I Have A New Companion!

October 21, 2011


My District- 2B



Magandan Umaga Pamilya!!!!

So apparently, I write really detailed...i'm sorry if I give you so much detail, I can't help it...if it's too much...let me know :) I get teased here too because we only get 30 min to write back to everyone so that doesn't leave me much time to type my big post...but luckily I type really fast...and everyone just teases me a lot :) It's cool...I can take it! Basta!

To answer your questions Mom: The Red star that Pres. Stott had by my name...not sure which thing you're talkin about. There was a red dot the "dork dot" on my name tag for the first 3 days I got here to show that I was new. And then when i went into my interview with him he had a star by my name because he needed to ask me about my background. Because I had a unique story, and got special permission to be there. Thats what that was regarding! haha I believe I have received all of your packages that you have sent and THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!! I can't even tell you how lucky/ grateful I am to have such an amazing family back home that takes care of me! Thank you! That is way too crazy that you saw Jenny Powell at the post office! haha Yeah...her son, Elder Powell just took off to the Philippines this week. He is going to be a fantastic missionary! No doubt about it, especially knowing his amazing family!

This week was such an amazing week. Definately the best week I've had yet in the mission field. Well, at the MTC! haha :) Um...we had that companion switch and so Sis. Morton is now my companion. It was my first week I was able to have a real companionship inventory and actually plan and teach lessons with a companion! It was fantastic...I now understand why they give you a companion and you don't just fly solo! :)

Mom...first of all I thought of you several times this week. I noticed that they have an Emergency Prep plan of evacuation at our dorms...I thought you'd be happy about that. And then, oddly enough, that same day we had a fire drill and they took us out of our classes. We didn't know if it was real or fake...but it was great! And I saw some cute ladies dressed in their CERT training outfits and totally thought of you, and how you'd be so proud about all of their safety guidelines and emergency prep work that goes into the MTC! haha

I have been deathly ill this week...ok so not deathly ill...but really sick. I caught what I thought was a cold, and then it completely took my voice away my throat was killing me. My voice has been gone for the past 3 days, and finally it is returning again! :) For some reason though, I had to teach like 5 investigator discussions in the last 3 days, and I have been able to talk at all of them. Not very well, but able to at least! It was great, because when I got sick I was able to receive a blessing from the Elders in my new district. I love, love, LOVE them! They are so sweet and cute and just awesome Elders. It was so powerful to have all 8 of them stand around me in a circle and give me a blessing.  It was awesome...so proud of them!

MY DISTRICT  IS OFFICIALLY THE OLDEST DISTRICT IN MY ZONE NOW!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO crazy!!! The Older district, and our mentors all left this week to the Philippines! They left multiple days, but they're all there now and it's crazy to think about them! On sunday it was awesome because they all got up and sung "Called to Serve". They started out singing in English, and finished singing in Tagalog! There were lots of tears of happiness, excitement, nerves, and love that day! And lots of hugs too!! The spirit was so strong when they were singing. To look up there and see all of these amazing people that don't know what quite to expect, but are so willing to go out and serve the Lord. It was such a sight to behold!

This week is our 4th week here, and on Monday that starts our 5th week according to the MTC schedule! It is crazy to think I am about half way done with my MTC time. It has flown by...not gonna lie, the first week or so was pretty rough....but lately it has been soo fast! Now that we are the oldest DISTRICT, we got a new district added to our zone. They came in on Wed. I just prayed soo hard for them before they came, and even after I still do, because I remember how rough it was for me! I actually know a girl from high school that is now in our zone, her name is Danielle Tamang. Also there is another sister going to the philippines, in a different zone but her name is Laura Schummway (probably spelled her last name wrong) but both sisters are great, soo nervous right now, but they'll do great! Also I see random people here ALL the time that I know. It's awesome!

Elder Scott was our visiting General Authority this tuesday for our devotional! It was soo wonderful. I just love him! He is soo sweet. He gave such a great talk and really got everyone pumped up about being missionaries, and the power that the room holds from all of us sitting in it. Something he did promise us was that we would find our eternal companion and would be blessed for serving. I just got in there and I told the elders, whenever you here Elder Scott talk about his sweet wife, it is soo tender and he is so cute, that is a man who you oughta be takin advice from! :)

When we were sitting in the Cafeteria I got to meet a cute older couple sitting next to us. They are getting ready to go on a mission to the Philippines together. They both served seperately there many years ago. I just thought, that is what I want some day. It really is! That is so sweet, and they're so happy and they're going to do a lot of good. That same day, I walked out and I saw another senior missionary couple and they had their little girl with them that had down syndrome. I thought of Kenna & Brad. Some day that will be them, and it is going to be soo great! All 3 of them wearing their name tags!

