Ok, gonna start this email off with a bang...So last week sometime someone in my district was talking about a surprise b-day party they had and I told everyone about Caleb's surprise party last summer and how I've always wanted one, but haven't had one yet. So Saturday night, the 3 other sisters in my room and I were walking back from TALL (computer language learning class) when suddenly one Hna started limping and complaining about an "injury" from 4-Square that day. I thought this was totally whack because I was playing, too, and didn't remember her falling. I went back to walk with her and figure out what she was doing...then looked up and the other Hnas had taken off, walking like mach 5. I was totally annoyed. We walked in the building and to my class...I opened the door and...ALL CHAOS EXPLODED!!!! The lights flew on and people were screaming and jumping at me and yelling things that sounded like "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" I just kind of stood there in a very confused, what-kind-of-drugs-are-you-all-on face! I first thought they were all talking to Hna L and I was just unfortunately in the way...but the elders were all shaking my hands and the sisters were hugging me and giving me presents/candy and I was very...lost, dazed and confused. Well, it turns out my wonderful, sketchtastic comp had LIED to everyone in the district/branch and told them all it was MY BIRTHDAY on Sunday!!! Well, needless to say, by the time I caught up to what was going on (Caleb/Chloe-I looked like the guy on Avatar, Ember Island episode after the "we will be the most powerful couple ever" Azula speech) and they finally realized I was telling the truth after the 50th time I told them, "It's not my birthday. My birthday's in February," they were all very upset with Hna F.ahahahahahahaha! Perhaps the funniest 10 minutes of MTC history. They gave me things like homemade cookies and Zucchini bread from their mothers because they all believed it was my birthday! Needless to say, I kept everything but 1 loaf of bread because I felt so bad for the poor elder. When he found out it was a lie, I think he was about to cry when he said "But I gave her my Mother's bread." ahahahaha OK, ok I do have a soul. So, yeah. I had a surprise birthday party on Sept 24th. And no one in our district will ever forget that this day is NOT my birthday.
Hna F left for the Madrid MTC on Tues morning. It was hard to see her go and not go with her and I miss her a lot. We just understood each other really well. But I heard from her today and she is enjoying Madrid-there are 18 missionaries TOTAL there right now. So jealous. But I have Hna L here so I'm staying sane. She leaves in 2 weeks, though, so I pray my visa will come by then.
It's been a hard week. The new trio is very...difficult for me. I get along so well with one sister that I'm just in the same dorm room as and not so well at all with the other sister that I spend 24-7 with...but that's what the mission is for right? Figuring out how to get along with people and forget yourself...Sunday Firesides, Tuesday Devotionals and Thursday morning temple trips keep me going and renew all my energy and conviction every week. This past Tues was amazing with Elder Stephen Allen. He was so funny...and then so piercing in the things that he said. My main take-away: "I am not one who will try. I am one who will, Nephi, go and do." That's my new motto.
Mom-thank you SO much for the package. I am using the mesh bag for my socks as we speak. I had no idea what it was for until I woke up at 11pm the other night and it hit me: "OH! that bag's for my socks so I don't lose any more!" Then went back to sleep. Thank heavens for a mother who knows what to send me. Socks will be a regular thing I will need. I hope you're not mad, but I gave away most of the pairs that you sent me to my comp that just left for Madrid. She had been using the same one pair that I gave her every day. Hers didn't last the first week :-/ I just couldn't let her poor feet take anymore. The sugarfree candy will be well used as well :-)
I know Brooke Shaw is coming to the MTC soon, but I don't know when. If it was this week, I hope I catch her soon. We got 3 new sisters in our room--all from Utah, all going to visitor's centers (Kirtland and Independence) OH! One is from West Jordan and knows the King's! Um...Sister...Denison?Ya, I think that's it. Went to the same high school as Dianna and Vanessa. It will be interest to have a full dorm room of girls...wahoo.haha
CALEB HARPER DALTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU WANT ANY LETTERS/PACKAGES ON YOUR MISSION-YOU TO ME ASAP. Chloe-love you sweetie :-) pinch Caleb for me.
Alas, my time is gone again. Can't wait to hear from everybody and write you next week! I love you all so much and wouldn't want to be anywhere else than here, even on the days when I am grumpy, tired and overly frustrated :-) I love being a sister missionary, and I'm not even in the field yet. muahahahaha! (evil laugh)
Love,
Hermana Dalton
Shout outs:
Krauss': thank you SO much for your sweet words. You told me everything I needed to hear and sometimes forget. It gives me so much strength knowing that my family and friends all believe in me on those days/weeks when I don't remember myself. You are the best and have always been wonderful examples of love and charity to me. Thank you and I love you!
