Hello family and friends!
I can't believe it is time to write again this week as well! When I look back over the week and month, I realize that even though the days sometime seem to go by so slowly, they really go by quite fast.
This week was a normal missionary week. We had our Zone Conference yesterday. It was really good. I really needed it, too. Sister Stowers did a great job with her training. I love serving with her. We get along really well.
At our Zone Conference, we talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon in the conversion process of our investigators and also in our own personal conversion to help us stay holding on to the iron rod after our missions. I can always tell when I don't have a good study of the Book of Mormon. Missing out on learning about the truths of the gospel and of the Savior can really affect how the day goes. I love the Book of Mormon! It is the truth!
The excema on my finger isn't getting fixed with the stuff the doctor gave me, so I'm going to be going back in sooner than planned. I hope this doesn't end up being a huge ordeal.
I got a letter this week from the Murrays. I loved it and the pictures they sent from their trip to Nauvoo. It is strange thinking that there are sisters serving in Mount Vernon, though. I very vaguely remember there being sisters when I was really young.
I also really enjoyed my birthday package from Joseph and Tracy. I was thinking it was a happy one year thing (because that is my mission birthday). It really made my day. I wasn't expecting it at all, and it was a really happy surprise! I also got the hot cross bun recipe, and I think Sister Bowcutt will really appreciate it.
I went on my first splits this week. Sister Stowers went Visiting teaching with her companion and I went tracting with a ward missionary. It was fun! She really enjoyed tracting! We have some great ward missionaries to work with. The members are the key to successful missionary work. Sarah pointed that out in her email. When members don't have missionaries around they realize the importance of helping the missionaries and appreciate the work they do so much more. I would love to open another area again!
Lindsay, our investigator, is really excited about getting baptized. We met with her right before her institute class on Tuesday night and she said, "Can I tell people that I'm getting baptized?" We said, "Of course, tell everyone!" She is going to be here this weekend, so she gets to come to church here instead of in Jacksonville. She is excited to see what it is like.
I'm excited for the Relief Society broadcast tonight. I didn't get to see it last year because I was in the MTC, and I really missed it. President Summerhays gave us special permission to watch it.
The weather here is beautiful! There is a little bit of a chill (okay, it's only between 60 and 65, but here that is a chill) in the mornings when we go out to exercise. Then during the day we don't sweat buckets of sweat any more. In fact, we hardly sweat at all! It is so nice! I am really excited about this weather.
Well, I think that is about it. I don't have anymore pictures to send, but I'll probably take some later today for next week. I love you all!
Love, Joanna
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Dear Family,
Well, this week was pretty good. We did more tracting which seemed a little more effective than just the normal contacting on campus. We also had some really great lessons with our investigators and the recent converts we are working with. It has been nice to be able to work and see some success from what we are doing.
Last night while we were on campus, these two men came up to us. They were doing something with computers, and wanted to let us know about it. Since we don't really use computers, we had to tell them no, but they were happy about our honesty. Then one of them told us that we looked pure. He said that purity isn't the most common thing seen on campus, and it was good to see it. It was one of the more pleasant interactions that we had yesterday.
One day we also talked to a guy who was wearing a Wisconsin shirt. It was a way for us to start talking to him, and it turns out that his grandparents live in Wausau. He said he really likes Wisconsin. He wasn't too interested in learning more about the gospel though.
Our investigators are really great! They both are member referrals, which tend to be the best type of referrals. Lindsay is a freshman here and is so eager to learn what her friends have in their lives that makes them different. We had a lesson with her on Monday and on Wednesday and after our lesson Wednesday, she asked if we could meet the next day! It was so exciting to hear her enthusiasm. The only problem is that she goes home every weekend and can't come to our ward. She goes to Church and everything, just not here. She did say that she would be staying in Tallahassee next weekend, so she will be here next Sunday.
Our other investigator, Colleen, has been out of town and we couldn't get a hold of her. We thought something was wrong, but on Thursday her friend told us that she was planning on being at Church on Sunday.
It seems like there are quite a few freshmen girls that we are working with/in the ward. There are four of them, and it is so much fun being with them and working with them as well. I think that because Janet is a freshman, too, I feel like they are my little sisters. It is fun.
