[Addendum to her 7/20/11 letter]
So an Anziano had some extra time and said I could use it, so here is the rest of what I wanted to say.
Dad: I loved the story and parable about the drill battery. I read it to the elders and one of them could follow what you were saying. I said that is exactly what you are like. You in a nutshell: brilliant and profound and always thinking aobut hte gospel in some way or another. Reminded me of the 10 virgins, and how our oil lamps are always burning (spiritual power/testi8monies) and we need to constantly add to them by day to day righteous living.
Parker: Brent and Kim are getting married! Yay! Tell her congrats. Congrats on the new calling and getting to work at the temple again. I'm quite jealous of that!
Brit: Finally! I thought you forgot about me! thanks for the packages. They are exactly what I've needed, especially the face stuff. Cordon Bleu is here almost every week and a favorite all over. We don't go to the gym Weds because it's p-day. Temple session at 11 though! Your new BOM reading sounds great! I've decided to read the BOM at least once every week! I love that book with all my heart. I know that through the spirit and the BOM, I can convert any person. They are such powerful tools in the gospel and in conversion!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Ciao!
Monday, August 1, 2011
3 weeks left!
[Chelsea's letter from 7/20/11]
Ciao Tutti!
Well I don't have much time, so this might be short.
Friday I finally got the package! My district elders would try to trick me every day of whether it came or not. I wanted to hit them so bad because they would get my hopes up and they were just lying. Oh well, when the package came and they saw all the candy, they were really apologetic. The favorite was Australian Licorice. It's gone. It was gone the first day. If you could send more, that would be amazing because seriously EVERYONE loves it and asks for more. Thank you mom and brit for the package.
Saturday: Our fake investigator, "Jlenia" finally agreed to come to church on Sunday! It made us SO happy! Saturday night we did a stress management class and got to run a lap around the MTC with our shoes off. The other missionaries gave us weird looks, but it was so fun!
Sunday I interviewed with the first counselor in my branch presidency and he told me my italian is much more advanced than it usually is for missionaries at our time. That made me feel good.
Monday: Our teacher brother bullock came back finally. It took him over two weeks to recover from West Nile Virus.
Tuesday we got "transferred" from our area and had to say bye to our investigator. It was sad. But we found out that ours wants to get baptized but her parents are against it. She's only 16. She's going to talk to her parents soon about it.
Happy B-day KIETH!!!!! Love you little bro!
Tell dustin hi and congrats for me. Amira sounds like she is growing up so much and becoming even more funny. Yes mom, i am feeling better. we got three new sisters today and 9 elders for the italian branch. We haven't met any of them yet, we'll meet them tonight. I have to give them orientation tonight.
Hayley!!! Tell me what the baby is! Congrats ahead of time!
Yes mom, orange top needs sleeves fixed. the mtc has a cello i can use also.
Well time is about gone, don't e-mail me long e-mails. Send them trhough dear elder because they take too long to read and then i don't have time for e-mailing back. I will write back everyone through normal letters.
I love hearing from all of you and I pray for you every day! You are all amazing!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
p.s. some older missionaries had their parents send them phones for calling at the airports and they just mailed the phones back later, but i don't know if that's allowed./ Maybe you could send me a calling card so I can use the pay phones to talk to you?? What do you think?
3 weeks 'til ITALY!!!!!!!
Ciao Tutti!
Well I don't have much time, so this might be short.
Friday I finally got the package! My district elders would try to trick me every day of whether it came or not. I wanted to hit them so bad because they would get my hopes up and they were just lying. Oh well, when the package came and they saw all the candy, they were really apologetic. The favorite was Australian Licorice. It's gone. It was gone the first day. If you could send more, that would be amazing because seriously EVERYONE loves it and asks for more. Thank you mom and brit for the package.
Saturday: Our fake investigator, "Jlenia" finally agreed to come to church on Sunday! It made us SO happy! Saturday night we did a stress management class and got to run a lap around the MTC with our shoes off. The other missionaries gave us weird looks, but it was so fun!
Sunday I interviewed with the first counselor in my branch presidency and he told me my italian is much more advanced than it usually is for missionaries at our time. That made me feel good.
Monday: Our teacher brother bullock came back finally. It took him over two weeks to recover from West Nile Virus.
Tuesday we got "transferred" from our area and had to say bye to our investigator. It was sad. But we found out that ours wants to get baptized but her parents are against it. She's only 16. She's going to talk to her parents soon about it.
