Hey, I could add John on the list now! I hope that all went wonderfully at the wedding today. My thoughts were with you and I'm glad that it has turned into such a nice day. Please give me all the details on what happened/will happen today. It was great to hear from all of you this week, thank you so much for writing. I hope that everything worked out alright with the boys being sick and that they are doing much, much better now.
Well, it's been another week here at the MTC, except that it was my last full week! I'm so excited to get to Portugal and on to new and exciting food. This week has been somewhat uneventful, but I'll try and remember some things that happened that would be good for all to hear about.
I completely forgot to mention last week that Elder Holland spoke to us in our Tuesday Night Devotional. Whoops! Well, it was fantastic! He really gave us some great advice and was sooo funny as well. I learned so much from him and I have not written that fast in so long. He talked to us about how when we have hard, discouraging days, that we need to think of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the last few days that he had on this earth. He talked about how we need to turn to Him when things get rough and to remember that perspective.
Well, we also had Sister Cook speak to us. She recounted mission experiences, which I find to be the most useful for me. I can really relate to them. Relief Society has been so wonderful here. We hear from the leading women of the Church almost every week and it's such a priviledge to be able to learn from them.
We've had some extra group meetings this week in preparation for our leaving to the field, one of which was a health meeting. Here's what I gathered: wash your hands, drink clean water and don't eat any raw meat. Pretty basic. Poor Sister Skinn doesn't know what she's getting into in Cape Verde. It's certainly going to be an adventure and a HUGE lifestyle change for her. Of the three sisters here in the branch, she's definately the most high maintenance, so I hope she's able to figure out how to get ready in the morning there. I'm sure she'll do great. She's SOOO creative.
Well, the elders have finally discovered that they can play tricks on each other--and I'm in no way discluded in this effort. They've taken to taking scriptures, books, anything pretty much, and "hiding" them throughout the room. The only thing that there is to hide anything under is desks, so that's one swell hiding place, but it is entertaining for all of us. Can you tell that we've all been in one tiny room for almost too long?
Well, only one time left in gym, which is unfortunate, because I've started to dominate over the elders. It's been really fun to play with all of them. We all have a four-square comradery amongst all of us.
We talked with Marie again this week and she kept all of her committments again, but is up against a wall of faith right now. The closest branch is two hours away and she doesn't think that she can make that kind of sacrifice. I pray that she is able to go to church and that her area opens up again very soon.
Life is good here at the MTC. It's been hard for us not to have teachers, but we've gotten through alright. I'm excited to go out and learn in the field. I went to the RC last night, because we'd had MDT all day and 11 hours of straight studying is a bit much. I did follow up calls and got one million answering machines and one million invalid numbers. It got me really excited to get to Europe.
I love you all and I hope that everything goes wonderfully today! I've been studying about hope this week and I just wanted to share very quickly about what I thought about. The word in to hope Portuguese is esperar, which has three meanings, to hope, to wait and to expect. God wants us to do all three of these things when we have hope. He will bless us, we just need to wait and expect that He will bring these blessings in His due time.
Love,
Irma Laura Thomas
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Flight Plans, Bird Noises and Makeup!
I hope that everyone is doing well. It seems as if that is the case. I would be sympathetic about the snow in Texas, but hey, it's freezing here. Here's to hoping that it's warmer in Portugal, but if not, I've got me a lot of warm clothes.
This has been a good week here at the MTC. The food all tastes the same to me, but other than that life is good. It's been interesting to not really have teachers, but we've made the best of the situation. I am amazed at the focus that my elders have. They amaze me every day. We have about twoish hours with teachers each day, so the other time we study on our own and we get together every day to do grammar reviews. I've been able to help out with those and explain things, so I'm glad to be of some use.
Two of our teachers are Irmao Hibbert and Irmao Christofferson. We met Irmao Hibbert in Portugal when he was serving in Santarem. Small world. He's been great. He cares about us and we can tell. Last Saturday he created a scavenger hunt for us to do to practice directions, which was so much fun and he always shows that he cares. That is something that I've really learned here: the importance of showing that you care and making the effort to care. That is a lesson that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. We had a great lesson last Friday from Irmao Schlappi, he takes his day off to teach us on Friday nights, about Christlike attributes that we've all taken to heart. We all discussed charity, patience, diligence and humility. These four qualities are SO important in missionary work and in life. It was a much appreciated lesson for our district and we've all been striving to have these.
I also moved seats (again) in the classroom. I was sitting underneath the vent and it was like 12 degrees in my spot and I ALWAYS had my coat on and the elders were so hot, so Sister Skinn and I moved away from the vents. It was an adventageous move for everyone.
I've always been a little disappointed in myself that I can't make good sound effects. Really. I always wished that there was something that I could do that would actually sound like the sound something else makes. Well family, that day has arrived. I can make good bird noises. Yep, that's right. I can sound just like a crow. Caw Caw! I thought I would share that with you all to let you know how much I'm growing here.
We also went to a makeup class this week that they provide for the sisters. They pretty much told us that we need to look our best and gave us free makeup. That was pretty much the only sisters time I'm going to get here and probably in Portugal as well, so it was really nice to be around women. I always look forward to Relief Society because it's SOOO nice to be around women again.
