Ma chere famille,
Oh my goodness this week has been kray kray. In the best sense. I'm sooo happy to be here!! This work is great and I am so happy to be here.
So, I'm being transferred tonight. To Paita. With Soeur KAILIPONI. And Soeur Bluker, who's from Riviere Salee and is serving a mini mission. She's 18 I think... But yah. Here's the thing. This is like unheard of. Because We are all in the middle of our formation (training en anglais) and I'm on week 5 of the 12 week program, and Soeur K's on week 11. But she's the oldest of the gang. So she will be training both me and Soeur Bluker, in Paita. It's crazy. Cause apparently it's super rare to be transferred after one transfer in an area. Especially for Soeurs cause we only have 3 or 4 areas. And it never ever happens in the middle of being trained. So. Apparently this is really what's supposed to happen. We found out Friday during weekly planning. And I was STOKED at first. And then I realized that Soeur Kailiponi couldn't drive, cause she's been sick. So I realized that I would be driving stick shift. in 2 days. Chyeah. Here's the thing. I don't know how to drive stick shift. But Elder Dymock (dl) confirmed that I would indeed be driving. And he said he'd be teaching me. So, Saturday morning, I learned how to drive stick shift. We started in the church parking lot, and then we hit the road. And miracle of the week, it went reaaallly well. Thank you Heavenly Father. Like I actually feel pretty good about it. Which is good. Cause I'll be driving to Paita tonight. hah. But still. Pray for me, please! I'm SUPER excited about this. And I knew that Soeur Kailiponi and I would be comps eventually, but I didn't expect it to happen so soon. So yah. I'm over the moon about this. I'm ready to hit the ground running with Soeur Kailiponi and Soeur Bluker! Paita's a little ways outta town too. So that's nice. It's beautiful! I love it. I'm STOKED.
Also this week, one of my good friends Elder Garcia went home on Tuesday, cause he has major back problems, so that was sad. Keep him in your prayers. Also. Soeur Kailiponi's been pretty sick, she's actually doing really well now, but keep her in your prayers too. She's the best! I can't believe we already getta be comps...
Patita had his baptism interview last night! And he quit smoking completely this week. He's the best! He's already for baptism! It's on Christmas. And I can go still as long as we can find an ami to bring. I'm pretty excited, because the Spirit is always strong at baptisms. But yah. I'm sad to be leaving cause Patita and all our amis are the best!! I LOVE these people. But I'm excited to meet the people of Paita. It'll be great.
This week we focused on finding and making contact with inactive members. And it was fantastic! We met with some of them this week and it was the best! One of them, Soeur Dexter lives alone, but has family in the area. But she's great. We taught her on Friday. We just shared a spiritual thought actually. But she's the best! She made us lunch and we shared a spiritual thought and some scriptures. She felt the spirit! And then we had fun and just talked and got to know her and ate together.
Also this week, we came up with a dance, a hula of sorts to the opening song of Lilo and Stitch cause my district's dancing tonight at the missionary Christmas party!! It's sweet! I'm pretty excited about it. I'll record it so you can watch it in a couple years. Also, I'm super white. hah. I realized that as I was dancing in between my two Tahitian comps this week. hah. But I'm ok with it.
Last thing. I have THE CRAZIEST chaco tanline on my right foot. I'll send the pic next week. I love tanlines.
Ok. Well, we have lots to do today, so I gotta bounce, but I love you all! Pup, I'm SUPER jel you gotta hear men's chorus sing! They're the best!! Also, Ange, I hope you feel better!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
Serving with Music
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
December 9, 2012
Ma chere famille,
This week was good! I had my first exchange, and I got to go to Paita (chez Soeur Kailiponi) with her and Soeur Madsen. And it was GREAT!! I love Soeur Kailiponi. I'm waiting for the day when we getta be comps! And Soeur Madsen's great too! (She's Soeur Lamb's comp right now) and she's from Idaho. But yah. It was fantastic. I learned lots. I learned, once again, that Heavenly Father knows all. He knows what's supposed to happen and who we need to teach and when we need to teach them. We went to visit two recent converts in Paita, Estelle and Steve, and we had a great conversation and mini lesson with them that needed to happen and that only could happen with us, the missionaries that were present. It was incredible. Heavenly Father knows us, His children. And He loves us!
I also learned that we really need to focus on the needs of our investigators. We had a fantastic companionship study where we quite literally went to the drawing board and figured out what the needs of our investigators were and what we could do to help. We listed the problem, possible solutions, what principle of the gospel we could teach, etc. And finally, I learned that I can open my mouth and share my testimony an this gospel with others. It was easier being with 2 Americans. We were all translating into French, rather than just me. But, even though it was easier, I am sooo happy and blessed to be with my francophone comps, Soeur Teahe and Soeur Marae. Yes, it's hard. But it's getting better! And my french is coming much faster than it would if I was serving with Americans (even though we spoke french the entire time). Again. Heavenly Father knows all! But yah, it was a great exchange. It's interesting how you can learn different things from different people. And I think that's the reason we do these exchanges.
This week with Patita, we had a "teach people not lessons" experience and it was great! We were gonna teach the second half of the Restoration, but instead we came up with a plan of action for him to quit smoking. It was great! As a missionary, my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ and to help them! So we have a plan now! And it's going great. He also received a Priesthood blessing the next day, and the Spirit was there. The best! That was actually my first blessing in French! It was great.
Finalement, we're studying the Book of Mormon in companionship study right now. And it's THE BEST!! It's hard to put into words how much I love this book. It is incredible. It is the key to conversion. It is the evidence that this gospel is true and that Jesus is the Christ. If someone wants to know the truth, all they must do is read the book, ponder it's teachings, and pray with real intent. This book is the word of God. I know that it's true and that it contains the fulness of the gospel! I love this book. I love reading this book and applying what it teaches. Read this book everyday! Personally, with family, etc. Just read it. You will be blessed when you do.
Ok my fam, well I gotta go. We're doing a big zone p-day today! I love you all!
Oh. And packages are free on this end if you send them with USPS the red white and blue one. So yah. I love you!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
This week was good! I had my first exchange, and I got to go to Paita (chez Soeur Kailiponi) with her and Soeur Madsen. And it was GREAT!! I love Soeur Kailiponi. I'm waiting for the day when we getta be comps! And Soeur Madsen's great too! (She's Soeur Lamb's comp right now) and she's from Idaho. But yah. It was fantastic. I learned lots. I learned, once again, that Heavenly Father knows all. He knows what's supposed to happen and who we need to teach and when we need to teach them. We went to visit two recent converts in Paita, Estelle and Steve, and we had a great conversation and mini lesson with them that needed to happen and that only could happen with us, the missionaries that were present. It was incredible. Heavenly Father knows us, His children. And He loves us!
I also learned that we really need to focus on the needs of our investigators. We had a fantastic companionship study where we quite literally went to the drawing board and figured out what the needs of our investigators were and what we could do to help. We listed the problem, possible solutions, what principle of the gospel we could teach, etc. And finally, I learned that I can open my mouth and share my testimony an this gospel with others. It was easier being with 2 Americans. We were all translating into French, rather than just me. But, even though it was easier, I am sooo happy and blessed to be with my francophone comps, Soeur Teahe and Soeur Marae. Yes, it's hard. But it's getting better! And my french is coming much faster than it would if I was serving with Americans (even though we spoke french the entire time). Again. Heavenly Father knows all! But yah, it was a great exchange. It's interesting how you can learn different things from different people. And I think that's the reason we do these exchanges.
This week with Patita, we had a "teach people not lessons" experience and it was great! We were gonna teach the second half of the Restoration, but instead we came up with a plan of action for him to quit smoking. It was great! As a missionary, my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ and to help them! So we have a plan now! And it's going great. He also received a Priesthood blessing the next day, and the Spirit was there. The best! That was actually my first blessing in French! It was great.
Finalement, we're studying the Book of Mormon in companionship study right now. And it's THE BEST!! It's hard to put into words how much I love this book. It is incredible. It is the key to conversion. It is the evidence that this gospel is true and that Jesus is the Christ. If someone wants to know the truth, all they must do is read the book, ponder it's teachings, and pray with real intent. This book is the word of God. I know that it's true and that it contains the fulness of the gospel! I love this book. I love reading this book and applying what it teaches. Read this book everyday! Personally, with family, etc. Just read it. You will be blessed when you do.
Ok my fam, well I gotta go. We're doing a big zone p-day today! I love you all!
Oh. And packages are free on this end if you send them with USPS the red white and blue one. So yah. I love you!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
Sunday, December 2, 2012
December 3, 2012
Ma chere famille,
You guessed it... Pachebel's Canon. RIDICULOUS. I left the states thinking I was safe for a year and a half, but alas. It's everywhere.
First off. Happy Thanksgiving two weeks ago. Sorry... hah. Je suis en retard. But! I hope that it was great! And that you ate lots of pie for me! And! Black Friday! Luckily, I forgot whether Thanksgiving was this last week or two weeks ago, so I was distracted. But I hope someone shopped like a crazy for me! Elise! Happy Birthday! Sorry I forgot to add that last week... But I thought about you on Saturday! And I hope that all is going well on Temple Square! You're the best! And J-DAWGGG. Or I guess Hermana Glauser... hah. This is the week!! I'm super stoked for you! You will do sooo great! And I'm super stoked that you and pup and Hansen all getta be in the MTC together. You're in my prayers! I love you!
