Hello Family!
It's almost Thanksgiving. And that subject line phrase is how you say it in Spanish. Learned it last week.
But. . . you know you're a missionary when - Holidays become bothers! I don't have family to spend it with, less people want appointments that day, and we just work like normal. Kind of funny! It really has bothered me as we've been planning. Missionaries don't need holidays. And I remember there was one while I was in the MTC. We had no idea. But the mailroom was closed...bummer.
So Mom, on Thanksgiving, we'll do everything like normal. Three families have mentioned feeding us... we'll see. Our back-up plan is KFC :)
So, news from this week. My companion is doing great. Today she found out her dad had a stroke over the weekend but he is okay now. Not usually a good thing when Pres. Brady calls out of the blue at 7 am in the morning :) I have great missionaries in my district. They are hard-working and good leaders. We had a good district meeting last Wednesday. Hna Talbot and I gave a little training then Elder Barron (district leader) then Elders Felkner and Ward (zone leaders). On Wed I also had a funny moment. Was opening a front gate and say the "Beware of Dog" sign so turned to Hna Talbot and asked if the lady really had a dog. Turn back and there he is almost level with my face. Dropped the latch and jumped back. He scared me! Came and put front paws on the fence so quietly. It was really funny. He was a nice dog, though.
I found out that Hna Talbot is the oldest Spanish-speaking sister in the mission. He he! I've got the most experienced missionary as my trainer :) And yesterday she said something that cracked me up. I've decided it's how I'll always remember her (or try to anyway) -- "There's a Sharpie for everything." And she has them all, pretty much. Sticky notes too. Ha ha. The little things that make life great.
Yesterday we did a LOT of walking. Just to conserve on miles. And it worked out well. We got lots of contacts, more than the mission standard and our goal. And we were nice and tired at the end of the night so slept well. I felt more like a regular missionary. But the car is nice. Especially with our big area. Speaking of area, I'll give you the zip code where we live in Oceanside. 92054. But we cover southern Oceanside and all of Carlsbad.
Zone conference is coming tomorrow. Hurray! I was enlisted to play the piano. {Nervous face} A special musical number and the opening hymn. Oh goodie! We'll arrive 15 mins early so I can practice. Sure wishing for a keyboard or something right now. (And no Mum I don't want the hymns made easy book. But thanks! If you find some simple piano solo music that would be very helpful. For tomorrow I'm just playing a hymn and an elder will sing. We'll see how it goes.....)
The ward members are still taking care of us. I haven't really had much interesting food. Definitely not compared to Taiwan - yet. But it's possible. Had a certain meat they eat a lot. Don't know how to write the name. It's good. Eat it with tortillas and rice and lots of other stuff. One member did give us some vegetables that are like cacti. Don't remember the name either. Sorry...not doing so well on the details!
Thanks for all the news about your week. It sounds like lots of fun! I love the impromptu trip to the REAL game. I'm sure it was grand. And the pictures were great. It's nice and sunny here :) I've become a bit of a wimp and wear a sweater and a dress jacket in the evenings for longs walks. he he.
I'll have to see on the photos. I know you really want them but we don't have much time at all. We have to clean everything really well today since our apartment and car will be inspected tomorrow during zone conference. And yes Dad the idea of dropping prints off is great. (but not for missionaries) But Wal-mart is down in Carlsbad and we have many other things to take care of. P-days are just packed! I think I'll send my memory card home soon. And I need to take more photos. Of me and Hna Talbot.
Mom, the gift cards are good ideas. But only if I'm in this area at Christmas time. Lots of areas don't have all the great stores this area has. In fact, I don't think any of them have a Target...maybe a Wal-mart. So I would say 'no' to the gift card idea. Don't know for sure that I'll stay in this area. It's just highly likely.
Thanks so much for the updates on the births! Crazy about Lacy. She always wanted to do things naturally but then an emergency c-section. I'm hoping she'll send info about it herself. It was a few weeks ago?
Ah *sigh* I'm on a mission, not dead. The mail system works great. But a big thank you to the family. I've received postcards. And mom's letter on Sat. and Chez's today. They make me happy so thanks~! And a fabulous elder from my MTC district sent me JJ's dearelder letter that must have arrived the day I left the MTC. Thanks Elder Green! I received it three weeks into the mission field experience :) But I did get it.
I can't think of anything else to share at this moment. Life as a missionary is busy and great. We are doing well. And working hard.
I love you all!
Love,
Hermana Green
Friday, November 27, 2009
17 November 2009 - Can't think of catchy subject line right now . . .
Hello family!