Happy B-day KIETH!!!!! Love you little bro!
Tell dustin hi and congrats for me. Amira sounds like she is growing up so much and becoming even more funny. Yes mom, i am feeling better. we got three new sisters today and 9 elders for the italian branch. We haven't met any of them yet, we'll meet them tonight. I have to give them orientation tonight.
Hayley!!! Tell me what the baby is! Congrats ahead of time!
Yes mom, orange top needs sleeves fixed. the mtc has a cello i can use also.
Well time is about gone, don't e-mail me long e-mails. Send them trhough dear elder because they take too long to read and then i don't have time for e-mailing back. I will write back everyone through normal letters.
I love hearing from all of you and I pray for you every day! You are all amazing!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
p.s. some older missionaries had their parents send them phones for calling at the airports and they just mailed the phones back later, but i don't know if that's allowed./ Maybe you could send me a calling card so I can use the pay phones to talk to you?? What do you think?
3 weeks 'til ITALY!!!!!!!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Week 5 Summary
[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
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
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
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Letter June 22, 2011
[Sorry this is late, guys. Expect her next letter in a couple days!]
Buon Giorno mia famiglia,
How is everyone doing? Are you all happy and healthy? How is the wonderful summer heat? How hot is it there now? The end of last week was very cold, but today it is burning hot and we were sweating by the time we got to the temple to do a session. Knowing how bipolar Utah weather is, it will probably get really cold again soon.
Mom: I'm glad you got to see Hannah and Rob. How did they look? She was beautiful, I just know it! Did she end up using my gift for decoration at her reception? That's cool you got to see Ernie again. He's such a sweet guy. Ya, he did give me his e-mail address, but I can't e-mail people other than family. There just isn't enough time. If you could get me his address, that would be great. Or tell him about DearElder.com and have him write me through there and let him know about my blog so he can just read my e-mails there. Or you can just foreward my e-mails to him. Give him my address too.
The language has been crazy! It really gives a new meaning to baptism by fire! Ha but even though it's been really hard and more frustrating, it's already been so rewarding. Each Monday we teach at the TRC and it's where people can volunteer to come in and pretend to be investigators and we go in and teach them. The last two Mondays, we have been with the same person--this little old lady, actually from Italy. Got baptized in '92 with her daughter and her husband is still a devout catholic. She comes to Utah every summer to visit her only daughter who married and American and has 5 kids. She has been so sweet to teach and when we taught her this last Monday, we taught the whole lesson ONLY in Italian. It was awesome! She helped us alot because she could guess what we were trying to say, but it really helped. We even had her tearing up with our testimony about Joseph Smith and the first vision. And no, I didn't cry. I haven't cried much at all actually, I've gotten pretty good at holding it in. Spanish is also helping so much. My companions always look to me when they don't know how to say things during lessons or contacting and expect me to save them I guess. So I'm a little bit ahead of them on forming sentences and conjugating verbs, but they are learning too. I try to not say as much and make them work because I will not be there always and they won't get better if they don't practice.
Exciting that Garrett is going in earlier! The sooner he gets out, the happier he will be. I promise that. Though it's tough being this busy and challenged this much, I can't find time to dwell on negative thoughts. I just keep working and so I'm always happy. Maybe very tired, but happy.
I hope Amira gets better. She is such a trooper for fighting all these nasty ear infections! I will definitely remember her in my prayers.
I did remember it was father's day and got dad a card forever ago, but the picture developer thing has been broken so I can't print the picture I want to send him. So it will come, just late. Give him a hug for me. DAD: Happy father's day! I love you!!
Have fun on your sisters trip mom! and I did get your package, thanks! I have a list of things I need that I will send you in an actual letter...hope it's not too difficult.
Dad: your story of Bro. Wilkes sounds amazing. That story just makes me so much more grateful for the priesthood and how proud I am to have such a worthy, faithful dad as a servant of god. Thank you for being so incredible. I need to re-read Matthew 25 about that story. That is an interesting interpretation of it. But it is so true, we really have been given these talents or blessings of the knowledge of the restored gospel. Last night we had a devotional and Elder Paul Sybrowsky of the Seventy spoke along with his wife who is a convert and she said that other people don't realize something is missing in their lives, but the Lord is aware of them and what they are missing and that is our job to listen to God and find those people to show them what they are missing so they can be happier.
