Things this week went okay, it was kind of frustrating because almost all of our lessons fell through, but I contacted 208 people this week which I think is the most I've contacted in one week thus far. It is difficult because all the people I work with teaching for so long in the end don't change and it makes me really sad, but the Lord always sends me blessings in the end. This Saturday a teenager that is golden in all aspects of the word is going to get baptized. He came to church with his friend, we put a baptismal date the second lesson and now he's getting baptized. Piece of cake. Also a couple I've been teaching really wants to get baptized, there is just one little thing, they aren't married and she is only 17 so they need their parents permission to get baptized and her parents live in San Blas. Which is kind of far away, really far actually, San Blas are islands off of Panama. So keep them in your prayers.
Also this week I did something new I've never done before. We went with the couple I'm teaching to a baptism the elders had so that they could see how the baptisms are, etc. It seems the elders forgot to tell the lady that was going to be baptized a few important things, like that she should bring a towel, extra pair of underwear and that her underwear should be white. So, the lady who is like 40 something showed up with a black bra, and well she couldn't get baptized like that, So my comp and I took her to the bathroom and I explained to her that she couldn't have a black bra. And then I took off my bra and lent it to her. I then had stayed in the church all afternoon without a bra because my bra was soaking wet. I think I can truly say that I've learned to sacrifice everything for the Lord. Even my bra.
Anyways, I love you all and I hope you all have an amazing week.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
San Isidro Zone Conference 23 August 2010
Kara's companion, Hermana Melendez
So this week was... a roller coaster. My permanent retainer broke and it was quite the story to fix it, but in the end I got it fixed and I am still kind of sick but I am plugging along.
On the good side we had zone conference this week which was amazing I absolutely love Pres and his wife, its so nice to be treated like an adult, like one of their own kids.
Yummy - Panama Pizza
San Isidro District 8 Elders
It was kind of sad because no one came to church this Sunday. Members nor investigators. Supposedly 6 inv were going to come and only one came. But the one that did come is going to get baptized the 4 of sept. His name is Jediel, he is 17 and all of his family are from the San Blas islands. He is kind of shy but super awesome. We are trying to see if we can teach his whole family but right now he is the only one that wants to get baptized.
Stomach wise I'm still about the same but the good news is in 2 weeks a nurse is coming to serve here. YAY!! and at least the Pres. tries to help me out now as much as he can.
I love you all a trillion and I hope you have a great first week of school.
xoxoxox
Hermy
Day at the Temple 16 August 2010
Well it looks like you and I are pretty much on the same page, I got sick this week too. I got some virus flu thing and had a fever of 101, I think I went kind of delirious so my companion called a member to bring me some pills and a blessing and now I'm all up and kicking again.
This week was a busy week, Tuesday was my companions birthday, Wednesday we had interviews with the mission President. Which were amazing. I absolutely love President and his wife.
Also in my interview, President gave me permission to go to the temple the next day with my converts from Chorrera, so I called the Branch Pres in Chorrera and found out what time I needed to be in the temple and tried to go to bed early. The next day my comp and I got up at 4 am to be at the temple a little before 6am. I got to the temple super excited and there were the Branch President and some members there, but no where in sight were my converts. But the Branch Pres told me the rest of the group would get there at noon, so my comp and I decided to do a session and wait till noon. We did a session and 2 hours of initiatory, which was amazing. I love the temple so much. And then at 11:30 we started looking for my converts and I was informed that now they would be there until 2. So we went to eat lunch and at 2 they still weren't there. Finally at 4 they got there, and I got to talk to them and take pictures but at this hour I had important lessons to go to and couldn't enter the temple with them. But it was exciting to watch them go in the temple. Then my comp and I sat crushed in a bus for 2 hours because there was tons of traffic before finally getting to the house. Super long day but in the end it was worth it all. The next day we worked our butts of and the next two days I was super sick. And that was my week.
My area won't be on a map because its just outside of Panama City, like Acalde Diaz so its like a suburb, not a city. I can see the skyscrapers from my house.
I sent off some pics today so you guys should get them soon.
Also, I don't need you to send me some shoes I found some this week, so I am all good to go.
My lizard came with me.
I love you and I am so grateful for all you do for me.
XOXOX
Hermy
This week was a busy week, Tuesday was my companions birthday, Wednesday we had interviews with the mission President. Which were amazing. I absolutely love President and his wife.
Also in my interview, President gave me permission to go to the temple the next day with my converts from Chorrera, so I called the Branch Pres in Chorrera and found out what time I needed to be in the temple and tried to go to bed early. The next day my comp and I got up at 4 am to be at the temple a little before 6am. I got to the temple super excited and there were the Branch President and some members there, but no where in sight were my converts. But the Branch Pres told me the rest of the group would get there at noon, so my comp and I decided to do a session and wait till noon. We did a session and 2 hours of initiatory, which was amazing. I love the temple so much. And then at 11:30 we started looking for my converts and I was informed that now they would be there until 2. So we went to eat lunch and at 2 they still weren't there. Finally at 4 they got there, and I got to talk to them and take pictures but at this hour I had important lessons to go to and couldn't enter the temple with them. But it was exciting to watch them go in the temple. Then my comp and I sat crushed in a bus for 2 hours because there was tons of traffic before finally getting to the house. Super long day but in the end it was worth it all. The next day we worked our butts of and the next two days I was super sick. And that was my week.