Sis DeWitt: Thanks for the email! You are the best! We will be able to watch the Relief Society broadcast while the Elders are watching the Priesthood session this Saturday. I'm so excited, I will be ready and waiting for Pres Uchtdorf's talk. Thanks for the heads up! I can't wait to tell you how things are going once I get to the field. Right now it is lots of sitting and studying-14+ hours of it every day but that's what I've always loved to do!haha
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
21 days in the MTC!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Que pasa mufasa?!ahaha. I use that all the time and think it's funny, but apparently I'm the only one. Janna Harris used to say it all the time in high school. My companions tease me that I say ""en serio?!" ALLLL the time! (it's like the spanish equivalent of "Seriously?! I find ways to fit it into every conversation :-) Or ""es la verdad" (it's the truth) or ""vale la pena" (it's worth the pain) Our district also says "como un jefe!" all the time. It's the direct translation of "like a boss." I'm sure Caleb or Chloe can explain how this is used in normal conversation for you. I change it to the feminine "como una jefe" to apply to us hermanas, but I don't think anyone notices or cares--they just think I'm a silly gringa.ahahaha! We have SYL (speak your language) days M,W,F which is supposed to be that you only speak in spanish... except for gym and in the cafeteria. But I try to do it all day long just to get used to it...Let's just say some district members are more diligent than others. We are going to pick a day soon for an english fast--absolutely no english for 24 hours, even trying to think only in spanish. This is what I try to do anyway and it is so hard, but I am noticing the progress in myself, especially when teaching lessons. I feel pretty comfortable being able to say what I want if I have the vocab. That's what I'm working on--not how to say things, but having what to say.
I can't remember what I do and don't say in emails, so sorry if I repeat. Did I tell you that EVERYONE who has been here longer than me rubs in my face that the NIGHT before I reported, Elder Holland came and spoke for the Tuesday Night Devotional?! Yeah, en serio. I think the first hour I was here at least 10 missionaries told be how unlucky I was to miss it...and I was very sad since he is my favorite...but the Lord heard my prayers and in the last 3 weeks we have had not one, but TWO apostles! Yeah, take that and rewind it back-2! Elder Ballard came last week and it was amazing. Our district was 7 rows back on the stage right side, so we saw him come in and like a huge black wave of suits, everyone stood up. He and his wife gave wonderfully uplifting talks--truly a tender mercy. Then at the end of last week, every missionary in the MTC got a copy of the October Book of Mormon Ensign and we were all instructed to read it cover to cover by Tuesday night. Immediately I knew something was going down and it wasn't a normal devotional. Then at choir practice (yes, I have been going to choir-and yes, you all should be SUPER proud of me for this!!!) We were told that we would be singing 'Consider the Lilies'(that song will forever make me think of you, Mom :-) and the beautiful soprano, Hermana Smith, sitting next to me sounded almost as good as you...almost) ...it being Pres. Monson's favorite song, I thought we were going to get the Prophet, but alas-we did not. But we were not disappointed-- Elder Nelson came :-) No one believed me when I said it had to be one of the 15 Brethren because of the Ensign and all the added hype. When do 2 Apostles come back to back right?! Well, he did and I can say that I sang for an Apostle :-))) I was on the front row of the choir. His wife was hilarious! Like, had everyone chuckling for minutes. She brought slides of funny signs she collects, like at a hotel that said "In case of emergencies, please use the elevator. Please be sure the elevator is on your floor before attempting to use" or something to that effect. Then her commentary to go along with it was priceless. The other slide was an old, rundown barn that had a huge banner on the side saying "Not Even Once." Yes, surprise, she talked about exact obedience. I think the barn banner might become a new motto for me.
Elder Nelson terrified everyone by calling up 2 elders and 2 sisters randomly to role play--with him as the investigator. I knew one of the sisters. I think one of the elders was seriously turning green through the whole thing and about to pass out. It was all about "what do you know about the Book of Mormon that is absolutely true?" He was very funny and witty. At the end, he pulled the other sister in for a hug and I swear you could here the collective "whoosh" of air going out of everyone's lungs as 2500+ missionaries all screamed "that's against the missionary handbook rules!" in their minds...but he let us in on the secret--it was his granddaughter :-) although she didn't know that he was going to call her up. He gave her a big wet one right on the lips at the end, too. (You could see all the elder's mouths hanging open...boys!)
He went through a history of the Book of Mormon--printing, editing, editions, etc. He even had old copies to hold up for everyone to see. It was so cool. I LOVE the new Ensign so much. I'm going to have to laminate my copy or something because it is already getting worn out from so much use. The testimony from Elder Holland at the end is so amazing. I love when he talks about a personal plan of salvation made for him. Wow, I feel the same way. I've always had a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, but it is still getting so much stronger. I finally understand some small part of what it means to feast upon the word. I can't get enough of it, in english or spanish. I love being able to read and ponder every day.
I'm so glad that the Eagle Scout project went so well--minus crotchety old man :-) haha! Way to handle that like a champ Dad! Our teacher, Hermano Lee, who got back from his mission to Colombia last year, showed us a devotional from Elder Holland from a couple years back that helped him decide what kind of missionary he wanted to be. In typical Elder Holland fashion, he got way fired up and it was amazing. I dunno if anyone can get ahold of it outside of the MTC, but I am going to ask around and try. It's just that good.