This week we had another appointment set up with Marie, the woman we chatted with in the Referral Center. We went there and I figured that we had about a 50/50 chance of her getting on to chat with us. This woman truly is amazing. 11:30am on the dot she was there and was so excited to talk with us. The first thing she said was "you don't know how many times I looked forward to talking with you again." She's read about half of the Book of Mormon and knows that it's true. She told us that she loves it because it helps clarify the Bible. AMAZING! She's going to have a hard time getting to church, as the closest branch is an hour away and the missionaries aren't in her area anymore, but I'm pretty sure she'll go. Marie has truly taken hold of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I can see the light that is in her life now. She asked us about drinking iced tea (because, don't worry, she'd already read the Word of Wisdom on her own) because she had started feeling guilty about doing it. We committed her to living the Word of Wisdom and I know that she will be so blessed for keeping this commandment. She is so incredible. I can't believe I am privileged enough to be able to help her. She is such a blessing in my life. I look so forward to talking with her again next week. We asked her to finish the Book of Mormon and I know that she will. She loves it so much.
I'm just doing great! We got our flight plans today, I leave 18 March and fly directly to Paris. I don't know what I'm going to do there, it's not like I can speak French, but I am so excited to be able to see that great city and to finally get to Portugal.
I love this work. I am so blessed to be able to be a missionary. This is the true church and Christ is at the head of it. The Book of Mormon is the word of God translated by the prophet Joseph Smith. I love you all! Have a great week!
Abraco,
Irma Laura Thomas
This has been a good week here at the MTC. The food all tastes the same to me, but other than that life is good. It's been interesting to not really have teachers, but we've made the best of the situation. I am amazed at the focus that my elders have. They amaze me every day. We have about twoish hours with teachers each day, so the other time we study on our own and we get together every day to do grammar reviews. I've been able to help out with those and explain things, so I'm glad to be of some use.
Two of our teachers are Irmao Hibbert and Irmao Christofferson. We met Irmao Hibbert in Portugal when he was serving in Santarem. Small world. He's been great. He cares about us and we can tell. Last Saturday he created a scavenger hunt for us to do to practice directions, which was so much fun and he always shows that he cares. That is something that I've really learned here: the importance of showing that you care and making the effort to care. That is a lesson that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. We had a great lesson last Friday from Irmao Schlappi, he takes his day off to teach us on Friday nights, about Christlike attributes that we've all taken to heart. We all discussed charity, patience, diligence and humility. These four qualities are SO important in missionary work and in life. It was a much appreciated lesson for our district and we've all been striving to have these.
I also moved seats (again) in the classroom. I was sitting underneath the vent and it was like 12 degrees in my spot and I ALWAYS had my coat on and the elders were so hot, so Sister Skinn and I moved away from the vents. It was an adventageous move for everyone.
I've always been a little disappointed in myself that I can't make good sound effects. Really. I always wished that there was something that I could do that would actually sound like the sound something else makes. Well family, that day has arrived. I can make good bird noises. Yep, that's right. I can sound just like a crow. Caw Caw! I thought I would share that with you all to let you know how much I'm growing here.
We also went to a makeup class this week that they provide for the sisters. They pretty much told us that we need to look our best and gave us free makeup. That was pretty much the only sisters time I'm going to get here and probably in Portugal as well, so it was really nice to be around women. I always look forward to Relief Society because it's SOOO nice to be around women again.
This week we had another appointment set up with Marie, the woman we chatted with in the Referral Center. We went there and I figured that we had about a 50/50 chance of her getting on to chat with us. This woman truly is amazing. 11:30am on the dot she was there and was so excited to talk with us. The first thing she said was "you don't know how many times I looked forward to talking with you again." She's read about half of the Book of Mormon and knows that it's true. She told us that she loves it because it helps clarify the Bible. AMAZING! She's going to have a hard time getting to church, as the closest branch is an hour away and the missionaries aren't in her area anymore, but I'm pretty sure she'll go. Marie has truly taken hold of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I can see the light that is in her life now. She asked us about drinking iced tea (because, don't worry, she'd already read the Word of Wisdom on her own) because she had started feeling guilty about doing it. We committed her to living the Word of Wisdom and I know that she will be so blessed for keeping this commandment. She is so incredible. I can't believe I am privileged enough to be able to help her. She is such a blessing in my life. I look so forward to talking with her again next week. We asked her to finish the Book of Mormon and I know that she will. She loves it so much.
I'm just doing great! We got our flight plans today, I leave 18 March and fly directly to Paris. I don't know what I'm going to do there, it's not like I can speak French, but I am so excited to be able to see that great city and to finally get to Portugal.
I love this work. I am so blessed to be able to be a missionary. This is the true church and Christ is at the head of it. The Book of Mormon is the word of God translated by the prophet Joseph Smith. I love you all! Have a great week!
Abraco,
Irma Laura Thomas
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Miraculous Chat
It was so good to hear from all of you. I love getting the updates on what is going on with everyone. I'm glad to hear that the wedding plans are going well and are moving forward. I can't believe that Jen gets married so soon! Crazy! And, to think, I'll only be about 20 minutes away. I'll be in the temple that day though, so I'll be with you all in spirit.
This week has, yet again, been a week of a lot of change for my district. We love being in a classroom with a window, but we don't really know if we'll be staying there. The TEC took Jen back, so my district is, yet again, without teachers. At least this time we only have two and a half weeks left. For this we are all grateful. Hopefully the MTC figures out what they are going to do with us.
On Sunday I was in my PEC meeting and the branch president told me that they were working on my leaving on Tuesday (like three days ago). That news completely surprised me because I thought that I was pretty much just here for the duration. So I went to the travel office on Monday to see if everything was in line and they told me, yet again, that I had not been advanced. I needed to be advanced to be able to get my visa. Clearly, this was a problem. So I talked with Irmao Harmon and he called Irmao Christoffersson, and then on Tuesday night I was finally advanced, but I won't be getting my visa for a couple of weeks, which, fortunately, is when my district leaves. At this point I'm really hoping that my visa comes in time to leave with my district. I know that everything will work out alright though. The two elders in the zone that spoke Portuguese left this week for the field, so I'm finding that my patience is growing with each day. I miss being able to work with them on the lessons, that was a great blessing for me.
