Hello everyone!
This week has been pretty crazy. Bro. Schoppauls father passed away on Sunday so we'll be attending the funeral today at 6 to support them. It's been really hard seeing them go through such a sad time. On top of Joseph (a member of the ward) being in the ICU because he had lung cancer and had to get it removed and he's just not recovering from it well. There's drama going on between his niece and son. Who gets what and all that stupid stuff. The man is still alive for heavens sake! But Joseph was one of the first people I met out here. I love him to death. It's really hard to see him in this condition. My companion and I were able to witness him getting ordained to a High Priest on Friday which was AMAZING!!! It was very spiritual. We went with Bro. Schoppaul to go and see him in the hospital and he got permission from the Stake President to ordain him. Pretty cool huh? Then on Saturday, we got together with Bro. and Sis. Schoppaul and we put Joseph's testimony in 13 Books of Mormon and put them in his room as a gift for all the nurses and doctors who have been taking care of them. So far, many have taken them. It's been great!
Cory is still doing great! He's a trooper! Loves to learn and ask questions. His job has got to change so he can make it to church. That's the hold back pretty much. We really want to set him for baptism. He comes to FHE every Monday and the Schoppauls on Wednesdays and meets with us on Thursdays. FHE has been a lot of fun. It kind of died just before I got here so we're trying to start it back up and make it fun and spiritual so people will come. Or Recent converts seem to enjoy it and Cory as well.
Margie's baptism had to be rescheduled for September 5th. she's doing really well though! Loves having us over. We go about 2 or 3 times a week to teach her. She's like a spunge, just soaking it all up! It's fantastic.
Bro Kruta is out of town for awhile so we wont be able to teach him anytime soon. It's gonna take a lot of work and time to get him baptized but I have the faith that it WILL eventually happen.
We had our mission president interviews on Monday. Those are always nice to go to. We have had Flavia (YSA) coming on exchanges with us quit often and she came and met President Millburn. she's preparing to go on a mission herself, so she comes with us a lot. We love her!
Then yesterday, we went to a members home, the Rodriguezes, and she taught the 3 of us how to Hula dance! It was SO MUCH FUN!! Man I felt awkward, but it was totally worth is. I couldn't cordinate all the hip movemnt and hand motions. We all were trying so hard. But by the end of the lesson, we done pretty good if I don't say so myself! maybe she'll teach us more every wednesday :)
Next week we'll be having our p-day on Thursday because the stake is having a "party" thing for our investigators. We're giong to a triple A (AAA) Baseball game and they are providing a air conditioned room and lunch. It should be a lot of fun. President Thomas and President Lambourne will be there. I'm REALLY excited. I love baseball games! It wont be the same with out my Dad yelling at "BLUE" But I'll be thinking of him the whole time.
Well, my time is about up. I love you all! The gospel is IN FACT TRUE!!! I love being a missionary!!!
Much Love
Sister Oreo
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
July 29th 2009
What a week! I LOVE being a missionary! LOVE IT!!!
Cory is progressing really well. We are now seeing him 3 times a week and keeping dailey contact with him. He comes to FHE on Mondays, we teach him in a members home on Wednesdays, and we meet with him at his house on Thursdays. We had a sweet FHE just this last monday. We did "The Armor of God" and had a video and popcorn and had some visuals and shared scriptures and insights. It was a lot of fun. We had to push Margie's baptism back to September 11th because of her living situations. So it's no longer on August 8th. But Casandra's (unbaptized youth) is still set for August 22nd. We have been working a lot with less active members and trying hard to get the reactivated. We've actually had some pretty good success with that. We are solidly teaching 3 LA families and 2 Part members families.
The weather is getting super hot! the humid is KILLER! Oh man, you walk outside and you are just wet with sweat. Pretty sick I know. When we tract it makes for long days. WE're all sweaty and stinky, who in their right mind would want to talk to us LOL
This morning we went rock climbing with the stake president for a work out. He was a rock wall in his back yard. It was sweet! I felt like spider man and climbed right up that wall! Piece of cake LOL
We had a dinner appointment with one of my favorite families, the Justesens! on Monday night. She has 4 little ones. Between the ages of 12 and 11months. We had breakfast food and the set it up like it was a restaurant. So they made us menu's and what not and let us order. It was the cutest thing seeing them in their aprons and what not. I love that family. She is so strong. she's going through some CRAP with her "husband" but she's so strong and solid and is a GREAT mom and person. I really admire her. I love her!
