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
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