[Chelsea's letter from July 13th.]
Ciao ciao ciao!!
Today is the beginning of week 6 for me! How crazy is that! We get new italian missionaries in a week! I will be in Italy in 4 weeks from today! I am starting to really freak out!
So sorella foote is gone now and we've had to adjust to the change of being in a regualar duo now. It's been a big relief though. She wrote me yesterday and sounds positive and optimistic for the future. She is still struggling, but she is starting to figure out how to get better and that is what is important. I think because I was so stressed about Slla. Foote that Thursday morning I woke up feeling really sick. I think it was my body crashing after all the stress and finally having it lifted and not knowing what to do. But I just slept for a couple hours and felt better and went on with the day. I have been so tired though, but that just means I'm really on a mission, right?
We got a new "investigator" last week and it is a divorced man with a 12 year old son. He really likes the standards of our church, but says his job is too bad for him to join our church and makes him a bad man and can't pray to god. We were too scared to ask what his job was. He kept asking why christ had to suffer for us to be repented of our sins. It really caused me to study that out and come up with scriptures for it. I found in Alma 7:11-12 about the atonement how not only did christ suffer so he knows what we feel like, but so he knew how to help us get through these things. It changed my perspective on the atonement.
One of our teachers, Fratello Bullock, has been sick for a whole week now. He has West Nile Virus. We still haven't seen him yet. Pretty scary. Let's pray that none of us missionaries get it. And I really hope fllo. bullock gets better soon.
Our gym is getting refinished and so it's closed for ten days! The whole place smells like paint and we're all forced to go outside for gym. It's not fun. Also, the temple is closed for cleaning til the end of this month. I can't believe the two most sacred placed for missionaries are closed. It's driving me crazy!!
Now that we are halfway through the mtc, we are only speaking italian in our classes. It's tough, but we're learning alot faster. Really cool. I also saw Ellie Hansen (Kaori's sister) at the MTC because she teaches here and her parents were coming to volunteer at the TRC. I waited around and saw them for a little bit. It was so great! They are such great people.
Monday night, Slla Dall and I found some cookies and a note in front of our bedroom door. It was super nice, but it was annonymous. We have no idea who left it for us, but it was greatly appreciated. So if you are reading this and you did it, thanks. Haha
The schedule here is getting a little old. I'm so tired of being in class all day long and then eating yucky food all day. I miss home cooked meals and the freedom to get up and walk around when I need to. Only 4 more weeks and I'll get all the good food and walking I want! Yay!!
The family reunion sounded cool. Did you see TYler Smedley? Is he dating anyone? He's such a good guy. I miss him. What's wrong with grandpa? Why did he not feel well enough to come down? I really wish I could have seen g-ma and g-pa before I left. Tell them I love them. I got a letter from grandma, she wants to get my e-mails and I keep forgetting to bring her email address so if you could email her my stuff then I think she would like that. Send them my love. I'll write her back when I have more time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAYLEY!! You may be another year older, but you still look great. How's that pregnant belly looking? Showing bigtime? Do you know what gender it is yet? Send pictures of you and ian and Amira! Especially Amira because I miss that little girl more than I can explain. I'm even teary eyed thinking about her. Give her some big hugs and kisses from me. I hope you had a great birthday Hayley. Sorry I wasn't there. I'll send you something cool from Italy when I get there. Love you!
Tell Kendra about my blog and tell her to write me through dearelder.com please. I want to talk to her. I miss her and I'm glad she's doing well.
I knew andrew was Assistant to the pres. He has been for awhile. You should mail me some of their letters because I don't get them anymore either and I'd like to know how they are doing. also, my schedule is different every day, but the same every week. I'll mail you my schedule when I don't need it anymore. Takes too long to explain it all, but it's monotonous.
Dad, I like how you are considerate of my opinion of your clothing. Makes me laugh. You're such a great help to everyone. But don't work yourself too hard. I need a dad for alot longer and I need him as healthy as possible. K thanks. And I will be sure to take you to nicer italian restaurants when you come to italy. It is all our teachers talk about.
My package still hasn't come and it's driving me crazy! Check on britt and see if she sent it. I'm running out of patience.
