"If you want something you have never had you must be willing to something you have never done before"
I love being a missionary!!! Seriously though!! It at times is super tough because you are tired and hot but Heavenly Father makes it all worth it. I know that this is the only true church on the earth today. That this is the only way in which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and our families forever. It has never been so clear to me as it has now being here. Following God's commandments and being a worthy member of the Church is way more important than ANYTHING else on the earth. Satan just likes to trick us into thinking that it isn't. I have seen miracles happen and I hav had to call angels down to change people. But this is the Lords work. I love the Lord!! Keep the faith!
Transfer calls were yesterday morning and I am not getting transferred. Hermana Bird and I are staying together and we are super excited about it!!
Rasheim....special soul....he was the guy that did my CT scan and my IV. It took him 30 minutes to find a vain in my arm and once he got the iv in he had to move it around in my arm to get it in the vain! It hurt so bad!! Needless to say I have a bruse the size of a baseball on my arm that is bright purple. He was NOT my fav! \
The mosquitos are CRAZY here!! I have about 30 bites all over my arms and legs. We soak ourselves down in bug spray everyday and still they swirm around and attack you. People say that we havent seen anything yet. :( great!
I went on exchanges for the first time on Wed(where you go to another area with another missionary). I ahd to be senoir comp cause the girl I had was new in the mission. I had to teach the entire lessons all day and understand all that was being said! Heavenly Father blessed me so much! It turned out to be a good day with a lot of success. I was glad to return to my BF Hermana Bird and to Galveston though!! Who knew I would miss her so much!
We were fed Menudo(cow stomach or something) on Tuesday. I wanted to kill myself. IT smelt like wet dog!! GROSSSSS!!!!!
We totally got he bootleg copy of EFY 2010!! You do not know the importance of that sentence till you are a missionary!
I am super excited to hear that Rick and the boys are getting baptized!! I cried!! I am here teaching people and the ones I love back at home are being blessed also! CONGRATS!! :)
I dont have any time left :( I love you all so much!! I am sending a cd thing home(to grandmas) MOM---you have to watch it then send it to my sisters or put it on facebook....you will know hwat I mean when you get it ;)
I LOVE YOU!!!
HERMANA RICHARDS
Monday, June 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Mommy!!!
"It shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say" D&C 100:6
This scripture has a story that goes along with it this week. I will include it later in my email. I just have felt an amazing influence of the Spirit guiding me and directing me. In this one specific lesson it wasn't me teaching. My words were His words. I cannot even describe to you the feeling and the guidance I felt. The Lord really does qualify those that are weak to be His strong servants. I feel so blessed for the mercy of Heavenly Father. He is watching out for us and He is mindful of our struggles. And He can make our dreams come true. You just have to begin to believe-exercise your faith, walk a little into darkness. And great shall be your reward and His blessings will be poured down upon you! I love the Lord!
The story I am talking about is an invesitgator we are teaching. Her name is Mary-Beth. She was taught by the sisters here on the island back when the Hermanas covered English and Spanish. Her husband is a less active member. So when I first got to Galveston she had just gotten back from living in California because her husband Randi was put into the hospital(in Galveston). He was in the hosptial for 60 days struggling for his life--i think it was liver failure. Well, in this time I got introduced to her and we would go over to give her messages of peace and hope. Randi died 2 weeks ago. On the night he died I woke up in the middle of the night at 12:30 and immediately thought "CALL MARY BETH" I thought NO that is crazy! I cant do that it is the middle of the night, Well, the spirit then told me again CALL HER! Well, I was too stubborn and said no I am not going to embarass myself and call her so late. I couldn't fall asleep for a long time after that. I woke up to a text from Mary Beth saying that Randi passed away at 12:30 last night. I couldn't believe it. I felt super bad because I didnt call her when I felt like I needed to.......So we have been teaching Mary beth for about a week and a half. I LOVE her!!! She is amazing. She is English speaking so I can actually really be involved with her teaching. Whenever we teach her the spirit is always there so strong. she is truly amazing. Last night we taught her the Plan of Salvation. I began to talk about the pre-mortal life. And for some reason I talked baout how before this life we knew the challenges we were going to have to face and we still agreed to come here to earth. I stopped and just looked at her and she said to me, "Why havent I been told this before? I feel like I just learned something that changed my life. I know that this is true. Everything now makes sense to me. The reason Randi died, the reason my life has been so hard. I know that this is the true church of God. I am going to get baptized. And I want to change my life forever so that I can live wiht my Heavenly Father again like I did before this life." I sat there in awe, and thought---"I NEVER teach that in a lesson...." my heart was pounding and I felt the spirit so strong.She said the prayer for the first time and cried. Thanking Heavenly Father for this knowledge. I cried also. I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!! I sat there and the spirit confirmed to me that she is one of the reasons I am here on a mission. I am supposed to be teaching her. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father! He let me be his mouthpiece. I love the Lord!!!
