Showing posts with label Sister Pangue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sister Pangue. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Third Anak Child
Dear family,
I am in my third open area. I am also training my third 'Anak' child on the mission. We are having fun in our new area, and finding many people ready to hear the gospel. My companion and I have the same birthday 24 Aug 1989! we think its funny because our personalities match so well. I really do love her lots.
We are in an open area so the schedule is kind of hard to figure out still. We are still getting to know the area and the members, but Sister Pangue my first anak on the mission is in my ward lapu-lapu 1st and comes with us to teach almost everyday. She has extended going on her mission until march since she is still waiting for her visa, but i am glad she is still here to help us with the area. We have really good leaders that help us a lot. People have even made dinner appointments with us.
Earlier we played basketball with the elders. They didn't guard us but it was still fun. Me and sister Acain guarded each other
I really hope that you all are doing okay.
I love you
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Moving to Lapulapu
Date: January 25, 2012
Area: Lapulapu 1st Ward
Companion: Sister Taylor
Area: Lapulapu 1st Ward
Companion: Sister Taylor
Dear President Schmutz,
Can I just point out that this is my third open area. I want to say I accept that the Lord is trying to humble me. Its not easy opening an area its stressful, and it takes time to learn the area. I think though when I transfer in March to Negros ;) (just kidding but if its the Lords will...With faith hehe) that Sister Taylor will be much more prepared to lead since we are learning the area together.
PRESIDENT!! I think that Sister Schmutz needs to have a discussion with the elders about cleaning their apartments again. We came into the apartment shocked. Luckily we didn't have time to look around
since we went straight to work with the zone leaders. We luckily went
to the store before coming home to the apartment and bought cleaning supplies while we were there It took me 6 hours to clean the bathroom. Can I just say its bad when you find a bottle of Domex and Zonrox bleach full, unused with mold growing on the out side. We thought it was pretty ironic! Supposedly the best cleaning product in the world Dormex with mold growing on the outside! Thank you president for the humbling experience.
We still estimate it will take about 3 weeks to clean the whole house
it's a work in progress, but at least we have a spotless bathroom!! Have I ever mentioned that I like a clean house almost to the point of OCD. I think I have discovered the reason the elders are getting sick so
often. I think it has something to do with their mattresses. When I
took the mattress cover off to be cleaned I discovered a black mattress pad underneath that smelled stale. I don't know how many elders have slept in that bed sick, and I am sure never washed the mattress cover after.
When I washed the mattress cover the first two rinses the water was black. Then next rinse cycle the water was brown. Then the next two rinse cycles the water was yellow!! I let the cover soak for about one full day then washed the years of dirt off of the cover. I refuse to sleep on the mattress pad and have just been sleeping on the wood part of the bed. It's not very comfortable, but at least I wont get sick.
Sister Taylor has braved it and just put her sheet on the bed she has yet to try to wash the cover she says if she doesn't look its like its clean, but she has gotten a small cough I told her its from sleeping on the
mattress. We texted Elder Ernstrom about getting new mattresses and hopefully they come soon. President I won't even tell you about the rest of the house! At least one positive thing is that I have only seen one dead cockroach under the fridge in the last week we have lived in the house. Unlike the last house when we had to fortify the house against the big roaches getting into the house. Ahh the life of a missionary. Maybe that's why they don't require the sisters to go on a mission they are afraid we will be scared for life when we get emergency transferred into elders' apartments. I hope that this will bring a smile to your face remembering the time when you were an elder in the mission field president.
I would only hope that you weren't this bad about cleaning!! Also I would like you to know Elder Hardin mentioned how clean the apartment was when he gave us the key. That's when you know your in for a big surprise!!
At least President I have Sister Pangue YEY!! She has been working with us for the last 4 days. She will work with us again tomorrow. Who trained that girl she is ready for her mission :) One concern of Sister Pangue though was that the elders would not go back to the basics they just did Book of Mormon share every lesson. I think that it's not a bad thing, but it would be more effective to review also especially since the ward has not done any new member lessons. I looked at the teaching records and almost all of the progress records were Book of Mormon share. I am not sure if this was laziness in filling out the progress record or if they really just do Book of Mormon shares. On the other hand it might be a good thing because they are focusing on the Book of Mormon. I am not sure yet since we are new into the area.
