Dear family,
On Monday morning I was in the CR doing my Laba or hand washing my laundry. All of a sudden I hear a car screech to a halt and hit something. Then we hear a woman scream. We walk outside. The view was not clear because of a car parked in front of the house, but we just see a little girl around 8 year old being carried unconscious into a car and drive away to the hospital. It definitely shook us up. We said a prayer together for the young child, and I had a moment of reflection. LIFE IS SHORT. Where do I stand with God? And I asked myself all of the questions of the soul.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Canada Vancouver Mission Joins Social Media Pilot
Recently the Canada Vancouver Mission joined the LDS Social Media pilot in a limited way. Their new mission president Karl Tilleman jumped right in to his new calling by joining Facebook. The six missionary companionships who are using social media are: Abby LDS Missionaries, Burnaby Elders, Campbell River Missionaries, Chinese Elders, Elderes Van, Vancouver YSA Missionaries, and the Victoria YSA Missionaries. An interesting twist to this group of missionaries is that they work with Young Single Adult wards throughout the province of Vancouver which is somewhat similar to the Michigan Lansing Mission who work on the college campuses only. I haven't figured all their names yet but the ones I find I will put in. As far as I can tell a couple of companionships have been online since April. The other three joined in July as did the newly called mission president.
But here is a list of the mission personnel with Facebook and other social media tools:
But here is a list of the mission personnel with Facebook and other social media tools:
250.204.1933 Mobile
250.926.0480 Home
Welcome aboard the LDS Social Media project.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Letter to Mission President 20 July 2011
Letter to president July 20
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 11:04 PM
From:"Annika Bruno"
To:tenbrunos@yahoo.com
Dear President Schmutz,
This week has been an adjustment, but we are working hard to make the transition smooth.
Sister Margie Casquejo is still working on getting her marriage papers so that she can be baptized.
Brother Archie Bernaldo is hard to teach because we don't get to see him that often because he lives so far away, but we are trying to find ways to visit with him. His wife Annie always is gone so that makes it more difficult to visit.
Brother Greg Bacarisa's health has not been good, but he has a great desire to be baptized. He has not been able to go to church yet because of his health. We are praying for him to get better so that he can go to church.
Sister Melita Pacot has had many missionaries visit her, but she is still on the line about the church. We have committed her for baptism, and she didn't oppose so at least that's a positive.
Sister Mel is willing to go to church this next week.
We are teaching the Rabe family Johnson Mark, Charleen, Hazel, and their father Francis. They are laying low since we committed them to go to church. So we don't know what to think. We will follow-up on them in a couple of days. The last two times we went to visit they have said they were busy, so we will just have faith that the Lord is preparing them. Then we will follow-up this Saturday. If they are not ready then at least we planted the seed.
We are trying to get the members involved, and have been helping a member prepare for his mission. Brother Russell Minoza has a desire to go on his mission, but his parents doubt he can go because he has only finished 5th grade. We have taught that if he has a desire to go we will prepare him, and that he does not need a perfect knowledge. The lord chooses who he chooses dependent on the desires of the heart.
We have many finding activities planned for this next week. Our investigators all are laying low lately.
Brother Noel is supposed to get baptized 30 July 2011, but we are not sure if he will decide to push his baptismal date back again or be baptized. We have faith he will receive his answer, and we will do everything we can to prepare him.
The work is continuing in Baclayan, and Sister Akiatan is starting to open up. I have been told you cant change people but you can change yourself. I have decided to make this companionship successful I need to see what I can change and not how I can change her...
Thank You President,
Sister Bruno
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 11:04 PM
From:"Annika Bruno"
To:tenbrunos@yahoo.com
Dear President Schmutz,
This week has been an adjustment, but we are working hard to make the transition smooth.
Sister Margie Casquejo is still working on getting her marriage papers so that she can be baptized.
Brother Archie Bernaldo is hard to teach because we don't get to see him that often because he lives so far away, but we are trying to find ways to visit with him. His wife Annie always is gone so that makes it more difficult to visit.