I'm feeling less rushed and crazy today. First P-day is always pretty crazy. And I may not have mentioned that we "whitewashed" this area -neither one of us was already serving here. And add to that the fact that no sister missionaries were serving here for a few months = crazy. So they did give us a map they just didn't know where our area boundaries would be for the first week. It's all good now. We've got things figured out and we're working on making the area book beautiful.
Yes, I have a pillow now. Bought it at Target last P-day. It's been lovely to have. And I think my neck muscles appreciate it. Even though they're tensed from always carrying a bag and just general everyday missionary stress. But life is so good! It's great to be a missionary!
We have some investigators that are progressing, but none with baptismal dates. We've got plans and are working on them coming true :) We've been fed a few more dinners and gotten to know more ward members which is great. I'll probably end up playing the piano in RS. And I do at district meetings. Wups, should've practiced more before I came. But it's great. I like playing the piano - I just prefer playing for myself and not accompaniment :)
Disclaimer: learning Spanish is really throwing off my English grammar and spelling. So sorry but there will be misspelled words. myldsmail.net does not have spell checker (sorry Dad!)
And speaking of Spanish, it's coming along alright. We practice teaching some principle in every companion study and that is really helpful. And I've switched and now just want to convey my thoughts so mess up on conjugations. Oh well. I want them to catch the meaning is all. (In the MTC I only liked saying things if I could say it right)
Hermana Talbot is doing well. I'll tell her 'hi' for you. And I'll work on the pictures. We're heading to Wal-mart today and if it has 1-hr photo I might consider doing it. But we don't really have an hour to just spend at Wal-mart! Last P-day went crazy and we barely got our laundry done. So Hna Talbot-- she is number 3 of 5. Her two older siblings served missions. And her younger brother is working on his papers now. Her youngest brother passed away. I'm pretty sure she was born and raised in the church. Her dad works for the Air Force as a teacher. He's retired and a civilian worker. Her mom has her own company (I think) and plans weddings. I have other info on a sticky note. That should be good for now :)
I will always have a car here in Carlsbad. All sisters do. With elders it depends on the area. We have a certain amount of miles and if we go over it comes out of the next month's allotment. I don't know what happens after that. Maybe we walk? And the mission takes care of the gas. I do not drive the car. Hna Talbot is the designated driver this transfer. Maybe I'll drive later on in the mission. (probably if I train someone.)
And I forgot to grab my wish list on the way out the door :( One thing I would really like is return address labels. With the mission office address. But only 1 page because the office is most likely moving to Vista soon. Thanks! And I have a genius plan on treats - I'll send a list of what I'd want. Then in each package you only send one small amount of one kind of treat. So throughout my mission I'll get all the treats. But I won't have tons to haul around and eat. I'm supposed to be eating healthy. Sis. Brady talked about it our first day. I'm doing pretty good. (Seriously, this is what I would prefer. Not huge packages. Small sizes)
I would really like my CD's sent to me soon. I don't need the player right away. Hna Talbot has one. And the restrictions changed - any music my comp. and I agree on as good for mission work goes. If my comp. says it doesn't follow Missionary Handbook guidelines, my comp. is right. So I can get any classical music! And some Christmas music from Manheim Steamroller would be fabulous.
I'll find more time for writing today. But I've only received one letter today from a friend so it makes it lots easier :) I'll respond to mum's letter from the package. Thanks for that, btw. The treats were perfect! Just what I'd been wishing for (same brain wave lengths, I guess).
So missionary work here in Carlsbad is great! Yesterday we had some entertaining tracting moments. Contacted some people at a gas station, talked to a young man rolling a cigarrette, (sp?) and met a lady whose day was made because she met some mormon females out spreading the word of God. Always nice to make someone's day :) We also started writing a poem. I'm pretty excited about it. To be shared when it's completed....
I mentioned photos, I took some of the apartment when we first got here. Not sure when I'll have a chance to print them but will keep it in the back of my mind. And I can now open pictures if you want to send any to me. Just couldn't at the MTC.
I feel that this e-mail is scattered. But it's alright! I love you all tons. Thanks for all the love and support! Keep sending NOTES (ie letters) and prayers my way. They mean so much.
Love,
Hermana Green
I'm feeling less rushed and crazy today. First P-day is always pretty crazy. And I may not have mentioned that we "whitewashed" this area -neither one of us was already serving here. And add to that the fact that no sister missionaries were serving here for a few months = crazy. So they did give us a map they just didn't know where our area boundaries would be for the first week. It's all good now. We've got things figured out and we're working on making the area book beautiful.