We have had the opportunity to teach one of their recent converts Sister Aileen (recent convert) and her husband Brother Brian Millang (member since child) and they had a strong testimony. We reviewed the restoration with her and have talked with the bishopric during PEC meeting about getting the ward members to do new member lessons. We also taught the brother Adrianne who is on and off active.He is 19 years old and has no desire to serve a mission. We plan to focus on getting him on a mission.
We visited the Commendador family. Sister Cesarnie is a recent convert. her son James has listened to the missionaries but he is just 15 years old going to school near Bogo. The father Brother Wilson has listened to the missionaries but likes to debate.
We have decided next time we visit we will try to get him to try to find his answers himself. Many of the bishopric have met him going to FHE's and they even agree he only likes to debate. We will continue to visit with him. He is a drinker though and we could not teach him last time since he had been drinking.
We visited the Ybanez family. Sister Wella the daughter walked us out of the house after the lesson and opened up about her father. He has LOC problems for many years. She had just found out about it since they changed cell phones and she read his text messages. She is having a hard time, but we encouraged her rather than just sit in her house to come with us to work. She worked with us yesterday. We also have been encouraging her to serve a mission. She is 28 years old, and has a nonmember boyfriend. I hope that she doesn't take a wrong step in her life.
We visited the Jacob family who is active in the church. They inspire me for the future. We don't often visit faithful families, but when I got the chance to visit the Jacob family and share with them I could feel the hope in their house rather than the feeling going into the fallen and lost members houses.
We also visited Mary Fe Sorono, Christina Ngujo, Rustan Lamban, and Rose Cosip. They are all members. Sister Mary Fe and Christina have live-in partners. Sister Rustan is a returning member. Sister Rose is preparing to enter the temple. We discussed the importance of preparing ourselves to enter into the temple. It's interesting to see people in so many different stages.
We attended the PEC meeting yesterday and it was very helpful. We are starting to work with the bishopric to help the ward progress.
Sister Taylor is quiet. We don't talk much, but she is willing to lead the lessons, and follow the training program. I would say that we don't really relate, but we just co-exist. It's not a bad relationship. You realize on the mission that you don't have to relate to someone it's still possible to co-exist and do the work of the Lord. If you just serve them and be diligent in the work. I had hoped though that we would have a great relationship, but to be honest President we just go together like
oil and water. Although you can put them into the same jar they will immediately separate into their individual sections of the jar. They can still co-exist and stay in the same jar without fighting, and sometimes you can get some cool effects like those toys with the blue water effect that drips into the bottom part and you can flip it. I don't know if you know what I am talking about but the point is we are doing our best. I am not sure we are the most effective together, but will we both stay diligent that I know for sure. Maybe we will be best friends after the mission. I am trying to be a good example, and so at least she can fly on her own. I am glad
I have learned patience through other companions for this period when I
am having to train To quote you president with leadership comes a great responsibility.That with pressure on our shoulders it helps us stand.
Thank You President I know that your burden is far heavier than mine, and for that I am grateful that you are so willing to serve us missionaries with a permanent smile on your face.
Sincerely,
Sister Bruno
Can I just point out that this is my third open area. I want to say I accept that the Lord is trying to humble me. Its not easy opening an area its stressful, and it takes time to learn the area. I think though when I transfer in March to Negros ;) (just kidding but if its the Lords will...With faith hehe) that Sister Taylor will be much more prepared to lead since we are learning the area together.
PRESIDENT!! I think that Sister Schmutz needs to have a discussion with the elders about cleaning their apartments again. We came into the apartment shocked. Luckily we didn't have time to look around
since we went straight to work with the zone leaders. We luckily went
to the store before coming home to the apartment and bought cleaning supplies while we were there It took me 6 hours to clean the bathroom. Can I just say its bad when you find a bottle of Domex and Zonrox bleach full, unused with mold growing on the out side. We thought it was pretty ironic! Supposedly the best cleaning product in the world Dormex with mold growing on the outside! Thank you president for the humbling experience.
We still estimate it will take about 3 weeks to clean the whole house
it's a work in progress, but at least we have a spotless bathroom!! Have I ever mentioned that I like a clean house almost to the point of OCD. I think I have discovered the reason the elders are getting sick so
often. I think it has something to do with their mattresses. When I
took the mattress cover off to be cleaned I discovered a black mattress pad underneath that smelled stale. I don't know how many elders have slept in that bed sick, and I am sure never washed the mattress cover after.