This week, has been the best so far! I love this work! And I love lychee. I seriously don't know how I'm going to go back to life without it. That and singing in french. Even though it's Pachebel. Well, this week we have mostly been focused on working with and serving and getting referrals from members. I never realized it before the mission, but the members are SOOO important in this work! Like crazy important. I'm going to be a missionary for the rest of my life now that I know how much the members can do for this work. So yah, that was the focus of this week. We did lots of service and lots of asking for referrals and it was great! I love the members here. They are strong and stalwart! We're just trying to gain their confidence and trust and have them catch the vision of this work!
Patita is getting baptized on CHRISTMAS!! Along with Michel (Who's his uncle. I just found out yesterday at church that all our amis de l'eglise are like, related. hah. So that was fun.) But yah. I'm stoked. I'm gonna have a white Christmas! Even though it's really hot here. The best kind! No snow in sight :] But yah. To prepare for the baptism, we've been trying to just see Patita everyday. So we'll teach, read the Livre together, etc. It's been good. Hah. Except. Oh man. This week we were reading in 1 Nephi. An Isaiah chapter. And if you think Isaiah is hard in English... You should try it in French. It was terrifying. But, thanks to the Spirit and lots of prayer, and the help of my companions, we were able to explain the chaper to him.
Also, I saw my first VERY LARGE cockroach here this week. That was terrifying. We were teaching a lesson, and I saw somthing VERY large scurry across the floor. I tried not to scream so as to not disturb the spirit, but yah, needless to say, I kept my feet off the floor until we left.
We taught a new ami for the first time this week too. Her name's Philemon. We taught her the Plan of Salvation, and it was great! And the best part was at the end when we got her to say the closing prayer. It was so humble and sincere. Really, it was one of the most beautiful prayers I've EVER heard. The Spirit was so strong! There's a phrase in the Bible Dictionary of the scriptures that says something to the effect of, "As soon as we realize our relationship with God, namely that we are His children and He is our Father, prayer becomes natural and instinctive..." etc. I slaughtered that, but look it up for yourself! I have such a testimony of prayer. This work is impossible without prayer. For the missionaries as well as for the amis de l'eglise. It doesn't work without it. The missionary doesn't have the strength and the Spirit to do this work and the ami doesn't receive an answer to their question without prayer. It is ESSENTIAL. And I'm grateful for that. I love prayer. I know that when we pray with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, we can and will receive answers to our prayers. So I invite you to pray as it invites us to in Moroni 10:4. And if we do so, the promise in verse 5 will take place.
Ok family, well I love you! Mom, I think that as long as you pay the tax on your end for packages, it's free here to pick it up. That's what my American friends said... So yah. Oh. And I paid $23 for a bottle of contact solution this week. It was gross. But necessary. Cause I'm out. But yah! I love you family! Write me letters and I'll write you back! Cause computer time is short. I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the Christmas season! Sing lots for me! You are all in my prayers! Oh, and I need Kalei's, Elaine's, and Megs' emails and other than that, I think I got them all.
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
You guessed it... Pachebel's Canon. RIDICULOUS. I left the states thinking I was safe for a year and a half, but alas. It's everywhere.
First off. Happy Thanksgiving two weeks ago. Sorry... hah. Je suis en retard. But! I hope that it was great! And that you ate lots of pie for me! And! Black Friday! Luckily, I forgot whether Thanksgiving was this last week or two weeks ago, so I was distracted. But I hope someone shopped like a crazy for me! Elise! Happy Birthday! Sorry I forgot to add that last week... But I thought about you on Saturday! And I hope that all is going well on Temple Square! You're the best! And J-DAWGGG. Or I guess Hermana Glauser... hah. This is the week!! I'm super stoked for you! You will do sooo great! And I'm super stoked that you and pup and Hansen all getta be in the MTC together. You're in my prayers! I love you!
This week, has been the best so far! I love this work! And I love lychee. I seriously don't know how I'm going to go back to life without it. That and singing in french. Even though it's Pachebel. Well, this week we have mostly been focused on working with and serving and getting referrals from members. I never realized it before the mission, but the members are SOOO important in this work! Like crazy important. I'm going to be a missionary for the rest of my life now that I know how much the members can do for this work. So yah, that was the focus of this week. We did lots of service and lots of asking for referrals and it was great! I love the members here. They are strong and stalwart! We're just trying to gain their confidence and trust and have them catch the vision of this work!
Patita is getting baptized on CHRISTMAS!! Along with Michel (Who's his uncle. I just found out yesterday at church that all our amis de l'eglise are like, related. hah. So that was fun.) But yah. I'm stoked. I'm gonna have a white Christmas! Even though it's really hot here. The best kind! No snow in sight :] But yah. To prepare for the baptism, we've been trying to just see Patita everyday. So we'll teach, read the Livre together, etc. It's been good. Hah. Except. Oh man. This week we were reading in 1 Nephi. An Isaiah chapter. And if you think Isaiah is hard in English... You should try it in French. It was terrifying. But, thanks to the Spirit and lots of prayer, and the help of my companions, we were able to explain the chaper to him.
Also, I saw my first VERY LARGE cockroach here this week. That was terrifying. We were teaching a lesson, and I saw somthing VERY large scurry across the floor. I tried not to scream so as to not disturb the spirit, but yah, needless to say, I kept my feet off the floor until we left.
We taught a new ami for the first time this week too. Her name's Philemon. We taught her the Plan of Salvation, and it was great! And the best part was at the end when we got her to say the closing prayer. It was so humble and sincere. Really, it was one of the most beautiful prayers I've EVER heard. The Spirit was so strong! There's a phrase in the Bible Dictionary of the scriptures that says something to the effect of, "As soon as we realize our relationship with God, namely that we are His children and He is our Father, prayer becomes natural and instinctive..." etc. I slaughtered that, but look it up for yourself! I have such a testimony of prayer. This work is impossible without prayer. For the missionaries as well as for the amis de l'eglise. It doesn't work without it. The missionary doesn't have the strength and the Spirit to do this work and the ami doesn't receive an answer to their question without prayer. It is ESSENTIAL. And I'm grateful for that. I love prayer. I know that when we pray with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, we can and will receive answers to our prayers. So I invite you to pray as it invites us to in Moroni 10:4. And if we do so, the promise in verse 5 will take place.
Ok family, well I love you! Mom, I think that as long as you pay the tax on your end for packages, it's free here to pick it up. That's what my American friends said... So yah. Oh. And I paid $23 for a bottle of contact solution this week. It was gross. But necessary. Cause I'm out. But yah! I love you family! Write me letters and I'll write you back! Cause computer time is short. I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the Christmas season! Sing lots for me! You are all in my prayers! Oh, and I need Kalei's, Elaine's, and Megs' emails and other than that, I think I got them all.
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
Sunday, November 25, 2012
November 26, 2012
Ma chere famille,
Greetings from New Caledonia!! I am loving it here! Really. Sorry for my mildly emo email last week, but I am happy again! Maybe cause I'm actually starting to understand the language that is being spoken all around me. And also because these people are amazing! And I have been called of God to preach the gospel to these wonderful people! And so I am doing well. And after a rough first week, I am doing well again! I LOVE THIS WORK, and I love this place. I legit have eaten my weight in lychee this week cause it's EVERYWHERE, and the members give it to us for free, which is fantastic. And right now it's a tossup, whether I love mango or lychee more. They're both just so good. And I eat them both everyday. hah. THE BEST!! Also, I have a plumeria tree and a hibiscus bush in my front yard. So yah know, can't complain :]
I got pics of pup and Elder Bledsoe and Elder Fletcher and I just about started crying. I LOVE THOSE CRAZIES!! And I'm beyond thrilled that they got to meet! They are all the best. Pup, good luck with district leader! And I know your TEACH!! Frere Grossin is a boss. You'll have fun with him! Did you getta meet my teachers? Frere Blosil and Frere Sybrowsky? I love them both! They're the best! And I'm glad you had automatic friends your first day in the mtc izzle. I told the world you were coming, so I'm not surprised in the least :] I hope you're having fun. The MTC is th best! Work hard, and I'm praying for you!
Also, thanks everyone for your emails! I'll try to respond quickly to all of them, but I don't have enough time, so it'll be short. And this will probs be shorter than normal too. But I'll try and write all the important stuff.
The people we're teaching. They are great. Two of my faves this week were a lady named Delphine and another younger one (a bit older than me) Named Nana (Which is coincidently a way to say goodbye here, But I digress...) Delphine. We were teaching her this last week, and she lives in the woods, just off a development with her brother (Francois) but yah, they have practically nothing. They live in a tent and they have some pots and pans and a bit of food, but really, not much. So we taught just Delphine this night, cause Francois wasn't there. But yah, Soeur Marae was testifying of God and that He is our loving Heavenly Father, and that Delphine is a daughter of God, and! Something amazing happened! The Spirit washed over me. Like HUGE. And that hasn't happened for a while, the spirit in French, cause I haven't been understanding so well, But it was a tender mercy. And I was able to feel some of the love that Heavenly Father has for all of his children. Even though life is extremely hard for Delphine right now and she doesn't even have a house, Heavenly Father LOVES her. And He wants her to be happy! I love this gospel. It is a gospel of eternal truthes. And it can help everyone be happy. And the other ami de l'eglise, Nana, she is sooo great! She had a baptism date, but she wasn't ready. But she needs one again, because she is sooo great! We were teaching her about the law of chastity, and she had like studied up on it before. And she had all the answers. And something that she said that really struck me was, "This is such a small commandment, but there are so many blessings that come from living it!" I couldn't have said it better myself... Its true! This gospel is hard to live sometimes, it's hard to endure to the end, but if you think about it, it's only really hard when you don't think about it with an eternal perspective. Because the blessings that we GAIN are SOOOO MUCH MORE than any temporary happiness or pleasures we give up here.