Sister Stowers is doing great! I love serving with her. She has made a lot of progress in these last couple of weeks. Next week we have zone conference and so she will have her training as part of zone conference. She'll be fine. We have worked hard. It is great to be in a companionship where we are equally yoked together.
I'm excited for zone conference! Y'all know how much I love it. We are focusing on using the Book of Mormon more. It will be excellent.
So, remember how excited I was to go shopping last week? Well, it was very similar to all those shopping trips that we used to take to Mansfield that ended up being somewhat miserable for everyone. It was kind of funny. But, while we were at Target I saw this really cute pair of shoes that I wanted. They were fuschia/magenta moccasins. I really wanted to buy them, but I didn't. I just couldn't bring myself to buy them, since I'll never get to wear them. But, they made me really happy.
Did you ever find the hot cross bun recipe? I really need it for the senior couple at the Institute. She has been really nice to me (and actually has told me that she spoils me), and she really wanted the recipe. If you could email it sometime that would be great! She said she hasn't been able to find it anywhere, and the way she described her mother's recipe sounded just like the ones you make.
I got the family letters this week. It is nice to read them. Here are some pictures of campus. The first one is of the Westcott Building. I believe it is the administration building. The second one is of my favorite fountain. I really like the girls that are playing in the water there.
Today FSU plays Wake Forest. It is a late game. Hopefully, we won't be awakened by drunk fans coming home from the game.
I think that is it for the week. I love you all and am grateful for all y'all's support!
Love, Joanna
Well, this week was pretty good. We did more tracting which seemed a little more effective than just the normal contacting on campus. We also had some really great lessons with our investigators and the recent converts we are working with. It has been nice to be able to work and see some success from what we are doing.
Last night while we were on campus, these two men came up to us. They were doing something with computers, and wanted to let us know about it. Since we don't really use computers, we had to tell them no, but they were happy about our honesty. Then one of them told us that we looked pure. He said that purity isn't the most common thing seen on campus, and it was good to see it. It was one of the more pleasant interactions that we had yesterday.
One day we also talked to a guy who was wearing a Wisconsin shirt. It was a way for us to start talking to him, and it turns out that his grandparents live in Wausau. He said he really likes Wisconsin. He wasn't too interested in learning more about the gospel though.
Our investigators are really great! They both are member referrals, which tend to be the best type of referrals. Lindsay is a freshman here and is so eager to learn what her friends have in their lives that makes them different. We had a lesson with her on Monday and on Wednesday and after our lesson Wednesday, she asked if we could meet the next day! It was so exciting to hear her enthusiasm. The only problem is that she goes home every weekend and can't come to our ward. She goes to Church and everything, just not here. She did say that she would be staying in Tallahassee next weekend, so she will be here next Sunday.
Our other investigator, Colleen, has been out of town and we couldn't get a hold of her. We thought something was wrong, but on Thursday her friend told us that she was planning on being at Church on Sunday.
It seems like there are quite a few freshmen girls that we are working with/in the ward. There are four of them, and it is so much fun being with them and working with them as well. I think that because Janet is a freshman, too, I feel like they are my little sisters. It is fun.
Sister Stowers is doing great! I love serving with her. She has made a lot of progress in these last couple of weeks. Next week we have zone conference and so she will have her training as part of zone conference. She'll be fine. We have worked hard. It is great to be in a companionship where we are equally yoked together.
I'm excited for zone conference! Y'all know how much I love it. We are focusing on using the Book of Mormon more. It will be excellent.
So, remember how excited I was to go shopping last week? Well, it was very similar to all those shopping trips that we used to take to Mansfield that ended up being somewhat miserable for everyone. It was kind of funny. But, while we were at Target I saw this really cute pair of shoes that I wanted. They were fuschia/magenta moccasins. I really wanted to buy them, but I didn't. I just couldn't bring myself to buy them, since I'll never get to wear them. But, they made me really happy.
Did you ever find the hot cross bun recipe? I really need it for the senior couple at the Institute. She has been really nice to me (and actually has told me that she spoils me), and she really wanted the recipe. If you could email it sometime that would be great! She said she hasn't been able to find it anywhere, and the way she described her mother's recipe sounded just like the ones you make.
I got the family letters this week. It is nice to read them. Here are some pictures of campus. The first one is of the Westcott Building. I believe it is the administration building. The second one is of my favorite fountain. I really like the girls that are playing in the water there.