Yes, I have a pillow now. Bought it at Target last P-day. It's been lovely to have. And I think my neck muscles appreciate it. Even though they're tensed from always carrying a bag and just general everyday missionary stress. But life is so good! It's great to be a missionary!
We have some investigators that are progressing, but none with baptismal dates. We've got plans and are working on them coming true :) We've been fed a few more dinners and gotten to know more ward members which is great. I'll probably end up playing the piano in RS. And I do at district meetings. Wups, should've practiced more before I came. But it's great. I like playing the piano - I just prefer playing for myself and not accompaniment :)
Disclaimer: learning Spanish is really throwing off my English grammar and spelling. So sorry but there will be misspelled words. myldsmail.net does not have spell checker (sorry Dad!)
And speaking of Spanish, it's coming along alright. We practice teaching some principle in every companion study and that is really helpful. And I've switched and now just want to convey my thoughts so mess up on conjugations. Oh well. I want them to catch the meaning is all. (In the MTC I only liked saying things if I could say it right)
Hermana Talbot is doing well. I'll tell her 'hi' for you. And I'll work on the pictures. We're heading to Wal-mart today and if it has 1-hr photo I might consider doing it. But we don't really have an hour to just spend at Wal-mart! Last P-day went crazy and we barely got our laundry done. So Hna Talbot-- she is number 3 of 5. Her two older siblings served missions. And her younger brother is working on his papers now. Her youngest brother passed away. I'm pretty sure she was born and raised in the church. Her dad works for the Air Force as a teacher. He's retired and a civilian worker. Her mom has her own company (I think) and plans weddings. I have other info on a sticky note. That should be good for now :)
I will always have a car here in Carlsbad. All sisters do. With elders it depends on the area. We have a certain amount of miles and if we go over it comes out of the next month's allotment. I don't know what happens after that. Maybe we walk? And the mission takes care of the gas. I do not drive the car. Hna Talbot is the designated driver this transfer. Maybe I'll drive later on in the mission. (probably if I train someone.)
And I forgot to grab my wish list on the way out the door :( One thing I would really like is return address labels. With the mission office address. But only 1 page because the office is most likely moving to Vista soon. Thanks! And I have a genius plan on treats - I'll send a list of what I'd want. Then in each package you only send one small amount of one kind of treat. So throughout my mission I'll get all the treats. But I won't have tons to haul around and eat. I'm supposed to be eating healthy. Sis. Brady talked about it our first day. I'm doing pretty good. (Seriously, this is what I would prefer. Not huge packages. Small sizes)
I would really like my CD's sent to me soon. I don't need the player right away. Hna Talbot has one. And the restrictions changed - any music my comp. and I agree on as good for mission work goes. If my comp. says it doesn't follow Missionary Handbook guidelines, my comp. is right. So I can get any classical music! And some Christmas music from Manheim Steamroller would be fabulous.
I'll find more time for writing today. But I've only received one letter today from a friend so it makes it lots easier :) I'll respond to mum's letter from the package. Thanks for that, btw. The treats were perfect! Just what I'd been wishing for (same brain wave lengths, I guess).
So missionary work here in Carlsbad is great! Yesterday we had some entertaining tracting moments. Contacted some people at a gas station, talked to a young man rolling a cigarrette, (sp?) and met a lady whose day was made because she met some mormon females out spreading the word of God. Always nice to make someone's day :) We also started writing a poem. I'm pretty excited about it. To be shared when it's completed....
I mentioned photos, I took some of the apartment when we first got here. Not sure when I'll have a chance to print them but will keep it in the back of my mind. And I can now open pictures if you want to send any to me. Just couldn't at the MTC.
I feel that this e-mail is scattered. But it's alright! I love you all tons. Thanks for all the love and support! Keep sending NOTES (ie letters) and prayers my way. They mean so much.
Love,
Hermana Green
Sunday, November 15, 2009
10 November 2009 - Who Needs a Pillow?
Hello family!
How are you all? Wonderful, I hope. I am doing great. I've been a 'real' missionary in the real, non-MTC world for a full week now. Woo hoo! I feel like we should have a b-day party :) Ok, might be hard.
So as you've now learned, my P-day is on Tuesday. And I'll get to doing e-mail around 11:30 or 12 each time. I'm at one of the Carlsbad City Libraries. Maybe you don't care so much about that. Let's get down to the good stuff, eh?