Funny story-------We went to an investigators house cause they wanted us to help them make papusas(an El salvador food) SO after an hour nad a half of standing in a boiling hot kitchen we sit dow nadn begin to eat....now in the words of my companion.............
"""" But some of our investigators called us over because she was making papusas...the best hispanic food EVER! So we went over and learned how to make them. Then while we were making it, Vanessa, the daughter, starts freaking out because "the show" is on...the Latin Beauty Pageant. ...Well....the papusas were done and of course the whole family is sitting around watching the pageant. I am trying to eat my papusas and try to strike up conversation or something. SOMETHING to get away from the sly peaks that I've been making at the television to see who these gorgeous women are, where they are from...trying not to hear while they are introducing the competitors...and then in my last attempt and in desperation I finally look at my companion, good Hermana Richards...her eyes are GLUED to the TV and shoving down the gorgeous and delicious papusas...and in that minute I knew...why struggle...this is it...so I gave up and started watching and shovling down my own delishness...we left before we found out the winners...but dont you worry my favorite at least made it to the top 4....haha...."""""""""
Ok.....i promise I am a good missionary. But when I was sweating like a cow for hours and I was dying of course I am going to watch the TV that is like 2 feet away from me. I was so done. LOLOL!!!!
We had a fun activity in the church where we all played volleyball. I sent some pictures :) I lvoe the branch here!!!
We went to sonic to get drinks when we were dying and when the worker asked my companion what size she wanted she said "HUGE" ....it made me think of you mom.....biggie diet coke LOL
I have no time left!! Dang! I love you guys. good luck moving!!!!
Sarah
This scripture has a story that goes along with it this week. I will include it later in my email. I just have felt an amazing influence of the Spirit guiding me and directing me. In this one specific lesson it wasn't me teaching. My words were His words. I cannot even describe to you the feeling and the guidance I felt. The Lord really does qualify those that are weak to be His strong servants. I feel so blessed for the mercy of Heavenly Father. He is watching out for us and He is mindful of our struggles. And He can make our dreams come true. You just have to begin to believe-exercise your faith, walk a little into darkness. And great shall be your reward and His blessings will be poured down upon you! I love the Lord!
The story I am talking about is an invesitgator we are teaching. Her name is Mary-Beth. She was taught by the sisters here on the island back when the Hermanas covered English and Spanish. Her husband is a less active member. So when I first got to Galveston she had just gotten back from living in California because her husband Randi was put into the hospital(in Galveston). He was in the hosptial for 60 days struggling for his life--i think it was liver failure. Well, in this time I got introduced to her and we would go over to give her messages of peace and hope. Randi died 2 weeks ago. On the night he died I woke up in the middle of the night at 12:30 and immediately thought "CALL MARY BETH" I thought NO that is crazy! I cant do that it is the middle of the night, Well, the spirit then told me again CALL HER! Well, I was too stubborn and said no I am not going to embarass myself and call her so late. I couldn't fall asleep for a long time after that. I woke up to a text from Mary Beth saying that Randi passed away at 12:30 last night. I couldn't believe it. I felt super bad because I didnt call her when I felt like I needed to.......So we have been teaching Mary beth for about a week and a half. I LOVE her!!! She is amazing. She is English speaking so I can actually really be involved with her teaching. Whenever we teach her the spirit is always there so strong. she is truly amazing. Last night we taught her the Plan of Salvation. I began to talk about the pre-mortal life. And for some reason I talked baout how before this life we knew the challenges we were going to have to face and we still agreed to come here to earth. I stopped and just looked at her and she said to me, "Why havent I been told this before? I feel like I just learned something that changed my life. I know that this is true. Everything now makes sense to me. The reason Randi died, the reason my life has been so hard. I know that this is the true church of God. I am going to get baptized. And I want to change my life forever so that I can live wiht my Heavenly Father again like I did before this life." I sat there in awe, and thought---"I NEVER teach that in a lesson...." my heart was pounding and I felt the spirit so strong.She said the prayer for the first time and cried. Thanking Heavenly Father for this knowledge. I cried also. I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!! I sat there and the spirit confirmed to me that she is one of the reasons I am here on a mission. I am supposed to be teaching her. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father! He let me be his mouthpiece. I love the Lord!!!