There's an older lady in the ward and her birthday was yesterday. She turned 84!! That's old. But she's still kicking around like she's 20 LOL Her name is Sister Verboom. She's dutch and can speak like 5 or 6 different languages. I can't understand her on the phone most the time. LOL she talks so fast!! I love her though! and she sure loves the missionaries.
Things are going great here though! I love this area. Things are still continuing to look up and improve here. People are starting to open their minds and hearts some and we just bare good strong heart felt testimonies!
Thanks for all your letters and support. I'm sorry if I dont' write back very fast. I'm sure you all understand though
I love you
-Sister Oreo
-A new nick name one of the Young single Adults gave me
Cory is progressing really well. We are now seeing him 3 times a week and keeping dailey contact with him. He comes to FHE on Mondays, we teach him in a members home on Wednesdays, and we meet with him at his house on Thursdays. We had a sweet FHE just this last monday. We did "The Armor of God" and had a video and popcorn and had some visuals and shared scriptures and insights. It was a lot of fun. We had to push Margie's baptism back to September 11th because of her living situations. So it's no longer on August 8th. But Casandra's (unbaptized youth) is still set for August 22nd. We have been working a lot with less active members and trying hard to get the reactivated. We've actually had some pretty good success with that. We are solidly teaching 3 LA families and 2 Part members families.
The weather is getting super hot! the humid is KILLER! Oh man, you walk outside and you are just wet with sweat. Pretty sick I know. When we tract it makes for long days. WE're all sweaty and stinky, who in their right mind would want to talk to us LOL
This morning we went rock climbing with the stake president for a work out. He was a rock wall in his back yard. It was sweet! I felt like spider man and climbed right up that wall! Piece of cake LOL
We had a dinner appointment with one of my favorite families, the Justesens! on Monday night. She has 4 little ones. Between the ages of 12 and 11months. We had breakfast food and the set it up like it was a restaurant. So they made us menu's and what not and let us order. It was the cutest thing seeing them in their aprons and what not. I love that family. She is so strong. she's going through some CRAP with her "husband" but she's so strong and solid and is a GREAT mom and person. I really admire her. I love her!
There's an older lady in the ward and her birthday was yesterday. She turned 84!! That's old. But she's still kicking around like she's 20 LOL Her name is Sister Verboom. She's dutch and can speak like 5 or 6 different languages. I can't understand her on the phone most the time. LOL she talks so fast!! I love her though! and she sure loves the missionaries.
Things are going great here though! I love this area. Things are still continuing to look up and improve here. People are starting to open their minds and hearts some and we just bare good strong heart felt testimonies!
Thanks for all your letters and support. I'm sorry if I dont' write back very fast. I'm sure you all understand though
I love you
-Sister Oreo
-A new nick name one of the Young single Adults gave me
July 22nd 2009
Hello all!!!
Things are going really well here! Man do I love being a missionary. The area is continuing to grow little by little. We set Casandra Deck for baptism yesterday. So now we have 2 people set for August! SWEET! And we hope to set Cory soon as well. He is now attending the FHE on Mondays and a Bible study on Wednesday nights along with meeting with us every Thursday. He's keeping commitments and is really progressing well!
We taugth the Deck family yesterday (Less active Part member) and taught the kids about the Law of Chastity and the Word of Wisdom. It was a little awkward because the parents don't follow the WofW so the kids were pointing fingers and the Mom got a little mad. But she knows what she is doing is wrong and just trys to justify things. But we're working on it and hoping to set their ways straight again. GREAT FAMILY! I love them. They all came to church on Sunday as well. Along with another LA Rachel Davis. Crazy thing about Rachael, she looks SO much like my Aunt Angie that was killed in a car accident. And man does she remind me of her. She's so sweet and loving. Her eyes are just like Angie's. When I saw her at church on Sunday and spent all 3 hours with her, tears kept filling my eyes because of the remeberance of my Aunt that I love so much. It was a strange and NEAT experience. I just felt really close to Angie again, and I haven't for a VERY long time.