*Ask Mum for the scoop on the title of the e-mail. Basically, no Mum I don't have a pillow yet. Today for sure! Last Tuesday was crazy. And we aren't supposed to shop for things besides on P-day. yes, pillows are semi-important. But we're missionaries! Missionaries don't need pillows (wink). I folded up some pillow cases the first night. Then I added a towel, then a scarf. It's been alright. Maybe caused more tension in my shoulders, but it's ALL good.
Ok. The meat that you're all dying to hear. I'm serving in the Oceanside 5th Ward....Spanish speaking! (it's highly likely my language assignment will change sometime during my mission. Here in the Ca-Carl mission they assign you by area and language.) My apartment address can't be given (good thing I have a trainer to tell me these things!). Just look in the area of Oceanside. You'll see where I'm working and serving the Lord.
My companion is Hermana Talbot from Colorado Springs, CO. A very cool thing - I know Pres. Brady was inspired to put us together. Because he told me so himself in our first interview. Pretty neat! We get along great...even down to the food. Well, except milk. She likes whole and I like skim. We compromised with 2%. She has been out for one year now (including MTC time) and I am her second "daughter" or 'hija' = person she trains. This is her third area. Can't think of much else. We're pretty similar. Why don't you ask me questions and I'll find out the answers then let you know. Ok? One thing I do remember - her dad works for/in the Air Force. And her older sister served in the Temple Square Mission a few years ago. (we're the same age too) She thinks that we will be together for 2 transfers. We'll see. Next transfer is Nov 25.
Our area is really big! We had some issues with area lines. They couldn't decide where to have us work (huh, what are they trying to say?). So on Sunday we finally received our map and information about the area we will serve in. Doesn't seem like too big of a deal to non-missionaries. But it's a huge deal! You can't go outside your area so if you don't know what your area is...it's hard. And we didn't know where to work for those first few days. We chose a spot we were pretty certain would be in our area. Central. Let me tell you about it...the population is pretty much all Spanish-speakers (perfect!) and it's sketchy at night. We were warned about it twice. Perfect, eh? If I had more brain power and time I would phrase that so I get you all good and scared. (but I don't have either) And then tell you they gave that section of Oceanside to the elders. Hm....we think they might have had some legitimate reasons for that. Don't know for sure. It was a good area and we found some promising investigators in that short time so we just handed them over to the elders on Sun. But they handed some to us so it all works out.
So that first Tuesday was literally crazy. But it was so wonderful! I was just really excited to get out here (a blessing. I thought I might be scared or nervous.) I was really calm and knew I was in the right place. Pres. Brady and I talked about that in the first interview and he reminded me that I'm here in this mission for the people. I'm starting to see that already. It's incredible! I love being a part of this great work.
I love the members in our ward. We found 2 families our first night here (Tues) which was great. And then we had 2 meals with member families this past week. But both live in the Central area so we can't visit them again. We had dinner with a sister on Sunday and it was great. We also found the little grandma of the ward. Yeah! She sat us down and talked and talked, gave us Squirt and delicious tea cookie/biscuits. And then sent us home with a gocery bag with three bags of Halloween candy, all the tea cookies we hadn't eaten, and a bag of potato chips. I needed that. It was so fun. Her name is Ofelia. She told us she wouldn't be at church because of pain due to a root canal. I saw a note on another ward list that said she's less-active. We'll see about that. I just love her! I'll try to get a pic. with her sometime.
My time is almost up. I have two charges for everyone who reads this. 1) Help the missionaries! Go with them to lessons, fellowship investigators. It is crucial. 2) Be good member missionaries. Go find people for the full-time missionaries to teach. Share your testimonies and knowledge, beyond your examples (which is a great thing).
Today is going to be crazy. We were given a dirty car and so-so apartment. We have to attack them today. Yeah for clean things!!!
Sorry if this is jumbled. I've barely been able to synthesize everything. I have quite a few journal entries that aren't complete. and I usually can't write them until the next day. Ah! I need my journal time :)
I love you all so much! I love being a busy missionary. Off we go to Target (YES! big area has some perks.)
Love,
Hermana Green
How are you all? Wonderful, I hope. I am doing great. I've been a 'real' missionary in the real, non-MTC world for a full week now. Woo hoo! I feel like we should have a b-day party :) Ok, might be hard.
So as you've now learned, my P-day is on Tuesday. And I'll get to doing e-mail around 11:30 or 12 each time. I'm at one of the Carlsbad City Libraries. Maybe you don't care so much about that. Let's get down to the good stuff, eh?
