Strong Until the End

Dear Family,

I am enjoying my time on the mission and love my new area.  The branch is really supportive and we have an awesome branch presidency that takes action right away.  I love the area also.  We are still figuring out the area but it all comes with time.  We have many people to work with us and are enjoying doing missionary work.  I really love my companion Sister Olofernes. 

Today President told me I would be flying out on the night of Sunday the 20th.  Or the early hours of Monday around One AM.   So since it is one day behind there I will get home that same time I leave so I will get home on the 20th or 21st.  I haven't gotten the itinerary yet but I will let all you know when I get it.  I got the schedule from Gigi about driving but I am confused because the date is the 20th but the day is Wednesday the 22nd there.  Just let me know I guess. 

Things here seem to be full of trials but like I said before its a state of mind.  I love the work and will not be discouraged.  Strong until the end.  Working hard.  No regrets. 

I love you all

Sister Bruno

Transferred to Medellin

Dear President Schmutz,

We have had great experiences here in Medellin.  Our Zone Leaders have been very helpful in moving us into our apartment and helping us in the area.  

Like all open areas we are going to have to do a lot of finding, but we have already four investigators commited for baptism.  They all seem to have some growing to do, but of course it will take sometime to see where they actually are at.  Brother Elmer was committed for baptism this last Saturday but it was moved because he had work and just recently got Sunday off.  We found out though that he has a Word of Wisdom problem we went to teach him and he had been drinking.  We will continue to teach the doctrine, and see where his desire is.  His family are all members and would really like to see their dad baptized soon.  We will keep you updated.  Then we have Renato Giducos which his family is also members, and he seems interested in listening we committed him for baptism this past Sunday.  Also Brother Michael Fernandez (21 Years) and his brother Ranil Fernandez (16Years) they also committed for baptism last Sunday.   

The Giducos family is less active so we also work with them to become strong before the baptism of the father.  We also plan to teach Sister Vima Giducos to read so she can grow by reading the book of mormon.  

The apartment is pretty bad, but we had help cleaning on Saturday as a CSP.  We still have a long way to go, but I was not at all shocked with the past experiences I have had with Elders apartments.  I dont think I will be shocked at anything after the experience of my last apartment in Lapu-lapu I am sure you remember the email I sent about that.  In all fairness though the house is amazing.  We love having a yard, and have had picnics outside for our breakfast.  

I feel this area will have miracles happen.  We had a meeting this Sunday and we made a goal with the members to making our branch a ward in three months.  It was inspired by the spirit.  We really have great faith that this can happen.  We are faithful that if we are obedient and faithful then this area will progress.  

I am so grateful for the extension I have had I have learned so much especially from Elder Neilson yesterday.  I feel that the Lord has used me and my knowledge of opening areas.  I feel it a great privalage to be companions with Sister Olofernes.  She is so excited for the area, and she is a great example to me in her positive attitude.  Thank you for this amazing opportunity President I love you.

Sister Bruno 

Obedience of Missionaries Elder Nelson Coming to Visit

Dear Elders and Sisters,

 

Sister Schmutz and I have so much enjoyed the opportunity these last three weeks to visit every zone and share in the spirit that you all have.  I have been happy to take some time with each of you for interviews.  In these interviews I have the opportunity to discern your spirit, share the experiences you are having, observe your growth and development and offer some counsel.  It is also an opportunity for me to become better acquainted with each of you and express my love and gratitude for your efforts in this great cause.  It is a tiring three weeks but something we love to do.

 

I thought it might be of benefit to you if I could offer some of my thoughts and feelings about the mission after the close of the interviews.  There is a not a single district in the mission where the missionaries are disobedient.  There are very very few missionaries that struggle anymore with the rules or the morning schedule.  Almost every missionary in the Cebu Mission is focused on his or her purpose, and has moved beyond obedience in their effort to please the Lord.  I have found that most of you are focusing on how to become more sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and how to become closer to Jesus Christ.  I have found that you are striving to learn more of faith and put faith into action in your lives as a principle of power.  This was not always the case.  It hasn't been too very long ago when I felt that I was constantly battling with the consequences of missionary disobedience, and the negative influence that the disobedience of some missionaries had on areas, districts and zones.  I feel that the spirit of forgiveness and cleansing has washed over our mission, and we are more qualified as a mission to gather in the sheaves and tend to the Lord's vineyard.  We are becoming closer to finding out how the 2,060 stripling warriors were able to reach a level of obedience so that every single one obeyed with exactness.