This week, I found my drive for missionary work. Truly I did. Um...we have this brother that I can't remember if I've told you about him or not, but Bro. Ward- one of the teachers here- he isn't really my teacher, but he wanders and helps people when they need it. He came by to see how Sis. Morton and I were doing and he saw this huge lesson plan sitting on my desk. he just asked what the heck it was? haha He's like wow, you've got every word you're gonna say written out. I just told him well yeah, because if it's not written out, I can't say it because I can't speak that well yet. He just took it from us and told us, yes you can. So...we went and taught without it. It went great! Later on, he just talked to us about being a cookie cutter missionary. Seriously, the spirit was SO strong when he was talking to me. I had the best feeling in the world. Because that's why I'm here. He told me that the Lord has been preparing me. That I have gone through my experiences, and trials and my life for a reason. Everything that I have experienced, whether in relationships, or with anything, all of that can be applied to my mission. He said the rest is set. He said your companions, your mission pres, the people you'll teach. All of that has been set already. It's like it's already happened. There are people out there who need to hear something specifically from me, and I'm going to be there to do it. I just have to work my hardest now to be able to do that. He told me never to try and be a cookie cutter missionary. Be myself. Teach unique to me. When I talk to people, I don't have to try and give them the "correct answer" because there is no such thing. Use my knowledge, my experiences to benefit them. That's what I'm supposed to be doing, and that is what I am going to do. But he also stressed you HAVE to get to know them and connect. You have to care for them because people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

I now have firm testimony of this. My lessons and discussions go sooo much better when I don't just think ok I'll teach them about the restoration first, then plan of salvation, then the commandments...and so on. My purpose is to get to know them and help themn come unto Christ. I do that, but finding out who they are, and what they need. I can't help them until I know that! I just can't. I am a representative of Jesus Christ. Do you know how much responsibilty that carries? Psh...I do now! My responsibilty is to share with them and help them just as Christ would if he were here to do that.

Bro. Ward then gave us a homework assignment to watch Elder Hollands 2009 conference talk called: Safety for the Soul. EVERYONE should read this talk! The testimony that Elder Holland bears about the Book of Mormon is soo powerful, and so undeniable. Actually Mom..do you think you could possibly print it out and send it to me?! thanks much...i love you :)

I know that this church is true. I know that people are being prepared every day to find the Gospel. I know that God loves us so much, and that all he wants is for us to be at peace and have happiness. I know that I am doing his work, and there is nothing greater I could ever do in my life than serve him. I have seen his power and influence in my life, and he is teaching me more and more every day. I love this church, I love it's leaders. I love my family and I am so blessed to be able to spend eternity with them. That in itself holds such great happiness and power! I am soo grateful for the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the power of prayer. I am soo grateful for the people here at the MTC, and for the people I am going to be meeting soon in the philippines. I do not know them yet, but I love them.

I love all of you..sorry again for another long post :)

Mahal Kita & Bahala Na!


L to R:
Sister Blake,  Sister Morton,  Sister Tamang,  Sister Allen

So all the Elders think I'm pretty cool cuz we all try & turn our cups upside down!  This is a poor example because it spilled a little bit, but I wanted you to see an activity we do every meal pretty much!



Sincerely,

Ahhhh, Sunday...A Day of Rest.......Not So Much



My 2nd District @ MTC in front of the Temple




  October 14, 2011


Well first of all...I like Dadalog a LOT better than Tagalog!  haha!  Your letters & box of goodies were much appreciated!  In fact...I'm still appreciating the rolo's as I'm writting this letter!
You asked me a little while ago what we did on Sundays...
Sundays:

Wake up @ 6:30 am.   Study time till 8:00 am breakfast.   Study time till 9:30 am when we watch Music & the Spoken Word.   Relief Society a@ 10:00 am.   11:00 am study time.   12:10 pm- District Mtg.   Lunch @ 1:00pm.   1:45 Sacrament Mtg. (which by the way you have to prepare a 5 min. talk for every Sunday.  They announce who will be speaking @ the beginning of the mtg!).   2:45 pm Temple walk with District.  3:35 pm Interviews with coordinating Sister.   Then study time till 4:30 pm choir practice.  5:45 pm dinner.  7:00 pm MTC Fireside.   8:00 pm Church Film.   9:00 pm Daily planning.   10:15 Quiet time.   Lights out @ 10:30 pm.