Well we've had some leadership changes in the branch. I'm no longer the coordinating sister, now Sister Skinn is. We also have new zone leaders, Elders Merrill and Walker, who are in my district. They are doing a great job, but I don't think they quite realized how demanding that calling is. It is a great opportunity for them to grow and develop leadership skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
We also got a new district in this week. There were only supposed to be 3 come in, but the US is having visa problems going to Brazil, so we have 9 visa waiters here. Five got their visas and will be leaving on Tuesday (which includes the two sisters. Sad!) It's fun to have some missionaries going to Brasil. Some of them are going to be really fun to have around.
This past Wednesday was probably the best day I've had at the MTC so far. It was just a nice day to begin with (the weather is really starting to warm up here. There's no more snow on the ground!!!) and we were going to the Referral Center, which is where people call when they see a commercial from the Church and want a free Book of Mormon or Bible or Lamb of God video, etc. So we go there every Wednesday to work there and this week we were lucky enough to get a chat. Sister Skinn and I chatted with this woman named Marie. She was incredible! I was so incredibly impressed with her. She wants so badly to know that the Book of Mormon is true and I think that she knows it, she just doesn't recognize the answer that Heavenly Father has already given her. Sister Skinn and I committed her to do some reading and she was so excited to read what we assigned her. I understand now why we give people committments: it's because they want to do what is God's will and they want to come closer to Christ, they just don't know how on their own, so we help them get there. We set up a return appointment with her next week and I'm SOOOO excited! She really is incredible and I feel so blessed to have been able to help her. I can't wait to get to Portugal and meet more people and invite them to come unto Christ.
I am doing really well. I'm loving life as a missionary. I know that this is God's work and that we can all come unto Him if we repent and have faith in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. I love you all!!
Love,
Irma Laura
This week has, yet again, been a week of a lot of change for my district. We love being in a classroom with a window, but we don't really know if we'll be staying there. The TEC took Jen back, so my district is, yet again, without teachers. At least this time we only have two and a half weeks left. For this we are all grateful. Hopefully the MTC figures out what they are going to do with us.
On Sunday I was in my PEC meeting and the branch president told me that they were working on my leaving on Tuesday (like three days ago). That news completely surprised me because I thought that I was pretty much just here for the duration. So I went to the travel office on Monday to see if everything was in line and they told me, yet again, that I had not been advanced. I needed to be advanced to be able to get my visa. Clearly, this was a problem. So I talked with Irmao Harmon and he called Irmao Christoffersson, and then on Tuesday night I was finally advanced, but I won't be getting my visa for a couple of weeks, which, fortunately, is when my district leaves. At this point I'm really hoping that my visa comes in time to leave with my district. I know that everything will work out alright though. The two elders in the zone that spoke Portuguese left this week for the field, so I'm finding that my patience is growing with each day. I miss being able to work with them on the lessons, that was a great blessing for me.
Well we've had some leadership changes in the branch. I'm no longer the coordinating sister, now Sister Skinn is. We also have new zone leaders, Elders Merrill and Walker, who are in my district. They are doing a great job, but I don't think they quite realized how demanding that calling is. It is a great opportunity for them to grow and develop leadership skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
We also got a new district in this week. There were only supposed to be 3 come in, but the US is having visa problems going to Brazil, so we have 9 visa waiters here. Five got their visas and will be leaving on Tuesday (which includes the two sisters. Sad!) It's fun to have some missionaries going to Brasil. Some of them are going to be really fun to have around.
This past Wednesday was probably the best day I've had at the MTC so far. It was just a nice day to begin with (the weather is really starting to warm up here. There's no more snow on the ground!!!) and we were going to the Referral Center, which is where people call when they see a commercial from the Church and want a free Book of Mormon or Bible or Lamb of God video, etc. So we go there every Wednesday to work there and this week we were lucky enough to get a chat. Sister Skinn and I chatted with this woman named Marie. She was incredible! I was so incredibly impressed with her. She wants so badly to know that the Book of Mormon is true and I think that she knows it, she just doesn't recognize the answer that Heavenly Father has already given her. Sister Skinn and I committed her to do some reading and she was so excited to read what we assigned her. I understand now why we give people committments: it's because they want to do what is God's will and they want to come closer to Christ, they just don't know how on their own, so we help them get there. We set up a return appointment with her next week and I'm SOOOO excited! She really is incredible and I feel so blessed to have been able to help her. I can't wait to get to Portugal and meet more people and invite them to come unto Christ.
I am doing really well. I'm loving life as a missionary. I know that this is God's work and that we can all come unto Him if we repent and have faith in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. I love you all!!
Love,
Irma Laura
Friday, February 22, 2008
Onto the Third Classroom
Well this week has been great! It's been another week of change, as we are now in our third classroom here at the MTC. This was a great change because the room we were in before was a bit like a bunker, no windows, loud from the class next-door (which was only separated from us by a curtain) and poor lighting. Now we're in a room much like our first with a window and an overactive air conditioner that the elders just LOVE. I, however, wear my coat much of the time. It's been wonderful to have set teachers again. We're all praying that they don't combine our districts after this week. I am truly blessed to be able to have Jen as my teacher. I thought it would be a little weird--and it is sometimes--but it's so fun to be able to see her so much and laugh about things from the past. There have been a few times where we've started laughing about something and the rest of the district just sits and stares at us with quizzical looks on their faces. We have Irmao Cuaira and he's hilarious. He has a very different teaching style than the other teachers, which works well for some of the elders in the district, so it's been good to mix up the teaching styles so everyone can learn well.