Brother Greg Bacarisa's health has not been good, but he has a great desire to be baptized. He has not been able to go to church yet because of his health. We are praying for him to get better so that he can go to church.
Sister Melita Pacot has had many missionaries visit her, but she is still on the line about the church. We have committed her for baptism, and she didn't oppose so at least that's a positive.
Sister Mel is willing to go to church this next week.
We are teaching the Rabe family Johnson Mark, Charleen, Hazel, and their father Francis. They are laying low since we committed them to go to church. So we don't know what to think. We will follow-up on them in a couple of days. The last two times we went to visit they have said they were busy, so we will just have faith that the Lord is preparing them. Then we will follow-up this Saturday. If they are not ready then at least we planted the seed.
We are trying to get the members involved, and have been helping a member prepare for his mission. Brother Russell Minoza has a desire to go on his mission, but his parents doubt he can go because he has only finished 5th grade. We have taught that if he has a desire to go we will prepare him, and that he does not need a perfect knowledge. The lord chooses who he chooses dependent on the desires of the heart.
We have many finding activities planned for this next week. Our investigators all are laying low lately.
Brother Noel is supposed to get baptized 30 July 2011, but we are not sure if he will decide to push his baptismal date back again or be baptized. We have faith he will receive his answer, and we will do everything we can to prepare him.
The work is continuing in Baclayan, and Sister Akiatan is starting to open up. I have been told you cant change people but you can change yourself. I have decided to make this companionship successful I need to see what I can change and not how I can change her...
Thank You President,
Sister Bruno
Advice to New Senior Companion: Mission President Letter 14 July 2011
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org>
Date: Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 6:03 PM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 12 Jul 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net
Dear Sister Bruno,
I am so impressed by your knowledge of your new area, and so quickly obtained! You are there for reasons that will soon unfold. This is the Lord's mission and he is in charge. I think you and Sister Akiatan are going to make for a terrific companionship. You will see that she will be able to learn much from you, and you can learn much from her.
Do not worry about whether you are ready to train. The Lord qualfies whom he calls. You have been called to be a senior companion and follow-up trainer for a great young missionary. My advice: follow the handbook, follow PMG, keep your morning schedule to the tee, wear your knees out, and then lose yourself in the work. I will promise you with a knowledge based on many experiences that each time you feel you don't know what to do, the Lord will gently and many times silently lead you in the right direction, place thoughts in your mind, or give you more direct inspiration that will cause your heart to burn. But, as you have learned, he requires the heart and a willing mind. And he requires you to take action.
I'm excited to watch you develop and gain new skills, insights and experience. Thanks for your diligence and faith. Sister Schmutz and I are really looking forward to meeting with you next week, and I am looking forward to our interview.
All my love,
President Schmutz
From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org>
Date: Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 6:03 PM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 12 Jul 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net
Dear Sister Bruno,
I am so impressed by your knowledge of your new area, and so quickly obtained! You are there for reasons that will soon unfold. This is the Lord's mission and he is in charge. I think you and Sister Akiatan are going to make for a terrific companionship. You will see that she will be able to learn much from you, and you can learn much from her.
Do not worry about whether you are ready to train. The Lord qualfies whom he calls. You have been called to be a senior companion and follow-up trainer for a great young missionary. My advice: follow the handbook, follow PMG, keep your morning schedule to the tee, wear your knees out, and then lose yourself in the work. I will promise you with a knowledge based on many experiences that each time you feel you don't know what to do, the Lord will gently and many times silently lead you in the right direction, place thoughts in your mind, or give you more direct inspiration that will cause your heart to burn. But, as you have learned, he requires the heart and a willing mind. And he requires you to take action.
I'm excited to watch you develop and gain new skills, insights and experience. Thanks for your diligence and faith. Sister Schmutz and I are really looking forward to meeting with you next week, and I am looking forward to our interview.
All my love,
President Schmutz
Area Attack
Dear Family!
This week we have been running on the pier at the beach almost every morning it doesn't get old. The pier is only a block away so its not hard to go running every morning. I forgot my camera so I can't upload pictures but next week I will show you pictures of how awesome it is.