Every day is so planned out.  It's crazy trying to get everything done.  Even P-Day is like that.  But, It's good!
So, apparently I talk a LOT in my sleep!  I didn't think I talked that often, but since I've been here I've dreamed every night & been talking a lot.  This morning the Sisters were all laughing at me when I woke up.  They said last night I kept talking in Tagalog!   "Alam ka po na totoong pro peta po si Thomas A. Monson"...etc haha.  "I know that..............."  We were all laughing!  That' a good sign, right?  Talking in Tagalog in my sleep!
So I have lots of friends here Dad.   And yes, they're keepin me busy.  The Sisters are all so great & the Elders are like my Brothers. I love everyone!
Gee- I really miss your goodies & cooking!  I miss coming in and talking to you & Rusty
I know I'm on an errand, and I have truly lost myself in the work.  This is the Lord's time.


Sincerely,

This Week Has Been Amazing!



Good lookin Elders in my 2nd District here @ the MTC
L to R,  T to B
Elder SenSen,  Elder La'ulu,  Elder Alldredge,  Elder Montierth,  Elder Bell,  Elder Bradshaw,  Elder Bartleson,
Elder Westenschow





Me and Sister Morton, my new companion



Sister Morton told me she could plug her nose with her mouth---This is my pathetic attempt to do it too :)

 


  October 14, 2011

Kamusta Pamilya!?!?!

So...this week has been amazing! For me...it has been the first week where I have really enjoyed myself at the MTC! So...we actually had a little change yesterday. Sis. Maiava and I are no longer companions! Pres. Stott met with us because both our teachers, our District Leader, our Coordinating Sister, and our Training Leader all met with him and expressed to him that Sis. Maiava needed extra help because she doesn't understand the language and wasn't able to learn very well.  Earlier this week Bro. Cook, my fav teacher...met with us and said you know what, I want you guys to spend 10-15 min preparing your lessons for the investigators- just do a basic outline, and mainly focus on learning Tagalog...nothing else! It was crazy...I think I already wrote Mom & Dad a letter and expressed the amazing power of prayer that I witnessed...we had a cool experience. :) Later that night, however...we had a really weird experience too. Sis. Morton & I went into the custodial closet- because we needed to have a closet prayer where we could actually pray out loud! Anyways, we did this, and then after we were talking about how being here has been a struggle. She was talking about how at times she questioned why she was here and she had thoughs come to her about it being true or not. She knew it was, but then right as she said "Satan is really working hard right now" as she said Satan the lights turned off in the closet. We both jumped up and got a terrible feeling. We walked out of the closet and I just started to cry- I told her that I had a terrible feeling inside- and that something didn't feel right. She said the same thing and we both just talked about how real Satan is. He is so real, and he's not very happy with us right now. A few nights ago Sis. Morton was talking to me and I was trying to comfort her about her companion. They weren't getting along very well, and I felt bad- but then she just threw her hands up and said "It's because I asked for a challenging mission" and I just started laughing. She was like "What, why are you laughing at me?" and I just said...you asked for a challenging mission too? Dang...we were dumb! haha Why did we ask for challenges? hahaha then we laughed together. Also, I found out that Sis. Morton almost extended her mission too- but for whatever reason we both decided to go when we did. I am so grateful, because I seriously can't imagine being here without any of the Sisters in my district/ zone/ or any of them really for that matter! I love them all! I am very sad because of this companion change I will be changing districts. :( Sis. Maiava & Sis. Funaki will be companions now, which is good because they both speak Tongan & Samoan so they can communicate with each other. And Sis. Morton & I are now companions and I love her...she is so fantastic, I know it will be great! :) 

     I got to teach Sis. Maiava how to run a vacuum & how to clean sinks & toilets this week for our service activity...that was fun! I realized....she has only had tile floors so she never knew how to use a vacuum before, it was cute :)  We also got a new teacher...well We had Bro. Cook and now we have Bro. Trebas too! It turns out our first investigator we were teaching...Dennis...yeah well his real name is Bro. Trebas...and he is now our new teacher! haha YOu should have seen the look on all of our faces when we walked into class and saw that he was there! It was awesome! I have been memorizing about 2 rings of notecards every day...hundreds of words- and I think of Daddy every time! I think about all those nights growing up that he would spend hours with me memorizing whatever I needed to learn! :)