Today FSU plays Wake Forest. It is a late game. Hopefully, we won't be awakened by drunk fans coming home from the game.
I think that is it for the week. I love you all and am grateful for all y'all's support!
Love, Joanna
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Hi Everyone!
We are having p-day on Saturday due to the football game. It is hard to teach people when they are drunk. We are also going to go to the mall this afternoon, so I am excited. I probably buy something, because I haven't been to the mall and really gone shopping for such a long time! I'm excited.
It sounds like everything is good at home. It looks like to trip to MV was fun, even if it was short. I really liked the pictures, too. I got the pictures you sent from the trip to BYU. It looks like it was a lot of fun.
Sister Stowers is doing well. She is over her cold for the most part. Sister Leafa left on Tuesday, so now Sister Stowers and I can focus hard on her training. She is doing great! At least, it seems like she is farther along than I was when I came out.
It was sad to say goodbye to Sister Leafa. She was the 6th companion I sent home. Why does it seem like I get all the sisters who are going home? At least, I won't be companions with the next two sisters who goes home, and then it will be my turn.
It is hard to believe that I've been out a year! Even though April seems so far away, I know that it is coming really quickly. Soon this semester of school is going to be over. It is also strange that I am back to measuring time by semesters. I thought I was done with that when I graduated... :)
We really haven't had that much rain lately. I was wishing for at least a good rainstorm, but it hasn't happened. Hurricane Ike has caused a gas shortage here. Prices went up about 20 cents yesterday and a lot of the pumps are out of gas now. It's a good thing we don't have to drive.
I guess that is really it for this week. Things are still a little slow, but we are working hard and have seen some good results from our work. I guess I will really get to learn some patience. I know that eventually the work will pick up to what I am used to having.
I am also sending pictures. The first is from the Ronald McDOnald House, the second is our companionship for a week, the third is by the driveway of a Baptist church in our neighborhood, and the fourth is self-explanatory.
I hope y'all have a great week! I love you and am grateful for all of your love and support!
Love, Joanna
We are having p-day on Saturday due to the football game. It is hard to teach people when they are drunk. We are also going to go to the mall this afternoon, so I am excited. I probably buy something, because I haven't been to the mall and really gone shopping for such a long time! I'm excited.
It sounds like everything is good at home. It looks like to trip to MV was fun, even if it was short. I really liked the pictures, too. I got the pictures you sent from the trip to BYU. It looks like it was a lot of fun.
Sister Stowers is doing well. She is over her cold for the most part. Sister Leafa left on Tuesday, so now Sister Stowers and I can focus hard on her training. She is doing great! At least, it seems like she is farther along than I was when I came out.
It was sad to say goodbye to Sister Leafa. She was the 6th companion I sent home. Why does it seem like I get all the sisters who are going home? At least, I won't be companions with the next two sisters who goes home, and then it will be my turn.
It is hard to believe that I've been out a year! Even though April seems so far away, I know that it is coming really quickly. Soon this semester of school is going to be over. It is also strange that I am back to measuring time by semesters. I thought I was done with that when I graduated... :)
We really haven't had that much rain lately. I was wishing for at least a good rainstorm, but it hasn't happened. Hurricane Ike has caused a gas shortage here. Prices went up about 20 cents yesterday and a lot of the pumps are out of gas now. It's a good thing we don't have to drive.
I guess that is really it for this week. Things are still a little slow, but we are working hard and have seen some good results from our work. I guess I will really get to learn some patience. I know that eventually the work will pick up to what I am used to having.
I am also sending pictures. The first is from the Ronald McDOnald House, the second is our companionship for a week, the third is by the driveway of a Baptist church in our neighborhood, and the fourth is self-explanatory.
I hope y'all have a great week! I love you and am grateful for all of your love and support!
Love, Joanna
Monday, September 8, 2008
Dear Family,
Well, we are having p-day on Monday as you can tell. It has been a really interesting week since I last wrote to you. I'll try and get everything in this email.
Can you believe that on Friday I will have been out a year? It is so strange to think about that!