 

I urge you with all my heart to continue improving and seeking to purify your service to the Lord.  Encourage one another, support and encourage your companion.  Use your "idle time" to talk about the Savior, his atonement, his restored church, his doctrine and your purpose as the Lord's missionaries.  The effect of using your idle time in this manner is powerful.  It is like telling the Lord you are willing to put yourselves in his hands, to submit to all that he is willing to give you as experiences and lessons for your good.  It is part of the process of passing through the refiner's fire.

 

I have also felt that all of you missionaries truly love one another and you try to support and serve your companions, your district mates and zone mates. You cannot fully appreciate how much this gladdens my heart as your Mission President. I feel like the spirit of love for one another is the best thing about our mission. This spirit has mostly reduced or eliminated contention in the mission and allowed the Spirit of the Lord to be present throughout our districts and zones.

 

I am grateful for the leaders in the mission, those who serve us as APs, zone leaders, as district leaders, as trainers, and senior companions.  And to all of you, your are preparing to become leaders.  In the Lord's church leadership is service. Thanks for your faithful preparations.  We need you.

 

Thanks for what you have done to make this mission the best mission in the world.

 

We have come to another transfer week.  How fast time flies!!!   We are saying goodbye to 12 powerful faithful missionaries who have completed this special time in their lives, and we are saying hello to 17 new missionaries.  We are receiving 4 missionaries from the Provo MTC and 13 from the Manila MTC.  So 17 of you will be training.  By Friday, most of you will be transferring to join a new companionship or receiving a new companion.  At present, we have 71 companionships.  All but 11 companionships will be affected by this transfer.  It will be a big transfer day. 

 

I thought it might be instructive and enlightening if I tell you about the transfer process.  Usually a week before transfer day, when we know the number of missionaries leaving and the number of missionaries arriving, I begin to prayerfully prepare myself to seek the Spirit as a guide in the transfers.  I first look at the board in the Mission Home and take all the missionaries off the board who are going home.  I look at the zone leaders and see if it is time for any of the zone leaders to return to the field for more important service, such as training a new missionary or providing experience and faithful mentoring somewhere they are needed in the field.  Every other transfer, I release one of the APs to send them back to the field.  This is not a "step down"; it is a wonderful opportunity for an elder who has contributed to the leadership in the mission to serve fellow missionaries in a more personal ministry.  When I know how many zone leader positions need to be filled, I prayerfully review all the elders to see who has the experience and who has become ready through obedience and diligence to lead.  From those missionaries, I fill the ZL spots.   Next, I seek to know from the Spirit which elders and sisters are ready to train, which will be needed by those new missionaries.  As you know, I truly feel that trainers are the most important positions because we are raising a righteous generation of missionaries.

 

After I have selected the trainers, I go over every single missionary in my mind, seeking guidance from the spirit.  I make changes based on many factors, but most importantly it is the Spirit that guides.  Many times, I am surprised by the feelings that I have to moves a sister or elder and make new companionships.  Quite often, I feel the spirit guiding a transfer to move an elder from a position of being a trainer or district leader to becoming a junior companion, because I know that is needed for the area and to prepare for the next transfers in that area. If I felt the Spirit whisper that an AP, a zone leader, a district leader, or a senior elder or sister would be more effective as a junior companion to show support and provide "shadow leadership" to a younger missionary, I would not hesitate to make that transfer.  So don't jump to conclusions about any missionary that might move from being a senior companion or leader to being a junior companion or having no leadership.  We do what we are called to do in this church, and we do it joyfully and faithfully.  In this transfer cycle, there are several missionaries who will become junior companions to missionaries who are about to conclude their mission in order to prepare for the next transfer and bless the area.  Please do not assume that a missionary has done something wrong if he is transferred from being a district leader or a zone leader to a junior or senior companion without leadership.  I want you to know that I do not think that way.  I simply seek with all my heart to follow the Spirit.