This week, starting today until sunday is the training for the mission presidents and so we will be among the first presidency and apostles. It is going to be pretty amazing. I'm hoping to run into some of them. They have the whole main building and half the cafeteria shut off for all of them so we might not see any of them. Friday is a devotional we get to attend though, so I am hoping the Prophet and some of the other GAs will speak to us. That would be sweet.
Mom and Ian: can you both send me a handwritten letter of your conversion stories and thing that stood out to you about our message and things that you struggled grasping and how you overcame those. Also when you truly felt converted to the Gospel because my companion who is a convert is struggling with her testimony because she thinks she got baptized before she was truly converted and now she is questioning if she really knows it's true and is afraid to know it because she will feel sad for her family. How did you both feel about this and what helped you with it? Words of advice would be great!
Vi amo,
Sorella Heiner
P.S. Some international MTC guys just came in and asked what I was doing while waiting for my laundry to be done and I told him I am e-mailing my family, They then took a ton of pictures of me...so who knows what could happen about that. Cool though! Ha
Buon Giorno mia famiglia,
How is everyone doing? Are you all happy and healthy? How is the wonderful summer heat? How hot is it there now? The end of last week was very cold, but today it is burning hot and we were sweating by the time we got to the temple to do a session. Knowing how bipolar Utah weather is, it will probably get really cold again soon.
Mom: I'm glad you got to see Hannah and Rob. How did they look? She was beautiful, I just know it! Did she end up using my gift for decoration at her reception? That's cool you got to see Ernie again. He's such a sweet guy. Ya, he did give me his e-mail address, but I can't e-mail people other than family. There just isn't enough time. If you could get me his address, that would be great. Or tell him about DearElder.com and have him write me through there and let him know about my blog so he can just read my e-mails there. Or you can just foreward my e-mails to him. Give him my address too.
The language has been crazy! It really gives a new meaning to baptism by fire! Ha but even though it's been really hard and more frustrating, it's already been so rewarding. Each Monday we teach at the TRC and it's where people can volunteer to come in and pretend to be investigators and we go in and teach them. The last two Mondays, we have been with the same person--this little old lady, actually from Italy. Got baptized in '92 with her daughter and her husband is still a devout catholic. She comes to Utah every summer to visit her only daughter who married and American and has 5 kids. She has been so sweet to teach and when we taught her this last Monday, we taught the whole lesson ONLY in Italian. It was awesome! She helped us alot because she could guess what we were trying to say, but it really helped. We even had her tearing up with our testimony about Joseph Smith and the first vision. And no, I didn't cry. I haven't cried much at all actually, I've gotten pretty good at holding it in. Spanish is also helping so much. My companions always look to me when they don't know how to say things during lessons or contacting and expect me to save them I guess. So I'm a little bit ahead of them on forming sentences and conjugating verbs, but they are learning too. I try to not say as much and make them work because I will not be there always and they won't get better if they don't practice.
Exciting that Garrett is going in earlier! The sooner he gets out, the happier he will be. I promise that. Though it's tough being this busy and challenged this much, I can't find time to dwell on negative thoughts. I just keep working and so I'm always happy. Maybe very tired, but happy.
I hope Amira gets better. She is such a trooper for fighting all these nasty ear infections! I will definitely remember her in my prayers.
I did remember it was father's day and got dad a card forever ago, but the picture developer thing has been broken so I can't print the picture I want to send him. So it will come, just late. Give him a hug for me. DAD: Happy father's day! I love you!!
Have fun on your sisters trip mom! and I did get your package, thanks! I have a list of things I need that I will send you in an actual letter...hope it's not too difficult.
Dad: your story of Bro. Wilkes sounds amazing. That story just makes me so much more grateful for the priesthood and how proud I am to have such a worthy, faithful dad as a servant of god. Thank you for being so incredible. I need to re-read Matthew 25 about that story. That is an interesting interpretation of it. But it is so true, we really have been given these talents or blessings of the knowledge of the restored gospel. Last night we had a devotional and Elder Paul Sybrowsky of the Seventy spoke along with his wife who is a convert and she said that other people don't realize something is missing in their lives, but the Lord is aware of them and what they are missing and that is our job to listen to God and find those people to show them what they are missing so they can be happier.
This week, starting today until sunday is the training for the mission presidents and so we will be among the first presidency and apostles. It is going to be pretty amazing. I'm hoping to run into some of them. They have the whole main building and half the cafeteria shut off for all of them so we might not see any of them. Friday is a devotional we get to attend though, so I am hoping the Prophet and some of the other GAs will speak to us. That would be sweet.