Our area Baclayan is definitely a hiking area. We have a main highway then we hike for a couple of miles to our investigators houses. It's amazing.
This past Monday we did an area attack where all the missionaries in our district focus on one area. This week we did the elders in Cortez. We taught two lessons but they don't count as our stats but the stats count for the elders which is going to kill our week, but at least we helped the work there in Cortez. We also had zone interviews that morning for the first time with President Schmutz. All of the missionaries love President Schmutz already, because he is so kind. He is different than President Hansen but I love them both differently.
We then a district CSP in our area. We pulled up weeds for one of our recent converts mom. We told Elder George to eat a grasshopper, but he just put the leg in his mouth. At the CSP we talked about how things that were gross to us at home really isn't that gross here in the Philippines. Sometimes you just adjust.
I was just thinking of how close my birthday was and I just thought time is going by so quickly. Also I thought on August 24th I will now officially be 22 years old weird! Also that after this area I will probably only have one more area. Then I will be home. I am definitely not ready for that day to come. I am having too much fun here in the Philippines.
I hope everyone is well and active....
Love you all
Sister Bruno
This week we have been running on the pier at the beach almost every morning it doesn't get old. The pier is only a block away so its not hard to go running every morning. I forgot my camera so I can't upload pictures but next week I will show you pictures of how awesome it is.
Our area Baclayan is definitely a hiking area. We have a main highway then we hike for a couple of miles to our investigators houses. It's amazing.
This past Monday we did an area attack where all the missionaries in our district focus on one area. This week we did the elders in Cortez. We taught two lessons but they don't count as our stats but the stats count for the elders which is going to kill our week, but at least we helped the work there in Cortez. We also had zone interviews that morning for the first time with President Schmutz. All of the missionaries love President Schmutz already, because he is so kind. He is different than President Hansen but I love them both differently.
We then a district CSP in our area. We pulled up weeds for one of our recent converts mom. We told Elder George to eat a grasshopper, but he just put the leg in his mouth. At the CSP we talked about how things that were gross to us at home really isn't that gross here in the Philippines. Sometimes you just adjust.
I was just thinking of how close my birthday was and I just thought time is going by so quickly. Also I thought on August 24th I will now officially be 22 years old weird! Also that after this area I will probably only have one more area. Then I will be home. I am definitely not ready for that day to come. I am having too much fun here in the Philippines.
I hope everyone is well and active....
Love you all
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Becoming A Senior Companion in the Philippines
Turns out that I transferred to BOHOL!! Baclayan Area. We are only a branch here in Baclayan. I am now a follow-up trainer!! My companion is Sister Akiatan. I was so shocked when I found out so was Sister Falculan. We told our investigators that she would be leaving, but turns out it was I who was transferring...
It is so different being a senior companion. It's not easy, but it gives me more freedom. Which I don't know if I like that or not.
For a CSP this past Monday we tore down a house and re-built it. It was awesome.
We live right across the street from the beach. We go running every morning on the pier. Its amazing!! I love the view.
We have been visiting investigators and Brother Archie Bernaldo lives in the jungle we had to hike one hour to get to him. It was worth it for the view. The trail hugs the edge of this river. Kids were rope swinging, and he lives at this resort house so you can image how pretty it is.
Our branch seems not that active in the work, but I set a meeting with President and with the ward mission leader. I hope that my first impression is not correct.
We have a baptism set for this next Saturday 23 July 2011. We will do everything we can to make it a success.
I am so tired after work, because all of the places we go its like a hike.Its called Baclayan which translates to walking for a good reason, because we do a lot of walking.
They say Bohol is a hard place for missionary work, but I have faith that if we work hard it won't be.
OFF ISLAND!!
Loving it!
Sister Bruno
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Weekly Report July 12, 2011
Dear President Schmutz,
I was shocked when it wasn't Sister Falculan transferring, but in fact in was me who transferred. I think we were both shocked that I was transferring to Bohol as a follow-up trainer!