 

When I have completed this first review of the transfer board, I ask the Assistants to meet with me and review every proposed transfer.  Of course, we are prayerful together and the APs are humble and seeking the spirit.  For any of you who may doubt or wonder, THERE IS NEVER A SINGLE TIME THAT THE ASSISTANTS SUGGEST A TRANSFER TO SEND ONE OF THEIR FRIENDS TO AN AREA BECAUSE OF A REQUEST FROM THE FIELD.  This never happens in this mission.  Together we take between two and four hours to prayerfully discuss and review all of the transfers I have proposed to see if there is something more the Lord would reveal.  In this effort, I sometimes learn more and feel the spirit of refinement to the proposals.  When this happens, we make a few modifications.  Then, in order to finalize the transfer, we kneel and prayerfully seek a confirmation from the Lord that the proposed transfers are correct.  I bear my witness to you that the Lord guides the transfers.  There are no random transfers.

 

I have learned that in almost all transfer cycles, there are a number of missionaries that wonder why they have been assigned to a certain area or given to a certain companion.  Many times, the adjustment to a new companion can have challenges or difficulties and you may miss your old area.  You will all be blessed immensely if you can come to a have a testimony that the Lord guides the transfers.  Be patient to find the purposes the Lord has designed.  Many times, the Lord will give you to a companion in order to bless your companion.  That transfer might be more for your companion's benefit than for your benefit.  But even in these transfers where your companion NEEDS you, if you are faithful and humble and loving, you will find that there are many lessons designed for you to learn.  Please try to learn that God is in charge of your lives.  If you will accept every transfer, every area, and every experience in this mission as a custom designed experience intended to bless your lives, and if you will examine each such experience to see what the Lord wishes you to learn from it, you will be richly blessed and will grow and develop so much more rapidly.

 

A couple of other things you might wish to know about transfers: (1) If you have ever wondered how I select APs, I can tell you the most important thing I look for is humility and obedience. I don't seek to find the elder who is the most polished or funny or likeable. Each time, there are a number of elders who are qualified to serve as an AP but not all can serve so the timing of an elder's mission becomes a factor.  (2) There are times when very good elders are never given an opportunity to serve as zone leaders, but you should know that I have prayed much about this and learned by the Spirit that elders are often more valuable to the Lord and the mission when they are serving in other ways in the field.  Often, some of our best teachers and missionaries are needed more to serve as district leaders or to stay in the field than to serve in zone leader callings.

 

You are all sons and daughters of God, who are chosen to serve in the Philippines Cebu Mission.  Your calling was given by the spirit of prophecy and revelation by an apostle of the Lord.  You were sent here at this time to serve under my direction, and so that Sister Schmutz and I could become a part of your lives.  We have found joy in the love the Lord has given us for each of you.  We love you as our sons and daughters and we feel blessed because of it.

 

Make us proud, elders and sisters.  We love each and every one of you!

 

President Schmutz

 

 

P.S.

 

We will be blessed in May with the visits of two general authorities.  On May 23, 2012, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will visit our mission.  He will hold a missionary conference in the Temple Complex chapel from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  I have arranged to allow every missionary from all areas to attend.  Please be sitting reverently in your seats no later than 3:45 p.m.  We will have prelude music.  Use this time to read your scriptures, ponder on sacred things and extend your heart in prayer as your prepare to learn by the Spirit from Elder Nelson's teachings.  This is your preparation day and we are asking that you sacrifice your preparation day to attend.  There will not be another preparation day during that week.  Please prepare for Elder Nelson's visit by fasting for spiritual preparation on Fast Sunday, May 6, 2012.

 

Starting Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Elder Brent Nielson of the First Quorum of Seventy, and a member of the Phils. Area Presidency, will visit to conduct a mission tour.  He will preside over zone conferences throughout the mission:  Cebu North zones on Tuesday, Bohol zones on Wednesday, Negros Oriental zones on Thursday, and Cebu South zones on Friday.   

 

Reaching Your Full Potential

Dear President Schmutz,

I have really been humbled in this past two transfers to be assigned with such an amazing companion.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sister Acain has been prepared by the Lord to be a trainer.  She is a born leader and example to all that will have the opportunity to come to work with her.  She has been a motivation to me to conquer all trials that satan has put in my path also has many times made me realize I still have many weaknesses.  

I have realized that I still need to go through a refiners fire.  I dont know how many times I have evaluated myself and then re-evaluated myself, and I am yet to feel close to reaching my potential.  Its still a long process, and I am grateful for the chance to extend for just a few short weeks.  I know it took a lot of work to get my transfer approved, and President I just want to say thank you so much for the effort you have shown.  Thank you for the concern and love I will not be trunky don't worry I cherish the mission too much to waste a moment.  