When I washed the mattress cover the first two rinses the water was black. Then next rinse cycle the water was brown. Then the next two rinse cycles the water was yellow!! I let the cover soak for about one full day then washed the years of dirt off of the cover. I refuse to sleep on the mattress pad and have just been sleeping on the wood part of the bed. It's not very comfortable, but at least I wont get sick.
Sister Taylor has braved it and just put her sheet on the bed she has yet to try to wash the cover she says if she doesn't look its like its clean, but she has gotten a small cough I told her its from sleeping on the
mattress. We texted Elder Ernstrom about getting new mattresses and hopefully they come soon. President I won't even tell you about the rest of the house! At least one positive thing is that I have only seen one dead cockroach under the fridge in the last week we have lived in the house. Unlike the last house when we had to fortify the house against the big roaches getting into the house. Ahh the life of a missionary. Maybe that's why they don't require the sisters to go on a mission they are afraid we will be scared for life when we get emergency transferred into elders' apartments. I hope that this will bring a smile to your face remembering the time when you were an elder in the mission field president.
I would only hope that you weren't this bad about cleaning!! Also I would like you to know Elder Hardin mentioned how clean the apartment was when he gave us the key. That's when you know your in for a big surprise!!
At least President I have Sister Pangue YEY!! She has been working with us for the last 4 days. She will work with us again tomorrow. Who trained that girl she is ready for her mission :) One concern of Sister Pangue though was that the elders would not go back to the basics they just did Book of Mormon share every lesson. I think that it's not a bad thing, but it would be more effective to review also especially since the ward has not done any new member lessons. I looked at the teaching records and almost all of the progress records were Book of Mormon share. I am not sure if this was laziness in filling out the progress record or if they really just do Book of Mormon shares. On the other hand it might be a good thing because they are focusing on the Book of Mormon. I am not sure yet since we are new into the area.
We have had the opportunity to teach one of their recent converts Sister Aileen (recent convert) and her husband Brother Brian Millang (member since child) and they had a strong testimony. We reviewed the restoration with her and have talked with the bishopric during PEC meeting about getting the ward members to do new member lessons. We also taught the brother Adrianne who is on and off active.He is 19 years old and has no desire to serve a mission. We plan to focus on getting him on a mission.
We visited the Commendador family. Sister Cesarnie is a recent convert. her son James has listened to the missionaries but he is just 15 years old going to school near Bogo. The father Brother Wilson has listened to the missionaries but likes to debate.
We have decided next time we visit we will try to get him to try to find his answers himself. Many of the bishopric have met him going to FHE's and they even agree he only likes to debate. We will continue to visit with him. He is a drinker though and we could not teach him last time since he had been drinking.
We visited the Ybanez family. Sister Wella the daughter walked us out of the house after the lesson and opened up about her father. He has LOC problems for many years. She had just found out about it since they changed cell phones and she read his text messages. She is having a hard time, but we encouraged her rather than just sit in her house to come with us to work. She worked with us yesterday. We also have been encouraging her to serve a mission. She is 28 years old, and has a nonmember boyfriend. I hope that she doesn't take a wrong step in her life.
We visited the Jacob family who is active in the church. They inspire me for the future. We don't often visit faithful families, but when I got the chance to visit the Jacob family and share with them I could feel the hope in their house rather than the feeling going into the fallen and lost members houses.
We also visited Mary Fe Sorono, Christina Ngujo, Rustan Lamban, and Rose Cosip. They are all members. Sister Mary Fe and Christina have live-in partners. Sister Rustan is a returning member. Sister Rose is preparing to enter the temple. We discussed the importance of preparing ourselves to enter into the temple. It's interesting to see people in so many different stages.
We attended the PEC meeting yesterday and it was very helpful. We are starting to work with the bishopric to help the ward progress.
Sister Taylor is quiet. We don't talk much, but she is willing to lead the lessons, and follow the training program. I would say that we don't really relate, but we just co-exist. It's not a bad relationship. You realize on the mission that you don't have to relate to someone it's still possible to co-exist and do the work of the Lord. If you just serve them and be diligent in the work. I had hoped though that we would have a great relationship, but to be honest President we just go together like
oil and water. Although you can put them into the same jar they will immediately separate into their individual sections of the jar. They can still co-exist and stay in the same jar without fighting, and sometimes you can get some cool effects like those toys with the blue water effect that drips into the bottom part and you can flip it. I don't know if you know what I am talking about but the point is we are doing our best. I am not sure we are the most effective together, but will we both stay diligent that I know for sure. Maybe we will be best friends after the mission. I am trying to be a good example, and so at least she can fly on her own. I am glad
I have learned patience through other companions for this period when I
am having to train To quote you president with leadership comes a great responsibility.That with pressure on our shoulders it helps us stand.