Funny story-------We went to an investigators house cause they wanted us to help them make papusas(an El salvador food) SO after an hour nad a half of standing in a boiling hot kitchen we sit dow nadn begin to eat....now in the words of my companion.............
"""" But some of our investigators called us over because she was making papusas...the best hispanic food EVER! So we went over and learned how to make them. Then while we were making it, Vanessa, the daughter, starts freaking out because "the show" is on...the Latin Beauty Pageant. ...Well....the papusas were done and of course the whole family is sitting around watching the pageant. I am trying to eat my papusas and try to strike up conversation or something. SOMETHING to get away from the sly peaks that I've been making at the television to see who these gorgeous women are, where they are from...trying not to hear while they are introducing the competitors...and then in my last attempt and in desperation I finally look at my companion, good Hermana Richards...her eyes are GLUED to the TV and shoving down the gorgeous and delicious papusas...and in that minute I knew...why struggle...this is it...so I gave up and started watching and shovling down my own delishness...we left before we found out the winners...but dont you worry my favorite at least made it to the top 4....haha...."""""""""
Ok.....i promise I am a good missionary. But when I was sweating like a cow for hours and I was dying of course I am going to watch the TV that is like 2 feet away from me. I was so done. LOLOL!!!!
We had a fun activity in the church where we all played volleyball. I sent some pictures :) I lvoe the branch here!!!
We went to sonic to get drinks when we were dying and when the worker asked my companion what size she wanted she said "HUGE" ....it made me think of you mom.....biggie diet coke LOL
I have no time left!! Dang! I love you guys. good luck moving!!!!
Sarah
Me....like bikes?
"When one door closes another opens but oftentimes we are too busy looking behind that we forget to look ahead"
I recently read a talk by Elder Ballard "Learning Leasons of the Past". He talks about learning from your past experiences and ancestors. This quote I think talks about looking toward the future with faith. Don't concentrate on the mistakes or challenges you had but focus on the path that is ahead of you, the great things that are to come and the wonderful blessings that will arise when following the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every situtation of change involves some form of nervousness and wonder if you did the right thing....dont worry about it! Take the opportunities that you have right now and have fun! Learn new things, meet new people, strengthen your faith. Dont dwell on the past. The future is as bright as your faith.
My week was so great!! I really have learned to love my bike....no but seriously. Its hot but I love my bike. I feel so much more like a missionary then before.
We totally learned how to cook Hispanic food. We made arroz, arroz con leche, and corn tortillas(the text pic was of me making tortillas). A member got heard of the fact that my companion cant cook. She burns everything(even one of those oven pizzas----BURNED!!! HAHA! I was like 'Hermana Bird.....what is that smell?' She forgot she was cooking it :) sweetheart)) So Hermana Medina taught us how to cook. It was super fun! I mostly loved learning the tortillas. So once we were done cooking we ate a huge feast. Super fun! ..........................but wait we leave their house to go to an appt. We usually eat with this member but we called her the day before and told her we wouldnt be eating but we still wanted to share a message. Well, she didnt get it. We walk in and she has a huge lunch made for us! I thought I was going to die---2 feasts in like 1 hour! Not 5 minutes earlier was I polishing off my arroz con leche(a dessert thing). I choaked down the food. Hermana Bird and I had to go home for a little bit because we felt so sick! HAHA!
We made tie-die(sp?) shirts yesterday for a district activity. Way fun!! I had to figure it out and teach everyone cause no one was getting it. I ended up getting die all over my hands and everyone keeps asking me what happened to my hands.....RAINBOW!
We had a crazy rainstorm on Friday night. We were on our bikes and it was like 8pm and it starts pouring-oh perfect-so we ride to a member who luckily lets us in. We then at 8:45 ride home in the rain and end up getting soaking wet. I dont mind the rain no biggie. BUT there was the craziest lightening and thounder storm-like I have NEVER experienced something like this before. I have never been scared of a storm. I was so scared. It sounded like a person was standing outside my window with cymbols(sp?) and banging them against each other every minute. It felt like it was day time with how bright the lightning was. We then get a call at midnight from my district leader telling us that a tornado touched down on Ballover isand(small island that I went to once on the ferry) and that Galveston had a tornado warning. Cool. They instruct us to say away from windows and such. Well of course my bed is pushed up against the window. So we push me and my comps beds together. It took forever to fall back asleep. All I could think about was the movie Twister. Nothing happened but it was a super crazy storm(mom....dont get freaked out. I am fine. Do not wig out on this story. I know you thought about how I am going to die or something...;) LOL! And hurricane season doesnt start till June1st!