My area won't be on a map because its just outside of Panama City, like Acalde Diaz so its like a suburb, not a city. I can see the skyscrapers from my house.
I sent off some pics today so you guys should get them soon.
Also, I don't need you to send me some shoes I found some this week, so I am all good to go.
My lizard came with me.
I love you and I am so grateful for all you do for me.
XOXOX
Hermy
"I love my mission" 9 August 2010
Interviews and lunch with the San Isidro District
Stomach wise I'm okay. The stuff you sent me doesn't seem to be helping a whole lot, but its been hard because here we eat with the members a lot. I have learned a new technique, I have been taking plastic containers and asking them to put the food in there to save it for later, and then I don't have to eat it all. So I'm gonna continue that this week to see if it helps.
This week went well, I really love my companion and we worked super hard this week. And we were able to meet all of our goals this week except for one. The only problem is all the people we found this week aren't married. But I know the lord will provide the way. I love the work and I love being a missionary, the Lord blesses me so much everyday.
Oh also, Maria, the crazy black lady I was teaching in Chorrera got baptized this last weekend and her daughter too. I was so excited they both got baptized and Hna Amado told me it was a really beautiful baptism.
Now I just have to find my baptisms here...
I love you all!!
Sorry so short, but I'm all out of time.
Transferred to San Isidro 2 August 2010
Kara and her companion Hermana Melendez from Guatemala
Yeah I got both or your packages thank you so much! I have started the program and I donno if its changing anything as I've only been doing it a week.
The good news is I had changes and I am now in San Isidro and there are only hills hills and more hills here, so I am at least going to get excersize, the bad news is that we eat a lot more with the members, but I just tell them I can't eat much and eat till I am full...
My new companion is Hna Melendez, she is from Guatemala and I really like her a lot. She has 9 months in the mission so its nice to have a companion that already knows whats going on, so I don't have to teach her everything. My area is interesting, it's kind of like the ghetto, or at least I am told, I haven't seen too much but the members are always telling us to be careful and I have to go back to the house when it gets dark here so I guess it must be true. I love the Bishop. His wife is from the states and they lived there together for like 6 years, and they are way awesome. I am back in Panama City, and I forgot what the work is like here, everything is fast paced, but we found some pretty positive people to teach this week so the work is progressing.
Oh and there are about 180 missionaries here in Panama, 30 sisters and about 150 elders, somewhere around there.
Everything is great with me, I am loving life, and I can't believe that this week I will complete a whole year of being a missionary. It has gone by so incredibly fast. I miss you and I love you.
Hermy
Oh, also I am all out of money in my account... if you could put a little in there I would greatly appreciate it, I'm in need of new shoes... Thank you!!!!
These shoes have covered a lot of miles.
Grateful for blessings 26 July 2010
I got your packages this week, I haven't opened them yet cuz I just got them but thank you, thank you, thank you.
I am glad the whole camping thing turned out well and that you are having a good time. Tell Everyone that I miss them and I love them.
This week was interesting. A couple we have been teaching has been having a lot of problems the past few weeks and we have been doing all we can to help them, but the lady told us yesterday that she is leaving him, that she has prayed a lot about it and decided that she is better off alone. It made me super sad but in some ways I understand, he isn't much of a husband, just more of a problem. She told us a whole bunch of stuff I didn't know, like that he doesn't give her any of the money from his work, she pays for everything, he doesn't support her or love her in the way she wants. So I kind of understand why she is ending it, but it still makes me super sad. After all the problems I have seen here in Panama it makes me so grateful for our family, for the blessing I have had to have you and daddy as an example of marriage. I long for everyone here to have what we have in our family. But, they have to fight for it, just as we have.
I hope this week I can help more people to come to the light, to enjoy the blessings I have had in my life. I am so grateful for this gospel and more than anything for a Heavenly Father who loves us so much, who has given everything to make it possible for us to be successful and happy.
You are always in my prayers and I love you all more than words can describe.
Be good and have an awesome week.
XOXOXO
Kara
I am glad the whole camping thing turned out well and that you are having a good time. Tell Everyone that I miss them and I love them.
This week was interesting. A couple we have been teaching has been having a lot of problems the past few weeks and we have been doing all we can to help them, but the lady told us yesterday that she is leaving him, that she has prayed a lot about it and decided that she is better off alone. It made me super sad but in some ways I understand, he isn't much of a husband, just more of a problem. She told us a whole bunch of stuff I didn't know, like that he doesn't give her any of the money from his work, she pays for everything, he doesn't support her or love her in the way she wants. So I kind of understand why she is ending it, but it still makes me super sad. After all the problems I have seen here in Panama it makes me so grateful for our family, for the blessing I have had to have you and daddy as an example of marriage. I long for everyone here to have what we have in our family. But, they have to fight for it, just as we have.