The two elders who got here two weeks ago and already speak Portuguese are heading out this week to their missions. It's a little bit hard to see them go, but I know that I need to be here. I'm seeing little by little how the Lord has placed me here for a reason. I don't expect to know all the reasons while I'm here, but I've been blessed to see some of them so far.
This past Monday we taught in Portuguese for the first time. It was SO much fun! I LOVE teaching in Portuguese! I was amazed at how much I was able to communicate and how I felt that I was being led by the Spirit to tell our investigator what he needed to hear. I look forward to teaching more in Portuguese...actually, only in Portuguese.
A few weeks ago we got a new sister in the branch, Irma Evans. She's from Mesa and is so cute. The three of us get along really well and have a great time together. She's very easy to get along with and is so nice. We've been rooming with three other hermanas here and that has been a great experience too. Right now Hermana Anderson is our only other roommate and we all get along a little bit too well. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people. Next-door to us are our other Hermanas, who came in to the MTC the same time as us and are on our same schedule, so we've become really good friends, as well as the elders in their district. I have been very blessed to know them.
So let me again just say how much I love my district! They are so incredible to me and they help me to see why the Lord trusts we who are so young with this work. Whenever there's a little problem that comes up they want to resolve it right away, so we always talk about it, which has been very beneficial for us. They also really like the smell of girly lotion and found some Sparkly Peach lotion a few weeks ago that they use...yes, they use it. Sister Skinn brought in Exotic Coconut lotion yesterday that was a big hit with the elders. They keep me on my toes all the time. I really feel like I've gained 8 younger brothers.
I am doing really well. I love being a missionary! I had my interview with Irmao Cuaira this week and he asked me what my favorite thing about being a missionary was. I told him that it was being able to study the gospel and study the scriptures. It has been so wonderful to be able to have the time to devote to this study. It's so wonderful to have this be my whole focus. I love it!
This week at Relief Society the speaker talked about the Children's hymn "Nephi's Courage," and how it helped her to know that she can do whatever the Lord asks of us because He will provide a way. I know that this is true. I know that whatever the Lord needs of me, or of you, I'll be able to do because He has already provided the way for me to be able to accomplish it. I would encourage you all to study 1Nephi 3:7 and see why this scripture is important to you. I know that if you do this you will find comfort in the knowledge that if we rely on the Lord, He will provide for us.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Irma Laura Thomas
The two elders who got here two weeks ago and already speak Portuguese are heading out this week to their missions. It's a little bit hard to see them go, but I know that I need to be here. I'm seeing little by little how the Lord has placed me here for a reason. I don't expect to know all the reasons while I'm here, but I've been blessed to see some of them so far.
This past Monday we taught in Portuguese for the first time. It was SO much fun! I LOVE teaching in Portuguese! I was amazed at how much I was able to communicate and how I felt that I was being led by the Spirit to tell our investigator what he needed to hear. I look forward to teaching more in Portuguese...actually, only in Portuguese.
A few weeks ago we got a new sister in the branch, Irma Evans. She's from Mesa and is so cute. The three of us get along really well and have a great time together. She's very easy to get along with and is so nice. We've been rooming with three other hermanas here and that has been a great experience too. Right now Hermana Anderson is our only other roommate and we all get along a little bit too well. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people. Next-door to us are our other Hermanas, who came in to the MTC the same time as us and are on our same schedule, so we've become really good friends, as well as the elders in their district. I have been very blessed to know them.
So let me again just say how much I love my district! They are so incredible to me and they help me to see why the Lord trusts we who are so young with this work. Whenever there's a little problem that comes up they want to resolve it right away, so we always talk about it, which has been very beneficial for us. They also really like the smell of girly lotion and found some Sparkly Peach lotion a few weeks ago that they use...yes, they use it. Sister Skinn brought in Exotic Coconut lotion yesterday that was a big hit with the elders. They keep me on my toes all the time. I really feel like I've gained 8 younger brothers.
I am doing really well. I love being a missionary! I had my interview with Irmao Cuaira this week and he asked me what my favorite thing about being a missionary was. I told him that it was being able to study the gospel and study the scriptures. It has been so wonderful to be able to have the time to devote to this study. It's so wonderful to have this be my whole focus. I love it!
This week at Relief Society the speaker talked about the Children's hymn "Nephi's Courage," and how it helped her to know that she can do whatever the Lord asks of us because He will provide a way. I know that this is true. I know that whatever the Lord needs of me, or of you, I'll be able to do because He has already provided the way for me to be able to accomplish it. I would encourage you all to study 1Nephi 3:7 and see why this scripture is important to you. I know that if you do this you will find comfort in the knowledge that if we rely on the Lord, He will provide for us.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Irma Laura Thomas
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Hazards of Gym
I'm glad to know that I actually have all of your email addresses right. Things are going really really well here. It is bitter cold out right now and I am grateful that today is P-day and that I can wear pants. Knee highs only do so much for you in the way of warmth. How is everyone doing? Please keep me updated on the goings on back home! And thank you for all of the letters!
this has been a great week. I had the opportunity of speaking in church on Sunday. Each week they call two people up to speak from the stand at random and one of those was me. We already had our topic assigned to I just had to read the talk that I had already written previously. Unfortunately, I forgot that we had some ward business to attend to, so I sure did go up to the stand at the wrong time (I was already sitting on the stand because I was conducting the music.). Everyone laughed when the whole branch presidency said "Irma Thomas, Irma Thomas, you're not up yet". I was, of course, bright red, but it provided for a really funny experience to share with all of you.
