone. Gay, straight, male, female, and every race. Everyone sins and he still loves us. So don't judge or condemn someone just because they sin differently than you. It's none of your business. If you claim religion then practice what you preach. Don't try to play God and condemn people. It's not your place to judge. And if you have an opinion that you want to be respected... Respect the opinions of others. If you write a response to an opinion that offends you, be aware before you write that your comments might be just as hurtful.
Seriously tired of all the hate people are throwing at each other. Whatever happened to a civil debate???"
Seriously tired of all the hate people are throwing at each other. Whatever happened to a civil debate???"
It doesn't even matter what I think. Actually, my view on homosexuality is just this:
I will not be a homosexual. It's not who I am, and that's all there is to it. I believe that it is wrong for me to be that. So I will not do it. I will not judge or condemn or hate people who claim to be homosexuals or bisexuals. You know why? Because I sin too. Granted, I sin differently. But I sin all the same. I have been commanded by God to love all of His children. So that is what I will do. We are taught as latter-day saints to "love the sinner". We are not God. We do not have the power to judge others because of what we think to be right. And on the other end, not all Christians are what the modern media call "homophobes". Guess what? There are bad people in every crowd and there are good people in every crowd. There are even some bad people in my religion, some people who hate or judge where none should be placed.
I am not one of those people. I have a firm belief that you should absolutely look for good in other people. No matter what. And of course you should always practice what you preach. In the end, people are people. The world would be a lot nicer if we just minded our own business and loved one another no matter what.
Anyway, I guess I'm carrying on a bit. But seriously. It makes me so sad to see people be so awful to each other. I bet if those people pushed past their differences they could even be friends.
Well. With that I guess I will bid you farewell. Just keep in mind that God loves everyone. Not just Christians or just catholics or just any one group in particular.
Just be kind to your fellow man for Heaven's sake.
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