My companion was sick for 3 days, which was a bummer but I made a CUTE scripture case/purse. I of course studied and got other things done, but that was a highlight for me because i am not sewer. But I sure am proud of it.
I love the area. I love the family I live with. THings are just going so well for me! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!
Thanks for all your love and support
Things are going really well here! Man do I love being a missionary. The area is continuing to grow little by little. We set Casandra Deck for baptism yesterday. So now we have 2 people set for August! SWEET! And we hope to set Cory soon as well. He is now attending the FHE on Mondays and a Bible study on Wednesday nights along with meeting with us every Thursday. He's keeping commitments and is really progressing well!
We taugth the Deck family yesterday (Less active Part member) and taught the kids about the Law of Chastity and the Word of Wisdom. It was a little awkward because the parents don't follow the WofW so the kids were pointing fingers and the Mom got a little mad. But she knows what she is doing is wrong and just trys to justify things. But we're working on it and hoping to set their ways straight again. GREAT FAMILY! I love them. They all came to church on Sunday as well. Along with another LA Rachel Davis. Crazy thing about Rachael, she looks SO much like my Aunt Angie that was killed in a car accident. And man does she remind me of her. She's so sweet and loving. Her eyes are just like Angie's. When I saw her at church on Sunday and spent all 3 hours with her, tears kept filling my eyes because of the remeberance of my Aunt that I love so much. It was a strange and NEAT experience. I just felt really close to Angie again, and I haven't for a VERY long time.
My companion was sick for 3 days, which was a bummer but I made a CUTE scripture case/purse. I of course studied and got other things done, but that was a highlight for me because i am not sewer. But I sure am proud of it.
I love the area. I love the family I live with. THings are just going so well for me! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!
Thanks for all your love and support
July 8th 2009
What a super fantastic week! Man do I love Salem! The advisary sure is trying to tear us down, but I just have to sit back and laugh at him because I know that when such opposition occurs, it just means that something GREAT is about to happen. And man are great things happening!!
I had a great fourth of July. We of course can't see fireworks or play but we were able to go to the Kruta's for dinner. That was a blast. I bonded with Brother Kruta SO much. I love that man so much. I made him go and play catch with me (baseball) after dinner. When we walked out in the garage, he has a Harley Davidson and this sweet vest that he wears when he goes riding. So while he was looking for the mits to play, I see the vest and of course I had to put it on. He thought it was the coolest thing ever. He had fun dressing me up in his whole "get up" I wore a bandana, his vest, a helmet, sunglasses, the whole shabang! He laughed so hard and took so many pictures of me. Then he pulled his bike out of the garage and let me sit on it, start it up, honk the horn, and rev is up!! It was sweet! I tried to make him get on back and get a picture with us together but he wasn't having that idea. he said to his wife "tell that girl who belongs on the back of motorcycles" LOL Women of course. We had a lot of fun. Then playing catch in the road. We were having a compition throwing it over eachother and making eachother chase it down the road. I think I put up a pretty good fight. It was almost like we were playing fetch instead of catch. But we just had a ball.
In sacrament, Sister Kruta got up and bore her testimony. That was powerful. She made me cry. She got up there and expressed her thanks for me... For helping teach her stubborn husband. Brother Kruta hasn't let any missionary REALLY teach him. And she said, if anyone, sister Orawiec will be the one to get my husband baptized, and not just my husband but my daughter Sam. Just the look in her eyes, made me tear up. She just has this sincere look of hope!! Hope that her husband will see the light. HOPE that they'll be sealed in the temple. It's just been so amazing getting to teach them and gain that certain bond. SO AMAZING!! I can't even express it in words. I LOVE THIS WORK!! I LOVE THE PEOPLE!!!
Satan has really been working hard on our recent converts as well. But we're pulling through it. My companion struggles with depression so it's taking a tole on her. BUt the more positive I stay, the better she seems to be.