     So we have this one Elder in our District, Elder Davis...he has like no joke 5 girls writing him...he TOTALLY reminds me of Elder VanPelt on the best 2 yrs....you know the guy that has a pic of all the first pres on his wall and then he turns it around and it's pictures of girls! haha it's hilarious! :) Anyways, we pass around his letters and we all analyze them...he always asks me what I think and if this girl really acts insterested in him. I just tell him Elder...calm down. If it's right...it'll be right in 2 yrs...but honestly she's at byu...so she'll probably be married and have a kid by the time you get home! haha It's fun to tease him, but he knows I'm only joking! We all wrote her letters...and she's sending us candy in the mail!

     I found out not to ask for a "Napkin" in the Philippines...it means "Tampon" haha...thought that was funny. Anyways...Oh...haha on sunday for relief society we had this lady come talk to us about how we need to wear make up and dress cute...and that we're not a good representative of Christ if we don't. They then passed out free makeup to all the sisters. It was hilarious...actually a lot of sisters were getting really offended...I felt bad. But honestly it was just weird...the spirit was not there...but I think she had good intentions.

     So yesterday...was our first time teaching at TRC...TRC is where they have the volunteers come and we practice on them. Are you kidding me?! I was totally freaking out before we went. I just told Bro. Cook before we went in there..I can't do this. I can bear my testimony, say a prayer and have a basic conversation...but I can't just ask him what he needs help with and just go with it. I dont' know enough...I can't even form complete sentences yet! haha He just told me in tagalog...I believe that you can! You'll be great Sister! Anyways...wasn't believing that...but I found out that we were team teaching because they didn't have enough volunteers that spoke tagalog...so Sis. Maiava & I taught with Elder Mac Millen (from Austrailia...I love him he's hilarious)...and Elder Sasagi (from Samoa and he's like an older bro. he used to help a lot in translating for me and Sis. Maiava) anyways we team taught these investigators. So I thought sweet, I'm not alone now. Surely they have something planned and now it won't be awkward, we'll have plenty to talk about. Well...we got in the door and sat down and no one said anything. I ended up asking ALL the questions...except for 2- 1 from Elder Sasagi & 1 from Elder Mac Millen. Then I had to ask if we could start with a prayer. Sis. Maiava said the opening prayer. Then I told him I knew he was already a member- but asked what he was expecting/ hoping to get out of this lesson. He said something along the lines of to feel the spirit and receive revelation- he's only been home from his mission since July. He served in Baguio! So then I asked him if we could read a scripture in the Aklat ni Mormon together Heleman 5:12. I figured that was a good one because he's an RM and I'm sure he's built his rock upon the Redeemer- and that if he has a sure foundation, nothing can move him! So anyways...I asked him to read the scripture out loud. After that Sis. Maiava bore her testimony. then the elders followed and bore their testimony. I concluded by telling them I know we're not good at tagalog- but that I also have a testimony. Alam ko po noa mahal po tayo ng Diyos at Bibiyayahan po kayo ng Diyos. Alam ko po na totoo po ang Aklat ni Mormon at totoong propeta po si Thomas S. Monson. Alam ko po na mahalaga po ang panalangin at Totoo po ang Simbahan ni Jesucristo. Sa pangalin ni Jesucristo, Amen. Hopefully that made sense...cuz thats pretty much what I said. My basic testimony haha :) Anyways, I then asked him to say the closing prayer, he did. and then thanked him for letting us come and teach him. Oh my goodness are you seeing a pattern?!?! I was the one FREAKING OUT before we went in there...and then when we got in there if I didn't do the talking it was just awkward silences...so I just ended up doing ALL the talking! haha We walked out and Elder Mac Millen just said well...Sis. Allen you're gonna make a great missionary and we all laughed! It was hilarious! We then taught another investigator and it went about the same way. After we got done the guy that we were taught just told me Sister, you have a perfect accent! He told me I sounded like a Filipina and seriously to not loose that accent! I was SOOO excited!!!!! :) Yay!! I'm sure he was just being kind, but it gave me hope, becauase I was feelin a little discouraged about my language skills! So guess what?!?! Then I walked out of the room and I saw Danielle Hoopes!!!! (The sweet sister that served in my mission that was giving me all the advice before I came to the MTC) I love her! It totally made my day I just started to cry and told her this was really hard! I don't think I cried becuase it was hard...I was more crying just because I was SO excited to see her! Ah!!! It made my day! So anyways, then we got evaluated on our teaching skills and all Bro. Cook said was I am going to be so sad you're not in our class anymore! You did fantastic. See, I told you you could do it! :) It was a good day!!!