Ok, well, I have to bounce. Write me letters! It's kinda hard to read and respond to all the emails. But thank you all for writing! I LOVE YOU ALL!! I know that I have many imperfections and that I don't know and understand everything, but for all those reading this, there is something I do know. For a fact. And that is that this gospel is TRUE! This is the truth on the earth for us and for us to share with all those around us. So I invite you to do so. And if you don't know that this is the truth, I'd invite you to pray to know. Because that is how we can and will know for ourselves.
I love you all! Thanks for your prayers and love and concern! I pray for you every chance I get! But I know that the Lord is taking care of you while I am far away.
Je T'aime!
L'evangile est vrai!!
Love, Soeur Santos
Greetings from New Caledonia!! I am loving it here! Really. Sorry for my mildly emo email last week, but I am happy again! Maybe cause I'm actually starting to understand the language that is being spoken all around me. And also because these people are amazing! And I have been called of God to preach the gospel to these wonderful people! And so I am doing well. And after a rough first week, I am doing well again! I LOVE THIS WORK, and I love this place. I legit have eaten my weight in lychee this week cause it's EVERYWHERE, and the members give it to us for free, which is fantastic. And right now it's a tossup, whether I love mango or lychee more. They're both just so good. And I eat them both everyday. hah. THE BEST!! Also, I have a plumeria tree and a hibiscus bush in my front yard. So yah know, can't complain :]
I got pics of pup and Elder Bledsoe and Elder Fletcher and I just about started crying. I LOVE THOSE CRAZIES!! And I'm beyond thrilled that they got to meet! They are all the best. Pup, good luck with district leader! And I know your TEACH!! Frere Grossin is a boss. You'll have fun with him! Did you getta meet my teachers? Frere Blosil and Frere Sybrowsky? I love them both! They're the best! And I'm glad you had automatic friends your first day in the mtc izzle. I told the world you were coming, so I'm not surprised in the least :] I hope you're having fun. The MTC is th best! Work hard, and I'm praying for you!
Also, thanks everyone for your emails! I'll try to respond quickly to all of them, but I don't have enough time, so it'll be short. And this will probs be shorter than normal too. But I'll try and write all the important stuff.
The people we're teaching. They are great. Two of my faves this week were a lady named Delphine and another younger one (a bit older than me) Named Nana (Which is coincidently a way to say goodbye here, But I digress...) Delphine. We were teaching her this last week, and she lives in the woods, just off a development with her brother (Francois) but yah, they have practically nothing. They live in a tent and they have some pots and pans and a bit of food, but really, not much. So we taught just Delphine this night, cause Francois wasn't there. But yah, Soeur Marae was testifying of God and that He is our loving Heavenly Father, and that Delphine is a daughter of God, and! Something amazing happened! The Spirit washed over me. Like HUGE. And that hasn't happened for a while, the spirit in French, cause I haven't been understanding so well, But it was a tender mercy. And I was able to feel some of the love that Heavenly Father has for all of his children. Even though life is extremely hard for Delphine right now and she doesn't even have a house, Heavenly Father LOVES her. And He wants her to be happy! I love this gospel. It is a gospel of eternal truthes. And it can help everyone be happy. And the other ami de l'eglise, Nana, she is sooo great! She had a baptism date, but she wasn't ready. But she needs one again, because she is sooo great! We were teaching her about the law of chastity, and she had like studied up on it before. And she had all the answers. And something that she said that really struck me was, "This is such a small commandment, but there are so many blessings that come from living it!" I couldn't have said it better myself... Its true! This gospel is hard to live sometimes, it's hard to endure to the end, but if you think about it, it's only really hard when you don't think about it with an eternal perspective. Because the blessings that we GAIN are SOOOO MUCH MORE than any temporary happiness or pleasures we give up here.
Ok, well, I have to bounce. Write me letters! It's kinda hard to read and respond to all the emails. But thank you all for writing! I LOVE YOU ALL!! I know that I have many imperfections and that I don't know and understand everything, but for all those reading this, there is something I do know. For a fact. And that is that this gospel is TRUE! This is the truth on the earth for us and for us to share with all those around us. So I invite you to do so. And if you don't know that this is the truth, I'd invite you to pray to know. Because that is how we can and will know for ourselves.
I love you all! Thanks for your prayers and love and concern! I pray for you every chance I get! But I know that the Lord is taking care of you while I am far away.
Je T'aime!
L'evangile est vrai!!
Love, Soeur Santos
Monday, November 19, 2012
November 19, 2012
Ma chere famille,
Ey Bonjour! I am here, safe and sound in Nouvelle Caledonie! and it's fantastic! I am happy to be here! Which is something I probably couldn't have said my first day here, but I really am happy now!
The trip here was good. I crashed on the plane, hardcore parkour. I was awake for less than 3 hours of the long flight. Hah, but yah, it was good. Vanuatu was super cool. Soeur Lamb and I stayed with President Brewer and his wife that first night and then headed to Caledonia in the morning. Vanuatu was crazy. Lots of Bislama and very humble looking. It was fun to be there, even though it wasn't for long.
And then we got to New Cal. Which is actually super developped! Especially in comparison. Our zone leaders picked us up from the airport, Elders Ulivaka (from New Cal) and Elder Thebaud (From Florida and he knows Frere Blosil!) And after that we had a little mission orientation and then we got to meet our companions! My companions are both from Tahiti and speak almost no English. Soeurs Marae (who's the trainer) and Soeur Teahe (who actually started her mission after me, but got here a week before cause she speaks French.) But yah, I dunno what happened that first day, I thought I was just being a baby, but all of the sudden EVERYTHING was different. Not just the language, but my companions, the people, the habitat, the climate, the culture, EVERYTHING. So I had a mini freak out. No tears (surprisingly...) but I guess I was just questioning if I was really supposed to be here and all that jazz. But! I later found out that apparently that's normal, Cause it happened to Soeur Kailiponi (my mtc bud) AND Soeur Teahe (who speaks french like a boss.) So yah, I'm normal.
I really do love this work though! We were teaching a lesson my second day here, and we were teaching these 6 women/girls and we were sitting outside on the ground and I was bearing my testimony and I realized, YES. I'm where I'm supposed to be. It's going to be ok. It's never going to be easy, but it will always, ALWAYS be worth it. Because this work is important; it's a work of salvation, and it is being hastened because the field is white.
So yah, I'm starting to understand better though! (and I use that term, starting very loosely,) Haha. That awkward moment when you respond to a question that wasn't asked... That happened at dinner a few times on Saturday night. But really! It is getting better! I am going to learn this language if it kills me! Cause these people are so important and I want to be able to better communicate with them! It won't be easy, but with the Lord, it is most definitely possible! So please keep the people of New Caledonia in your prayers; pray that they will be able to understand me until I can communicate better :)
The people we're teaching here are incredible! We actually get to teach a lot of lessons so it's fantastic! Retention is a bit of a problem here, so we teach amis de l'église but also a lot of recent converts. We taught a recent convert on Saturday named Jean-Bernard. He was baptised 4 months ago and he's 17 years old! And I like him a lot. I would love to find my replacement here, someone who could take my place in the field when I go home, and I think he might be it! I hope so, I mean, I guess I should talk to him about it and see what he thinks, but he's great!
Other than that, I got to speak in church yesterday for the first time, which was mildly terrifying, but it went pretty well. I spoke on forgiveness and I made a little french joke at the beginning asking the members to forgive me for my french, hah, I think I'm hilarious... And yah, it was fun to meet the members! I'm gonna see if I can get a ward list or something, cause I need to learn names. Also, I'm singing in the choir for Christmas with my companions! And oh man, I thought Celebration of Christmas was good, but singing+Christmas+FRENCH=THE BEST. I love ittt!
Well, that's it for now! Je suis contente d'etre ici en Nouvelle Caledonie! I love it here, I love this work! I am grateful to be out here, helping build the kingdom with Elder Santos (Pup my bff), my other two bros (Elder Quinton and Elder Millett), and Soeur Osorio and Soeur Tingey, and soon, Hermana Glauser!
I love you all family! You can email me and write me letters! And as far as email goes, I can email everyone ane everyone can email me, so just keep in touch! I want to hear from everyone! Thanks for your love and support! Pray for the people of New Caledonia!
L'évangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
Ey Bonjour! I am here, safe and sound in Nouvelle Caledonie! and it's fantastic! I am happy to be here! Which is something I probably couldn't have said my first day here, but I really am happy now!
The trip here was good. I crashed on the plane, hardcore parkour. I was awake for less than 3 hours of the long flight. Hah, but yah, it was good. Vanuatu was super cool. Soeur Lamb and I stayed with President Brewer and his wife that first night and then headed to Caledonia in the morning. Vanuatu was crazy. Lots of Bislama and very humble looking. It was fun to be there, even though it wasn't for long.