APX guys are selling security all over the island-I run into them like every hour. LOL! All the sudden there were tons of Utah plates and people honking at us like crazy!
I got a crazy migrane Sunday night. LAME! The Elders came and gave me a blessing. SO sweet! I feel fine now. I have my appt. with the doc tomorrow to get my ultrasound. Hopefully we figure out whats up. I will call sister saylin as soon as I am done to update her.
I am happy to hear everyone is doing good. I LOVED the story Amanda told me about Ashlyn saying she missed me.....:( I miss them.
CONGRATS Jamie on the new baby boy! I am super happy for you all. LOVED the pictures:)
Some insights from my comps email to her family of our week.....she is SO funny
""""Lets talk about the wonderful members that are in the branch out here. After a wonderful dinner appointment with a member we were about to head out the door and back to our appartnment when a call was heard from the cute little member, "hey, do you want a ride home?" So we scream back so anthusiastically so as not to be misunderstood, "we would LOVE it!" However come to find out that their car is tiny...so then we began to doubt...do they remember that we are on bikes? what are they going to do? With in seconds out comes running Hermana with a LONG telephone cord...Hermano (not a member) then gathers all of his strength and throws the bikes up onto the top of the little car...Hermana then runs around frantically trying to hold the cord so that Hermano could tie then on...it was such a sight...but they are such sweeties to give us and the bikes a memorable ride home...because you bet I was worried about whether the bikes were going to tumble down from the roof of the car...
THe dogs are not the only thing wanting a piece of us. I have to say a word on the bugs and the no windshield factor...I cannot count on both of my hands and my companion's the number of bugs that fly into our faces everyday...like really. I feel like I get a mouthful of misquitos, flys, bees, and other wonderful creatures of God. Without a windshield to save our lives from these wonderfully talented flyers, you can bet that they come flying right into our clean mouths while panting to make it to an appointment on time. You get side swiped while looking to see if your companion is close behind. You get bashed in the cheek while trying to bike up to the stranger that is walking just the next street up. Without warning they come buzzing into you eyeballs with only seconds to try to save you from this imminant danger. No one ever speaks of this danger that lurks everywhere and most definilty can be found lurking behind every corner..."""
I love Hermana Bird. And yes Maygen---people ask us all the time if we are sisters.
Thanks for everything. I love you!!!
-Hermana Richards
I recently read a talk by Elder Ballard "Learning Leasons of the Past". He talks about learning from your past experiences and ancestors. This quote I think talks about looking toward the future with faith. Don't concentrate on the mistakes or challenges you had but focus on the path that is ahead of you, the great things that are to come and the wonderful blessings that will arise when following the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every situtation of change involves some form of nervousness and wonder if you did the right thing....dont worry about it! Take the opportunities that you have right now and have fun! Learn new things, meet new people, strengthen your faith. Dont dwell on the past. The future is as bright as your faith.
My week was so great!! I really have learned to love my bike....no but seriously. Its hot but I love my bike. I feel so much more like a missionary then before.
We totally learned how to cook Hispanic food. We made arroz, arroz con leche, and corn tortillas(the text pic was of me making tortillas). A member got heard of the fact that my companion cant cook. She burns everything(even one of those oven pizzas----BURNED!!! HAHA! I was like 'Hermana Bird.....what is that smell?' She forgot she was cooking it :) sweetheart)) So Hermana Medina taught us how to cook. It was super fun! I mostly loved learning the tortillas. So once we were done cooking we ate a huge feast. Super fun! ..........................but wait we leave their house to go to an appt. We usually eat with this member but we called her the day before and told her we wouldnt be eating but we still wanted to share a message. Well, she didnt get it. We walk in and she has a huge lunch made for us! I thought I was going to die---2 feasts in like 1 hour! Not 5 minutes earlier was I polishing off my arroz con leche(a dessert thing). I choaked down the food. Hermana Bird and I had to go home for a little bit because we felt so sick! HAHA!
We made tie-die(sp?) shirts yesterday for a district activity. Way fun!! I had to figure it out and teach everyone cause no one was getting it. I ended up getting die all over my hands and everyone keeps asking me what happened to my hands.....RAINBOW!