     Um...then we went back to our residence hall and had to switch rooms. Have I mentioned I'm excited about my new companionship?! I really am kind of sad about loosing Sis. Maiava...but she's still in my zone so I'll still see her a lot!

Bro. Cook told us a quote from Pres. Kimball he said: "There is no secret to missionary work. It's just that: work!" It is soo true, it's the best work I could be doing. I am lovin it here, and I know it's what you do best, but you really don't have to worry about me! I am doing fine! I love you all, and thank you for all of your prayers. When Pres. Noble set me apart he told me that when I remember my family; to picture them kneeling & offering prayer on my behalf- and to remember the power that that holds. I know that some days, that has been what has gotten me through! I love you, and I know this church is true, and it bring so much happiness!

xoxox

Bahala Na!

Sincerely,

Learning the Ropes...

Oct. 12, 2011



How cool is this?
Elder Bartleson bought 2 pictures;  the regular one of Christ
 and then the army of Helaman all cut out and he just
 glued the two pictures together.  It looks like
they're literally coming our of the heavens. I love it



Me & my mga sister!
L to R:
Sister Funaki,  Sister Maiava,  Sister Allen,  Sister Morton
Sister Vickers,  Sister Stromberg,  Sister Dennis, Sister Westover










Things are going great!  Today I taught our new progressing investigator, Joseph, a 75 year old widowed man.  He was so sweet.  I got really frustrated though because I can't communicate.

Bro. Cook talked to me during his normal scheduled time.  He said he's never seen someone come in here with as big of a challenge as I'm faced with.  He said that....and I immediately thought of Dad telling me..."You asked for it!" HA

Anyways, he said his recommendation would be for me to neglect my lessons & just learn Tagalog!
 He said spend about 10- 15 min.  on a basic outline for your lesson & just work on learning.  I have been running around all day trying to find an English to Samoan dictionary.  They don't sell it at the bookstore and my teacher & training leader said to try the international services.  They called a bookstore and said it was $42 and they didn't want to spend that kind of money.  She just told me that this would be good for me...I will learn patience.  Can I tell you how sick I am of hearing that?  Most people don't ever have to learn this amount of patience.  And to be honest...the last few days have been good...and I am a lot more patient.  Anyways- We decided to sit down & after tonight we are only going to speak Tagalog to each other.

Me, Sister Morton, Sister Funaki & Sister Maiava found a study room & decided we'd spend the next 3 hours learning ANG, NG, SA, MAG & I & Mayroon & a bunch of other verb conjugations & everything so we could start forming sentences.  I gave them a pep talk- & then I asked if we could kneel & pray together before we began.  I offered the prayer.  In English --&  after I said "Our Dear Father in Heaven"- I just stopped.  I couldn't say anything else- I tried to control my tears but the spirit was so strong.  After a long pause, I began again.  Asking for the spirit to be our teacher and the Gift of Tongues to be exercised.  I ended that prayer & everyone was in tears.  We all just felt the huge, overwhelming surge of the spirit. 
Anyways, life is good.  It's taken time- but my head is finally in the right place.  I just needed to forget myself.  Truly, that is the key.


Sincerely,

1st P-Day @ the MTC!!




Me and sis. Maiava
1st Companion

  


                                                                                                                              Friday, October 07, 2011


Magandang Gabi Pamilya!!!!!

So this is my first official P Day @ the MTC!!! Yay! It is soo busy, It's 3:47 right now and we had a temple session this morning we had to be dressed and ready to go by 7 am this morning...I literally have not sat down all day long! So P Day is not a vacation...at all! haha It's super busy!

First of all Mom, Yes, please go ahead and post everything on the blog...unless you think it's something I'd be embarrassed by or somethin lol but I think for the most part you're ok to post everything I write! Also...can you send me Kari & Kenna & Kelly's addresses? I realized I dont have them and I have a letter I want to send to Shawn! Some of the elders in my district wrote a cute little note to him too! I love the Elders...they're like my brothers! They make me laugh every day!