And then we got to New Cal. Which is actually super developped! Especially in comparison. Our zone leaders picked us up from the airport, Elders Ulivaka (from New Cal) and Elder Thebaud (From Florida and he knows Frere Blosil!) And after that we had a little mission orientation and then we got to meet our companions! My companions are both from Tahiti and speak almost no English. Soeurs Marae (who's the trainer) and Soeur Teahe (who actually started her mission after me, but got here a week before cause she speaks French.) But yah, I dunno what happened that first day, I thought I was just being a baby, but all of the sudden EVERYTHING was different. Not just the language, but my companions, the people, the habitat, the climate, the culture, EVERYTHING. So I had a mini freak out. No tears (surprisingly...) but I guess I was just questioning if I was really supposed to be here and all that jazz. But! I later found out that apparently that's normal, Cause it happened to Soeur Kailiponi (my mtc bud) AND Soeur Teahe (who speaks french like a boss.) So yah, I'm normal.
I really do love this work though! We were teaching a lesson my second day here, and we were teaching these 6 women/girls and we were sitting outside on the ground and I was bearing my testimony and I realized, YES. I'm where I'm supposed to be. It's going to be ok. It's never going to be easy, but it will always, ALWAYS be worth it. Because this work is important; it's a work of salvation, and it is being hastened because the field is white.
So yah, I'm starting to understand better though! (and I use that term, starting very loosely,) Haha. That awkward moment when you respond to a question that wasn't asked... That happened at dinner a few times on Saturday night. But really! It is getting better! I am going to learn this language if it kills me! Cause these people are so important and I want to be able to better communicate with them! It won't be easy, but with the Lord, it is most definitely possible! So please keep the people of New Caledonia in your prayers; pray that they will be able to understand me until I can communicate better :)
The people we're teaching here are incredible! We actually get to teach a lot of lessons so it's fantastic! Retention is a bit of a problem here, so we teach amis de l'église but also a lot of recent converts. We taught a recent convert on Saturday named Jean-Bernard. He was baptised 4 months ago and he's 17 years old! And I like him a lot. I would love to find my replacement here, someone who could take my place in the field when I go home, and I think he might be it! I hope so, I mean, I guess I should talk to him about it and see what he thinks, but he's great!
Other than that, I got to speak in church yesterday for the first time, which was mildly terrifying, but it went pretty well. I spoke on forgiveness and I made a little french joke at the beginning asking the members to forgive me for my french, hah, I think I'm hilarious... And yah, it was fun to meet the members! I'm gonna see if I can get a ward list or something, cause I need to learn names. Also, I'm singing in the choir for Christmas with my companions! And oh man, I thought Celebration of Christmas was good, but singing+Christmas+FRENCH=THE BEST. I love ittt!
Well, that's it for now! Je suis contente d'etre ici en Nouvelle Caledonie! I love it here, I love this work! I am grateful to be out here, helping build the kingdom with Elder Santos (Pup my bff), my other two bros (Elder Quinton and Elder Millett), and Soeur Osorio and Soeur Tingey, and soon, Hermana Glauser!
I love you all family! You can email me and write me letters! And as far as email goes, I can email everyone ane everyone can email me, so just keep in touch! I want to hear from everyone! Thanks for your love and support! Pray for the people of New Caledonia!
L'évangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Final MTC Pictures
Bon Bon Party! Elder Grigsby, Me, Soeur Lamb, and Elder Bledsoe.
Happy Halloween from the MTC.
The Elders. Elder Grigsby's in the sunglasses, Elder Fletcher's wearing gray, and Elder Bledsoe's the blonde.
The New Caledonians. (The Elders just got here.)
I love fall!
All the Asians of the district. (They're my zone leaders.)
Me and the elders!
So funny story about this pic. I wanted a picture with just me and the elders like singularly. But apparently that's not ok. Which we just found out this week. So, I took one with Elder Grigsby, but Soeur Lamb's keeping watch in the back. haha. I love this picture.
And. Remember how I told you we ran a mile in our classroom last week after we broke our bonbon fast? Well. Here's the evidence. Basically the best pic of all time.
Soeur Lamb and I and our Colombian and Spanish Elder buddies! They're the best. We always speak french to them and they respond in Spanish.
November 10, 2012
Ma chere famille!
First of all, ADDRESS! For New Cal. This is what I have. So hopefully it'll get to me if you send it here:
Soeur Pono Santos
Bureau de la mission
BP 15 154
98804 Noumea Cedex
Nouvelle Caledonie
So Soeur Lamb and I are doing laundry for the last time at the MTC, which is something I will not miss about the MTC... but this is crazy!! I'm leaving for Vanuatu and then New Caledonia TOMORROW!! And I'm freaking out. Here's what's going through my head. Part of me (most of me) is STOKED out of my mind. I CANNOT wait to get down there and be doing this work for real and finally meet these people that I already love soooo much!! And then there is a tiny part of me that is nervous and scared, and mostly sad to leave. Because it's p-town, because I know this place, because the first language is English, because everyone speaks different languages here WHICH I LOVE. Because the devotionals and firesides are AMAZING. Because I can count on my hand the number of days I haven't gotten mail here (which will be a much different story in the field), because my district and teachers are BOMB, and because as soon as I walk out of these doors, I will no longer have access to a temple, or a cello (both of which are the best.) But anyway, pray for the people of New Caledonia, and me to be able to teach with the Spirit so that they will be able to receive the truth into their lives. I'm soooo excited!! Really, I am. I've been waiting for this my whole life, and I know I'm a missionary NOW, but I've been waiting for THIS PART of my mission since I got my call. But pup, for you! The MTC is incredible! I am SO STOKED for you. You will do great things! And I have been and will continue to pray for you as you enter the MTC. I love you bff! Everyone knows you're coming. And I'm leaving a few things hear for you! (Including a cactus named Petri. Take care of him.)
So these last couple days here have been amazing! I would even venture to say the best of my mission so far. First off... I GOT TO HOST HERMANA MICHELLE CALLISTER on Wednesday!! She's going to Lima Central, Peru! She was room mate's with Elise and I this spring summer and she's the best!! We all got our calls together and then flew our flags in our living room. But yah. That was pretty sweet. We took a pic, but she has it, so I'll get that from her
l'll get that from her apres the mission.
Also, we taught Michel for the last time on Wednesday and Claude for the last time today. Both commandment lessons. I LOVE teaching commandments! It's the best! I mean, it can be hard calling someone to repentance especially when we ourselves are not perfect, but there is nothing better than being prompted by the Holy Ghost to promise something specific to them and their needs if they are willing to live it. And that's the pattern of having faith and trusting the Lord with these commandments. The Lord wants to bless us, but he will not until we trust him and live the law. After we show that faith by living it, He pours His blessings upon us. But WE must act first.
Also! Soeur Lamb and I got our first New Cal referral this week!! We were completely jazzed about it. A Fijian elder stuck his head in and we were talking about how we leave soon for New Caledonia. And he was like, "Oh cool! I have an Aunt in New Caledonia." And I asked if she was a member and he said no! So Soeur Lamb and I took her name and her husband's name down and we're gonna go find her once we get down there!! THE BEST!!
We also taught our last TRC on Thursday. We taught about how to receive revelation through the Book of Mormon. And it was cool! We actually asked during the lesson what a specific problem was that one of the people in the room had. There were three of them, so it was more than usual, but I guess one of the people was having trouble with his room mate, so we talked to him about how he could change and how he could maybe invite his roomie to come unto Christ. The more I learn, the more I know that this gospel is for everyone and can help everyone with their lives. It is honestly universal. And that's what's sooo amazing about it! The good news of the gospel! The Atonement! It applies to all!! And it's incredible!
Yesterday we had in field orientation which was pretty awesome. It just taught us things about being in the field and how to contact, find, teach people, work with members, etc. It was great. But. the start of the day was the best part. My district and one more (cause we're so small) did the cereal challenge with Marshmellow Matey's! (There were 9 of us total.) And it was pretty ep. Elder Grigsby carried the team on his back and ate like 7 1/2 bowls of cereal. It was ridiculous. Soeur Lamb and I were tied for second with 6 bowls each. Elder Fletcher ate a respectable 5 bowls. And Elder Bledsoe ate 3. But he's been sick, otherwise he coulda done more. I dunno what the other elders ate, but Elders Queen, Mackay, Dawdy, and Cambell helped us down the entire container. (The last three of those 4 are coming to New Cal with us! So they'll be down there in 6 ish weeks.) But yah. That was fun! District Unity at it's finest!! hah.