Mom and Ian: can you both send me a handwritten letter of your conversion stories and thing that stood out to you about our message and things that you struggled grasping and how you overcame those. Also when you truly felt converted to the Gospel because my companion who is a convert is struggling with her testimony because she thinks she got baptized before she was truly converted and now she is questioning if she really knows it's true and is afraid to know it because she will feel sad for her family. How did you both feel about this and what helped you with it? Words of advice would be great!
Vi amo,
Sorella Heiner
P.S. Some international MTC guys just came in and asked what I was doing while waiting for my laundry to be done and I told him I am e-mailing my family, They then took a ton of pictures of me...so who knows what could happen about that. Cool though! Ha
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Hello everyone!
[Note!: Chelsea's sister Brittany here - I'm going to be managing the blog and Sorella Heiner's Facebook updates while she's gone. I'll keep you updated with her latest emails, photos, and contact information. This is her first email from the MTC! As she says below, please write her at DearElder.com while she's there - here's her info:
Sorella Heiner
MTC Box #120
ITA-ROM
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793]
***
Hey my family and friends...all those people in the outside world!
Ha that has got to be one of the weirdest things about being in the MTC. We really are completely cut off from the rest of the world and don't really know what is happening. I think the most "exciting" thing we have heard about what is happening outside the world is that there is this virus thing. It's apparently attacking everyone at BYU and so we aren't even allowed to give each other handshakes here to avoid it. Stange, but handshakes are somewhat awkward sometimes anyways.
Well I have 2 companions. Sister Foote and Sister Dall. Carson was telling the truth about that part, but they are both way awesome. Sister Foote is from New Hampshire and is a convert to the church of about 2 years. It's way helpful having her with us because when we plan and teach lessons, she knows what it's like to hear about the church for the first time so we plan our lessons to already counter that kind of thing. It's cool and she has a super strong testimony. Sister Dall is from Salt Lake area and is super sweet. She's quieter than Sister Foote and I, but when you bring up anything negative about U of U sports...she gets angry and super worked up. It's hillarious. I probably shouldn't do it as much, but it gets her even more from me because I'm a BYU fan. Ha. Sister Footed went to Utah State, so us three are all pretty much rivals but get along really well and our Branch 1st counselor told me last night in an interview that he's never seen a trio with so much power and such a strong spirit about them. He said us three really are meant to go to Italy to prepare those people for the temple. We are all going to the Rome mission too...so it's exciting.
Our district has 11 people. Us three sorelle (sisters) and the rest are anziani (elders). They are all way fun. There is one of them who is absolutely hillarious and makes me laugh so hard that my laugh turns silent and my eyes start watering. It's great to laugh here. We have all grown really close to eachother in just this last week, and I am excited for the rest of the time together. Half go to Milan though. :-(
We are the second district to ever be part of the new program in the MTC. Our teachers ONLY speak to us in Italian. NO ENGLISH AT ALL! Not even a beginning explanation of why they are doing it. But I can already understand about 85 percent of what they say to us. We can answer back in English, but we have been trying to use more italian to we can practice. It's tough, but coming along. None of us would have been called to this mission if the Lord didn't know we were capable of it. It's something we all have to constantly remind ourselves when we get frustrated.
The spirit here is absolutely amazing and everyone is so fun. Not going to lie, I love it here. When I start slacking a little though, I notice myself missing everything back home way too much, so it forces me to keep working hard. Last night we got to hear from Sister Wixom of the Primary General Presidency and she made us sing the primary songs we all loved like " I hope they call me on a mission" and "I belong to the church of jesus christ...". It was amazing how powerful the words in those simple songs were. They are the exact outlines of why we are here and what we have to teach to the world. Everyone we meet says how jealous they are about where we get to serve. It's so fun! Ha I am so proud of my call.
I got to see Rachel Kiene on the first day here. It was right before dinner and we both just started crying so hard and hugging each other. It even made Sorella Foote cry! Ha I see her occasionally and a bunch of other people I know here too. Usually they are siblings of my friends.
Time is low, so I got to go. But I love you all and am so grateful for all the support and prayers you give me. This is definitely a sacrifice but it's so true that "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." I have seen this in my life already and wouldn't trade it for anything! Be safe, work hard, and I love you all.