Love you all,
Sorella Heiner
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Week 4
[Sorry I've been lying down on the job, folks! Here's Chelsea's letter from July 6th. ~Brittany]
Ciao Tutti!
How is everyone? It is getting way too hot here. I am dreading going to the heat and humidity of Italy, yet so dang excited for Italy aside from the heat.
So this last week was crazy! My companions and I have been in and out of appointments with doctors, counselors, MTC President, his wife, District President, etc. Sorella Foote's anxiety got alot worse and they finally decided she needed to go home. And she helped make the decision too. It has been really tough for her especially, but also for us (her compnanions). She decided to leave yesterday and flew out this morning to go back home to new hampshire. It has been a sad day, but she is making the right decision I think. I've felt peace about this decision for her and she could feel a little bit of peace within the crazy thoughts in her head. She's going to get through this and may come back out to serve, but who knows. Remember her in your prayers, because she really needs it. Sorella Dall and I feel alot of relief after all of this but feel spiritually, emotionally, and physically tired. It's crazy!
Sickest thing happened this week! On Monday for dinner we were having chicken strips and i got mine and then I went to take a big bite of mine and it was harder to bite into. Then before I chewed it, I noticed the chicken was completely pink. It was RAW! All of mine were raw and I almost ate it. Yuck! So I took it back to the cooks and found about 6 other missionaries with the same problem. I can't say I have eaten some chicken since. I also ate a bowl of cereal for dinner that night. It was so gross and scary. I wonder how many people got sick from it.
Dad: right after I read your e-mail, I saw Jami Michaud. She just arrived to the MTC today. Crazy!
Mom: tan little purse is the one from Kendra. at least send the curling irons for while I am here. I will ask my teachers when I get the chance. Haven't been in class pretty much the last 7 days because of Sorella Foote, but it's okay. The Lord will make up for the lost time because I know I was doing what He needed me to do. Along with just black and white shades, some fun colored ones would be nice. I've noticed my wardrobe is very boring. How is that orange top you needed to fix? If you've fixed it, could you send it to me also. There's this thing called MTCdelivery.com and I've noticed missionaries getting boxes of Krispy Kremes and fun stuff like that. Maybe check into that and send me two dozen donuts to share with my district maybe? If not, that's fun. I just think we'd all appreciate it.
I can't wait to see the quilt you are making for Nancy. Sounds cool. And that is such a nice thing to do for her. Service is the key thing to this gospel. Service and Obedience because that is what furthers the kingdom. Thanks for the Addresses. It is great!!
I have seen Mike alot here actually. I feel like I should be allowed to hug him because he is pretty much my brother, but we haven't, so don't worry. I need to get a picture with him and Rachel. I haven't gotten any with them yet. My district ended up saving us sisters seats for the devotional last night and mine was right next to mike so I got to sit by him.
Garrett better get his Visa stuff in! I've heard of missionaries who have had to wait 10 months for their visas to go through so they went to state side missions in the meantime. That would not be very fun at all! I hope he also knows what sunscreen is and how to use it! That is going tob e something he will pay for later in his life and he won't like it.
My companion wants me to do a musical number on the cello at church and I don't have any music I like. Could you maybe copy and mail me the music for Come Thouh Fount from teh Reflections of Christ album? That would be nice.
Dad, you need to take a break and rest! You are digging your own grave right now and it's scaring me! Please take care of yourself. You can't take care of others when you aren't healthy. And remember the things that matter most...your family. The memories you spend with us are far more valuable and important than the temporal things we have. I know you need to work alot because no one else can do your job, but relationships carry on past the grave. So make them the best you can. I know that my favorite memory I have of any family thing so far was this last summer when we went to D.C. I will forever cherish those memories and hope to have more in the future. I hope the other kids can enjoy they same feelings of love and friendship as I did.
Well gotta go. I love you all!! Travel safely and look for me on the field if you ever go by the MTC.
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
Ciao Tutti!
How is everyone? It is getting way too hot here. I am dreading going to the heat and humidity of Italy, yet so dang excited for Italy aside from the heat.