We had a crazy rainstorm on Friday night. We were on our bikes and it was like 8pm and it starts pouring-oh perfect-so we ride to a member who luckily lets us in. We then at 8:45 ride home in the rain and end up getting soaking wet. I dont mind the rain no biggie. BUT there was the craziest lightening and thounder storm-like I have NEVER experienced something like this before. I have never been scared of a storm. I was so scared. It sounded like a person was standing outside my window with cymbols(sp?) and banging them against each other every minute. It felt like it was day time with how bright the lightning was. We then get a call at midnight from my district leader telling us that a tornado touched down on Ballover isand(small island that I went to once on the ferry) and that Galveston had a tornado warning. Cool. They instruct us to say away from windows and such. Well of course my bed is pushed up against the window. So we push me and my comps beds together. It took forever to fall back asleep. All I could think about was the movie Twister. Nothing happened but it was a super crazy storm(mom....dont get freaked out. I am fine. Do not wig out on this story. I know you thought about how I am going to die or something...;) LOL! And hurricane season doesnt start till June1st!
APX guys are selling security all over the island-I run into them like every hour. LOL! All the sudden there were tons of Utah plates and people honking at us like crazy!
I got a crazy migrane Sunday night. LAME! The Elders came and gave me a blessing. SO sweet! I feel fine now. I have my appt. with the doc tomorrow to get my ultrasound. Hopefully we figure out whats up. I will call sister saylin as soon as I am done to update her.
I am happy to hear everyone is doing good. I LOVED the story Amanda told me about Ashlyn saying she missed me.....:( I miss them.
CONGRATS Jamie on the new baby boy! I am super happy for you all. LOVED the pictures:)
Some insights from my comps email to her family of our week.....she is SO funny
""""Lets talk about the wonderful members that are in the branch out here. After a wonderful dinner appointment with a member we were about to head out the door and back to our appartnment when a call was heard from the cute little member, "hey, do you want a ride home?" So we scream back so anthusiastically so as not to be misunderstood, "we would LOVE it!" However come to find out that their car is tiny...so then we began to doubt...do they remember that we are on bikes? what are they going to do? With in seconds out comes running Hermana with a LONG telephone cord...Hermano (not a member) then gathers all of his strength and throws the bikes up onto the top of the little car...Hermana then runs around frantically trying to hold the cord so that Hermano could tie then on...it was such a sight...but they are such sweeties to give us and the bikes a memorable ride home...because you bet I was worried about whether the bikes were going to tumble down from the roof of the car...
THe dogs are not the only thing wanting a piece of us. I have to say a word on the bugs and the no windshield factor...I cannot count on both of my hands and my companion's the number of bugs that fly into our faces everyday...like really. I feel like I get a mouthful of misquitos, flys, bees, and other wonderful creatures of God. Without a windshield to save our lives from these wonderfully talented flyers, you can bet that they come flying right into our clean mouths while panting to make it to an appointment on time. You get side swiped while looking to see if your companion is close behind. You get bashed in the cheek while trying to bike up to the stranger that is walking just the next street up. Without warning they come buzzing into you eyeballs with only seconds to try to save you from this imminant danger. No one ever speaks of this danger that lurks everywhere and most definilty can be found lurking behind every corner..."""
I love Hermana Bird. And yes Maygen---people ask us all the time if we are sisters.
Thanks for everything. I love you!!!
-Hermana Richards
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
SO good talking to you!
Everyday I am out teaching and talking to people that do not believe in Jesus Christ. My job as a missionary is to bring those to come closer to Jesus Christ by faith, repentance, baptism, the holy ghost, and enduring to the end. I have found that as I have been giving this "gift" away I have found a greater and more personal joy than I have ever had. I know that as we become a more dedicated and christlike people, putting the things of the Lord first, we can qualify for the greatest happiness known to man.
It was SO awesome being able to talk to all of you on Sunday. Afterward as my companion and I were riding our bikes to our appt. we felt like it was a fairy tale that we had just talked to our families. Looking back I thought "I just talked to my family...what?" You all sounded so good! It made me super happy. I was glad I was able to not be emotional----I cried when I hung up the phone. Because I really do miss you guys and miss just talkiong with you. But 7 months(till Christmas) isnt too long right??? LOL!!
On Saturday night there was a mothers day activity at the church-of course we went. It was super fun!! All the men served the women and they had a program and everything. We(me and my comp. and 2 elders in the branch) did a musical number. We sang one of the primary songs about mothers. Well-it is 3 verses long. I decided we needed to do something fun with it. So the first verse we sang normal, the second Hna bird played it all staccato and the three of us did the whole up down thing(one person goes up while the other down. And for the third we did it all dramatic like! I sent pictures no worry. It was super funny! We got a standing ovation!! LOL They gave all teh missionaries roses because our moms are far away and we cant be with them(I had tears in my eyes---I didnt need a reminder that I was away from my mommy). It was just a really good night and we were able to get to know tons of the members better. They LOVE us! LOL
I ate pizza for the first time since being in Texas this week! Oh how I miss it :( I never eat American food anymore.