And today was just ridiculous. I felt like the Schmultz family. But I'm gonna miss these wonderful people! Luckily I'll still have Soeur Lamb with me in New Cal, but I'm gonna miss Elder Grigsby, Elder Bledsoe, and Elder Fletcher. And my teachers. Frere Blosil and Frere Sybrowsky. I'm not too worried though, we'll be buds when we all get home. It's just sad. We're like a family! hah. But I'm stoked for everyone to get to where they're supposed to be. Elder Grigsby's leaving for Halifax on Tuesday morning, and the other two are leaving a week from this Monday. So they'll getta see pup!! Also, Frere Blosil ate lunch with us today and Frere Sybrowsky ate dinner with us, so that was fun. Oh! And Frere Sybrowsky wasn't even supposed to be here cause he was going to be in St. George on tour with Men's Chorus! But I guess they canceled it cause it snowed a ton here yesterday and today. So yah. That was a pleasant surprise! We sang "Souviens-Toi" (my fave french hymn everrrr, which is to the tune of Dvorak New World Symphony movement 2) as a district and recorded it, and Frere Blosil took all our cameras and recorded his parting words to us on all of them. And we had a little mini testimony/goal meeting this morning. So basically, it was a day of tears and sadness, but also excitement. One thing that Frere Blosil said though at our parting was that the mission is going to be hard, but it will be amazing and we will see miracles if we are obedient and push past the minimum standards of what we are supposed to do. He said that people always told him (before his mission) that French was a "hard" mission. That they felt bad for him because the people wouldn't listen. But! When he got out there and worked, they did! They are baptizing in France and we are baptizing people around the world! It's harvest time. The Lord is hastening His work and miracles are occurring.
Family. I love you so much! I love this gospel more than I can say. It is the truth! And I LOVE being a missionary and doing this work. It is honestly the work of salvation. I don't think I fully realized how important this work was until I got out here. I still don't know if I fully understand... But I KNOW that this work is the work of the Lord. I know that we can all help Him build the kingdom, so I would invite you to do so. Reach out to your friends and those around you. This is a message that everyone needs to hear. It is incredible! And it is true. I feel so blessed to be a missionary at this time. I wish it could last forever! But I know that time is running out, so I will wear myself out in declaring the truth to everyone that I see! I got a Book of Mormon for the trip so that I can talk to people and place one if I get the chance! STOKED. I love you all! Thanks for being my examples and supports! I pray for you!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
First of all, ADDRESS! For New Cal. This is what I have. So hopefully it'll get to me if you send it here:
Soeur Pono Santos
Bureau de la mission
BP 15 154
98804 Noumea Cedex
Nouvelle Caledonie
So Soeur Lamb and I are doing laundry for the last time at the MTC, which is something I will not miss about the MTC... but this is crazy!! I'm leaving for Vanuatu and then New Caledonia TOMORROW!! And I'm freaking out. Here's what's going through my head. Part of me (most of me) is STOKED out of my mind. I CANNOT wait to get down there and be doing this work for real and finally meet these people that I already love soooo much!! And then there is a tiny part of me that is nervous and scared, and mostly sad to leave. Because it's p-town, because I know this place, because the first language is English, because everyone speaks different languages here WHICH I LOVE. Because the devotionals and firesides are AMAZING. Because I can count on my hand the number of days I haven't gotten mail here (which will be a much different story in the field), because my district and teachers are BOMB, and because as soon as I walk out of these doors, I will no longer have access to a temple, or a cello (both of which are the best.) But anyway, pray for the people of New Caledonia, and me to be able to teach with the Spirit so that they will be able to receive the truth into their lives. I'm soooo excited!! Really, I am. I've been waiting for this my whole life, and I know I'm a missionary NOW, but I've been waiting for THIS PART of my mission since I got my call. But pup, for you! The MTC is incredible! I am SO STOKED for you. You will do great things! And I have been and will continue to pray for you as you enter the MTC. I love you bff! Everyone knows you're coming. And I'm leaving a few things hear for you! (Including a cactus named Petri. Take care of him.)
So these last couple days here have been amazing! I would even venture to say the best of my mission so far. First off... I GOT TO HOST HERMANA MICHELLE CALLISTER on Wednesday!! She's going to Lima Central, Peru! She was room mate's with Elise and I this spring summer and she's the best!! We all got our calls together and then flew our flags in our living room. But yah. That was pretty sweet. We took a pic, but she has it, so I'll get that from her
l'll get that from her apres the mission.
Also, we taught Michel for the last time on Wednesday and Claude for the last time today. Both commandment lessons. I LOVE teaching commandments! It's the best! I mean, it can be hard calling someone to repentance especially when we ourselves are not perfect, but there is nothing better than being prompted by the Holy Ghost to promise something specific to them and their needs if they are willing to live it. And that's the pattern of having faith and trusting the Lord with these commandments. The Lord wants to bless us, but he will not until we trust him and live the law. After we show that faith by living it, He pours His blessings upon us. But WE must act first.
Also! Soeur Lamb and I got our first New Cal referral this week!! We were completely jazzed about it. A Fijian elder stuck his head in and we were talking about how we leave soon for New Caledonia. And he was like, "Oh cool! I have an Aunt in New Caledonia." And I asked if she was a member and he said no! So Soeur Lamb and I took her name and her husband's name down and we're gonna go find her once we get down there!! THE BEST!!
We also taught our last TRC on Thursday. We taught about how to receive revelation through the Book of Mormon. And it was cool! We actually asked during the lesson what a specific problem was that one of the people in the room had. There were three of them, so it was more than usual, but I guess one of the people was having trouble with his room mate, so we talked to him about how he could change and how he could maybe invite his roomie to come unto Christ. The more I learn, the more I know that this gospel is for everyone and can help everyone with their lives. It is honestly universal. And that's what's sooo amazing about it! The good news of the gospel! The Atonement! It applies to all!! And it's incredible!
Yesterday we had in field orientation which was pretty awesome. It just taught us things about being in the field and how to contact, find, teach people, work with members, etc. It was great. But. the start of the day was the best part. My district and one more (cause we're so small) did the cereal challenge with Marshmellow Matey's! (There were 9 of us total.) And it was pretty ep. Elder Grigsby carried the team on his back and ate like 7 1/2 bowls of cereal. It was ridiculous. Soeur Lamb and I were tied for second with 6 bowls each. Elder Fletcher ate a respectable 5 bowls. And Elder Bledsoe ate 3. But he's been sick, otherwise he coulda done more. I dunno what the other elders ate, but Elders Queen, Mackay, Dawdy, and Cambell helped us down the entire container. (The last three of those 4 are coming to New Cal with us! So they'll be down there in 6 ish weeks.) But yah. That was fun! District Unity at it's finest!! hah.
And today was just ridiculous. I felt like the Schmultz family. But I'm gonna miss these wonderful people! Luckily I'll still have Soeur Lamb with me in New Cal, but I'm gonna miss Elder Grigsby, Elder Bledsoe, and Elder Fletcher. And my teachers. Frere Blosil and Frere Sybrowsky. I'm not too worried though, we'll be buds when we all get home. It's just sad. We're like a family! hah. But I'm stoked for everyone to get to where they're supposed to be. Elder Grigsby's leaving for Halifax on Tuesday morning, and the other two are leaving a week from this Monday. So they'll getta see pup!! Also, Frere Blosil ate lunch with us today and Frere Sybrowsky ate dinner with us, so that was fun. Oh! And Frere Sybrowsky wasn't even supposed to be here cause he was going to be in St. George on tour with Men's Chorus! But I guess they canceled it cause it snowed a ton here yesterday and today. So yah. That was a pleasant surprise! We sang "Souviens-Toi" (my fave french hymn everrrr, which is to the tune of Dvorak New World Symphony movement 2) as a district and recorded it, and Frere Blosil took all our cameras and recorded his parting words to us on all of them. And we had a little mini testimony/goal meeting this morning. So basically, it was a day of tears and sadness, but also excitement. One thing that Frere Blosil said though at our parting was that the mission is going to be hard, but it will be amazing and we will see miracles if we are obedient and push past the minimum standards of what we are supposed to do. He said that people always told him (before his mission) that French was a "hard" mission. That they felt bad for him because the people wouldn't listen. But! When he got out there and worked, they did! They are baptizing in France and we are baptizing people around the world! It's harvest time. The Lord is hastening His work and miracles are occurring.
Family. I love you so much! I love this gospel more than I can say. It is the truth! And I LOVE being a missionary and doing this work. It is honestly the work of salvation. I don't think I fully realized how important this work was until I got out here. I still don't know if I fully understand... But I KNOW that this work is the work of the Lord. I know that we can all help Him build the kingdom, so I would invite you to do so. Reach out to your friends and those around you. This is a message that everyone needs to hear. It is incredible! And it is true. I feel so blessed to be a missionary at this time. I wish it could last forever! But I know that time is running out, so I will wear myself out in declaring the truth to everyone that I see! I got a Book of Mormon for the trip so that I can talk to people and place one if I get the chance! STOKED. I love you all! Thanks for being my examples and supports! I pray for you!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
November 6, 2012
Ma chere famille!
This is my last week at the MTC! I'm outta here on Sunday night/late afternoon. And I could not be more excited.