This was my second week here...I finally got to take my "dork dot" off! When you first get here for the first couple of days they have you wear this bright orange dot on your name tag so that everyone knows you're have no idea what you're doing. haha I kind of liked it because it was a disclaimer if I didn't know what I was doing, but then we had to take it off on that sunday when we finished reading the white handbook of how things work around here!  Also, Elder Mac Millen and I get teased because we miss shopping...and of course I really do, so instead of my daily mall trip, I make my daily byu missionary bookstore trip! haha It's fun...only instead of buying some sweet things...I get notecards, or...a new highlighter haha :)

Also, you'll be happy to know that I have had to get over my fear of public restrooms and showers...I realized that after the first couple days...I better just get used to it..there's not use prolonging the inevitable.  Oh...and another thing is my english is getting worse...already! yay...also not a really good sign haha

Oh...Mom, something you might be really excited to know is that I get to make a phone call out to you when I get ready to fly out to the Philippines. I didn't know that till the other day when I was in the travel office with my companion, they said that I could make a phone call to my parents from the airport to talk for a minute! So...yay! Just less than a couple months and I'll get to talk to you for a minute!

This week...not gonna lie...it was a rough one! Really rough...Tues night we had a devotional, which we always do and one of the General Authorities always come to talk to us. Afterwards, we were all talking about it and discussing what we liked and what we needed to hear. Elder Sasagi (who I LOVE!) is from Samoa and he got  up and bore his testimony and all he said was "Before I left here, my Dad sat me down and told me that on my mission, I would have 3 things. That was the Name of my Ward, The name of my Stake, and the name of my Family on my Badge. Go out there, and come back with honor. Don't let those people down." After that all he said was "I would rather go home in a coffin than go home early." I started to tear up as he said that. That is so true. He is doing such a great thing for his family, and setting such an example. He is not letting them down, I can guarantee that!

The day I was having the hardest day, Elder Sasagi sat down with Sis Maiava (my companion) and I and I asked him to talk and help translate so that we could have a real conversation. We did, and I told her what I expected, and asked what she expected from me. It was soo good. I have a lot of respect for my Samoan brother! :)

Also, The other night they had to give Elder Hudson a blessing. He got done saying his prayers and was reading his scriptures, and he said he saw something dark coming at him. He started freaking out. Elder Davis & Elder Leasuasu gave him a blessing and it was alright. That experience to me was weird...but also...Satan is very real. 

Sister Morton (my angel) and I were talking and we were trying to decide why we were so lucky to be given extra challenges at the MTC...not just the regular ones that are expected to come with it. haha When I was talking to Sister Morton mentioned this story, which I love. She said it's about man that visited Heaven and he looked down on this world full of people.  She singled down on this one area and saw people on the street. She saw a few people walking, and a minion was following them around, and then turned around and saw another person walking and they had a group of minions around them. He told God, wow, that person must be really evil doing a lot of bad things and God just responded. No, actually that person is one of the more righteous. They are doing what they need to, and it only takes one minion for the other people, but it takes more to persuade the other because of their strength they're all trying to bring that person down.  Fake story- yes I'm sure...true concept...I belive it! I seriously belive that there are so many spirits from the other side. In fact at our fireside we were promised we had help from those on the other side of the veil, if we live worthy and do our best.

Well, anyways Sis Maiava and I taught Dennis...4 times actually! My lessons are improving, and so is my language...although...I still have absolutely no idea what I'm saying...and I feel bad for those who have to listen to me...It must be boring! haha  Anyways, we got to our 3rd lesson and we talked about Faith in Christ, Repentance and Baptism. At the end I felt prompted to challenge Dennis (our investigator) to baptism, and told him we were holding a baptisimal service on October 28th. He said the idea sounded good...but he didn't think he would be ready. Then I asked him to continue to read and pray specifically about baptism this week with his wife, and asked if we could come by again. So, the next day we taught the 4th lesson. I asked him if he had prayed, and he said yes. That he got goose bumps and a really peaceful feeling.  I explained that that feeling was espiritu santo...the spirit...and that it was from Diyos, from God! I had this whole lesson planned out for that day so we could go over Obedience, Prayer, Scriptures, and the Sabbath day. We got in the room...and it didn't feel right. So...i scratched the whole lesson and used my poor, broken up tagalog...and we said an opening prayer together. After which I asked him how his prayer went (thats when he told me about the whole goosebump thing and I explained the spirit) and thats when I just felt that I needed to bear my testimony. So...I did. As I bore my testimony I cannot even explain to you how strong the spirit was! It was incredible. I started to cry a little...and then I said Pasensiya (sorry) and continued on with my testimony. Then Sist Maiava added her testimony and I felt prompted again to invite him to baptism on a specific day. This time he accepted and asked me a little more about how it worked. I explained it's in tubig (water) and hand motioned a person going under water hahaha that was the best I could do to explain it.