When I went to transfer meeting I was feeling many different emotions. Sad because I had to leave my investigators and recent converts, doubting that I was going to be a follow-up trainer, and excited to have to opportunity to go to Bohol.
During the transfer meeting I was comforted by your words where you said that we need to lift where we stand, to be on a higher level of thinking, and trust the Lord has assigned us where we are for a reason.
I am doing my best to be a follow-up trainer, but I feel like I have no idea what I am doing. I have only been a junior my whole mission. Any words of advice President?!?
We have a baptism this next Saturday 23 July 2011 Brother Noel Puria. He is a 27 year old. He has stopped work because of a bad experience he had, which in turn allowed the missionaries to find him. We are working hard to make his baptism a success.
Brother Archie Bernaldo lives in the middle of the jungle. It takes us 1 hour just to travel or in other words hike to teach him, and then one hour back to civilization, but he is worth the time. They say he is a golden investigator.
Brother Greg is having health problems which prevents him from coming to church or from listening when we visit. We are praying that his health improves so that he can be baptized. He was blessed by the Elders this past Sunday, and we can only wait to see what happens.
Sister Melita and Sister Mel are slowly progressing. We will do everything we can to get them to church this Sunday.
Sister Akiatan is adjusting to having a new companion, and she is a great missionary. We have been practice teaching every morning for companion study, and it is not only helping her but it as well is helping me progress in the language.
At times I am frustrated with the language, because here in Bohol I can no longer rely on my English when I don't know a word like in Cebu City. Which I have found as a way to make my language progress, and I know I have learned very quickly because of the Lord. I just need to set higher goals to become better and to rely more in my Heavenly Father.
Thanks President Schmutz for your encouraging words last email.
Sister Bruno
I was shocked when it wasn't Sister Falculan transferring, but in fact in was me who transferred. I think we were both shocked that I was transferring to Bohol as a follow-up trainer!
When I went to transfer meeting I was feeling many different emotions. Sad because I had to leave my investigators and recent converts, doubting that I was going to be a follow-up trainer, and excited to have to opportunity to go to Bohol.
During the transfer meeting I was comforted by your words where you said that we need to lift where we stand, to be on a higher level of thinking, and trust the Lord has assigned us where we are for a reason.
I am doing my best to be a follow-up trainer, but I feel like I have no idea what I am doing. I have only been a junior my whole mission. Any words of advice President?!?
We have a baptism this next Saturday 23 July 2011 Brother Noel Puria. He is a 27 year old. He has stopped work because of a bad experience he had, which in turn allowed the missionaries to find him. We are working hard to make his baptism a success.
Brother Archie Bernaldo lives in the middle of the jungle. It takes us 1 hour just to travel or in other words hike to teach him, and then one hour back to civilization, but he is worth the time. They say he is a golden investigator.
Brother Greg is having health problems which prevents him from coming to church or from listening when we visit. We are praying that his health improves so that he can be baptized. He was blessed by the Elders this past Sunday, and we can only wait to see what happens.
Sister Melita and Sister Mel are slowly progressing. We will do everything we can to get them to church this Sunday.
Sister Akiatan is adjusting to having a new companion, and she is a great missionary. We have been practice teaching every morning for companion study, and it is not only helping her but it as well is helping me progress in the language.
At times I am frustrated with the language, because here in Bohol I can no longer rely on my English when I don't know a word like in Cebu City. Which I have found as a way to make my language progress, and I know I have learned very quickly because of the Lord. I just need to set higher goals to become better and to rely more in my Heavenly Father.
Thanks President Schmutz for your encouraging words last email.
Sister Bruno
Friday, July 8, 2011
Canada Montreal Mission Joins LDS Social Media Pilot
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| Elder Kevin Day |
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| Elder Stephen Porter |
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Leading an Area
HEY!
So almost for sure that Sister Falculan is transferring which for me is bad news for her she is excited. This area is super expensive and she actually is tired of asking her family for personal money. But we have been blessed for spending all of our might, mind, strength, and personal money in this area :)
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