Brother Ong is growing in his testimony, but he will still need time.  We sadly got dropped through text by Brother John Clare Ayuda.  he will be moving back to Mindanao and doesn't want to listen anymore... I am sad that I will not be able to attend Sister Lea's baptism this Saturday, but I am grateful for the chance to see how the Lord prepares His children.  I have no fears about Sister Lea retaining she is such a strong willed person I see her as a future leader.      

I am 100% this is the right move for Sister Acain and that this transfer call was more about her growth then my own.  She may lack confidence in her ability to train but I have no doubt in her.  The Lord once again has called me to open an area...I just hope the area book has been updated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am ready for the new adventure I think I follow in my fathers footsteps of loving the excitement of the unknown of being able to transfer to a new area.  My sisters find this as a way of me running away, but I see it more of a chance to meet more people expand my circle of friends.  A chance to grow from others experiences.   

Thank You President for the opportunity to attend the devotional tonight.  I am so proud of these missionaries going home they have really served the Lord well.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.

With all my love,

Sister Bruno 

Opening A New Area

I am transferring again and my trainee Sister Acain is training after just 12 weeks.  I know she will be able to do miracles in the area she is so great.

I will miss my companion but I know its time for her to fly.  I am opening an area.... AGAIN.  Its always a challenge,  but I just hope the area book is updated.  I heard the ward is good so I wont have any problems they say...  Ill let you know if that's true.

I get to attend the closing devotional for the missionaries going home since I won't have one of my own with everyone.  

I love the mission.

Sister Bruno 

Work in Lapulapu

Dear President Schmutz,

We are excited for the baptism of Sister Lea Palaganas.  She is excited to be baptised and she really has been prepared.  Her husband is a good example to her.  He follows the teachings of the gospel and he has prepared her to accept all of the commandmants and commitments we have made.  She attends church with her family every week and has been to temple tour.  Her baptism will be 28 April 2012.  

We are not sure about brother Jeffery Ong but we will continue to work with him until he is ready.  

Brother John Clare Ayuda is slowly learning the gospel.  He is progressing slowly.

We are working with many less active families, and they have started to become strong in the gospel.  We are going to start to look at focusing on other less active families soon since the ones we have been focusing on have become active.  We plan to give the ward more responsibility in retaining them also so that when we transfer they wont fall away again.  

Sister Acain like I said is so prepared to train she knows the doctrine, and studies everyday how to apply in the lessons.  She is a great teacher and would really like to see her train next transfer.  She is a great example and would be a great trainer.  She might think she needs more time, but I know since she has been working with the missionaries since she was 14 years old she has been prepared by the Lord for great things.  

Thank You President I will stay in contact throughout the years.  Thank you for your kindness.

Sister Bruno

Follow Jesus Christ Change Your Life

Dear Family,

Our area is finally starting to progress.  We are seeing our investigators really start to want to start to follow Jesus Christ and change their life.  

We really enjoyed General Conference.

Sister Acain is becoming a really go friend of mine as time goes on.  i really enjoy our companionship.  

Yesterday we set an appointment with a less active member who just moved here from Iligan Sister Acain's Stake so it was a little awkward for Sister Acain since she has background with him, but we want to help him to come back.  

We have a baptismal date for Sister Lea this 28 April and we think she will really be ready.

Loving the work.

Sister Bruno 

Trials of Investigators

Dear President Schmutz,

Sister Lea I know will be baptized this 28 April.  She is really excited to listen to the lessons, and also she always has assignments for us.  She asks so many questions and are open to accept the answer through prayer and studying.  She has a testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.  We will continue to prepare her for baptism.  

Brother John Clare Ayuda is having many trials, but we have seen his desires grow.  We taught him the word of wisdom the first lesson and he is willing to slowly give up his vices.  It was the first time I taught an investigator word of wisdom the first lesson, but he joined in the lesson for some recent converts, and he seems to accept it is what God wants.  He has little religious background so we are taking it slowly with him, and we plan and hope he will be prepared for baptism this coming May.

Brother jeffrey Ong is becoming less interested in baptism.  He is struggling with accepting the word of wisdom.  We need to go back to restoration, and build his faith.  We moved his baptism for the first week in May.