Love always,
Sorella Heiner.
P.S. Tell people to write me through DearElder.com while I am in the MTC. It's free and I get the mail that day. It's easier than having to read e-mails and then respond. Brit, if you could post about that on my blog and facebook, that would be great! Thanks so much. oh and my p-days are wednesdays here so if you want me to get an e-mail, send it before that. And treats are always welcome. We get super hungry in class and it's nice to have snacks to share with each other!
LOVE YOU ALL and never forget that this church is true and Jesus Christ lives! (I already know how to pray and bare my testimony in Italian!!)
Sorella Heiner
MTC Box #120
ITA-ROM
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793]
***
Hey my family and friends...all those people in the outside world!
Ha that has got to be one of the weirdest things about being in the MTC. We really are completely cut off from the rest of the world and don't really know what is happening. I think the most "exciting" thing we have heard about what is happening outside the world is that there is this virus thing. It's apparently attacking everyone at BYU and so we aren't even allowed to give each other handshakes here to avoid it. Stange, but handshakes are somewhat awkward sometimes anyways.
Well I have 2 companions. Sister Foote and Sister Dall. Carson was telling the truth about that part, but they are both way awesome. Sister Foote is from New Hampshire and is a convert to the church of about 2 years. It's way helpful having her with us because when we plan and teach lessons, she knows what it's like to hear about the church for the first time so we plan our lessons to already counter that kind of thing. It's cool and she has a super strong testimony. Sister Dall is from Salt Lake area and is super sweet. She's quieter than Sister Foote and I, but when you bring up anything negative about U of U sports...she gets angry and super worked up. It's hillarious. I probably shouldn't do it as much, but it gets her even more from me because I'm a BYU fan. Ha. Sister Footed went to Utah State, so us three are all pretty much rivals but get along really well and our Branch 1st counselor told me last night in an interview that he's never seen a trio with so much power and such a strong spirit about them. He said us three really are meant to go to Italy to prepare those people for the temple. We are all going to the Rome mission too...so it's exciting.
Our district has 11 people. Us three sorelle (sisters) and the rest are anziani (elders). They are all way fun. There is one of them who is absolutely hillarious and makes me laugh so hard that my laugh turns silent and my eyes start watering. It's great to laugh here. We have all grown really close to eachother in just this last week, and I am excited for the rest of the time together. Half go to Milan though. :-(
We are the second district to ever be part of the new program in the MTC. Our teachers ONLY speak to us in Italian. NO ENGLISH AT ALL! Not even a beginning explanation of why they are doing it. But I can already understand about 85 percent of what they say to us. We can answer back in English, but we have been trying to use more italian to we can practice. It's tough, but coming along. None of us would have been called to this mission if the Lord didn't know we were capable of it. It's something we all have to constantly remind ourselves when we get frustrated.
The spirit here is absolutely amazing and everyone is so fun. Not going to lie, I love it here. When I start slacking a little though, I notice myself missing everything back home way too much, so it forces me to keep working hard. Last night we got to hear from Sister Wixom of the Primary General Presidency and she made us sing the primary songs we all loved like " I hope they call me on a mission" and "I belong to the church of jesus christ...". It was amazing how powerful the words in those simple songs were. They are the exact outlines of why we are here and what we have to teach to the world. Everyone we meet says how jealous they are about where we get to serve. It's so fun! Ha I am so proud of my call.
I got to see Rachel Kiene on the first day here. It was right before dinner and we both just started crying so hard and hugging each other. It even made Sorella Foote cry! Ha I see her occasionally and a bunch of other people I know here too. Usually they are siblings of my friends.
Time is low, so I got to go. But I love you all and am so grateful for all the support and prayers you give me. This is definitely a sacrifice but it's so true that "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." I have seen this in my life already and wouldn't trade it for anything! Be safe, work hard, and I love you all.
Love always,
Sorella Heiner.
P.S. Tell people to write me through DearElder.com while I am in the MTC. It's free and I get the mail that day. It's easier than having to read e-mails and then respond. Brit, if you could post about that on my blog and facebook, that would be great! Thanks so much. oh and my p-days are wednesdays here so if you want me to get an e-mail, send it before that. And treats are always welcome. We get super hungry in class and it's nice to have snacks to share with each other!
LOVE YOU ALL and never forget that this church is true and Jesus Christ lives! (I already know how to pray and bare my testimony in Italian!!)
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