I've enjoyed being able to go to all of the meetings we have in the branch. I'm involved in PEC every week and it's great because then I get to hear about what's going on in the branch and be able to put in my two cents when they ask for it. Also, it's great because they teach us protocol each week. This past week we sang "The Spirit of God" in church, which was a disaster because our pianist can't read music, but plays by ear (I regret that I can't play the piano better, but I've been practicing here, so hopefully, I'll be able to play better some day). They shared with us that this hymn should really only be sung at temple dedications and spontaneously when the Spirit is so strong that the song just bursts out. I found that so fascinating and I will always remember that now. Mom, I thought you would like to know that they teach us proper church protocol ALL the time here. They really are training us for the future.
This week I taught at the TRC like normal, but I actually knew my investigator. Crazy! It was my friend, Ryan, from Study Abroad. It was a little weird to teach him the lesson, but it was good to see him and be able to see how things were going for he and his wife. I've had some connection with all of my "investigators" at the TRC since I've come here.
Something else that happened this week was my clumsiness got in my way again. I drop whatever I'm holding or whatever is on my desk every two seconds, and poor Elder Daley (who is too much of a gentleman to not help me out) always bends over to pick up whatever I've dropped. I'm pretty grateful to sit next to him in class because I ALWAYS drop something and he's nice enough to pick it up for me and get annoyed when I beat him to it. However, this is not what I'm referring to. I got hit in the face with every type of ball that exists in the gym this week. The foursquare ball, a basketball and a volleyball. The volleyball knocked my glasses off my face and the basketball left an imprint of my glasses on my ear. Ouch. I think I may start running on the track more often.
So, as you all know, I got new teachers this week. Jen has been so great for our district. The elders can really tell that she cares about us and that has made a world of difference for them. They are learning so much because of her and love when she's in the classroom. Our other teacher is Irmao Cuaira. He's from Mocambique and he's HILARIOUS. Wow. He just tells random stories about his life right now that make us all laugh. We are so grateful to have teachers again and it's been wonderful. We have Irmao Schlappi tonight and we're all really excited.
So yesterday was Valentine's Day and the elders in my district, who are SOO wonderful to me and Sister Skinn, gave us a picture of our whole district and a picture of most of the elders in the district, as well as a box of candy hearts. My elders are truly so amazing. They love us so much and show it by how they treat us. They are really protective of us and make sure that we always have the best. I really could not have a better district--and everyone, including us, knows it.
I read in Acts 9 this week about the life of Paul and it was so interesting to me to see how merciful the Lord is to us. He always gives us another chance, always. He wants the best things for us and truly wants us to come back to live with Him again. I love this gospel. I know it is so true with all that is in me.
I love you all and hope that you have a great week! Happy Valentine's Day!
Love,
Irma Laura
this has been a great week. I had the opportunity of speaking in church on Sunday. Each week they call two people up to speak from the stand at random and one of those was me. We already had our topic assigned to I just had to read the talk that I had already written previously. Unfortunately, I forgot that we had some ward business to attend to, so I sure did go up to the stand at the wrong time (I was already sitting on the stand because I was conducting the music.). Everyone laughed when the whole branch presidency said "Irma Thomas, Irma Thomas, you're not up yet". I was, of course, bright red, but it provided for a really funny experience to share with all of you.
I've enjoyed being able to go to all of the meetings we have in the branch. I'm involved in PEC every week and it's great because then I get to hear about what's going on in the branch and be able to put in my two cents when they ask for it. Also, it's great because they teach us protocol each week. This past week we sang "The Spirit of God" in church, which was a disaster because our pianist can't read music, but plays by ear (I regret that I can't play the piano better, but I've been practicing here, so hopefully, I'll be able to play better some day). They shared with us that this hymn should really only be sung at temple dedications and spontaneously when the Spirit is so strong that the song just bursts out. I found that so fascinating and I will always remember that now. Mom, I thought you would like to know that they teach us proper church protocol ALL the time here. They really are training us for the future.
This week I taught at the TRC like normal, but I actually knew my investigator. Crazy! It was my friend, Ryan, from Study Abroad. It was a little weird to teach him the lesson, but it was good to see him and be able to see how things were going for he and his wife. I've had some connection with all of my "investigators" at the TRC since I've come here.
Something else that happened this week was my clumsiness got in my way again. I drop whatever I'm holding or whatever is on my desk every two seconds, and poor Elder Daley (who is too much of a gentleman to not help me out) always bends over to pick up whatever I've dropped. I'm pretty grateful to sit next to him in class because I ALWAYS drop something and he's nice enough to pick it up for me and get annoyed when I beat him to it. However, this is not what I'm referring to. I got hit in the face with every type of ball that exists in the gym this week. The foursquare ball, a basketball and a volleyball. The volleyball knocked my glasses off my face and the basketball left an imprint of my glasses on my ear. Ouch. I think I may start running on the track more often.
So, as you all know, I got new teachers this week. Jen has been so great for our district. The elders can really tell that she cares about us and that has made a world of difference for them. They are learning so much because of her and love when she's in the classroom. Our other teacher is Irmao Cuaira. He's from Mocambique and he's HILARIOUS. Wow. He just tells random stories about his life right now that make us all laugh. We are so grateful to have teachers again and it's been wonderful. We have Irmao Schlappi tonight and we're all really excited.
So yesterday was Valentine's Day and the elders in my district, who are SOO wonderful to me and Sister Skinn, gave us a picture of our whole district and a picture of most of the elders in the district, as well as a box of candy hearts. My elders are truly so amazing. They love us so much and show it by how they treat us. They are really protective of us and make sure that we always have the best. I really could not have a better district--and everyone, including us, knows it.