Sister Acain is a shining light in the darkness.  She is such an awesome friend I love her...  She is continuing to study the gospel to improve her knowledge of the gospel.  She is a special special person, and I am glad for the opportunity to be her companion.  

I love you President Schmutz give my love to Sister Schmutz,

Sister Bruno

Moving Apartments

Dear Family,

This week we have been focusing on improving our patience, and we really have been being tried.  We just find it kind of funny all the things that happen.  For example Sister Acain left her scripture case at an investigators house, and it had the cellphone in it.  It would have been okay except it was Sunday and we needed to send Stats to the Elder Harris our district leader and we didn't have his number any where else besides the cellphone.  So we left the house at 10PM to go back to the house of Sister Lea and get the cellphone so we could send the stats.  When we looked at the cellphone there was already 2 missed calls and a text from Elder Harris asking for our stats.  haha whops...  We also got punted a lot this week but we will continue the work of the Lord.

We had a zone CSP (community service project) on Monday where we cut back weeds.  We were so sore the next day.  We are going back to Manduae Monday to continue.  Its a huge piece of land. 

We have newly called couple ward missionaries, and when they came with us to work the lesson was so much more successful because they related with our investigators.  Most of our investigators are married with children so its not easy for us to relate to them, but the couple missionaries could teach more effectively about being married and such.    

We went with sister Sheila Ong to the dentist to get her tooth pulled.  She really has been in pain and she was scared to go alone.  It only took 10 minutes.  One minute you have a tooth the next its gone.  But its better than the pain she was in. 

We are moving apartments because we are living in sin city.  They just bought chickens to cock fight which is illegal, and so much more.  We rather not be associated...  We move May 1st yey!    Speaking of May its soon mothers day and I will be calling.  I will only have two weeks left when I call weird!  My batch goes home in three weeks.  The mission is too fast!

I love you all,

Sister Bruno

Teaching Gospel Principles

Dear President Schmutz,

We have been having progress with our investigators this week.  We are excited for the temple tour we have a jeepney and are expecting many people to attend including all of our investigators.  

Sister Lea is progressing quickly, and she has a testimony of Joseph Smith.  We have taught Law of Chastity and plan to teach Word of Wisdom next lesson.  I can really see her willingness to learn.  We really want our investigators to be strong before their baptisms so that they dont fall away straight after their baptisms.  We will teach the lessons clear and simple and bodly so that they understand the covenant they are making.  

We actually taught brother Ong yesterday about keeping the sabbath day holy.  We were lead by the spirit, and we taught that he needed to take a step of faith into the darkness so he could receive blessings.  We promised that he would be able to support his family and he would have an increase in salary if he would follow the commandments of God.  We didn't back down, and I think he felt what we said was true.  He commited to come to General Conference this Sunday.  

We went to teach brother Jonclar but he asked to reschedule we will go back again tonight to teach him.  He seems to be taking things slowly, but he is willing to still listen so we will continue with hope for him.  He has many things that he would have to change, but he opened up that he is willing to change, and he is willing to give up his vices.  

Sister Acain is really growing in her understandings of the doctrines.  She is a born leader.  She has no home sickness or any doubts that our area will progress.  She is constantly a good example.  We work together, and listen to the others suggestions.  I find that we have been growing in our Christ like attributes this past transfer.  We have been focusing on Patience this week, and we have really been tested to see if we seriously want to progress in our patience this week.

Its all about the state of mind.  A postive mind can change the world.  

Thank You President Schmutz,

Sister Bruno

Figuring Out School After Mission

Dear Family,

President Schmutz has given me time to try to figure out the whole school thing but its clear they suggest also to go back to BYU provo I will let you all know after reviewing all the information what my decision is.  Its not easy for me to go back to Provo you all know but I have yet mto make a final decision..

The work is going good we have progressing investigators, and one of our inactive members passed the sacrament last sunday life is good.  Love you all

Sister Bruno

Do I Have Enough Faith?

Date: March 28, 2012
Area: Lapulapu 1st Ward
Companion: Sister Acain

Dear President Schmutz,

We are emailing you before we figure out this school stuff. It's interesting to have to shift my mind into what is going on after the mission. We are doing okay in the work its been interesting opening an area
again. It's always a challenge, but we are applying our faith in the area, and we are hoping for 3 baptisms this April.