I hope this week I can help more people to come to the light, to enjoy the blessings I have had in my life. I am so grateful for this gospel and more than anything for a Heavenly Father who loves us so much, who has given everything to make it possible for us to be successful and happy.
You are always in my prayers and I love you all more than words can describe.
Be good and have an awesome week.
XOXOXO
Kara
Ate something bad 19 July 2010
This week was kind of fun, I think I used a whole roll of toilet paper in less than a week. Something we ate made my companion and I sick and we took turns going potty a LOT. Luckily we never needed the bathroom at the same moment.
Things are progressing with the work, we put a baptismal date with an awesome lady this week. She is pretty crazy but I love her. This is the last week before changes, I am not sure but I am kind of hoping I get changed, I am ready for a new area. I donno how Kyle stayed in the same place for so long...
Other than that things are good, just working my little heart out.
Sorry its so short but I don't have a whole lot of time or exciting stories this week.
All my Love
Kara
Things are progressing with the work, we put a baptismal date with an awesome lady this week. She is pretty crazy but I love her. This is the last week before changes, I am not sure but I am kind of hoping I get changed, I am ready for a new area. I donno how Kyle stayed in the same place for so long...
Other than that things are good, just working my little heart out.
Sorry its so short but I don't have a whole lot of time or exciting stories this week.
All my Love
Kara
Gotta love those bus rides in Panama and meeting the New Mission President 12 July 2010
So I just sat on some guys lap in the bus and my adrenaline is still pumping. I was trying to get off the bus and slide past the guy that was sitting next to me, but the guy in front of me got up and I couldn't move so I was kind of stuck there in front of this poor guy and the bus driver braked and I went off balance and sat in his lap. Woops, my comp got a pretty good laugh, and you should have seen the look on the guys face. Gotta love Panama.
This week was about the same, I am definitely learning how to work diligently without seeing the fruits of my work. I was kind of stressed out last week because I've been working and working and for the first time in my whole mission I am going a whole change without a baptism, I just haven't been able to find anyone. But the Lord knows I am doing my best and working hard and I know I will receive the blessings when the time is right.
This week I met our new mission president and I absolutely LOVE him and his wife. They are super funny, super happy and amazing. Its like a complete 180 from Pres. Madrigal.
Chorrera Zone Conference
Studying together at Zone Conference
Stomach wise things are okay. I have really been careful about what I eat and I am going to the bathroom pretty regularly, but I still have stomach pains and I am all bloated. They do have that milk of magnesia stuff here so I´ll buy some of that. So I am surviving along those lines...
Thank you for everything you do for me. I miss you and love you a trillion!!!
Love,
Hermana Bloomfield
This is the New Mission President and his wife, Craig L and Lonna A. Ward
Here is a little information on them that came from the Church News:
Craig Lindsay Ward, 62 and Lonna Adamson Ward (they have 5 children) are from Hunington Beach 4th Ward, Huntington Beach California Stake. Pres. Ward was a counselor in the Stake Presidency and a former counselor in the California Long Beach Mission Presidency, a bishop and counselor, high councilor, seminary teacher and missionary in the North Argentine and France Paris missions. Retired owner/manager, Wards Furniture. Born in Long Beach, Calif., to Karl Moroni and Ethelyn Lindsay Ward.
Sister Ward serves as a Stake Young Women secretary and is a former ward Young Women President, counselor in a ward Relief Society Presidency, ward Primary president, ward music chairman, and family history consultant. Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Dale and Inez Howard Adamson.
This week was about the same, I am definitely learning how to work diligently without seeing the fruits of my work. I was kind of stressed out last week because I've been working and working and for the first time in my whole mission I am going a whole change without a baptism, I just haven't been able to find anyone. But the Lord knows I am doing my best and working hard and I know I will receive the blessings when the time is right.
This week I met our new mission president and I absolutely LOVE him and his wife. They are super funny, super happy and amazing. Its like a complete 180 from Pres. Madrigal.
Chorrera Zone Conference
Studying together at Zone Conference
Stomach wise things are okay. I have really been careful about what I eat and I am going to the bathroom pretty regularly, but I still have stomach pains and I am all bloated. They do have that milk of magnesia stuff here so I´ll buy some of that. So I am surviving along those lines...
Thank you for everything you do for me. I miss you and love you a trillion!!!
Love,
Hermana Bloomfield
This is the New Mission President and his wife, Craig L and Lonna A. Ward
Here is a little information on them that came from the Church News:
Craig Lindsay Ward, 62 and Lonna Adamson Ward (they have 5 children) are from Hunington Beach 4th Ward, Huntington Beach California Stake. Pres. Ward was a counselor in the Stake Presidency and a former counselor in the California Long Beach Mission Presidency, a bishop and counselor, high councilor, seminary teacher and missionary in the North Argentine and France Paris missions. Retired owner/manager, Wards Furniture. Born in Long Beach, Calif., to Karl Moroni and Ethelyn Lindsay Ward.