I did something kinda funny last week. I'm evil. But there's an Elder out here, Elder Beams, who found out that I hated Kangaroos and likes to make fun of me for it. So of course I had to put him in his place. I had one of his companions find out what his biggest fear is. Which is spiders. So I went and collected 7 Daddy Long Leggs and put them in a box and told him on the phone that I got a little gift for him. He got all excited thinking it was something great. So we had to meet with them to go over what we did that week and when he opened the box all the spiders came out at once all over him!! hahaha I'm so evil but MAN was it funny!! GOOD TIMES
Well, I love this gospel so much! I KNOW it to be true! The happiness is brings to the lost soul is well worth the opposition that we have/get to face as missionaries. I'll do anything to help others find their way to the truth! Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement!
Much Love
Sister Spark Plug
I had a great fourth of July. We of course can't see fireworks or play but we were able to go to the Kruta's for dinner. That was a blast. I bonded with Brother Kruta SO much. I love that man so much. I made him go and play catch with me (baseball) after dinner. When we walked out in the garage, he has a Harley Davidson and this sweet vest that he wears when he goes riding. So while he was looking for the mits to play, I see the vest and of course I had to put it on. He thought it was the coolest thing ever. He had fun dressing me up in his whole "get up" I wore a bandana, his vest, a helmet, sunglasses, the whole shabang! He laughed so hard and took so many pictures of me. Then he pulled his bike out of the garage and let me sit on it, start it up, honk the horn, and rev is up!! It was sweet! I tried to make him get on back and get a picture with us together but he wasn't having that idea. he said to his wife "tell that girl who belongs on the back of motorcycles" LOL Women of course. We had a lot of fun. Then playing catch in the road. We were having a compition throwing it over eachother and making eachother chase it down the road. I think I put up a pretty good fight. It was almost like we were playing fetch instead of catch. But we just had a ball.
In sacrament, Sister Kruta got up and bore her testimony. That was powerful. She made me cry. She got up there and expressed her thanks for me... For helping teach her stubborn husband. Brother Kruta hasn't let any missionary REALLY teach him. And she said, if anyone, sister Orawiec will be the one to get my husband baptized, and not just my husband but my daughter Sam. Just the look in her eyes, made me tear up. She just has this sincere look of hope!! Hope that her husband will see the light. HOPE that they'll be sealed in the temple. It's just been so amazing getting to teach them and gain that certain bond. SO AMAZING!! I can't even express it in words. I LOVE THIS WORK!! I LOVE THE PEOPLE!!!
Satan has really been working hard on our recent converts as well. But we're pulling through it. My companion struggles with depression so it's taking a tole on her. BUt the more positive I stay, the better she seems to be.
I did something kinda funny last week. I'm evil. But there's an Elder out here, Elder Beams, who found out that I hated Kangaroos and likes to make fun of me for it. So of course I had to put him in his place. I had one of his companions find out what his biggest fear is. Which is spiders. So I went and collected 7 Daddy Long Leggs and put them in a box and told him on the phone that I got a little gift for him. He got all excited thinking it was something great. So we had to meet with them to go over what we did that week and when he opened the box all the spiders came out at once all over him!! hahaha I'm so evil but MAN was it funny!! GOOD TIMES
Well, I love this gospel so much! I KNOW it to be true! The happiness is brings to the lost soul is well worth the opposition that we have/get to face as missionaries. I'll do anything to help others find their way to the truth! Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement!
Much Love
Sister Spark Plug
July 1st 2009
Hello ALL!!
