From: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Date: Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Subject: Week 2
To: cebumissionoffice@gmail.com
Dear President Schmutz,
This week has been interesting. We just
went to the doctors this morning to run some tests that the doctor
suggested for Sister Taylor. She has been getting swollen hands and
feet.
She has been getting many trials this week. I remember my first
transfer on the mission I also had many trials and thoughts of going
home, but I got through it and I know that she will get through it too.
We are fighting a rough battle, but we will overcome president.
We had an opportunity on P-day to just sit in the temple waiting
area for a few minutes before going back to work, and there Sister
Taylor and I had the chance to talk about many things. I think that
Sister Taylor is a little bit sad that she is missing so many things at
home like her brother getting engaged, but she understands she is here
for a reason, and I am not worried about her because those feelings are
natural. She isn't extremely depressed or anything so I think she is
just adjusting. I was happy to see earlier this morning when we rode
the dyipney she I2Led the people sitting next to her, whereas, in the
last few days she has been too shy to try. I can really see the
progression of her language and knowledge. I really am glad that this
new training program has come out, because I can see if you are diligent
to the study program then the progression is substantially greater
compared to when I was trained on the mission.
Sad to say though our work has been slowing down, because people
were busy for the new year's holiday so we got punted a lot! I have been
having problems making the stats, but we have been working hard going
out everyday on time working until curfew so I have no guilt just
concern for the area. We have been diligent about the studying and
training plan which I find effects the amount of lessons we can get in
one day. I have only made the stats one week the whole time I have been
assigned in the city. I don't know if its because people are busy or
if its the training program, and also most days we get punted so we only
have one lesson for that day. It can be frustrating seeing the rest of
the district making far above the stats.
President Hansen once said "through the trials comes many
blessings", and I have to agree. We have found another less active
family the Recla family that we have started teaching, and they agreed
to come back to church this week. Also while I2Ling we found a man who
said his wife is a member and previously his kids would attend church
but they have stopped going. He wants us to come to his house and
continue to teach his family. We also just received a referral from a
member for a family of eight. They have listened to the missionaries
before, and they have just moved into the area and they want to continue
to listen to the discussions.
The Alpitche family has come back from vacation, and we are happy to
say that brother is cutting down his smoking. We are helping him
slowly go off of cigarettes. He has gone from 8 to 5 a day now. We
will continue to help him until he can quit smoking. We have high hopes
for their family getting sealed in the temple one day.
Jeff and Clay are still in the process of planning their wedding,
and we found out that they are living in the same house now. We have
encouraged them that if they don't live apart at least don't sleep in
the same room. They have been having some problems with planning their
marriage, because although they would like to get married and they have
all the requirements the family of Jeff is opposing the marriage. They
are disappointed because they wanted him to go out of the Philippines to
work before he would get married. So they have been having problems
getting his parents to sign the marriage papers since his is only 22
years old he needs parents consent. We will continue to pray for him
that they can get married for the sake of the child, and the sake of
their family. We will continue to keep you updated with their
progress.
Sister Jandog is almost at her one year. She is preparing to enter
into the temple. Bishop advised her to go through the temple
preparation class before she is to go through the temple. It is a 6
weeks class and she is willing to do it in order to enter into the
temple. She is a shy type of person that is faithful in coming to
church every week, and I see her testimony growing every day.
We will continue to strive to do better everyday, and find those in
need. I am also glad of the opportunity to have met your family they
are all so kind. I enjoyed talking with them, and helping in what
little ways I could for their stay in the Philippines.
Being a trainer allows me to reflect on the feelings I once
had as a new missionary, and especially since one of my trainers Sister
Williams was the MTC teacher of Sister Taylor. I never feel frustrated
as a trainer. I just continue to have high expectations for Sister
Taylor. I hope that she will feel that I am a good trainer, and not
compare my weaknesses with others strengths in the future. I only hope I
can remain in her memory as a friend.
Thanks President Schmutz until next week,
Sister Bruno
No comments:
Post a Comment