Sister Ward serves as a Stake Young Women secretary and is a former ward Young Women President, counselor in a ward Relief Society Presidency, ward Primary president, ward music chairman, and family history consultant. Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Dale and Inez Howard Adamson.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Blessing come after the trials of our faith 28 June 2010
I am glad the trek went well, I know what you mean about the sun, this week even though its supposed to be rainy season was incredibly hot. I got all of my tan lines back in full force. You'll have to forgive my spelling ect. in this email, the computer I'm using today is kind of nuts.
Things went better with my stomach this week, I was able to work my heart out everyday this week which was amazing. My stomach is still nuts, but we didn't eat very much with the members this week so I think that helped. Thanks for talking to the doctor and Annie, I think that this cleansing thing will really help to get back on good footing again.
This week I worked really hard and was rejected a lot. Really a lot!!! It was kind of a hard week but we had an amazing experience on Sunday. We had a meeting with the Bishop before church so we didn't have super a lot of time to go looking for investigators and people to bring to church this Sunday. One family we have been teaching promised they would come to church this Sunday, but we didn't have time to pass by their house to make sure they were up and getting ready before going to pickup a teenager we've been teaching. So I said a lot of prayers. But as we were sitting in church and they started the meeting I started to get a little nervous, they still hadn't showed up. So I started to pray, I reminded the Lord how hard I had worked all this passed week and begged him to help them come to church, and much to my joy near the end of the Sacrament they showed up. They really really liked church and said they are coming next week and the wife even said she wants to get baptized. I was reminded again this weekend that the blessings and testimony come after the trial of our faith.
We are teaching several families right now that are super positive, so things are good for now.
Mom or Grandma could you please put the name of Sarah, Miguel Jose and Ovidio in the temple, they are really having a hard time and could use some extra help.
I am glad the trek went well, sound like an experience that really helped the youth, we could use some of you guys here in Panama to plan all of this and help them out. Activities aren't really a strong point here.
Tell Olivia and Cassi and Mason that I love them and miss them.
Have fun in Utah and be safe, I'll be praying that you guys arrive safely.
All my love,
Kara
Things went better with my stomach this week, I was able to work my heart out everyday this week which was amazing. My stomach is still nuts, but we didn't eat very much with the members this week so I think that helped. Thanks for talking to the doctor and Annie, I think that this cleansing thing will really help to get back on good footing again.
This week I worked really hard and was rejected a lot. Really a lot!!! It was kind of a hard week but we had an amazing experience on Sunday. We had a meeting with the Bishop before church so we didn't have super a lot of time to go looking for investigators and people to bring to church this Sunday. One family we have been teaching promised they would come to church this Sunday, but we didn't have time to pass by their house to make sure they were up and getting ready before going to pickup a teenager we've been teaching. So I said a lot of prayers. But as we were sitting in church and they started the meeting I started to get a little nervous, they still hadn't showed up. So I started to pray, I reminded the Lord how hard I had worked all this passed week and begged him to help them come to church, and much to my joy near the end of the Sacrament they showed up. They really really liked church and said they are coming next week and the wife even said she wants to get baptized. I was reminded again this weekend that the blessings and testimony come after the trial of our faith.
We are teaching several families right now that are super positive, so things are good for now.
Mom or Grandma could you please put the name of Sarah, Miguel Jose and Ovidio in the temple, they are really having a hard time and could use some extra help.
I am glad the trek went well, sound like an experience that really helped the youth, we could use some of you guys here in Panama to plan all of this and help them out. Activities aren't really a strong point here.
Tell Olivia and Cassi and Mason that I love them and miss them.
Have fun in Utah and be safe, I'll be praying that you guys arrive safely.
All my love,
Kara
Stomach Issues 21 June 2010
After I talked to you the next day I was fasting and I felt even worse. I felt like I was going to pass out and the stomach pain was nuts so my fast only lasted till about 4 but the Lord knows I tried. Needless to say my companion got lots of time to study this week. Friday I decided I had had enough and I called the assistants, I had called Pres like 6 times but he never answered so I called them and told them what is going on, and they called the doctor in Guatemala to call me. He called me but it didn't go so well, he was actually quite rude. I started trying to tell him all that had happened from the beginning and he told me to just tell him my symptoms nothing else and then I told him and he kindly informed me that what I have is not a sickness, its just an inconvenience and then he began to inform me that he only uses the bathroom every 3 days and its normal. Needless to say when we hung up I was crying again and I don't know what will happen because I'm not allowed to go to the doctors here without his permission and according to him I am just fine. He treated me like I was freaking out because I wanted to go home or something.
So after that I called the elders and told them I needed a blessing, so they came over and gave me an awesome blessing in which the Lord promised me I would be healed according to my faith. That day I was able to work and the next day I worked super hard till about 6 when I was stuck in the bathroom for the rest of the night with my inconvenience. But I feel good enough to work and I know that the Lord will heal me as I do all I can. Thank you for your prayers and fasts, I love you so much and I am grateful for all you do for me.
Sorry I don't have time for much else today, but don't worry, I am feeling much much better, if not stomach wise definitely spirits wise, the blessing helped me get my hopes and strength back.