If I had to name this week something, it would be the week of boldness. Miracles happened, and it's because I said things that the Holy Ghost prompted me to say that I probs wouldn't have had the guts to say if it was just me being me. First off, We invited Michel to be baptized last Monday and he finally said yes! Fifth time's the charm! hah. I forget if I told you last email, but it was great. I got to bear my testimony about the plan of salvation, and how even though I don't know everything and I don't know how everything's gonna work out after this life, I have trust in the Lord that things will work out how they're supposed to. Soeur Lamb and I had a lesson this week with Claude too this week that was super powerful. A couple, actually. The first one was earlier, and Claude's been praying to receive an answer to find out if God's there, but we weren't sure if he was like pleading (in french the verb is invoquer) to REALLY try and find out. So we had a lesson and I just straight up asked him, "Claude, do you really have a desire to find out that God is there and that this church is true? Cause we can come back and teach you all the lessons we have. But nothing is going to change until you really want to know and you pray and get an answer." So yah, that was a little scary, but I did it in a loving way and the Holy Ghost was there to testify. So we invited him to fast and we fasted with him for him to receive an answer. And!! He did. This Sunday. And we talked about it yesterday night and then proceeded to teach him about the law of chastity and the word of wisdom, hah. Both in the same lesson and both of which he has problems with... That was a lesson that was only made possible by the Holy Ghost. As is every lesson, but oh man. I've never been more nervous in my life. At least before the lesson, but we said our prayer and then I calmed down and we promised him the blessings that can and will come from his being obedient. And we offered to take his cigarettes from him! It was good. Nothing is possible without the Spirit. But when it is there MIRACLES occur. It's incredible. I love this work. I love inviting people to pray and come to know that Jesus is the Christ; and when they know that they want to change. They're willing to make these major changes in their lives because they know! Both Claude and Michel have a baptismal date for this Sunday! The day we leave, and even though we're not actually going to see them get baptized, I love them and I have come to love teaching and helping people! Nothing brings me more joy.
Halloween was fun this week. For halloween here in the MTC and specifically in the french zone, we did contacting trick or treating! hah. It was great. We went door to door and shared a short message and got candy. It was fun. Also, I got to host this Wednesday! THE BEST. I love helping the new lil mishs on their first day here. The first day's kinda a whirwind, so it's fun being a friendly face and just being their first friend that they have here. I hosted a girl that's from Japan and going to Tanner's mission! Nagoya, Japan! She was super cute. I think her name was Sister Katsuta, and she was super cute. She's a convert of 5 years and is the only member of her family. And! She has a 19 year old brother, which made me think of pup my bff. But yah. What a rock! She's studying english, so she's actually pretty good, but I still wish that I had had some Japanese so that I coulda talked to her more. I also hosted a Hermana Pearson from Colorado who's going to New Jersey (Becs' house) Spanish speaking! It was fun, and I think my district's doing it again this week! I hope I get to host Hermana Callister! My friend that I lived with spring and summer at the Brittany. She's the best!
PVL this week. It started out good, and then it was hard. More than hard. Extremely difficult. Thursday and Sunday were the worst days, no one in the district was speaking really. But in general, I shoulda spoken more french. However, it was a good experience, and I have seen the blessing of at least trying, cause almost every time I open my mouth now, it comes out french. Which I love.
Also, we got to move this week, which was an adventure for all involved. They had to evacuate the 4th floor of 17M, where I was living cause of a water problem. So now I'm living with Soeur Lamb and two Korean sisters. One of which was Becs' visiting teacher last year (Sister Wood.) But there great! And we still hang out with Soeur Hills and Soeur Olson all the time. And Soeur Campbell, who's going to Brasil, but probably knows more French than Portuguese thanks to us!
And, I went to the temple for the last time in a year and a half today :( I LOVE the temple. It's the best. Family! Make a goal to go to the temple, whether it be once a week, every two weeks, or once a month and go. Go for me. Cause I will miss it so much. I've gone every week since I was a freshman in college cause Mele challenged me too. And I know that it takes time that we don't have, but I know that if we make time and attend the temple we will be blessed!
Also, we got to move this week, which was an adventure for all involved. They had to evacuate the 4th floor of 17M, where I was living cause of a water problem. So now I'm living with Soeur Lamb and two Korean sisters. One of which was Becs' visiting teacher last year (Sister Wood.) But there great! And we still hang out with Soeur Hills and Soeur Olson all the time. And Soeur Campbell, who's going to Brasil, but probably knows more French than Portuguese thanks to us!
And, I went to the temple for the last time in a year and a half today :( I LOVE the temple. It's the best. Family! Make a goal to go to the temple, whether it be once a week, every two weeks, or once a month and go. Go for me. Cause I will miss it so much. I've gone every week since I was a freshman in college cause Mele challenged me too. And I know that it takes time that we don't have, but I know that if we make time and attend the temple we will be blessed!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
Love, Soeur Santos
Thursday, November 1, 2012
October 30, 2012
Ma Chere Famille,
It's early this morning cause Soeur Lamb and I are trying something different; laundry in the morning. It's going well so far. I kinda wish we'd figured this out earlier, cause I'm always having a heart attack trying to finish letters, but it's good!
This week has been a roller coaster of emotions, highs and lows. First of all. Soeur Cuthbert has returned home. We found out she was going home Tuesday night, so we spent the night in the residence, crying and packing. She left Wednesday, and Wednesday was rough for a couple reasons. Firstly, because it was the day J-Dawg was going to report, and I really wanted her here! And also, because Soeur Cuthbert went home. That was hard. But, I know that the Lord knows better than I, and I've been trying to not only trust in Him, but to trust Him. And know that despite what I think is best for everyone, I know that He KNOWS. So I've been trying to pray to align my will with His. Mom, I've thought a lot about you and Kawehi and your prayer story with her. Thank you for setting a good example for me to follow with that. Life is so much better when we don't fight against His will. We have to have faith! One of the huge blessings of this week was teaching Frere Sybrowsky as himself, and that was the first lesson that Soeur Lamb and I taught alone. It was hard, but we actually talked about this same thing. Trusting the Lord and knowing that He has a plan for us, even if we may not know what it is at the moment. But he said that we were super united, even though we were missing the third wheel to our tricycle, Soeur Cuthbert. It's been on and off awkward since then, but I know that that was a tender mercy from the Lord. Him saying, "You can do this, even though it's different." We love and miss you Soeur Cuthbert! Hope you're doing well.
Another thing that we JUST started this week, that has really helped, is companionship study. It's THE BEST! We haven't really had time for it up until now when the teachers finally gave us time in class, so it's been great. One of my favorite things about companionship study is that you get more practice teaching! Which is THE BEST. I love it. We do little jeux de roles which usually come in handy in the actual lesson. It's great. So yah, we're had one everyday since last Thursday.
Another tender mercy of the week was TRC. It was probably my favorite one yet. We getta teach members and it's so great! This week, we had two older men Frere Close et Frere Smith, both of whom, served french speaking missions and are still super legit at French. I wanna keep my language skills! (Also, as a side note, I decided I'm learning Spanish and Portuguese when I get home. Languages are THE BESTTT.) Anyway, TRC has always been a joy for me, but Soeur Lamb usually doesn't like it cause the people there have corrected her to the point of being obnoxious. So yah. But this week! It was miraculous. We taught Lesson 3, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we really focused on how as members, they can continue to live this gospel, how it's not a one time thing, even baptism, and how it applies directly to them. The questions that were coming out of my mouth were not from me. It was INCREDIBLE. I love the Spirit. He's the best!
Soeur Cutler taught my district this weekend cause my teachers were busy, and she's a zone resource teacher. But we got to teach her as an investigator, Claudie, and it was great! Planning for lessons without Soeur Cuthbert has been super awkward lately, but usually the lessons turn out good. I dunno, it's weird. But anyways, with Claudie, we invited her to be baptized in the first lesson! Which I haven't done in awhile, and it's great! I love helping others and inviting them to come closer to Jesus Christ. That is why I am here, and nothing brings me more joy. hah. Quote of the week from my elders had to do with this lesson that they taught her. She was super hardcore about kicking us out after 20 mins, but the elders didn't know she was going to be so on time, so they only got through the apostasy. "Basically, we left her with 'there are no true churches on the earth'" I died. hah. But luckily they told us this before we taught, so we ended up cutting out part of our lesson so that we could end on time. Also, we had a singing party on Friday night with Soeur Cutler and it was the best! We sang hymns in french and she played piano. And we sang Christmas hymns, and I thought of you, my dear family!!
Also, the candy fast was broken this Saturday night. We had a party to celebrate, and Soeur Lamb and I may or may not have ran a mile in our tiny classroom. hah. And the other not very smart thing I did this week was play sand volleyball in the sand on Thursday night. It had snowed that morning, so the sand was freezing, but we thought it'd be ok. But it was extremely cold. My toes are back to normal now though. And Soeur Lamb and I have sworn off night time gyms outside.
Oh! And Soeur Lamb and I finally successfully committed Michel to baptism! Fifth time's the charm... hah. But I'm sooo happy! It's actually kind of ridiculous how happy I am, considering the fact that this is all a simulation... But it just makes me wonder how excited I'll be when I actually get to New Cal. I cannot wait! Speaking of which, second to last week here. I'm outta here November 11th. 12 days!! I could not be more excited...
Finally, PVL! Parlez votre launge. We've been speaking a lot of french this week, and I have loved it! We spoke all french last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, (which was more like mostly french with some English) and this week, Monday to Monday is 100% pure french. And I love it. It's the best. Seriously, speaking the language of heaven. And it's been funny, I've talked with several people since I've started that know French, but are going elsewhere. An Elder going to Hungary, (I thought of Jack) and an Hermana that took SOOO much french before her mission and even studied abroad in France, but is now learning Spanish. It's great. And I talked to an old mish that's going to France and he served there for his young mish. He said my french was good! I love this language. It's the best. Pray for me this week, I'm gonna need all the help I can get to speak only French.
Well family, I'm outta time. I love you! I hope that you have a fantastic week! Kiss the babies for me, they're sooo cute! And Kalei! I want to hear from you! I love you all. Thanks for your love and support. Pray for the people of New Caledonia! I'm almost outta here, and I cannot wait!!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
It's early this morning cause Soeur Lamb and I are trying something different; laundry in the morning. It's going well so far. I kinda wish we'd figured this out earlier, cause I'm always having a heart attack trying to finish letters, but it's good!