*Ask Mum for the scoop on the title of the e-mail. Basically, no Mum I don't have a pillow yet. Today for sure! Last Tuesday was crazy. And we aren't supposed to shop for things besides on P-day. yes, pillows are semi-important. But we're missionaries! Missionaries don't need pillows (wink). I folded up some pillow cases the first night. Then I added a towel, then a scarf. It's been alright. Maybe caused more tension in my shoulders, but it's ALL good.
Ok. The meat that you're all dying to hear. I'm serving in the Oceanside 5th Ward....Spanish speaking! (it's highly likely my language assignment will change sometime during my mission. Here in the Ca-Carl mission they assign you by area and language.) My apartment address can't be given (good thing I have a trainer to tell me these things!). Just look in the area of Oceanside. You'll see where I'm working and serving the Lord.
My companion is Hermana Talbot from Colorado Springs, CO. A very cool thing - I know Pres. Brady was inspired to put us together. Because he told me so himself in our first interview. Pretty neat! We get along great...even down to the food. Well, except milk. She likes whole and I like skim. We compromised with 2%. She has been out for one year now (including MTC time) and I am her second "daughter" or 'hija' = person she trains. This is her third area. Can't think of much else. We're pretty similar. Why don't you ask me questions and I'll find out the answers then let you know. Ok? One thing I do remember - her dad works for/in the Air Force. And her older sister served in the Temple Square Mission a few years ago. (we're the same age too) She thinks that we will be together for 2 transfers. We'll see. Next transfer is Nov 25.
Our area is really big! We had some issues with area lines. They couldn't decide where to have us work (huh, what are they trying to say?). So on Sunday we finally received our map and information about the area we will serve in. Doesn't seem like too big of a deal to non-missionaries. But it's a huge deal! You can't go outside your area so if you don't know what your area is...it's hard. And we didn't know where to work for those first few days. We chose a spot we were pretty certain would be in our area. Central. Let me tell you about it...the population is pretty much all Spanish-speakers (perfect!) and it's sketchy at night. We were warned about it twice. Perfect, eh? If I had more brain power and time I would phrase that so I get you all good and scared. (but I don't have either) And then tell you they gave that section of Oceanside to the elders. Hm....we think they might have had some legitimate reasons for that. Don't know for sure. It was a good area and we found some promising investigators in that short time so we just handed them over to the elders on Sun. But they handed some to us so it all works out.
So that first Tuesday was literally crazy. But it was so wonderful! I was just really excited to get out here (a blessing. I thought I might be scared or nervous.) I was really calm and knew I was in the right place. Pres. Brady and I talked about that in the first interview and he reminded me that I'm here in this mission for the people. I'm starting to see that already. It's incredible! I love being a part of this great work.
I love the members in our ward. We found 2 families our first night here (Tues) which was great. And then we had 2 meals with member families this past week. But both live in the Central area so we can't visit them again. We had dinner with a sister on Sunday and it was great. We also found the little grandma of the ward. Yeah! She sat us down and talked and talked, gave us Squirt and delicious tea cookie/biscuits. And then sent us home with a gocery bag with three bags of Halloween candy, all the tea cookies we hadn't eaten, and a bag of potato chips. I needed that. It was so fun. Her name is Ofelia. She told us she wouldn't be at church because of pain due to a root canal. I saw a note on another ward list that said she's less-active. We'll see about that. I just love her! I'll try to get a pic. with her sometime.
My time is almost up. I have two charges for everyone who reads this. 1) Help the missionaries! Go with them to lessons, fellowship investigators. It is crucial. 2) Be good member missionaries. Go find people for the full-time missionaries to teach. Share your testimonies and knowledge, beyond your examples (which is a great thing).
Today is going to be crazy. We were given a dirty car and so-so apartment. We have to attack them today. Yeah for clean things!!!
Sorry if this is jumbled. I've barely been able to synthesize everything. I have quite a few journal entries that aren't complete. and I usually can't write them until the next day. Ah! I need my journal time :)
I love you all so much! I love being a busy missionary. Off we go to Target (YES! big area has some perks.)
Love,
Hermana Green
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
3 November 2009 - Bye, Bye MTC!
Amberlee left the MTC early this morning to catch her flight to San Diego, CA and then on to Carlsbad, CA and her mission!
She sent a short email and said:
"I've arrived and I'm fine. Really excited to be here. "
Go get 'em sister!
Her mailing address in California is:
Sister Amberlee Green
California Carlsbad Mission
785 Grand Ave Ste 202
Carlsbad, CA 92008
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