All my love,
Kara
So after that I called the elders and told them I needed a blessing, so they came over and gave me an awesome blessing in which the Lord promised me I would be healed according to my faith. That day I was able to work and the next day I worked super hard till about 6 when I was stuck in the bathroom for the rest of the night with my inconvenience. But I feel good enough to work and I know that the Lord will heal me as I do all I can. Thank you for your prayers and fasts, I love you so much and I am grateful for all you do for me.
Sorry I don't have time for much else today, but don't worry, I am feeling much much better, if not stomach wise definitely spirits wise, the blessing helped me get my hopes and strength back.
All my love,
Kara
No Changes! 14 June 2010
I didn't have changes and my companion either, so for the first time in my mission I'm going to have my companion more than 1 change. Weird. I have kind of mixed feelings, I am happy I didn't leave for the members and people here, but I've basically contacted all of my area and I'm not looking forward to contacting it all again. But the good news is we are teaching an awesome family right now that is super positive. The only problem is that they aren't married, again.
Naidu got married Wednesday and baptized Saturday, her baptism was a amazing, the spirit was super super strong, but unfortunately her husband refused to come. But hopefully with time he will come around.
I hope the trek goes well, you have to send me pictures of your outfit and everything, plus of the kids, I haven't seen pics since Christmas and I imagine they are bigger now.
World cup is huge here too, all I ever hear in the streets is the theme song - I can almost sing half of it now. Everyone is always talking about the games and watching them, but its all good because at least I know what is going on.
I don't have the duck anymore it got to big to stay in the house, so I left it outside and it almost got hit by a car, so I gave it back to the member that gave it to me and it had a nice reunion with its family. But the good news is I have a baby iguana now and we're bffs.
That's about all I got for this week.
I love you all a ton
Kara
Naidu got married Wednesday and baptized Saturday, her baptism was a amazing, the spirit was super super strong, but unfortunately her husband refused to come. But hopefully with time he will come around.
I hope the trek goes well, you have to send me pictures of your outfit and everything, plus of the kids, I haven't seen pics since Christmas and I imagine they are bigger now.
World cup is huge here too, all I ever hear in the streets is the theme song - I can almost sing half of it now. Everyone is always talking about the games and watching them, but its all good because at least I know what is going on.
I don't have the duck anymore it got to big to stay in the house, so I left it outside and it almost got hit by a car, so I gave it back to the member that gave it to me and it had a nice reunion with its family. But the good news is I have a baby iguana now and we're bffs.
That's about all I got for this week.
I love you all a ton
Kara
The work goes on 7 June 2010
So this week wasn't the best week ever. But, I did get your package which was completely amazing, thank you so much.
First of all, my couple didn't get married, the judge that was supposed to marry them called in sick, 3 days in a row. So they didn't have anyone to marry them, which makes the fact that her baptism scheduled for this Saturday a little tricky. If they call her and she gets married this week were all good to go, if not we will have to postpone the baptism, which I really hope doesn't happen because changes are next Monday and I feel like I'm going to have changes this time. I really want to be able to see her get baptized.
Um a really awesome guy I was teaching and had said he wants to get baptized told us we couldn't teach him anymore because his wife and daughter don't like us and says he's Catholic. lame.
And best of all a virus has been going around and it looks like I've got it, I spent all of Sat. and Sunday (except when we were in the church) in the bathroom or my bed. I'm feeling better today and I've only gone to the bathroom 3 times so far so I think I am about over it. I feel bad for my companion, she got some serious study time in. And as for her family so far none of the disasters have hit them, but who knows what is going on over there.
But in good news we found two families this week that are super awesome. I am hoping they will get baptized, but their going to have to get married first, as usual.
I am hoping this next week will be good, that I can work like a beast and not be sick anymore in case it is my last week here in the Barriada. I really have loved this area and most of all the members here.
I love you all and I hope all is well there. Sounds like you have a busy summer coming up.
Les Amo
Hermy
First of all, my couple didn't get married, the judge that was supposed to marry them called in sick, 3 days in a row. So they didn't have anyone to marry them, which makes the fact that her baptism scheduled for this Saturday a little tricky. If they call her and she gets married this week were all good to go, if not we will have to postpone the baptism, which I really hope doesn't happen because changes are next Monday and I feel like I'm going to have changes this time. I really want to be able to see her get baptized.
Um a really awesome guy I was teaching and had said he wants to get baptized told us we couldn't teach him anymore because his wife and daughter don't like us and says he's Catholic. lame.
And best of all a virus has been going around and it looks like I've got it, I spent all of Sat. and Sunday (except when we were in the church) in the bathroom or my bed. I'm feeling better today and I've only gone to the bathroom 3 times so far so I think I am about over it. I feel bad for my companion, she got some serious study time in. And as for her family so far none of the disasters have hit them, but who knows what is going on over there.
But in good news we found two families this week that are super awesome. I am hoping they will get baptized, but their going to have to get married first, as usual.
I am hoping this next week will be good, that I can work like a beast and not be sick anymore in case it is my last week here in the Barriada. I really have loved this area and most of all the members here.
I love you all and I hope all is well there. Sounds like you have a busy summer coming up.