So this last week was crazy! My companions and I have been in and out of appointments with doctors, counselors, MTC President, his wife, District President, etc. Sorella Foote's anxiety got alot worse and they finally decided she needed to go home. And she helped make the decision too. It has been really tough for her especially, but also for us (her compnanions). She decided to leave yesterday and flew out this morning to go back home to new hampshire. It has been a sad day, but she is making the right decision I think. I've felt peace about this decision for her and she could feel a little bit of peace within the crazy thoughts in her head. She's going to get through this and may come back out to serve, but who knows. Remember her in your prayers, because she really needs it. Sorella Dall and I feel alot of relief after all of this but feel spiritually, emotionally, and physically tired. It's crazy!
Sickest thing happened this week! On Monday for dinner we were having chicken strips and i got mine and then I went to take a big bite of mine and it was harder to bite into. Then before I chewed it, I noticed the chicken was completely pink. It was RAW! All of mine were raw and I almost ate it. Yuck! So I took it back to the cooks and found about 6 other missionaries with the same problem. I can't say I have eaten some chicken since. I also ate a bowl of cereal for dinner that night. It was so gross and scary. I wonder how many people got sick from it.
Dad: right after I read your e-mail, I saw Jami Michaud. She just arrived to the MTC today. Crazy!
Mom: tan little purse is the one from Kendra. at least send the curling irons for while I am here. I will ask my teachers when I get the chance. Haven't been in class pretty much the last 7 days because of Sorella Foote, but it's okay. The Lord will make up for the lost time because I know I was doing what He needed me to do. Along with just black and white shades, some fun colored ones would be nice. I've noticed my wardrobe is very boring. How is that orange top you needed to fix? If you've fixed it, could you send it to me also. There's this thing called MTCdelivery.com and I've noticed missionaries getting boxes of Krispy Kremes and fun stuff like that. Maybe check into that and send me two dozen donuts to share with my district maybe? If not, that's fun. I just think we'd all appreciate it.
I can't wait to see the quilt you are making for Nancy. Sounds cool. And that is such a nice thing to do for her. Service is the key thing to this gospel. Service and Obedience because that is what furthers the kingdom. Thanks for the Addresses. It is great!!
I have seen Mike alot here actually. I feel like I should be allowed to hug him because he is pretty much my brother, but we haven't, so don't worry. I need to get a picture with him and Rachel. I haven't gotten any with them yet. My district ended up saving us sisters seats for the devotional last night and mine was right next to mike so I got to sit by him.
Garrett better get his Visa stuff in! I've heard of missionaries who have had to wait 10 months for their visas to go through so they went to state side missions in the meantime. That would not be very fun at all! I hope he also knows what sunscreen is and how to use it! That is going tob e something he will pay for later in his life and he won't like it.
My companion wants me to do a musical number on the cello at church and I don't have any music I like. Could you maybe copy and mail me the music for Come Thouh Fount from teh Reflections of Christ album? That would be nice.
Dad, you need to take a break and rest! You are digging your own grave right now and it's scaring me! Please take care of yourself. You can't take care of others when you aren't healthy. And remember the things that matter most...your family. The memories you spend with us are far more valuable and important than the temporal things we have. I know you need to work alot because no one else can do your job, but relationships carry on past the grave. So make them the best you can. I know that my favorite memory I have of any family thing so far was this last summer when we went to D.C. I will forever cherish those memories and hope to have more in the future. I hope the other kids can enjoy they same feelings of love and friendship as I did.
Well gotta go. I love you all!! Travel safely and look for me on the field if you ever go by the MTC.
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
Friday, July 1, 2011
Week 3
Hey family and friends,
How is everyone? I looked for Garrett/Mike/Kienes this afternoon but I didn't see them. :-( It stinks having p-day on Wednesday because our scheduled temple session is 11:00 and so we come back just in time to see all the missionaries saying bye to their families and it is so depressing! It makes me want to cry for them because I remember how much it hurt saying bye to the family at the same curb. It seems like it was only yesterday.
That's exciting you got to go to CA with your sisters, mom. I bet the cold weather was refreshing. I am sorry you didn't dress warm enough.
When are you all going to be up here for the reunion so I can keep my eyes peeled when I am at gym time. We usually go play four square or sand volleyball outside, so if you happen to go to the temple or drive by during those times, we might see each other.