Sister Lea is married to a member, and she is interested in finding out about the church. She opened up that she wants her kids to have one religion in the family, and is willing to find out for herself if it is true.
She has a testimony of Joseph Smith, and we are taking the approach of answering her questions with assignments and that is our next lesson.

We have taught the restoration, and answered some of her questions about sacrament and such. She just had a question about Law of Chastity which we gave as an assignment, and we will go back to the plan of
salvation next lesson. Sister Lea is tagalog speaking, and it has been a challenge to try to learn a new language, but I find it to be a help to keep me on my toes on the mission.

Brother Jeffrey Ong is also married to a member, and has taken the discussions on and off before. He is willing to listen, and has a testimony of Joseph Smith, but he has a problem with going to church because of his work schedule.

Brother Jonclar Ayuda is also an investigator who lives with his member sister at the time, and works with one of our recent converts. He at first was hesitant to listen, but his desire really has grown to listen and understand the gospel. He even attended church with us last Sunday.

Time is short on the mission and there is no time for regrets. Sister Acain is a strong example to me, and I will never forget her and her friendship. I really love her spirit of hard work. I have stepped down
so that she can step up. I have found that is what it is to be a trainer. I really want her to progress quickly to not hold her back, because she knows what she wants, and she is lead by the spirit.

She is one of those people that really is in tune with the spirit, and has given her will to the Father. I think that she will baptize the whole Philippines. She is in the high excellence current and I dont see her
falling into the pwede na current.

I have been studying faith, and I am glad for your workshop at the sisters training because I have found that I was lacking faith. I have always had the question do I have enough faith to be healed mentally physically spiritually. I have felt my work grow as I have been studying faith, and trying to apply what I have learned in the work.

I love you President Schmutz thank you for everything you do and say and especially for your example.

Sister Bruno

Challenging Area

Dear Family,

The work is going here in Lapu-Lapu 1st.  We have yet to seen a baptism this transfer, but I think we might see three this April.  This area has really been a challenge.  This is what we think.  If you don't have baptisms, you are reactivating, if you are not reactivating you are helping the recent converts be strengthened, if you are not strengthening the recent converts you are helping the members.  We are kind of just doing it all here.  There are so many people in all different classes that its not a concentrated effort in any particular part of the work.  We can't do it all alone!  That's why we have the Savior walking beside us.  

Sister Acain is still awesome and I love her.  No transfer.  My release date is 21 May.  

Our zone activity to the Olongo Island was really fun.  It was a big adventure.  We explored and found a free place to sit on the beach, because if we sat in the resort there is an entrance fee and a fee for the cottage.  We found a house that the man let us use his cottage, and the man even said we could ride around in his paddle boats, but we couldn't because its BAWAL (not allowed) on the mission, but that's okay because we had a blast just playing games.

I love you all,

Sister Bruno

Daughter of Royal Blood

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cebu Mission Office <cebumissionoffice@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Subject: Re: Week
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>

Dear Sister Bruno,

 

You are an amazing young woman and missionary.  I love the spirit of determination that you show, and your enthusiasm to do your duty in the face of any challenge.  And I confirm that you are a a daughter of royal blood, and you have been ordained to be called up and crowned in the next life.  Live worthy of that great reward and it surely will be yours. 

 

How are you doing with Sister Acain?  Tell me about the work.  But do me a favor and write to me in imos.  It is so much easier to keep track of who has written and then reply.  I have confirmed that your date of release has now been moved to May 21, 2012.  Please confirm that with your parents, and I will inform your stake president of the change.  Do you know if your stake president is the same one who is listed on your application?  As the time draws near, we will need to make arrangements for either a stake or district missionary to work with your companion, or make a temporary assignment with a three some.

 

Sister Bruno, I am so glad you and we came together in this mission.  I hope always to be in touch with you in years to come.  Have a great week and I am looking forward to seeing you at the Sister's Specialized Training meeting on Thursday.

 

All my love,

 

President Schmutz

On Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 9:15 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear President Schmutz,

I have found the mission to be not only the best 18 years for my life but the best 18 month of my life.  Some people say that the mission is to tiring, but i find it a wake up call.  I am sad that some people go away from their mission thinking of all the negatives, and not seeing how amazing everyday here on the mission is.  I have decided to find out the good everyday instead of looking at the bad.  There has been many things that have happened in the last couple of months that could discourage any normal person, but I am here to say I am no normal person I am of royal blood.  No earthly thing will or can or should bring us to despair.  We are given the chance to be happy why should we give that away. 