Les Amo
Hermy
Monster Yucca, YUM!!!! (or not) 31 May 2010
I am glad that everything went so well with the funeral of Chris and to know he is at peace. I kind of felt haunted this whole week when I thought about him, how horrible his death must of been, how much fear he must have had in those last moments. It is just a testimony again that the only place we can find refuge is in the Lord.
I am so grateful that we can receive personal revelation, that we can know of things beyond our earthly sight. I know the Lord loves us greatly and will heal our hearts if we just turn to him.
Things went pretty well this week, Jose got baptized and confirmed and his baptism was really sweet. Even though he is only 25 he reminds me quite a bit of grandpa Arlin, he already has a mini version of grandpas nose, poor guy who knows how big it'll be when he a grandpa. Also in the marriage front my couple will be getting married this Thursday and are super excited. We are still talking about when the baptism will be cuz they have crazy schedules, but I think it will be this week.
Things are about the same with my companion, but I'm doing the best I can and always praying to be more humble and patient.
There are only two weeks left in this change and I got the feeling this Sunday in church that I am going to have changes. I really don't want to leave as I love this little branch. I feel like everyone here is my family, but we will see what the Lord has in store for me.
Other than that not much is going on, lots of walking sun and teaching. Looking for those waiting for our message.
I love you all and I miss you a ton. One more month down.
Les Amo
Hermy
This is a monster Yucca. It is a root they eat a lot here.
I am so grateful that we can receive personal revelation, that we can know of things beyond our earthly sight. I know the Lord loves us greatly and will heal our hearts if we just turn to him.
Things went pretty well this week, Jose got baptized and confirmed and his baptism was really sweet. Even though he is only 25 he reminds me quite a bit of grandpa Arlin, he already has a mini version of grandpas nose, poor guy who knows how big it'll be when he a grandpa. Also in the marriage front my couple will be getting married this Thursday and are super excited. We are still talking about when the baptism will be cuz they have crazy schedules, but I think it will be this week.
Things are about the same with my companion, but I'm doing the best I can and always praying to be more humble and patient.
There are only two weeks left in this change and I got the feeling this Sunday in church that I am going to have changes. I really don't want to leave as I love this little branch. I feel like everyone here is my family, but we will see what the Lord has in store for me.
Other than that not much is going on, lots of walking sun and teaching. Looking for those waiting for our message.
I love you all and I miss you a ton. One more month down.
Les Amo
Hermy
This is a monster Yucca. It is a root they eat a lot here.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Grateful for family 24 May 2010
I am so grateful for the amazing family we have, for the amazing marriage you and dad have, it definitely has been and will continue to be a great example for what I want when I get married. I am so glad to know that we will be together forever, that no matter what happens I will always have you guys. I love you all more than words can describe.
I hope that despite all this you have a great birthday today mommy. I wish I could be there to celebrate it with you and I am glad everything went well with Cassi's birthday. Just think next year at this time I will be there to celebrate with you.
Oh speaking of which, I need you to do me a favor, I don't know how long BYU put me on away status, if it goes till Jan 2011 or Aug 2011, because I am not going to get back till Feb 21 2011.
Things are good here, no more rats, things are okay with my companion. I have a baptism this Saturday and almost all the papers and everything are done for my marriage. (The marriage Kara is talking about is from a family that the missionaries have been working with for years, but the man would never get married. After a couple spiritual lessons, Kara said to the man "I would sure like some wedding cake, he then turned to the woman (they have been together for many years, but never married) and said, so do you want to get married? The woman was shocked as all the times before he would not even talk about it. So Kara is helping to put on a wedding for them and then they will get baptized after the wedding). Just working like a beast as always. This week we had the last zone conference with Pres Madrigal. This next change our new president will be coming so I am excited to meet him.
Not sure what else to say. I love you and daddy and our family so much and I am so grateful that we have the hope of the Savior in our lives, that we have the promise of rest and peace if we come unto him.
I love you
Kara
This is a shoe shiner that shined all the Missionaries shoes while they were waiting to catch the bus.
While Elder Whitwood was taking his picture, he quickly jumped up and sat by me and put his arm around me. Elder Cruz shook his finger at him and told him No No No, but I do not think the guy understood, because he kept touching me. We all got a pretty good laugh.
I hope that despite all this you have a great birthday today mommy. I wish I could be there to celebrate it with you and I am glad everything went well with Cassi's birthday. Just think next year at this time I will be there to celebrate with you.
Oh speaking of which, I need you to do me a favor, I don't know how long BYU put me on away status, if it goes till Jan 2011 or Aug 2011, because I am not going to get back till Feb 21 2011.
Things are good here, no more rats, things are okay with my companion. I have a baptism this Saturday and almost all the papers and everything are done for my marriage. (The marriage Kara is talking about is from a family that the missionaries have been working with for years, but the man would never get married. After a couple spiritual lessons, Kara said to the man "I would sure like some wedding cake, he then turned to the woman (they have been together for many years, but never married) and said, so do you want to get married? The woman was shocked as all the times before he would not even talk about it. So Kara is helping to put on a wedding for them and then they will get baptized after the wedding). Just working like a beast as always. This week we had the last zone conference with Pres Madrigal. This next change our new president will be coming so I am excited to meet him.