So cute story----LOVE the Elders. SO my bike has this seat cover to help coushin and make it not hurt as bad. Well, mine was falling apart. Kinda ghetto but I thought whatever. I complained one day to the Elders how much my butt hurt cause of the ridiculous seat. So on Sunday when we were leaving to get on our bikes I saw that I had a new cover on my seat. one of the Elders gave me his and just put it on there without saying anything. I LOVE the Elders! they are always looking out for the sisters and will do anything for us.
I am trying to think of any funny stories to liven up my email. I feel like ridiculous things happen everyday. My comp and I have a wall of funny things and add a post it to it everyday. So funny! The most funny things usually happen to my comp--her tripping or something. LOL! I will try and have a good story for next weeks email.
It is getting humid here! I dont think my hair could look uglier. I live in the desert for a reason!
Remember that there is a girl in Texas that LOVES all of you!!
-Sarah
It was SO awesome being able to talk to all of you on Sunday. Afterward as my companion and I were riding our bikes to our appt. we felt like it was a fairy tale that we had just talked to our families. Looking back I thought "I just talked to my family...what?" You all sounded so good! It made me super happy. I was glad I was able to not be emotional----I cried when I hung up the phone. Because I really do miss you guys and miss just talkiong with you. But 7 months(till Christmas) isnt too long right??? LOL!!
On Saturday night there was a mothers day activity at the church-of course we went. It was super fun!! All the men served the women and they had a program and everything. We(me and my comp. and 2 elders in the branch) did a musical number. We sang one of the primary songs about mothers. Well-it is 3 verses long. I decided we needed to do something fun with it. So the first verse we sang normal, the second Hna bird played it all staccato and the three of us did the whole up down thing(one person goes up while the other down. And for the third we did it all dramatic like! I sent pictures no worry. It was super funny! We got a standing ovation!! LOL They gave all teh missionaries roses because our moms are far away and we cant be with them(I had tears in my eyes---I didnt need a reminder that I was away from my mommy). It was just a really good night and we were able to get to know tons of the members better. They LOVE us! LOL
I ate pizza for the first time since being in Texas this week! Oh how I miss it :( I never eat American food anymore.
So cute story----LOVE the Elders. SO my bike has this seat cover to help coushin and make it not hurt as bad. Well, mine was falling apart. Kinda ghetto but I thought whatever. I complained one day to the Elders how much my butt hurt cause of the ridiculous seat. So on Sunday when we were leaving to get on our bikes I saw that I had a new cover on my seat. one of the Elders gave me his and just put it on there without saying anything. I LOVE the Elders! they are always looking out for the sisters and will do anything for us.
I am trying to think of any funny stories to liven up my email. I feel like ridiculous things happen everyday. My comp and I have a wall of funny things and add a post it to it everyday. So funny! The most funny things usually happen to my comp--her tripping or something. LOL! I will try and have a good story for next weeks email.
It is getting humid here! I dont think my hair could look uglier. I live in the desert for a reason!
Remember that there is a girl in Texas that LOVES all of you!!
-Sarah
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Happy Mothers Day
"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall work and not faint." -Isaiah 40:31
One of the recent converts here in Galveston has that scripture on her wall and I loved it! I really feel like Heavenly Father will give us the strength to fulfill all that He asks of us. Sometimes it is really difficult to press forward-especially when you are tired and sweaty. The Lord gives us strength to resist temptation and to come unto Jesus Christ. We just have to be aware of His hand in our lives. Once you learn to be worthy and recognize the spirit you realize how often it will help guide you in your life. It is one of the greatest things I have been able to recieve here.
This week went well. another week on bikes---except it is getting SUPER humid. Like on sat. we had to go home and change our clothes we were so sweaty. like you know the sweat lines on the back of your shirt from wearing your backpack....yes, please picture the magic of a moment like that. SO HOT! I need to better learn how to crive my bike one handed so I can have a fan going in the other! LOL
MOTHERS DAY!!! YEAH!!! I am SO excited to talk to ya'll on Sunday. SO awesome! I promise I am not going to be awkward. It is my ultimate goal on my mission to still be a human being. :) MOM and Dad you should have recieved the call info in emails. Mom you need to call me at 3 pm my time. :)
We have an awesome new investigator Kelvin----he is from Nicaragua. So cool! He came to church on sunday and we have a noche de hogar set up for tonight with an awesome family in the ward. It is going to be cool. He is SO getting baptized. We just have to get him to stop smoking---story of my life.