So the mission presidents took over most of the MTC. They blocked off half of our cafeteria and had nice dinners with waiters and such. It wasn't very fair. And security would jump at anyone that got even close to where any general authorities were. It made me feel like a criminal in my own home. Not a great feeling, especially because the MTC is sort of a prison anyway. Friday night we got to hear from Elder Bednar and on the stands were Elders Anderson, Scott, Holland, Ballard, Nelson, and Oaks and Elders Rasband and Gonzolas of the presidency of the 70. I saw Sister Beck too and her husband came to visit my district in our classroom because he served in Italy and loves italy. It made us feel special.
Sunday I was made the Coordinating Sister of my branch. It's basically like the Zone Leader of the sisters/Relief Society President. Kind of an overwhelming calling with lots of meetings and responsibilities, but I am honored that the Lord puts that much trust in me. Must mean I am capable of it.
This week hasn't been productive at all because Sorella Foote has been struggling really bad. She hit an ultimate low Sunday and so I suggested she go see someone on Monday about it. So we went to the Clinic and she met with a counselor. He's a super nice guy and made her feel alot better but she went back on Tuesday. After that meeting, she found out she has an anxiety problem and she's been in and out of appointments the last 3 days and has been given some medications. It's been really hard for her and also for Sister Dall and I. We just feel so bad that we can't help her more. So our focus lately has been on helping her and not as much on learning and studying and teaching. It's hard, but our teachers understand.
Well that's about it for this week lately. Oh ya...the older two districts left for the field yesterday. Now there are only two districts and we are the oldest ones. The next group of missionaries for Italy come July 20th.
Gotta go. Love you all so much! Thanks for the prayers and continue to pray for me and especially for my companions.
Love,
Sorella Heiner
How is everyone? I looked for Garrett/Mike/Kienes this afternoon but I didn't see them. :-( It stinks having p-day on Wednesday because our scheduled temple session is 11:00 and so we come back just in time to see all the missionaries saying bye to their families and it is so depressing! It makes me want to cry for them because I remember how much it hurt saying bye to the family at the same curb. It seems like it was only yesterday.
That's exciting you got to go to CA with your sisters, mom. I bet the cold weather was refreshing. I am sorry you didn't dress warm enough.
When are you all going to be up here for the reunion so I can keep my eyes peeled when I am at gym time. We usually go play four square or sand volleyball outside, so if you happen to go to the temple or drive by during those times, we might see each other.
So the mission presidents took over most of the MTC. They blocked off half of our cafeteria and had nice dinners with waiters and such. It wasn't very fair. And security would jump at anyone that got even close to where any general authorities were. It made me feel like a criminal in my own home. Not a great feeling, especially because the MTC is sort of a prison anyway. Friday night we got to hear from Elder Bednar and on the stands were Elders Anderson, Scott, Holland, Ballard, Nelson, and Oaks and Elders Rasband and Gonzolas of the presidency of the 70. I saw Sister Beck too and her husband came to visit my district in our classroom because he served in Italy and loves italy. It made us feel special.
Sunday I was made the Coordinating Sister of my branch. It's basically like the Zone Leader of the sisters/Relief Society President. Kind of an overwhelming calling with lots of meetings and responsibilities, but I am honored that the Lord puts that much trust in me. Must mean I am capable of it.
This week hasn't been productive at all because Sorella Foote has been struggling really bad. She hit an ultimate low Sunday and so I suggested she go see someone on Monday about it. So we went to the Clinic and she met with a counselor. He's a super nice guy and made her feel alot better but she went back on Tuesday. After that meeting, she found out she has an anxiety problem and she's been in and out of appointments the last 3 days and has been given some medications. It's been really hard for her and also for Sister Dall and I. We just feel so bad that we can't help her more. So our focus lately has been on helping her and not as much on learning and studying and teaching. It's hard, but our teachers understand.
Well that's about it for this week lately. Oh ya...the older two districts left for the field yesterday. Now there are only two districts and we are the oldest ones. The next group of missionaries for Italy come July 20th.
Gotta go. Love you all so much! Thanks for the prayers and continue to pray for me and especially for my companions.
Love,
Sorella Heiner
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