Not sure what else to say. I love you and daddy and our family so much and I am so grateful that we have the hope of the Savior in our lives, that we have the promise of rest and peace if we come unto him.
I love you
Kara
This is a shoe shiner that shined all the Missionaries shoes while they were waiting to catch the bus.
While Elder Whitwood was taking his picture, he quickly jumped up and sat by me and put his arm around me. Elder Cruz shook his finger at him and told him No No No, but I do not think the guy understood, because he kept touching me. We all got a pretty good laugh.
Discovering the Rat's Nest 17 May 2010
Downtown Panama City
Thanks for the package and everything, hopefully it doesn't take too long to get here.
So this Sunday was the census here in Panama and no one was allowed to leave the house so that the government could count the people, it was weird not to have church but I guess our mission Pres. decided it would be a good day to clean the house, so even it though was Sunday my comp and I decided to clean the things we haven't had time to get to. Aka the huge pile of wood old dresser and crap under the stairs. While pulling everything out of there I found an exciting surprise. A rats nest. My companion and I have succeeded killing 6 rats during this week with poison and traps but it seems we hadn't gotten to the heart of the problem. In one of the dresser drawers I found the nest full of baby rats, I counted 6 but I'm not really sure how many there were. They were actually kind of cute and helpless so I wanted to keep them and take care of them but my comp wouldn't have any of that. She decided that the only way to dispose of them completely would be to burn the whole dresser. I tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn't budge. So yesterday we had a bonfire. I still feel kind of bad but its nice to know I won't wake up to rat poop on my scriptures anymore.
Work wise things went well this week, I put a baptismal date with a guy we found a few weeks ago and I am really excited to see him change and grow. We watched the Joseph Smith movie with him the other day and the spirit was super super strong, it was pretty awesome. I'm about halfway done with all the papers and everything for the marriage of Naidu so she will be getting baptized soon as well. It really goes to show that there is always opposition in all things because I have been experiencing a lot of rejection lately but I am also seeing many miracles so its all worth it. It is amazing how much the Lord blesses me and how happy I can be even though all day long people are rude to me. It just goes to show that real happiness is only found in the gospel.
I am so grateful to be here and for all I've learned.
All my love,
Kara
Mother's Day Phone call re-cap from Mom 10 May 2010
Kara said that she lives in the ghetto area and that they have seen shootings and hears shots all the time. While we were talking, her companion let out a scream as they caught a rat. They have about 7-10 rats running around their house. Kara said she has gotten to where they don't bother her so much, but she is tired of their poop on everything. When she emailed the day after we talked, she informed me they had caught 2 more, so a total of 3. Her land lord had set traps for them to catch them and then he comes and gets them when they are trapped. Kara said she knows that the Lord is protecting her as there is so much danger around her, but they leave her alone other than the cat calling that she gets. She is still having stomach issues and took the strongest parasite pill they had to see if that was what she had going on. But she like Kyle, said "I am so grateful I am hear and I thank the Lord for the opportunity everyday". Oh Kara has a pet duck that roams her house with the rats. One of the members in the ward gave it to her for her birthday. He brings her food each week to feed it. She said since she doesn't have floor in her place other than cement or dirt, it can't really hurt anything. She got it when it was a tiny chick and the deal is that she will give it back to the member when she gets transferred.
This is the pet duckling
This is the pet duckling
Visit to the Temple 26 April 2010
So I think my week was about like yours. I definitely saw opposition in all things this week. I got to go to the temple on Wednesday which was absolutely, completely amazing. I learned so much in just a few hours. I realized everything in this life is a process as reflected in the temple and that I'm not just all of a sudden going to be perfect enough to be in the Lords presence, I have to change little by little everyday till I reach the celestial room. While I was in the celestial room I truly felt the presence of the Lord. I can't wait to return to his presence, to the peace and joy we will have there. Thank you for always having taught me the truth so that I am temple worthy, so that I know and understand why I am here. I love you so much. I did a session and initiatories and my companion basically had to drag me out of there because I did not want to leave. I met a lady that is serving a mission in the temple with her husband who is Japanese but lived in Orem and taught at BYU with her husband for 50 years. She was so cute and reminded me a lot of Grandma.
In order to make the 8:00am session, we had to get up at 4:00am.
Grandma and Grandpa I miss you two a lot and I love you so much. I am so grateful to be a granddaughter of two such amazing people who truly have consecrated their lives to the Lord.
Also we had a baptism on Saturday which went really well. Once again it is amazing to see the change in peoples lives as they begin to turn to the Lord. The baptism was really nice and as Oliver said ( the guy who got baptized) it was full of the spirit.
Also yesterday I got the surprise of talking in church. 5 minutes before the meeting started the 1st counselor came up and told me that the person that was supposed to talk wasn't going to show up and that they wanted me to talk. I said okay, what would you like me to talk about and he said ummmmmmmmmmm prayer. So I prayed really hard but I felt really nervous because I was completely exhausted and my little brain felt all fried, I couldn't think of a single thing to say. But as I walked up to the front to give my talk I realized, Jesus was our example in everything and we are supposed to do what he did. So what exactly did he do? He followed the will of the father and prayer is how we figure out what exactly is the will of the father for us. From there I used the example of Enos and applied it to our lives and some how ended up filling the 15 minutes no problem. It was so amazing I truly felt the Lord fill my mouth with words. The things that I said I had never thought about before, I not only taught them but I taught myself as well. It was a talk I will never forget.