Last Sunday we had a really good lesson with Colleen, a friend of several members. It was amazing. She is ready for the gospel. We ended up setting a baptismal date yesterday when we taught her the second time. Monday, President Smmerhays called us to tell us about transfers. When I last wrote, I didn't know what was going to happen, but he told me that I would be training! My new companion's name is Sister Stowers. I'll write more about her later. President also told me about Andalusia. He went and did a baptismal interview for a family that got baptized on the 30th. I loved hearing all about it. He even went and saw Donnie and Melissa. Tuesday was pretty non-eventful. Wednesday was transfer day. Transfers take place at the other chapel in town (which is right next door to the mission home). So, we went there and I met Sister Stowers. She had gotten sick in the MTC, so she had a doctor's appointment that morning. Sister Summerhays decided that she would just take us to the appointment and then drop us off. So, we got to spend a few hours at the mission home relaxing :) At transfers I also found out that Sister Leafa would be coming here for her last week. Because they only have one flight a week to Samoa, she got to extend a week. Then we spent a few hours with Sister Summerhays that afternoon as we ran some errands. We had a lesson that afternoon, and then we waited for Sister Leafa to get here. Sister Stowers took a nap to help her feel better. Then we had another lesson. Thursday was a normal day. Friday we met a girl on campus who came up to us and wanted to know what we believed. It was a good conversation and we will be teaching her again this week. Then we went and did service at the Ronald McDonald House. I was going to send pictures, but I didn't bring my camera cord. I'll send some next week. We also spent some time talking to people on campus. It was a good day. Saturday was the first FSU game. We worked like a normal proselyting day. It was alright. Most people were really into the game, but we did have a little success. Sunday was good. Colleen came to church again. So, it was a good week.
Sister Leafa goes home tomorrow. It is kind of sad to see her go. It has been great having her here. But, it will be good to just have Sister Stowers and I. We need to focus on her training. She has a brain tumor and has had several surgeries and treatments to remove it, but it hasn't worked. We'll see what happens with everything.
Well, I have a little more time than I thought I would have. So, I will write a little bit more. Things are going to be interesting this transfer. I think that I am going to get to practice a lot of patience. Sister Stowers really has a great desire to work and be out on a mission. She said that last November she went to the doctor to get her prescription, and he told her that her tumor was back. I don't know if it is going to have an impact on her being here. Sister Summerhays wanted me to call and talk to her, but I haven't gotten to yet. Sister Leafa said that when she was coming here with President Summerhays, he mentioned something about Sister Stowers and her possibly going home. I think it has them both really worried. But, she is a good companion. She is from Draper, UT. There are 6 kids in her family as well, and she is the 4th. There will be three kids in her family on a mission at one time. She went to SLCC to try and take two classes, but decided that school wasn't for her. She had a pretty hard MTC experience, so she is a little unsure of herself. President Summerhays said that she looked "fragile", and I'm afraid I'm going to break her by working hard. You'll understand when I send pictures.
It is strange sending Sister Leafa home. I thought I wouldn't have to send anymore companions home, but she will be the sixth one that I send home. I'm still sick of seeing all my companions leave. Maybe one day I'll eventually get to go home.
Oh, you asked when my release date is. For the time being it is April 2. I'm pretty sure President really wants me to stick around as long as I can. He has told me that I am a really important part of this mission, and I have done a lot for it. Do you remember when I was set apart, and I was told that I would be a "shining star" in the mission? I somewhat doubted it, but it happened, and I didn't even realize it. All I did was decide that I was going to work hard and allow the Lord to use me and work with me to get His work accomplished. I think that is why President wants to keep me around as long as he can. He knows that I will work.
How did Janet enjoy her first week at BYU? She didn't write to me and tell me herself, so I figured you could tell me Mom. I can't believe that Rachel is old enough to get baptized. That means that Hannah Driggs is also old enough to get baptized. Everyone is growing up too fast. Brother Garr is going to be here October 17th and 18th. I'll probably still be in Tallahassee. I have a return appointment with the dermatologist on the 17th.
I guess that really is it for this week. We need to be going anyway. I love you all!
Oh, we might get a hurricane this weekend. And, i couldn't open that address list you sent last week.
I love y'all!
Joanna
Well, we are having p-day on Monday as you can tell. It has been a really interesting week since I last wrote to you. I'll try and get everything in this email.
Can you believe that on Friday I will have been out a year? It is so strange to think about that!