This week has been a roller coaster of emotions, highs and lows. First of all. Soeur Cuthbert has returned home. We found out she was going home Tuesday night, so we spent the night in the residence, crying and packing. She left Wednesday, and Wednesday was rough for a couple reasons. Firstly, because it was the day J-Dawg was going to report, and I really wanted her here! And also, because Soeur Cuthbert went home. That was hard. But, I know that the Lord knows better than I, and I've been trying to not only trust in Him, but to trust Him. And know that despite what I think is best for everyone, I know that He KNOWS. So I've been trying to pray to align my will with His. Mom, I've thought a lot about you and Kawehi and your prayer story with her. Thank you for setting a good example for me to follow with that. Life is so much better when we don't fight against His will. We have to have faith! One of the huge blessings of this week was teaching Frere Sybrowsky as himself, and that was the first lesson that Soeur Lamb and I taught alone. It was hard, but we actually talked about this same thing. Trusting the Lord and knowing that He has a plan for us, even if we may not know what it is at the moment. But he said that we were super united, even though we were missing the third wheel to our tricycle, Soeur Cuthbert. It's been on and off awkward since then, but I know that that was a tender mercy from the Lord. Him saying, "You can do this, even though it's different." We love and miss you Soeur Cuthbert! Hope you're doing well.
Another thing that we JUST started this week, that has really helped, is companionship study. It's THE BEST! We haven't really had time for it up until now when the teachers finally gave us time in class, so it's been great. One of my favorite things about companionship study is that you get more practice teaching! Which is THE BEST. I love it. We do little jeux de roles which usually come in handy in the actual lesson. It's great. So yah, we're had one everyday since last Thursday.
Another tender mercy of the week was TRC. It was probably my favorite one yet. We getta teach members and it's so great! This week, we had two older men Frere Close et Frere Smith, both of whom, served french speaking missions and are still super legit at French. I wanna keep my language skills! (Also, as a side note, I decided I'm learning Spanish and Portuguese when I get home. Languages are THE BESTTT.) Anyway, TRC has always been a joy for me, but Soeur Lamb usually doesn't like it cause the people there have corrected her to the point of being obnoxious. So yah. But this week! It was miraculous. We taught Lesson 3, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we really focused on how as members, they can continue to live this gospel, how it's not a one time thing, even baptism, and how it applies directly to them. The questions that were coming out of my mouth were not from me. It was INCREDIBLE. I love the Spirit. He's the best!
Soeur Cutler taught my district this weekend cause my teachers were busy, and she's a zone resource teacher. But we got to teach her as an investigator, Claudie, and it was great! Planning for lessons without Soeur Cuthbert has been super awkward lately, but usually the lessons turn out good. I dunno, it's weird. But anyways, with Claudie, we invited her to be baptized in the first lesson! Which I haven't done in awhile, and it's great! I love helping others and inviting them to come closer to Jesus Christ. That is why I am here, and nothing brings me more joy. hah. Quote of the week from my elders had to do with this lesson that they taught her. She was super hardcore about kicking us out after 20 mins, but the elders didn't know she was going to be so on time, so they only got through the apostasy. "Basically, we left her with 'there are no true churches on the earth'" I died. hah. But luckily they told us this before we taught, so we ended up cutting out part of our lesson so that we could end on time. Also, we had a singing party on Friday night with Soeur Cutler and it was the best! We sang hymns in french and she played piano. And we sang Christmas hymns, and I thought of you, my dear family!!
Also, the candy fast was broken this Saturday night. We had a party to celebrate, and Soeur Lamb and I may or may not have ran a mile in our tiny classroom. hah. And the other not very smart thing I did this week was play sand volleyball in the sand on Thursday night. It had snowed that morning, so the sand was freezing, but we thought it'd be ok. But it was extremely cold. My toes are back to normal now though. And Soeur Lamb and I have sworn off night time gyms outside.
Oh! And Soeur Lamb and I finally successfully committed Michel to baptism! Fifth time's the charm... hah. But I'm sooo happy! It's actually kind of ridiculous how happy I am, considering the fact that this is all a simulation... But it just makes me wonder how excited I'll be when I actually get to New Cal. I cannot wait! Speaking of which, second to last week here. I'm outta here November 11th. 12 days!! I could not be more excited...
Finally, PVL! Parlez votre launge. We've been speaking a lot of french this week, and I have loved it! We spoke all french last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, (which was more like mostly french with some English) and this week, Monday to Monday is 100% pure french. And I love it. It's the best. Seriously, speaking the language of heaven. And it's been funny, I've talked with several people since I've started that know French, but are going elsewhere. An Elder going to Hungary, (I thought of Jack) and an Hermana that took SOOO much french before her mission and even studied abroad in France, but is now learning Spanish. It's great. And I talked to an old mish that's going to France and he served there for his young mish. He said my french was good! I love this language. It's the best. Pray for me this week, I'm gonna need all the help I can get to speak only French.
Well family, I'm outta time. I love you! I hope that you have a fantastic week! Kiss the babies for me, they're sooo cute! And Kalei! I want to hear from you! I love you all. Thanks for your love and support. Pray for the people of New Caledonia! I'm almost outta here, and I cannot wait!!
L'evangile est vrai!
Love, Soeur Santos
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Pictures
Milkshakes at the hospital. Waiting for Soeur Cuthbert's tests to be done!
Puzzle time in the Health Center!
Soeur Cuthbert's mom sent us aprons with our names on them!
New Sisters! (Soeurs Hills and Olson with us!)
Rehearsing!! THE BEST.
I found an HFAC stand. And I was stoked about it. Like I almost cried. THE BEST!
Autumn! In front of the hospital waiting for our ride back to the MTC.
Studying in the sunshine!
For smooz!
All the Soeurs! Half of them left.
Elder Pilling and I! He's the best. Just left for France. And he knows Maia!!
Comps and Elder Grant. This kid's hilarious. He's in Canada now.
Two of our district's combined! I love all these kids. Half of them are now in Canada.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
October 23, 2012
Ma chere famille!
This week has been great! The best so far. It started with a devotional that changed my life last week. Shayne M. Bowen of the seventy spoke. (I may have made up that middle initial...) Anyway, he spoke at GC too. But he spoke about pretty much every mission related thing under the sun, it was great. But the one thing he said that spiritually punched me in the face was this. He challenged us to have out own Moses experience. From Moses 1. When Moses finds out that man is nothing. "Which thing [he] never had supposed. He challenged us to have one of those. And he challenged us to say something to the effect of, "Heavenly Father, I know I'm not much, but I'm obedient, and I'm teachable." I'm working on it. I've been trying to find more humility and more charity in general this week. So yah, I'd invite each of you to do this same thing and have a Moses experience! Heavenly Father WILL respond! And through His strength and the power of the Atonement, we can be greater than we could ever be alone.
Smooz, I needed a Portuguese speaker this week. Slash Travis/Lori and everyone else. We had a new sister move into our room, Sister Campbell. She's going to Lori's mish! Sao Paulo North, and she's just here waiting for her visa. But yah, I wanted to make her a welcome sign, but I could only think of how to say welcome in French and Spanish, so I had to ask one of my portuguese volleyball buds. And he told me. Also, I wanna learn Portuguese when I get home. I can actually understand a bit of it. Soeur Campbell, prayed in Portuguese the other night, it's beautiful!! Almost as pretty as French.
This week, me and my comps rubbed shoulders with President Brown, the MTC prez a couple times and it was great. He's super nice! We got to eat lunch with him one day and we were asking him questions about the future MTC with the explosion of missionaries coming and all that. He's super stoked. And they're still figuring out how to deal with it. But the funniest part of all this was that this was the second time he's sat with our district, and Elder Ellis, who just left for Montreal was super jel about this, so he sat right in front of me a table away and was making faces at me the entire time. And then Elder Pilling and Elder Grant joined in. (more frenchies.) So, I was laughing like a fool right in front of President Brown for no apparent reason. Awk. hah. But there wasn't much I could do about it. We're still friends though, cause on Thursday, Soeur Cuthbert, Soeur Olson, and I auditioned to do a musical number here, and he came in and listened to part of it. The audition was good. For some reason, Soeur Olson's piano pages were outta order, so the first run through wasn't fantastic, but we gotta play half of it again for President Brown, and then the whole thing once more cause we explained why it wasn't so good the first time, and there was no one in line. So yah! We got a yes, and they're gonna contact us when they know where they want us. I'm pretty stoked. I love playing cello! I gotta play 3 times this week.
We're still waiting on news for Soeur Cuthbert. She's going in today to talk to the doctor, so pray for her, please! She's the best. She is one of the kindest, most Christ like people I know, and she's already taught me so much. I know that the Lord knows what's best though, and even if she does go home, she has helped bring me closer to Christ, and helped me be better.
This week we learned soooo much. I LOVE LEARNING. It's the best. And I love this kind of learning. It's the mind and heart kind. We learn how to teach, contact, plan, and speak with our mind, but we learn the spiritual things, we learn how to love, how to care, how to become with our heart. I love it. It's the best! My favorite activity of the week was definitely when we practiced contacting with some of our teachers and another zone. It was the best. I LOVE talking to people about this gospel. I know it doesn't feel natural at first, but it really is. When something is that big apart of your life, why would you not talk about it? Cello came up and comes up in every single discussion I have in my life, especially when I'm meeting new people. My goal when I get home is to add the gospel to that "About me" list.