I read in Acts 9 this week about the life of Paul and it was so interesting to me to see how merciful the Lord is to us. He always gives us another chance, always. He wants the best things for us and truly wants us to come back to live with Him again. I love this gospel. I know it is so true with all that is in me.
I love you all and hope that you have a great week! Happy Valentine's Day!
Love,
Irma Laura
Friday, February 8, 2008
Fire Drills, Creole and Many Changes
Things are going well here at the MTC. It's been a trying week for all of us in our district. I'm sure Jen's told you, but they took my teachers away from our district this week, which was really hard. We loved our teachers so much and it will be very different without them. You all also probably know that Jen is going to be the only teacher that we have. We're going to be combined for the other teaching part of the day with another district. So there's going to be 20 of us together trying to learn a new language. This has already proven to be difficult, but I know that the Lord will bless my district and they will be able to still learn this language. I am so glad that I can help them. The highlight of my day is when I can help the elders in my district (Sister Skinn is so good she doesn't really need my help). I know they truly appreciate all that I have been able to help them with. To me, it is a great privilege to help them and I feel a responsibility to share all that I know with them. I have been truly blessed with my district. All of the other districts have problems, but not mine. We all truly love each other and make sure and say it too! I know that because we have those deep bonds that we will get through this difficult time just fine.
I haven't even talked about the elders yet have I? Well, there's Elder Merrill, who is a convert (also Elder Gardner) they have both been members for two years and are incredible. Elder Merrill's work ethic and testimony is so impressive to me. Elder Walker is Merrill's companion. they are hilarious together! They are both so sarcastic, but because Merrill is loud, he always gets the blame for the teasing they give each other. They have become good friends of mine and I feel so blessed to have them around. Then there's Elders Daley and Wardenburg. Elder Wardenburg has the BEST sense of humor. He is so goofy and has absolutely no shame in it. This week he's been parting his hair down the middle and pulled his pants up really really high once. He topped it off with really big glasses. He keeps us all smiling. Elder Daley has the biggest heart. He is a farmboy and as such is so chivalrous with me and Sister Skinn. He doesn't let us do anything! He has such a big heart and is so compassionate. I've been able to work with him on the language and he has such a strong desire to learn. Then there's Elders Kearl and Schwendiman. Elder Kearl is from Clinton, Utah and LOVES to hunt. Really. LOVES it. He really surprises me sometimes with how thoughtful he is. Elder Schwendiman is my district leader and is so laid back. He is kind to everyone and is a great leader. I can't say enough about my district. Then there's Elders Gardner and Markarian. Elder Markarian is a newbee to our district. All of the Brasilian elders got their visas, so he was put into our district. He's adjusting, but is already such a blessing for us and for Elder Gardner. Elder Gardner LOVES math. So clearly we can teach each other a lot!
Well now I live with four other girls in one room! Yikes! It's close quarters here at the MTC, but I'm never in my room so, nao faz mal (no big deal). We got a new sister this week and she's pretty quiet. She's very kind and sweet, so she'll be a good contrast to me, since I can be a bit feisty sometimes...
Before we went through this big teacher change I was able to learn some creole from Irmao Schlappi. He served in Cape Verde, where they speak a Portuguese creole. He told us to come find him before and after class to keep learning creole, and believe me, I will. It's a great language and I will love speaking it with the Cape Verdians I meet in Portugal.
This week there were more changes as well, our oldest district left this week for their missions and so that was sad, but we gained two new districts and the best part is...there is a fluent Portuguese speaker!!! YAY! So I've talked with Elder Clegg and his Portuguese is PERFECT, well, for a Brasilian. It's been nice to be able to talk with someone and he will certainly help me out. Hopefully we'll be able to plan our lessons together, but it will take some thinking so that we will be able to still be around our companions or our districts. But I know everything will work out. It's so great to be able to practice speaking. I was able to go to the TEC and Jen helped me with teaching in Portuguese. It was a bit rough, but it was my first time going through the lesson in Portuguese, or anything in Portuguese, for that matter.
Well, having all of the sisters in one building has been an...adventure. Last week I was ready to sleep (since it was bed time) and the fire alarm went off. Man was it loud! We all thought it was a drill or a mishap, but don't worry, when i got out to the hallway I saw smoke. Someone had burned popcorn and set off the alarm. A half hour later and we were able to go back in. Actually it was about 45 minutes later. How annoying. Lesson for all: keep the rules and no one will have to leave the building at 11:00 at night.
Gym time has been fantastic. We can play volleyball, basketball, run on the track, lift weights, but I play four-square. That's right, four-square. Keeping up the family tradition. My district has gotten really into it. They are hilarious! I can actually hold my own too. We have so much fun that more and more people are starting to play because they know where the fun's at.
Well that's about it! Life is good here! I've been reading a lot about trusting in God and there's a passage in Alma 57 that I want you all to read. I think it's verses 22-27, somewhere around there. It talks about the stripling warriors. I learned so much from that passage about how when we trust in God everything works out and I know this to be true. I love you all!