What a great week. The best part about it was what happened yesterday. We taught Kevin Kruta!!! OH MAN!! It was so sweet. He is a hard headed Marine but man do I love him. We started to teach him the Plan Of Salvation and he was acting "not interested." And when I was teaching the Atonement, the spirit was so strong and tears filled his eyes. I dont' think he knew the spirit could touch him so strongly. And he actually agreed to meet with us again. Ok, well he said maybe, but I KNOW he will. He said maybe last time, and look what happened. That's right, we taught him. Just so ya'll know it's pretty much impossible to teach this man anything, so that's why I'm so happy about it. Him and I get along great though!! And his wife who is a member said "If anyone can convert him, you can sister Orawiec." What a complement that is. I just kill him with love is all. Stomp all over his concerns and help him to recognize and feel the spirit. So simple. I'm not saying I'll see him get baptized or anything, which of course, that is my HOPE and PRAYER, but I feel he'll see the light soon. Sister Kruta got all teary eyed as well, and when we were leaving she gave me a BIG hug and said "If you can get him to be taught again, I'd be the happiest women ever." I gave her a wink and told her we'd make it happen. But I'm not cocky, just confident. that's ok right? As long as it's humble:)
We are still striving to find people to teach, but we have a guy named Kory who will come a long great I think. We're meeting him again on Thursday. All your prayers really help. He needs them. He's willing to learn, just accepting is the problem.
We had our Big Mission Conference on Friday and it was so amazing! I love seeing all the missionaries. I performed "His Hands" in signlanguage, Sister Silotti (my comp) played it on the piano and Elder Smith (I came out with) sang it. It turned out SO GOOD!! Everyone loved it. The spirit sure was strong. I got chocked up at the end. So powerful.
Sister Silotti and I get along great. There's a lot of work that needs to be done here and MANY things that need impoving, but hey, that's what we're here for. The Mission President has committed all of us to read the BofM in 146 days and choose 5 specific scriptures for principle he picked out so we can know where they are and the stories behind them. We're well on our way of becoming master teachers. It'll be a 146 never to be forgotten.. As the MP would say... I'm really excited to try my hardest to follow in the ways of my savior and at least STRIVE to become a master teacher as he is. I know I wont ever reach that point, but its a good goal to shoot for I think :) I love this work! I love my mission!!!
May the Lord bless you all and continue to pour out His spirit upon you
much love
Sister O
What a great week. The best part about it was what happened yesterday. We taught Kevin Kruta!!! OH MAN!! It was so sweet. He is a hard headed Marine but man do I love him. We started to teach him the Plan Of Salvation and he was acting "not interested." And when I was teaching the Atonement, the spirit was so strong and tears filled his eyes. I dont' think he knew the spirit could touch him so strongly. And he actually agreed to meet with us again. Ok, well he said maybe, but I KNOW he will. He said maybe last time, and look what happened. That's right, we taught him. Just so ya'll know it's pretty much impossible to teach this man anything, so that's why I'm so happy about it. Him and I get along great though!! And his wife who is a member said "If anyone can convert him, you can sister Orawiec." What a complement that is. I just kill him with love is all. Stomp all over his concerns and help him to recognize and feel the spirit. So simple. I'm not saying I'll see him get baptized or anything, which of course, that is my HOPE and PRAYER, but I feel he'll see the light soon. Sister Kruta got all teary eyed as well, and when we were leaving she gave me a BIG hug and said "If you can get him to be taught again, I'd be the happiest women ever." I gave her a wink and told her we'd make it happen. But I'm not cocky, just confident. that's ok right? As long as it's humble:)
We are still striving to find people to teach, but we have a guy named Kory who will come a long great I think. We're meeting him again on Thursday. All your prayers really help. He needs them. He's willing to learn, just accepting is the problem.
We had our Big Mission Conference on Friday and it was so amazing! I love seeing all the missionaries. I performed "His Hands" in signlanguage, Sister Silotti (my comp) played it on the piano and Elder Smith (I came out with) sang it. It turned out SO GOOD!! Everyone loved it. The spirit sure was strong. I got chocked up at the end. So powerful.
Sister Silotti and I get along great. There's a lot of work that needs to be done here and MANY things that need impoving, but hey, that's what we're here for. The Mission President has committed all of us to read the BofM in 146 days and choose 5 specific scriptures for principle he picked out so we can know where they are and the stories behind them. We're well on our way of becoming master teachers. It'll be a 146 never to be forgotten.. As the MP would say... I'm really excited to try my hardest to follow in the ways of my savior and at least STRIVE to become a master teacher as he is. I know I wont ever reach that point, but its a good goal to shoot for I think :) I love this work! I love my mission!!!
May the Lord bless you all and continue to pour out His spirit upon you
much love
Sister O
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