Sand volleyball this week. I've officially converted my entire district to it!! It's the best. And the quote in the subject line is actually from volleyball. It's what Elder Pilling and I shout whenever we dive. Literally translated, it means "In the sand!!" hah. And it's the best. I love volleyball. But I'm sad cause basically our entire district just left. 48 Missionaries! It's crazy. The missionaries going to France and Africa left yesterday and all the Canadians left early this morning. Now it's just our district, two other french districts, a couple creoles, and the Tahitians. We're pretty little. The missionaries that left sang for us in sacrament. They sang "Souviens-Toi" a french hymn that's to the tune of the second movement of Dvorak's new world symphony. It's the best! And I may or may not have cried. Oh. Also, all the Portuguese elders left today or yesterday too, so I don't have very many friends right now, but I'll make more!
Right now, my district's actually super tight. We've been speaking lots of french together, which has been fun. And! This week, we've been doing nice things (warm fuzzies) every night, and it's the best!! Usually I'm not a huge warm fuzzies fan, but it's been great! I love all 5 of the other sisters and elders in my district. We're bffs.
And I've needed that support lately, cause on Saturday. hah. No one laugh. I had my first slightly big meltdown of the mtc. In class. It was dumb. I don't even have an explanation for my explosion of tears, except for the fact that that's my one spiritual gift. The gift of weeping :] It was fine though. I think I was just super overwhelmed. Cause in class we were talking about teaching to the investigators needs but also teaching the doctrine. And my teacher and a zone teacher did a demonstration on how to do this, and they made it look sooo easy, and I just didn't know how I could ever do it. But! I now know that I can, with the Lord's help. It was funny though, Frere Blosil like didn't know how to deal with my tears. I started crying and he was like, "Are you feeling sick?" Nope. I just have the gift of weeping. (He's from a family of all boys. Surprise!) But he gave me a priesthood blessing. And it was great. He even said my whole name! The priesthood is amazing. I calmed right down. Oh. And that afternoon, our district got put on a bon bon ban. NO CANDY. hah. This made me laugh. I think it had something to do with the fact that we've been eating candy like everyday and the three of us Soeurs had consecutive meltdowns. Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday morning. So yah. Candy is banned, until the end of the mtc. Except Halloween of course.
We've been teaching our amis de l'eglise about the Plan of Salvaton this week. And I love teaching it! It honestly applies directly to everyone. Cause everyone has and loves their family. And one of our investigators, Claude, had a sister that passed away when she was younger. So I got to bear testimony of Kawehi! And explain with joy that we WILL see them one day and we WILL be able to live with them again, for eternity! It was the best.
Ok family, well I'm outta time, but I love you! You are the best! I hope that you have a fantastic week! Read the Book of Mormon everyday! It is the word of God and it makes life easier when you have that eternal perspective in mind!
Je vous aime tous!
L'evangile est vrai!
Soeur Santos
This week has been great! The best so far. It started with a devotional that changed my life last week. Shayne M. Bowen of the seventy spoke. (I may have made up that middle initial...) Anyway, he spoke at GC too. But he spoke about pretty much every mission related thing under the sun, it was great. But the one thing he said that spiritually punched me in the face was this. He challenged us to have out own Moses experience. From Moses 1. When Moses finds out that man is nothing. "Which thing [he] never had supposed. He challenged us to have one of those. And he challenged us to say something to the effect of, "Heavenly Father, I know I'm not much, but I'm obedient, and I'm teachable." I'm working on it. I've been trying to find more humility and more charity in general this week. So yah, I'd invite each of you to do this same thing and have a Moses experience! Heavenly Father WILL respond! And through His strength and the power of the Atonement, we can be greater than we could ever be alone.
Smooz, I needed a Portuguese speaker this week. Slash Travis/Lori and everyone else. We had a new sister move into our room, Sister Campbell. She's going to Lori's mish! Sao Paulo North, and she's just here waiting for her visa. But yah, I wanted to make her a welcome sign, but I could only think of how to say welcome in French and Spanish, so I had to ask one of my portuguese volleyball buds. And he told me. Also, I wanna learn Portuguese when I get home. I can actually understand a bit of it. Soeur Campbell, prayed in Portuguese the other night, it's beautiful!! Almost as pretty as French.
This week, me and my comps rubbed shoulders with President Brown, the MTC prez a couple times and it was great. He's super nice! We got to eat lunch with him one day and we were asking him questions about the future MTC with the explosion of missionaries coming and all that. He's super stoked. And they're still figuring out how to deal with it. But the funniest part of all this was that this was the second time he's sat with our district, and Elder Ellis, who just left for Montreal was super jel about this, so he sat right in front of me a table away and was making faces at me the entire time. And then Elder Pilling and Elder Grant joined in. (more frenchies.) So, I was laughing like a fool right in front of President Brown for no apparent reason. Awk. hah. But there wasn't much I could do about it. We're still friends though, cause on Thursday, Soeur Cuthbert, Soeur Olson, and I auditioned to do a musical number here, and he came in and listened to part of it. The audition was good. For some reason, Soeur Olson's piano pages were outta order, so the first run through wasn't fantastic, but we gotta play half of it again for President Brown, and then the whole thing once more cause we explained why it wasn't so good the first time, and there was no one in line. So yah! We got a yes, and they're gonna contact us when they know where they want us. I'm pretty stoked. I love playing cello! I gotta play 3 times this week.
We're still waiting on news for Soeur Cuthbert. She's going in today to talk to the doctor, so pray for her, please! She's the best. She is one of the kindest, most Christ like people I know, and she's already taught me so much. I know that the Lord knows what's best though, and even if she does go home, she has helped bring me closer to Christ, and helped me be better.
This week we learned soooo much. I LOVE LEARNING. It's the best. And I love this kind of learning. It's the mind and heart kind. We learn how to teach, contact, plan, and speak with our mind, but we learn the spiritual things, we learn how to love, how to care, how to become with our heart. I love it. It's the best! My favorite activity of the week was definitely when we practiced contacting with some of our teachers and another zone. It was the best. I LOVE talking to people about this gospel. I know it doesn't feel natural at first, but it really is. When something is that big apart of your life, why would you not talk about it? Cello came up and comes up in every single discussion I have in my life, especially when I'm meeting new people. My goal when I get home is to add the gospel to that "About me" list.
Sand volleyball this week. I've officially converted my entire district to it!! It's the best. And the quote in the subject line is actually from volleyball. It's what Elder Pilling and I shout whenever we dive. Literally translated, it means "In the sand!!" hah. And it's the best. I love volleyball. But I'm sad cause basically our entire district just left. 48 Missionaries! It's crazy. The missionaries going to France and Africa left yesterday and all the Canadians left early this morning. Now it's just our district, two other french districts, a couple creoles, and the Tahitians. We're pretty little. The missionaries that left sang for us in sacrament. They sang "Souviens-Toi" a french hymn that's to the tune of the second movement of Dvorak's new world symphony. It's the best! And I may or may not have cried. Oh. Also, all the Portuguese elders left today or yesterday too, so I don't have very many friends right now, but I'll make more!
Right now, my district's actually super tight. We've been speaking lots of french together, which has been fun. And! This week, we've been doing nice things (warm fuzzies) every night, and it's the best!! Usually I'm not a huge warm fuzzies fan, but it's been great! I love all 5 of the other sisters and elders in my district. We're bffs.
And I've needed that support lately, cause on Saturday. hah. No one laugh. I had my first slightly big meltdown of the mtc. In class. It was dumb. I don't even have an explanation for my explosion of tears, except for the fact that that's my one spiritual gift. The gift of weeping :] It was fine though. I think I was just super overwhelmed. Cause in class we were talking about teaching to the investigators needs but also teaching the doctrine. And my teacher and a zone teacher did a demonstration on how to do this, and they made it look sooo easy, and I just didn't know how I could ever do it. But! I now know that I can, with the Lord's help. It was funny though, Frere Blosil like didn't know how to deal with my tears. I started crying and he was like, "Are you feeling sick?" Nope. I just have the gift of weeping. (He's from a family of all boys. Surprise!) But he gave me a priesthood blessing. And it was great. He even said my whole name! The priesthood is amazing. I calmed right down. Oh. And that afternoon, our district got put on a bon bon ban. NO CANDY. hah. This made me laugh. I think it had something to do with the fact that we've been eating candy like everyday and the three of us Soeurs had consecutive meltdowns. Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday morning. So yah. Candy is banned, until the end of the mtc. Except Halloween of course.
We've been teaching our amis de l'eglise about the Plan of Salvaton this week. And I love teaching it! It honestly applies directly to everyone. Cause everyone has and loves their family. And one of our investigators, Claude, had a sister that passed away when she was younger. So I got to bear testimony of Kawehi! And explain with joy that we WILL see them one day and we WILL be able to live with them again, for eternity! It was the best.
Ok family, well I'm outta time, but I love you! You are the best! I hope that you have a fantastic week! Read the Book of Mormon everyday! It is the word of God and it makes life easier when you have that eternal perspective in mind!
Je vous aime tous!
L'evangile est vrai!
Soeur Santos
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