I haven't even talked about the elders yet have I? Well, there's Elder Merrill, who is a convert (also Elder Gardner) they have both been members for two years and are incredible. Elder Merrill's work ethic and testimony is so impressive to me. Elder Walker is Merrill's companion. they are hilarious together! They are both so sarcastic, but because Merrill is loud, he always gets the blame for the teasing they give each other. They have become good friends of mine and I feel so blessed to have them around. Then there's Elders Daley and Wardenburg. Elder Wardenburg has the BEST sense of humor. He is so goofy and has absolutely no shame in it. This week he's been parting his hair down the middle and pulled his pants up really really high once. He topped it off with really big glasses. He keeps us all smiling. Elder Daley has the biggest heart. He is a farmboy and as such is so chivalrous with me and Sister Skinn. He doesn't let us do anything! He has such a big heart and is so compassionate. I've been able to work with him on the language and he has such a strong desire to learn. Then there's Elders Kearl and Schwendiman. Elder Kearl is from Clinton, Utah and LOVES to hunt. Really. LOVES it. He really surprises me sometimes with how thoughtful he is. Elder Schwendiman is my district leader and is so laid back. He is kind to everyone and is a great leader. I can't say enough about my district. Then there's Elders Gardner and Markarian. Elder Markarian is a newbee to our district. All of the Brasilian elders got their visas, so he was put into our district. He's adjusting, but is already such a blessing for us and for Elder Gardner. Elder Gardner LOVES math. So clearly we can teach each other a lot!
Well now I live with four other girls in one room! Yikes! It's close quarters here at the MTC, but I'm never in my room so, nao faz mal (no big deal). We got a new sister this week and she's pretty quiet. She's very kind and sweet, so she'll be a good contrast to me, since I can be a bit feisty sometimes...
Before we went through this big teacher change I was able to learn some creole from Irmao Schlappi. He served in Cape Verde, where they speak a Portuguese creole. He told us to come find him before and after class to keep learning creole, and believe me, I will. It's a great language and I will love speaking it with the Cape Verdians I meet in Portugal.
This week there were more changes as well, our oldest district left this week for their missions and so that was sad, but we gained two new districts and the best part is...there is a fluent Portuguese speaker!!! YAY! So I've talked with Elder Clegg and his Portuguese is PERFECT, well, for a Brasilian. It's been nice to be able to talk with someone and he will certainly help me out. Hopefully we'll be able to plan our lessons together, but it will take some thinking so that we will be able to still be around our companions or our districts. But I know everything will work out. It's so great to be able to practice speaking. I was able to go to the TEC and Jen helped me with teaching in Portuguese. It was a bit rough, but it was my first time going through the lesson in Portuguese, or anything in Portuguese, for that matter.
Well, having all of the sisters in one building has been an...adventure. Last week I was ready to sleep (since it was bed time) and the fire alarm went off. Man was it loud! We all thought it was a drill or a mishap, but don't worry, when i got out to the hallway I saw smoke. Someone had burned popcorn and set off the alarm. A half hour later and we were able to go back in. Actually it was about 45 minutes later. How annoying. Lesson for all: keep the rules and no one will have to leave the building at 11:00 at night.
Gym time has been fantastic. We can play volleyball, basketball, run on the track, lift weights, but I play four-square. That's right, four-square. Keeping up the family tradition. My district has gotten really into it. They are hilarious! I can actually hold my own too. We have so much fun that more and more people are starting to play because they know where the fun's at.
Well that's about it! Life is good here! I've been reading a lot about trusting in God and there's a passage in Alma 57 that I want you all to read. I think it's verses 22-27, somewhere around there. It talks about the stripling warriors. I learned so much from that passage about how when we trust in God everything works out and I know this to be true. I love you all!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Jumping Jacks
Everything is going really well here in Provo...that is the MTC in Provo. I can't believe how much I'm loving life as a missionary. I have never been this happy in my life and I truly know that this is the Lord's work. The weather's been a bit dreary, but today the walk up to the temple was beautiful with snow cascading all around me in perfect white. I feel so blessed to be in such a beautiful place, though it's weird to look at the mountains and realize I'm still in Provo.
Sundays they have Relief Society with all of the sisters in the MTC and they had Sister Elaine Dalton speak to us. It was incredible! She spoke about being perfectly obedient and the blessings that we will receive because of it. That night we had a fireside (which was fabulous) and we always sit in the same place as a zone and as I was sitting there I realized that Sister Skinn and I were the ONLY sisters in our entire area of about 200 elders. You could tell when we were singing that we were the only sisters there. It's a little weird that I am a minority there. I'm getting used to the standing up in the cafeteria when Sister Skinn and I come to the table. I am coming to like it.
My district is still amazing as always. I'm amazed at how we can all be in a tiny room for HOURS every day and get along so well as we do. Truly a blessing. The elders and I are all good friends now and it seems strange to me to think that Ive only known them for a couple of weeks. We are all so close. My teachers continue to impress me so much. They teach by the Spirit and they help me to want to be so much better. Irmao Harmon is always telling us really funny stories from his mission and this week he told us about how EVERYONE in Portugal will call out to the elders and say "Os Elderes!" whenever they pass. Seriously, they will stop a conversation on the phone to yell that out. so they were in Coimbra (which is a big city in Portugal) one weekend, and all of the people had vacated to the country for the weekend. they were walking down the street and a police car came up and over the loudspeaker they said "Os Elderes!" and ducked out of view in their car so that the elders wouldn't think they were really there. Of course, who would think that? Hilarious!
This week was moving week! We moved Wednesday morning and had about 10 minutes to do it. Seriously. We were given from 6:30-8:30am to move, but oh wait! We had service from 6:30 until 7:45, so we ran and grabbed breakfast after service (I vacuum the hallways in the main building, it's great!) and then ran back to our old residence, shoveled down our food, moved our stuff over to our new building and threw our stuff on the ground, changed into missionary attire and then were 30 minutes late to class. Our new building is where Jen works. Haha! So I'll probably see her a bit more, maybe. There are six beds in a room, that's right six. There are four of us in a room right now, me, Sister Skinn and two hermanas in another branch. Come next wednesday there will be five of us, because my branch is getting another sister. YAY!!