The elders had a baptism on Sunday nad me and my comp were in charge of the Restoration message while they were changing. She played the paino(so good) and I sang. It turned out really well!!
I am including my companions email in this because she is seriously hilarious!!! She says things way better than I do. enjoy some of the funny moments that happened this week. Really though.....it is HOT here! I am so nast!
Hermana Birds email----
"""""""Ok so this week was absolutly amazing. I thought that I would start with a little info about the island, the apartment, basically mission life in Galveston...just to five everyone a little window into my life.
The apartment looks out to a swampy, marsh, pools of water...thing...it's super pretty and in the morning I like to make my little fruit smoothie and sit out and watch the sun come up..super magical and ultra relaxing. We also like to go take walks on Seawall which is this wall the backs up to the sea...so pretty.
Now remember this is an island and so I'm still trying to get accustomed to the island folk...a lot different than those that you find in Houston...all very tan and tend to walk around in bathing suits or wearing very little...They also always refer to the storm, "Before the Hurricane", "When the storm came"...etc. For many people it was a really faith building experience... so that's good!
The humidity is KILLER!!!! Like I walk out side and I feel that I am breathing in CUPS of water...I fear that one day I will drown of all the humidity! You sweat so easily and it is not an unfamiliar thing to have to change shirts in the middle of the day...we just sweat so much. I just want to give a shout out to Aaron Young who gave me the great advice to bring hankerchiefs. THANK YOU! My hair is always strongly humidified and I always look SUPER ugly...but I that still doesn't take away from the sister crushes forming. I recently had to save my companion(hna richards) from a 48 year-old man from Honduras, Juan...we are teaching his roommate Kelvin who is progressing so quickly. However Kelvin had to confront Juan about his many comments, stares, and innappropriate "linger-longers" (hand shakes that seem to last longer than they should, haha)...Juan said and I quote, "Kelvin, why can't you just let us be in love!"...Kelvin was then soo confused and asked us sincerely, "Hermana Richards, you are not in love with Juan?" Hermana Richards replied in such a way so as never to be miss understood, "NOOOOOOOOOOO, NUUUUUNNNNCCCCCAAA" (with a very animated and pioniative hand motion accompaning the answer)...so we have to pretty much stay away from him from now on! HAHA!
The bikes can sometimes trip up your feet, especially while speaking to others or attempting to talk to people sitting on their porches...the other day I was trying to speak to a woman whose dog absolutley was going to bite me if I came any nearer to the fence...so while trying to worry about the dog, get out a pass-a-long card and get off my bike..I so gracefully took a nice big fall onto thier front lawn...causing my so loving companion(hna. richards) to brakeout into uncontrolled laughter, the woman continuing to scream at the dog and me telling me that the dog bites....so I picked myself up, brushed myself off a little, and fully blushing at this point told her if she ever wanted to get closer to God to call the number...then I got back on my bike and laughed for a good 7 more blocks...SO EMBERASSING!
The bikes also tend to make one a little crazy...We are on track to baptize off of Avenue L and especially these two investigators that live right on top of each other. So trying to talk to the investigator upstairs and walk into the downstairs investigators house I so gracefully walked right into the door...hitting my forehead smack in the middle...it was sooooo beautiful and again my companion then couldn't keep from laughing...oh dear...what is one to do...""""""""""""""""" End of Hna. Birds email
Isn't she SO funny!! Luckily I havent tripped or hurt myself in anyway....yet (knock on wood). We seriously have so many funny things happen each day. It is sometimes really ridiculous!! We actually end up laughing most of the time.
We became best friends with the sheriff here-Ramon Hernandez.....We got his card in our bags in case of emergency. so tight!
We took some really cute pics----I will have to sned more soon. I sent a collage thing to mom----SO CUTE! I wish I had more but oh well.
Have a good week!!! I will talk to you on Sunday!!! YAYAY!!!
Loveyou-Sarah
One of the recent converts here in Galveston has that scripture on her wall and I loved it! I really feel like Heavenly Father will give us the strength to fulfill all that He asks of us. Sometimes it is really difficult to press forward-especially when you are tired and sweaty. The Lord gives us strength to resist temptation and to come unto Jesus Christ. We just have to be aware of His hand in our lives. Once you learn to be worthy and recognize the spirit you realize how often it will help guide you in your life. It is one of the greatest things I have been able to recieve here.