Last Sunday we had a really good lesson with Colleen, a friend of several members. It was amazing. She is ready for the gospel. We ended up setting a baptismal date yesterday when we taught her the second time. Monday, President Smmerhays called us to tell us about transfers. When I last wrote, I didn't know what was going to happen, but he told me that I would be training! My new companion's name is Sister Stowers. I'll write more about her later. President also told me about Andalusia. He went and did a baptismal interview for a family that got baptized on the 30th. I loved hearing all about it. He even went and saw Donnie and Melissa. Tuesday was pretty non-eventful. Wednesday was transfer day. Transfers take place at the other chapel in town (which is right next door to the mission home). So, we went there and I met Sister Stowers. She had gotten sick in the MTC, so she had a doctor's appointment that morning. Sister Summerhays decided that she would just take us to the appointment and then drop us off. So, we got to spend a few hours at the mission home relaxing :) At transfers I also found out that Sister Leafa would be coming here for her last week. Because they only have one flight a week to Samoa, she got to extend a week. Then we spent a few hours with Sister Summerhays that afternoon as we ran some errands. We had a lesson that afternoon, and then we waited for Sister Leafa to get here. Sister Stowers took a nap to help her feel better. Then we had another lesson. Thursday was a normal day. Friday we met a girl on campus who came up to us and wanted to know what we believed. It was a good conversation and we will be teaching her again this week. Then we went and did service at the Ronald McDonald House. I was going to send pictures, but I didn't bring my camera cord. I'll send some next week. We also spent some time talking to people on campus. It was a good day. Saturday was the first FSU game. We worked like a normal proselyting day. It was alright. Most people were really into the game, but we did have a little success. Sunday was good. Colleen came to church again. So, it was a good week.
Sister Leafa goes home tomorrow. It is kind of sad to see her go. It has been great having her here. But, it will be good to just have Sister Stowers and I. We need to focus on her training. She has a brain tumor and has had several surgeries and treatments to remove it, but it hasn't worked. We'll see what happens with everything.
Well, I have a little more time than I thought I would have. So, I will write a little bit more. Things are going to be interesting this transfer. I think that I am going to get to practice a lot of patience. Sister Stowers really has a great desire to work and be out on a mission. She said that last November she went to the doctor to get her prescription, and he told her that her tumor was back. I don't know if it is going to have an impact on her being here. Sister Summerhays wanted me to call and talk to her, but I haven't gotten to yet. Sister Leafa said that when she was coming here with President Summerhays, he mentioned something about Sister Stowers and her possibly going home. I think it has them both really worried. But, she is a good companion. She is from Draper, UT. There are 6 kids in her family as well, and she is the 4th. There will be three kids in her family on a mission at one time. She went to SLCC to try and take two classes, but decided that school wasn't for her. She had a pretty hard MTC experience, so she is a little unsure of herself. President Summerhays said that she looked "fragile", and I'm afraid I'm going to break her by working hard. You'll understand when I send pictures.
It is strange sending Sister Leafa home. I thought I wouldn't have to send anymore companions home, but she will be the sixth one that I send home. I'm still sick of seeing all my companions leave. Maybe one day I'll eventually get to go home.
Oh, you asked when my release date is. For the time being it is April 2. I'm pretty sure President really wants me to stick around as long as I can. He has told me that I am a really important part of this mission, and I have done a lot for it. Do you remember when I was set apart, and I was told that I would be a "shining star" in the mission? I somewhat doubted it, but it happened, and I didn't even realize it. All I did was decide that I was going to work hard and allow the Lord to use me and work with me to get His work accomplished. I think that is why President wants to keep me around as long as he can. He knows that I will work.
How did Janet enjoy her first week at BYU? She didn't write to me and tell me herself, so I figured you could tell me Mom. I can't believe that Rachel is old enough to get baptized. That means that Hannah Driggs is also old enough to get baptized. Everyone is growing up too fast. Brother Garr is going to be here October 17th and 18th. I'll probably still be in Tallahassee. I have a return appointment with the dermatologist on the 17th.
I guess that really is it for this week. We need to be going anyway. I love you all!
Oh, we might get a hurricane this weekend. And, i couldn't open that address list you sent last week.
I love y'all!
Joanna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)