The funny thing about this building is that they renovated it from an elders' residence, so they haven't quite finished everything. There are four toilets without stall around them where the urinals used to be. Whoops! And some of the showers didn't have curtains, but now they do. They put up stalls around what used to be the "Tree of Life" showers, with no stalls, no privacy. Now they have about nine showers (with complete privacy, don't worry). It's funny to think that I'm using the Tree of Life showers.
So a couple of nights ago I was planning on unpacking, but I got a bloody nose instead! It wouldn't stop for about a half hour. It was awful. But everything's fine now. I'm drinking more water and hopefully everything will work out better now.
Yesterday we weren't quite awake in class so Irmao Harmon made us do jumping jacks and stretch during class. You need to realize that our classroom is TINY! We have the smallest room in the zone and there are ten of us plus a teacher in there. That was hilarious.
Things are going so well here. I am learning so much. I don't know when I'll be leaving here. I talked with the Branch President and he told me that my leaving really depended on a lot of things: the Portuguese government, my visa and if President Terry can use me right now. So I'm trying to be as helpful as possible. The teachers have had me teach some things for them while they had to be out. so that was great. We all, as a district, do our language study, so I've been helping out a couple fo them who need a little extra help. That has been the best. It makes me feel like I'm really making a difference and am serving the Lord. I love missionary life!
A couple of nights ago the elders were not focusing during our planning time and Irmao Schlappi took that time to teach them a priciple found in 1Nephi 3:14-16 (I think) about diligence and being exact in how we serve the Lord. I think it is good advice for everyone and I am so glad he took that opportunity to teach us all that principle.
I know this is the Lord's work and His Church. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet.
Sister Laura Thomas
MTC Mailbox #298
POR-LIS 0318
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793
Sundays they have Relief Society with all of the sisters in the MTC and they had Sister Elaine Dalton speak to us. It was incredible! She spoke about being perfectly obedient and the blessings that we will receive because of it. That night we had a fireside (which was fabulous) and we always sit in the same place as a zone and as I was sitting there I realized that Sister Skinn and I were the ONLY sisters in our entire area of about 200 elders. You could tell when we were singing that we were the only sisters there. It's a little weird that I am a minority there. I'm getting used to the standing up in the cafeteria when Sister Skinn and I come to the table. I am coming to like it.
My district is still amazing as always. I'm amazed at how we can all be in a tiny room for HOURS every day and get along so well as we do. Truly a blessing. The elders and I are all good friends now and it seems strange to me to think that Ive only known them for a couple of weeks. We are all so close. My teachers continue to impress me so much. They teach by the Spirit and they help me to want to be so much better. Irmao Harmon is always telling us really funny stories from his mission and this week he told us about how EVERYONE in Portugal will call out to the elders and say "Os Elderes!" whenever they pass. Seriously, they will stop a conversation on the phone to yell that out. so they were in Coimbra (which is a big city in Portugal) one weekend, and all of the people had vacated to the country for the weekend. they were walking down the street and a police car came up and over the loudspeaker they said "Os Elderes!" and ducked out of view in their car so that the elders wouldn't think they were really there. Of course, who would think that? Hilarious!
This week was moving week! We moved Wednesday morning and had about 10 minutes to do it. Seriously. We were given from 6:30-8:30am to move, but oh wait! We had service from 6:30 until 7:45, so we ran and grabbed breakfast after service (I vacuum the hallways in the main building, it's great!) and then ran back to our old residence, shoveled down our food, moved our stuff over to our new building and threw our stuff on the ground, changed into missionary attire and then were 30 minutes late to class. Our new building is where Jen works. Haha! So I'll probably see her a bit more, maybe. There are six beds in a room, that's right six. There are four of us in a room right now, me, Sister Skinn and two hermanas in another branch. Come next wednesday there will be five of us, because my branch is getting another sister. YAY!!
The funny thing about this building is that they renovated it from an elders' residence, so they haven't quite finished everything. There are four toilets without stall around them where the urinals used to be. Whoops! And some of the showers didn't have curtains, but now they do. They put up stalls around what used to be the "Tree of Life" showers, with no stalls, no privacy. Now they have about nine showers (with complete privacy, don't worry). It's funny to think that I'm using the Tree of Life showers.
So a couple of nights ago I was planning on unpacking, but I got a bloody nose instead! It wouldn't stop for about a half hour. It was awful. But everything's fine now. I'm drinking more water and hopefully everything will work out better now.
Yesterday we weren't quite awake in class so Irmao Harmon made us do jumping jacks and stretch during class. You need to realize that our classroom is TINY! We have the smallest room in the zone and there are ten of us plus a teacher in there. That was hilarious.
Things are going so well here. I am learning so much. I don't know when I'll be leaving here. I talked with the Branch President and he told me that my leaving really depended on a lot of things: the Portuguese government, my visa and if President Terry can use me right now. So I'm trying to be as helpful as possible. The teachers have had me teach some things for them while they had to be out. so that was great. We all, as a district, do our language study, so I've been helping out a couple fo them who need a little extra help. That has been the best. It makes me feel like I'm really making a difference and am serving the Lord. I love missionary life!
A couple of nights ago the elders were not focusing during our planning time and Irmao Schlappi took that time to teach them a priciple found in 1Nephi 3:14-16 (I think) about diligence and being exact in how we serve the Lord. I think it is good advice for everyone and I am so glad he took that opportunity to teach us all that principle.
I know this is the Lord's work and His Church. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet.
Sister Laura Thomas
MTC Mailbox #298
POR-LIS 0318
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