President Schmutz I am happy.  I hope that my companion is happy too.  I really do love my companion and that she gives her all on the mission.  She is an asset here on the mission.  Sister Acain I can tell is growing in knowledge and faith.  She has a great love for our investigators, and i know that she is going to bring many souls unto Christ. 

Thank You President Schmutz for all that you do and the example you show.  Give my love to Sister Schmutz.

Love
Sister Bruno 

Finding Faith

Dear President Schmutz,

Sister Acain really makes me feel I was not even close to being prepared when I came to the field.  As I watch all of the new missionaries coming in and being trained I see how much greater prepared Sister Acain is then all of us starting out.  I have really seen her progression also with teaching.  Elder Eubanks just came into the district and I can tell he is really struggling with confidence.  I know the mission really will shape him into a new person.  I am excited to see the change in him as he progresses on the mission.  Sister Acain never had any confidence problems.  Maybe its different because we were learning a language, but she really knows her doctrine.  She hasn't shown a weakness yet.  She is willing and ready to take on any challenge.  I think maybe I am the one that needs the training.  It has been hard to keep up with the study program, but we are working our hardest to be obedient about studying.  I know lately I haven't been as strict about the program in the past since sometimes I put our priority with teaching appointments.  We are just struggling to meet with all of our investigators, inactive members, and recent converts, and then to follow up with all of them.  There are just so many people to keep up with we really have our work cut out for us.  I can tell that Sister Acain is a little disappointed that we haven't had any baptisms, but we are praying that we will have three this April.  The area has been struggling, and the ward is not fellow shipping like we need them to be.  I have even given a talk, or more like a training on how to fellowship.  But I have not seen any change on that point.  Its been a fight.  I am really happy to be companions with Sister Acain she is my best friend.  She is such a great example to me of strong will to continue to work hard, and to be obedient.  She has a strong will power, and will not let anything tear her down.  She is diligent, patient, and a very smart.  I can't wait to see what miracles she brings with her next companions.  I am confident she is ready to train when I am transferred to Negros next transfer.    

We have eight investigators with a baptismal date hopefully all will be ready, but at this point only three have been coming to church.  We will do our very best to get our investigators to church this week.  We follow-up every week by text or even going with our investigators to church to make sure we are doing everything to help them understand how important going to church every week is.  I think that is the problem with many members in our ward they don't understand about the importance of attending church.  When it rains half of our ward doesn't show up its sad to see the wavering faith.  

I am far from perfect President I thought I would reach a higher level by this point, but I find my self falling short.  But I think that's good that I see what I need to work on.  They say that when you think you are perfect then that is when you are the most prideful.  I am grateful for you email this week about faith I think that maybe that is where I am lacking.  I think maybe the area would be much better if we could just gain more faith for our area.  I have run out of ideas for how to help our area, and this is maybe my answer.  I will study faith this week and hopefully that will help build it up to make miracles happen.  

I know there can be miracles when we believe.  I know problems are only problems when we let them be.  

I love you President Schmutz you really have been called of God to lead us.  I am grateful for your quiet dignity.

Love 

Sister Bruno

Finding Good

Dear President Schmutz,

I have found the mission to be not only the best 18 years for my life but the best 18 month of my life.  Some people say that the mission is to tiring, but I find it a wake up call.  I am sad that some people go away from their mission thinking of all the negatives, and not seeing how amazing every day here on the mission is.  I have decided to find out the good everyday instead of looking at the bad.  There has been many things that have happened in the last couple of months that could discourage any normal person, but I am here to say I am no normal person I am of royal blood.  No earthly thing will or can or should bring us to despair.  We are given the chance to be happy why should we give that away. 

President Schmutz I am happy.  I hope that my companion is happy too.  I really do love my companion and that she gives her all on the mission.  She is an asset here on the mission.  Sister Acain I can tell is growing in knowledge and faith.  She has a great love for our investigators, and i know that she is going to bring many souls unto Christ. 

Thank You President Schmutz for all that you do and the example you show.  Give my love to Sister Schmutz.