Thank You President I know that your burden is far heavier than mine, and for that I am grateful that you are so willing to serve us missionaries with a permanent smile on your face.
Sincerely,
Sister Bruno
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Reactivating A Family
Dear Family,
It seems another transfer is past and gone. Transfer call comes again this coming Monday. Its clear that I will have a new companion, and most likely train again. Same area. I hope though that I have one last area before I come home. I still have 3 transfers after this December.
Christmas is coming again and I plan to Skype on Sunday around 7-8AM my time or if not Monday 7-8AM my time. See you all on Skype then huh. So get on all of you and we will figure out everything!!
My companion Sister Pangue is super cool. She is only with me for one transfer but she is hard working. She is still learning like any greenie. I wish I had the chance for a short term mission before the mission its an awesome opportunity. She is now prepared to train hehe.
We finally got our rice cooker. I have been learning how to cook rice on the stove. Many new skills for when i come home... Except I will probably just use the rice cooker hehe you know American still.
We had a zone activity today and we did a play/ dance act. It was fun we played a game you have to blow the flower out of the cup to get the Peso at the bottom... Pictures to come.
Brother Alpitche came back to Church this past Sunday his whole family is active now!! All 8 of them its like we just had a new baptism a whole family, but its a better feeling to reactivate members, because I want them to get sealed in the temple!! We will work on it until I get transferred!
This past Sunday I was asked last minute to give a talk about the blessings of tithing. I accepted the challenge and then gave a very clear talk. Guided by the spirit! We had many investigators attending church and its a hard topic especially when I know there are many people in the ward not paying their tithing. I am glad that the spirit guided me through the talk and hope that it inspired some to pay their tithing.
Last Thursday Dec 8 we had a Christmas devotional. it was way cute. We had some people giving the narration of the Christmas story then we all sung Christmas songs. Our district gave a special musical number. I played the piano... Well I tried hehe
We also had a CSP at the High School we taught about 25 students in one class then 25-30 students in another class. We taught about Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom. We commited them to follow the WOW and LOC. It was way fun.
That's a recap of our week. Hope you are all doing good.
Love Sister Bruno
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Training A Short-Term Missionary
Dear Family,
It seems another transfer is past and gone. Transfer call comes again this coming Monday. Its clear that I will have a new companion, and most likely train again. Same area. I hope though that I have one last area before I come home. I still have 3 transfers after this December.
Christmas is coming again and I plan to Skype on Sunday around 7-8AM my time or if not Monday 7-8AM my time. See you all on Skype then huh. So get on all of you and we will figure out everything!!
My companion Sister Pangue is super cool. She is only with me for one transfer but she is hard working. She is still learning like any greenie. I wish I had the chance for a short term mission before the mission its an awesome opportunity. She is now prepared to train hehe.
We finally got our rice cooker. I have been learning how to cook rice on the stove. Many new skills for when i come home... Except I will probably just use the rice cooker hehe you know American still.
We had a zone activity today and we did a play/ dance act. It was fun we played a game you have to blow the flower out of the cup to get the Peso at the bottom... Pictures to come.
Brother Alpitche came back to Church this past Sunday his whole family is active now!! All 8 of them its like we just had a new baptism a whole family, but its a better feeling to reactivate members, because I want them to get sealed in the temple!! We will work on it until I get transferred!
This past Sunday I was asked last minute to give a talk about the blessings of tithing. I accepted the challenge and then gave a very clear talk. Guided by the spirit! We had many investigators attending church and its a hard topic especially when I know there are many people in the ward not paying their tithing. I am glad that the spirit guided me through the talk and hope that it inspired some to pay their tithing.
Last Thursday Dec 8 we had a Christmas devotional. it was way cute. We had some people giving the narration of the Christmas story then we all sung Christmas songs. Our district gave a special musical number. I played the piano... Well I tried hehe
We also had a CSP at the High School we taught about 25 students in one class then 25-30 students in another class. We taught about Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom. We committed them to follow the WOW and LOC. It was way fun.
That's a recap of our week. Hope you are all doing good.