After we finished teaching Dennis, we watched a video that night in class of a video Dennis made for all of us missionaries that taught him.  In it, he said that it was super awkward when he first started meeting with us (haha sooo true!) but that over time when he got to know us, and know what we were really all about, that he grew to love us! He said his conversion really started when one of the missionaries asked him. "Do you belive in God?" and then he answered...and then the Missionary followed up with..."Why?". He said that really got him thinking about why he really did belive in God, and all of the miracles he's witnessed in his life. I am soo happy to say that I was the Missionary who asked him that. I remember asking him that because earlier in the discussion he asked me about where my family was, I explained away from me, and he asked me why...and I stumbled because I didn't know how to respond. So...I asked him why...because I felt I should pay him back and make him explain a little more to me haha. I am soo glad that he felt the Spirit...and that I didn't totally screw it up! (can I say that...I know I'm a missionary) haha I don't know. It has been a crazy experience. I am so blessed for it though. My testimony definately increased though because I know, that I am not on my own. Brother Cook, my teacher said that the reason why they don't give us a lesson plan or help us prepare our lessons is because they want to throw us in it and see how we do. They want us to struggle and feel like we have no where to go, other than to God. Well...they did that. And...it worked! :) I know that I'm not alone when I teach those lessons. I also know, that I'm not the one talking during those lessons, hopefully anyways...God is in everything!

Well, I love you all, and I am so grateful for this Gospel, and for my challenges and exciting times here!

xoxoxo

Miss you all!

Bahala Na!





So...Sister Sharp wrote my name on the paper towel dispenser and she taped it on there.  She did that the first week we were here and it's still on there!  I smile every morning!

 

We Have Arrived!!!!



Right after we all got settled in our new room!
These cute girls are all in a different zone (except for Sis. Maiava) but they're also all going to the Philippines & we hang out with them a lot!  We are all wearing our "DORK DOT" still.
From top to bottom;  L to R
Sister Dennis,  Sister Maiava,  Sister Westerman,  Sister Stromberg,  Sister Allen,  Sister Vickers

 

My 1st District- 2 Day at MTC


 





From L to R, Back to Front
Elder Orth, Elder Hudson, Elder Leasuasu, Elder Daviis, Elder Klein Kin, Elder Mac Millen,  Elder Sasagi,  Elder Edvalson, Sister Maiava,
Sister Allen

                                                                                                                Saturday, October 01, 2011

Kumusta Pamilya?!

Haha...thats about all I know...just kiddin. Actually yesterday I taught my first discussion in Tagalog! To a progressing investigator...that went....interesting!

I don't really know where to start! Life is CRAZY at the MTC! First off..I want to thank you for the package! The food is fantastic here...but if you could send more protein bars my way, I'd appreciate it! I miss them!

Day 1.....got here, Elders were super sweet. First thing out of their mouth was...How are you not married? :) I just laughed...if only they knew! The church is soo organized! You drop your bags off at your room, hurry through a line to pick up all of your learning materials, and then get escorted to get your badge, take your picture and get name tag, and then go to your classroom...which will be my home away from home for the next 9 weeks! Our teacher ONLY speaks Tagalog to us. We got to do an orientation thing on the computer, and then started learning! It was only me and 5 Elders when I first got there. Later I was able to meet my Kasama (companion), Sister Maiava! She is from Samoa! Unfortunately, she speaks Samoan...and not English...like AT ALL! So...instead of at least having a companion to help me out with everything...I'm totally on my own! It was really really frustrating the first couple of days. Like the 2nd day when it took me 2 hours to try and communicate " do you have your immunization card?" and we went to like 3 places looking for it...and it was in her backpack the entire time. The only reason we eventually found that out was becuase, thank goodness, we ran into another Samoan Elder that was able to communicate with her. I lost it when I had to try and tell her to meet me at a building after she was done with her shots, and she couldn't understand. SOO FRUSTRATING!!  I had a melt down at the immunization building. Tears started coming to my eyes, and luckily Sister Morton & Sister Youngberg (2 other Sisters in my Zone) saw me and quickly gave me a hug. One of the volunteer Elders (an older man) just saw me and said I have a lot of extra blessings coming to me. That it takes a special person to handle what I'm being given. Well...keep em comin...keep the challenges headin my way haha :) I'm doing much better now. I've realized that's even more of a reason I need to learn how to speak Tagalog quickly.  But seriously, I get frustrated a lot with it. The thing that keeps us going is the fact that I know she loves the Lord. She has a testimony, and she is here because she wants to help others. We're both here for the right reason, and even though I get frustrated, I love Sister Maiava to death! She is so wonderful, and we've just had to find other ways to communicate. Now that we're learning a little more of the language it's getting a little easier. Our President was talking to us and one of his counselors said that if we are worried about the language it's a pride thing. Well...I guess I've got to work on that. He said seriously if I focus on the Gospel, the language will come and not to worry. So...I'll do it! :)