Love
Sister Bruno 

Mission Extension

Dear Family,

I got my extension approved.  It took two months, and I am not going home with a batch, but I think this is what is needed in my life right now.  I love the mission, and my companion.  I would hope that I marry someone like my companion now.  She is really amazing.  We always have fun even if trials happen we just seem to laugh off the bad.  That's the best medicine in life.  We don't have any clear baptisms yet but i know that miracles can happen with faith!

We have a zone activity right now so I have to go but I love you Stay 100 percent strong in the gospel and problems will go away.

I love you all

Love Sister Bruno

Loves Companion

Family, We plan on moving because our neighbors are weird. They have a little casino they have a little bar and they have a little park out whenever we come home. We decided that it would be best not to be in such an atmosphere. We are looking for a place to stay because actually the apartment is okay its the neighbors that are the problem. They are all relatives we are the outcasts. Transfers again this coming next week we will find out next p-day if we will transfer but I plan on being here at least another transfer. If my extension is not approved this will be my last transfer! I think though that it will be approved. I'm still waiting for the official word, but last zone conference I didn't give my testimony with my batch because President said I might as well wait... I think that means I will extend!! I don't know yet though!! I hope though that I can extend. My batch going home is sad because I wont be going home with them anymore but it will be worth it to extend. If I do extend I will be coming home the first week in June! if not the last week in April. I really love my companion. She really is my bestie!! She makes the mission fun. She has a super outgoing personality and she will tell you what she thinks. She is Spunky they say! I love you all see you soon Love Sister Bruno

Planning on A Mission

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Annika Bruno Date: Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 11:03 AM Subject: President... To: cebumissionoffice@gmail.com Dear President Schmutz, This week has been successful. We are starting to see the progression of some investigators, but they haven't been to church yet. Their progression has been slow for some reason, and its hard to get a set schedule with most of our investigators and inactive members. Its starting to be a game of catching them when they are home. We have been doing much better with being more effective for nightly planning, but it seems so difficult to plan since most of the people have only night schedules so we can't visit everyone in one week. We seem to have so many people that we just can't met with them all. We are trying our best though. Sister Acain is very go get the job done kind of person. She has already taken the initiative to start nightly planning, and I am happy to let her try to lead the area. We are working together to get the ward involved. Things we request are done, but it just takes time with them. Sister Acain has already been on splits three times in just her 5 weeks here on the mission. I know it is helping her progress more quickly. We need to split because there are so many people we couldn't teach them all if we do not split. Sister Acain is very bright and I am glad for her ideas for the area. I am not worried about her leading the area or even training soon. She was prepared when she came on her mission. Much more prepared than I was. We plan on teaching Brother Dave this Saturday at 630PM. Are you still planning on attending President? We will teach about the book of Mormon. Another member also agreed to come with us to our lesson this Saturday. The only thing is that Bishop Caesar wants him to attend his ward so there will be no need to transition, and so we will need to work closely with the Lapulapu 2nd sisters so that when he comes to church he will go straight to their ward. There has been some success but also slow progression. This actually has been my slowest progressing area. We are working our hardest, and I have faith that if we continue to be obedient that we will start to see the change in the area. President also just following up about my extension is there any word about it being official. Thank you President. Sister Bruno

Overcoming Adversity

Dear Family, I am doing great here on the mission. I am waiting for the 100 percent of extending, but the area presidency and president schmutz have already approved my extending. All I am waiting for is the approval of the stake president I pray that he will let me extend. if I extend I will be coming home around June 7. If not I will be coming home April 26. Its not fun not knowing yet if I will extend or not, but it should be finalized or denied in the next week or so!! My companion Sister Acain and I seem always to be laughing at the things that come on the mission. I really do love her and we get along so well. Our investigators are all not so clear, but we are still working out the open area issue. Tonight I get to go back to my second area to my recent converts for a family home evening. They are all kind of inactive. We have a district FHE later and we will see what happens I hope I can encourage them to come back to church. its not easy to be a recent convert in the church especially when their are no fellowshippers. I am so grateful for my mission and the techniques I have learned to overcome adversity. I recently read in the true to the faith about adversity you all should read it I think it would help. I love the stories in the book of Mormon that have helped me in times of hardship or pain. I am still happy no matter what happens in life. Its about the state of mind not the state of being. Continue to study the scriptures and pray to our heavenly Father for his help with keeping our covenants. I love you all and pray that you to can feel only happiness in life through the trials. Love you with all my heart, Sister Bruno