Love Sister Bruno
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Going Home Early From A Mission
HAHAH Mom told me of the Christmas BOX!!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH I LOVE YOU ALL. I will let you know if it comes in the next month hahah it always takes FOREVER!!! The mission is great. We just found out that one of the Elders in my batch going home will be going home soon because of a heart problem. I have been talking to my companions about what it would feel like to have to go home early. Most have said they would be okay with that hahah!! Well I definitely would not be okay with that. I would only hope that I serve the fullest here on the mission with no regrets and until the end. I would hate to miss the going away parties haha!!
We had district activity today, and bought a cake for Sister Gumayao's birthday which ended up in a small cake fight. We are children I know but it wasn't out of control so I feel that it's okay :) Shhh dont tell President in case thats not okay.
I have realized on the mission it's about personal worthiness. We have agency. If we used the agency wisely the mission is an amazing adventure. If we use our agency incorrectly the mission is full of guilt and regret. I am glad I am having a blast on the mission.
I am starting to adjust to the city, but hope that i will have one last area before coming home. The time is far spent you KNOW!! The elders in my going home Batch are counting down the days and the time is soon approaching, but don't worry you still have some time to make some coming home posters and plan my PARTY...!!
Speaking of party its soon CHRISTMAS!! THAT MEANS SKYPE!! I plan to skype on the 25 DEC but Im not exactly sure yet. But plan it to be 25 DEC. It might be 26 DEC whatever I will let you know next week probably.
We have a baptism coming up soon. We postponed it for his family to attend. Brother Jeff is what I like to call a Golden Investigator. He has so many awesome questions is amazing how great his faith and testimony is. i feel that rather than us teaching him he is teaching us far more. I like to use his comments in lessons when I teach. He makes everything so clear.
I am excited for the transfer. It will be on 21 DEC. It's early this month so it wont be so close to Christmas. I will be getting a full time companion, and will train for two transfers so I will most likely have one more area my last transfer!!
I love you all for your sacrifice for me to be on the mission.
Keep enduring and living your covenants.
Love
Sister Bruno
PS PLEASE UPDATE ME WITH ALL OF YOUR LIVES!!
Interesting Questions from An Investigator
Dear President Schmutz,
I continue to have a positive experience with Sister Pangue. She is willing to work hard even though she is not a full time missionary with no training. I feel this has not only been productive for the mission, but it has also helped her to be ready for her mission.
Brother Jeff has decided to move his baptismal date until the first couple weeks of January so that his parents can attend. I feel this is the best decision for him. I believe that he is ready to be baptized, but I am glad we have more time to prepare him for the covenant he is about to make. He has many great questions, and we are sometimes shocked at his knowledge of the gospel and his testimony.
Sister Salve is starting to open up. She is not yet ready for her baptism so we will move the date back. At least we see her progression.
Sister Neil Jean Alpitche has a great desire to be baptized. Her parents are inactive, but are slowly coming back to church. We feel that she should not be baptized until she has support from her parents. Although she is not a convert baptism she is still someone we have been focusing on. We are teaching her father on the weekends when he is home. They are excited for our family home evening this Saturday at 7PM. If you are available President and would like to attend just let us know. We are happy that Sister Alpitche came to church last sunday although brother did not come with her. She took the leap of faith, and brought her six children with her. She walked with six kids two of them being small children. I feel that brother is soon to follow to come back.
We taught the Banono family. The father has been inactive for a long time. He has a problem with drinking and smoking, but we feel this will easily be given up once he once again gains a testimony. It will take time and effort, but we can't let his family try to go alone.
I am grateful for the new program it has changed my outlook on the work. I can tell the increase of knowledge. I am grateful for the new questions and concerns of inactive members. I feel this will only strengthen me for when I go home not to become inactive!!
I am excited for what next transfer will bring with the new companion. I have enjoyed the time with Sister Pangue training. I will continue to help the work progress here in the Cebu 5th area.
Although we had very low stats president this week we really did try our hardest. It takes much more time trying to convince inactive members to let us teach them. I find sometimes we are only getting one or two lessons, because we don't feel it would be appropriate to teach. We have been trying to build trust of the inactive members to open their hearts. We though will not force them to listen to a message if the situation does not warrant. For example we visited the Banono house and brother was passed out drunk. We talked to sister, but we did not teach a lesson. Things like that where there will be no spirit. It also seems we get punted a lot more lately, but it does not frustrate us we just continue.
Thank you President for your testimony of the Savior. I have a great hope for my future not only tomorrow or after the mission, but in the life to come all because I know that without a shadow of doubt that Christ lives. He is our advocate at the judgement.
Sister Bruno
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