This week went well. another week on bikes---except it is getting SUPER humid. Like on sat. we had to go home and change our clothes we were so sweaty. like you know the sweat lines on the back of your shirt from wearing your backpack....yes, please picture the magic of a moment like that. SO HOT! I need to better learn how to crive my bike one handed so I can have a fan going in the other! LOL
MOTHERS DAY!!! YEAH!!! I am SO excited to talk to ya'll on Sunday. SO awesome! I promise I am not going to be awkward. It is my ultimate goal on my mission to still be a human being. :) MOM and Dad you should have recieved the call info in emails. Mom you need to call me at 3 pm my time. :)
We have an awesome new investigator Kelvin----he is from Nicaragua. So cool! He came to church on sunday and we have a noche de hogar set up for tonight with an awesome family in the ward. It is going to be cool. He is SO getting baptized. We just have to get him to stop smoking---story of my life.
The elders had a baptism on Sunday nad me and my comp were in charge of the Restoration message while they were changing. She played the paino(so good) and I sang. It turned out really well!!
I am including my companions email in this because she is seriously hilarious!!! She says things way better than I do. enjoy some of the funny moments that happened this week. Really though.....it is HOT here! I am so nast!
Hermana Birds email----
"""""""Ok so this week was absolutly amazing. I thought that I would start with a little info about the island, the apartment, basically mission life in Galveston...just to five everyone a little window into my life.
The apartment looks out to a swampy, marsh, pools of water...thing...it's super pretty and in the morning I like to make my little fruit smoothie and sit out and watch the sun come up..super magical and ultra relaxing. We also like to go take walks on Seawall which is this wall the backs up to the sea...so pretty.
Now remember this is an island and so I'm still trying to get accustomed to the island folk...a lot different than those that you find in Houston...all very tan and tend to walk around in bathing suits or wearing very little...They also always refer to the storm, "Before the Hurricane", "When the storm came"...etc. For many people it was a really faith building experience... so that's good!
The humidity is KILLER!!!! Like I walk out side and I feel that I am breathing in CUPS of water...I fear that one day I will drown of all the humidity! You sweat so easily and it is not an unfamiliar thing to have to change shirts in the middle of the day...we just sweat so much. I just want to give a shout out to Aaron Young who gave me the great advice to bring hankerchiefs. THANK YOU! My hair is always strongly humidified and I always look SUPER ugly...but I that still doesn't take away from the sister crushes forming. I recently had to save my companion(hna richards) from a 48 year-old man from Honduras, Juan...we are teaching his roommate Kelvin who is progressing so quickly. However Kelvin had to confront Juan about his many comments, stares, and innappropriate "linger-longers" (hand shakes that seem to last longer than they should, haha)...Juan said and I quote, "Kelvin, why can't you just let us be in love!"...Kelvin was then soo confused and asked us sincerely, "Hermana Richards, you are not in love with Juan?" Hermana Richards replied in such a way so as never to be miss understood, "NOOOOOOOOOOO, NUUUUUNNNNCCCCCAAA" (with a very animated and pioniative hand motion accompaning the answer)...so we have to pretty much stay away from him from now on! HAHA!
The bikes can sometimes trip up your feet, especially while speaking to others or attempting to talk to people sitting on their porches...the other day I was trying to speak to a woman whose dog absolutley was going to bite me if I came any nearer to the fence...so while trying to worry about the dog, get out a pass-a-long card and get off my bike..I so gracefully took a nice big fall onto thier front lawn...causing my so loving companion(hna. richards) to brakeout into uncontrolled laughter, the woman continuing to scream at the dog and me telling me that the dog bites....so I picked myself up, brushed myself off a little, and fully blushing at this point told her if she ever wanted to get closer to God to call the number...then I got back on my bike and laughed for a good 7 more blocks...SO EMBERASSING!
The bikes also tend to make one a little crazy...We are on track to baptize off of Avenue L and especially these two investigators that live right on top of each other. So trying to talk to the investigator upstairs and walk into the downstairs investigators house I so gracefully walked right into the door...hitting my forehead smack in the middle...it was sooooo beautiful and again my companion then couldn't keep from laughing...oh dear...what is one to do...""""""""""""""""" End of Hna. Birds email
Isn't she SO funny!! Luckily I havent tripped or hurt myself in anyway....yet (knock on wood). We seriously have so many funny things happen each day. It is sometimes really ridiculous!! We actually end up laughing most of the time.
We became best friends with the sheriff here-Ramon Hernandez.....We got his card in our bags in case of emergency. so tight!
We took some really cute pics----I will have to sned more soon. I sent a collage thing to mom----SO CUTE! I wish I had more but oh well.
Have a good week!!! I will talk to you on Sunday!!! YAYAY!!!
Loveyou-Sarah
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