This week was super duper hard. It poured rain almost every single day, no one wanted to listen to us, we don't have anyone progressing and no one new to teach. I felt horrible because I basically didn't sleep all week and my stomach was really upset again. (I don't think I really have a stomach ulcer because my stomach still hurts from time to time, the medicine they gave me hasn't done anything, so I stopped taking it.) I felt really depressed and down hearted wondering why I am even here. But then I remember the amazing experiences I have had here. Focusing on the good things and having an eternal perspective all makes it worth it. So we keep pushing on.
Tell Darren I say that doubt and fear never come from the Lord.
Tell the kids hi and that I love them.
All my Love,
Hermy
In order to make the 8:00am session, we had to get up at 4:00am.
Grandma and Grandpa I miss you two a lot and I love you so much. I am so grateful to be a granddaughter of two such amazing people who truly have consecrated their lives to the Lord.
Also we had a baptism on Saturday which went really well. Once again it is amazing to see the change in peoples lives as they begin to turn to the Lord. The baptism was really nice and as Oliver said ( the guy who got baptized) it was full of the spirit.
Also yesterday I got the surprise of talking in church. 5 minutes before the meeting started the 1st counselor came up and told me that the person that was supposed to talk wasn't going to show up and that they wanted me to talk. I said okay, what would you like me to talk about and he said ummmmmmmmmmm prayer. So I prayed really hard but I felt really nervous because I was completely exhausted and my little brain felt all fried, I couldn't think of a single thing to say. But as I walked up to the front to give my talk I realized, Jesus was our example in everything and we are supposed to do what he did. So what exactly did he do? He followed the will of the father and prayer is how we figure out what exactly is the will of the father for us. From there I used the example of Enos and applied it to our lives and some how ended up filling the 15 minutes no problem. It was so amazing I truly felt the Lord fill my mouth with words. The things that I said I had never thought about before, I not only taught them but I taught myself as well. It was a talk I will never forget.
This week was super duper hard. It poured rain almost every single day, no one wanted to listen to us, we don't have anyone progressing and no one new to teach. I felt horrible because I basically didn't sleep all week and my stomach was really upset again. (I don't think I really have a stomach ulcer because my stomach still hurts from time to time, the medicine they gave me hasn't done anything, so I stopped taking it.) I felt really depressed and down hearted wondering why I am even here. But then I remember the amazing experiences I have had here. Focusing on the good things and having an eternal perspective all makes it worth it. So we keep pushing on.
Tell Darren I say that doubt and fear never come from the Lord.
Tell the kids hi and that I love them.
All my Love,
Hermy
P-Day at the Beach, but not in the water!! 19 April 2010
Hermana Golan, her companion from Nicaragua and Kara
So after almost nine months in Panama, I finally got to go to the beach today. We went with my whole zone and it was pretty fun. I enjoyed looking for shells while running away from the water.
First trip to the beach
This is the black sand from the beach. Also check out the tan lines on the feet!
Things this week were good, the same old same old. We had a baptism this weekend that went really well and it was kind of funny because as we were leaving the church some guys were shooting at one another, so the police showed up to take them all. It was kind of a crazy contrast, to go from a baptism full of the spirit back into the world again. I look forward to the day when we can stay in the environment with the spirit forever and don't have to return to the world.
So far I have had 8 baptisms which actually will be 9 this Saturday. Not counting the ones that I taught and got baptized after I got moved to another area. I am writing in my journal as much as I can because I think I have your disease of forgetfulness. I almost can't remember how to speak English anymore.
I really liked that talk you sent me about the way we think and the importance of our thoughts, you wouldn't believe how often I teach people that saying you always taught us, that our thoughts become our actions ect. I never realized how much you really taught me until I got here and started teaching other people. Thank you so much for always teaching me, even though at times it may have seemed that what you said went in one ear and out the other. I think most of it has stayed with me and helps me out a lot.
I am super excited that it is almost Mothers Day, I have church the same time as you guys so I think I'll just call you after wards. I can buy a calling card here again, I think in the end that was easier and cheaper.
Hey I haven't gotten any letters from home in a super long time, are you still sending them or have you stopped?
How are the kids doing?
Things are going well here, I'm not sure what to tell you about, I can't think of anything out of the ordinary.
OH, I'm going to the temple this Wednesday and I am super excited. President is rewarding me for all of my baptisms. Hopefully it'll give me a good jump start. I'm starting to feel like I'm falling into a routine...
My only complaint is that I really don't like my zone here, the other missionaries are all gossip mongers and even though they are missionaries they are always staring at me like a piece of meat. It gets kind of frustrating. But we have changes in 2 weeks so it should get changed up soon, hopefully.
Anyways I love you, you are amazing, thank you for all you do for me.
hermy
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