One thing I am grateful for is this experience reminds me a lot of my old Roommate Assenet. I am grateful for her because I feel like that experience prepared me to be here now. Because remember when Assenet first moved here from Mexico

she didn't speak a lick of english...and I got frustrated because I had to teach her all of her english? At least at that time I could speak spanish a little bit to communicate the basics...now I've got nothin...but it prepared me for her. It's the same thing. I have to be "Mom". Help her pay for things, take her places, communicate things to her again, help her do everything. It's good for me though,by galli the Lord will teach me patience!

Yesterday was really the first day I felt "Mabuti" here! (good) I enjoyed myself. I am loving the Elders and Sisters in my district. Sister Maiava and I have made friends with sister Morton & Sister Funaki, and we all get along really well! The Elders in my district act like they're 10...but I love it too! They are fantastic, and good guys! I actually ran into a few friends here too! It's fun to see them and where they're going. Also...I ran into Bud's nephew! Brother Powell! He is going to Quezon City Philippines, and he has been here 7 weeks. The elders in his district told me he is amazing at the language and catching on really well!

As far as my running goes Kenna, you'll be proud...another Sister, Sister Ycmatt from Bountiful Utah loves to run too! The 2 of us go running...and I've been able to run about 2.5 miles at least a day...kinda keepin it up! :)

Yesterday Sister Maiava and I taught our first progressing investigator! It is amazing...I can already introduce myself, ask questions, say please and thank you, say prayers and bear my testimony in Tagalog! I get frustrated a lot with the language. I just want to learn it faster, and I have so much to learn still in order to communicate effectively! But...I do have to realize I've really only been here for 3 days!!! That's pretty good...I guess!

By the way, I asked my teacher to make sure that "Bahala Ka" means "It's up to you" and he said yes...but in a negative way. haha he said it means like "It's your funeral" hahaha...I just laughed and told him that was the title of my blog at home! He said I should change it to "Bahala Na"...that that was more positive! So here in the MTC I only get 30 minutes to write on P day. My P day is regularly on Fridays, but with conference, this week is a little missed up. I actually don't get a P day! Unfortunately, my 30 minutes is up...and I'm realizing I am very grateful I can type quickly too...or else I wouldn't have even gotten this much down!

Love you guys more than you know!!!! The Gospel is true, and I am lucky enough to share that with others!

PS PLEASE keep the letters comin...I didn't realize how grateful I would be to get them...but it keeps me going! :)

And So It Begins...

September 27, 2011

Kimberly Allen was set apart as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by  (R to L) President Nobel, 

 Stake President,     Assisted by Lance Allen, father,   Kirtis Kennard & Bradley Mills, brothers-in-law



Also in attendance were:  (L to R)
Kari , sister;  Kelly , sister;  Kim;   Kathy , mother;  Maurine , grandmother;  Kenna , sister



Wednesday, September 28, 2011 was a bitterweet day!  After a brief "Good-bye" at the park across the street...a few tears and a lot of hugs and kisses....we all piled into the car and drove into the MTC.
When we got there we were assigned a number on the sidewalk to drive to....Open the door, missionaries surrounded the car...ask:  "Where's your luggage?"...Got luggage....got girl and off they went.....
The Elders reassured her that she didn't have to carry a thing....Our last good-bye was more of a drive-by.
Of course she walked off all excited and happy while the parents were left in rubble....
Kimberly will be a fantastic missionary.  The words of King Benjamin seem to ring in our ears, "When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God."  And what better service can there be than share your testimony of Jesus Christ with the world.  Bahala Na!!
We love you Kimberly!  We'll always be with you!!!
Mom and Dad


Saying our "Good-byes" at the park across from the MTC