Oh! I found Parker Harmon. Or more accurately, he found me! The sister next to me during choir practice was like, "Hey, that Elder keeps looking at you. Do you know him?" After a cursory glance, it was a nope!haha, but then he came over and I saw his nametag and recognized him! He looks SO different than I remember! We didn't get to talk long, so I hope that I bump into him again.
Hey Mom, can you send some more socks in a couple of weeks--with the padded bottoms? They are disappearing like Harry Potter and an invisibility cloak--due to a potentially sketchy roommate and hungry washing machines here. Also, it would be amazing if you could send as many packs of that 5 solstice gum that you can find...pwease?...and Dad-hook me up with your hard candy ways, por favor? That's the only kind of food we can have in class and candy helps the 3-hour blocks go by just that much faster...
Ok, shout outs:
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE DEARELDERS!!!!!!
Cregan-excellent story about the crotchety old man and I feel no guilt in using this word because I watched a video of Elder Holland speaking at the MTC and he said it! I miss football so much. Thanks for the updates. Enjoy every game for me!
Mom-How'd the med/physical stuff go? The french vanilla/white chocolate cheese ball sounds positively heavenly! I can't find any good white chocolate here. That is so exciting about the G & G personal histories! They came to the right editor--you fixed all my papers!haha
Clecca-Yeah, trios are hard. I'm still in one, but with a different third sister. it's me, Hna F and Hna K. Hna L is still in our room and Hna K's "official" companion, but the 3 of us are in a class together so we are a trio pretty much all day which includes teaching. Hna K has a...strong personality--only child type...so we clash. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? LOVED the Uglies/Specials reference made my day! I tried to explain it after I burst out laughing...but I'm the only reader in the room. Sadly, our little cafeteria game got kaboshed my some crotchety lunch lady. BAH! But yes, I ended undefeated and never had to carry the trays, along with Elder Greenwood...Tinkerbell hygiene tips? Hilarious! I can totally picture this. So cute. Clark-praying a lot before everything? Yeah, I know what you mean. But it always helps. Thanks for the reminder and tip.
Chloe-You should listen to "The Tender Mercies of the Lord" on lds.org under "other music for YW/youth." I love it and put it on repeat for the whole hour of my computer language study program. Makes me think of you :-) Love you! Thanks for your stories. They make me smile so much. Sometimes I wonder who the older sister is!haha
Dad-My comps get a kick out of your AZ postcards and funny one-liners on the back! So do I. You''re the best and I won't forget AZ. I''ll send you a letter/email today...hopefully. Oh, the charge on my debit this month is from immunizations--I had to get my 2nd Hep A shot. I need to pick up a reimbursement sheet for it or something and mail it to you.
ARI!!!! Wherefore art thou?! I need your/Kelsey's UT address so we can write!
Chandrea! I loved the dearelder :-) You all make my day. I promise you are at the top of the list for letters today. Vesper-thanks for the tip about stinky feet! One roommate that left had some RANK feet and it made sleeping unpleasant--she slept on the bunk above me. ahahaha, so funny!
Well, I hope I hit on everything I wanted to--I can't remember and I left my list in the room,haha! I love everyone and love it here--even if I'd rather be in the field. My testimony is strengthened every day and I wouldn't be any place else (except serving in Spain!) Muah! Give my nieces kisses and hugs from "Auntie Tare." I miss them all so much!
Te amo,
Hermana Dalton
Que pasa mufasa?!ahaha. I use that all the time and think it's funny, but apparently I'm the only one. Janna Harris used to say it all the time in high school. My companions tease me that I say ""en serio?!" ALLLL the time! (it's like the spanish equivalent of "Seriously?! I find ways to fit it into every conversation :-) Or ""es la verdad" (it's the truth) or ""vale la pena" (it's worth the pain) Our district also says "como un jefe!" all the time. It's the direct translation of "like a boss." I'm sure Caleb or Chloe can explain how this is used in normal conversation for you. I change it to the feminine "como una jefe" to apply to us hermanas, but I don't think anyone notices or cares--they just think I'm a silly gringa.ahahaha! We have SYL (speak your language) days M,W,F which is supposed to be that you only speak in spanish... except for gym and in the cafeteria. But I try to do it all day long just to get used to it...Let's just say some district members are more diligent than others. We are going to pick a day soon for an english fast--absolutely no english for 24 hours, even trying to think only in spanish. This is what I try to do anyway and it is so hard, but I am noticing the progress in myself, especially when teaching lessons. I feel pretty comfortable being able to say what I want if I have the vocab. That's what I'm working on--not how to say things, but having what to say.
I can't remember what I do and don't say in emails, so sorry if I repeat. Did I tell you that EVERYONE who has been here longer than me rubs in my face that the NIGHT before I reported, Elder Holland came and spoke for the Tuesday Night Devotional?! Yeah, en serio. I think the first hour I was here at least 10 missionaries told be how unlucky I was to miss it...and I was very sad since he is my favorite...but the Lord heard my prayers and in the last 3 weeks we have had not one, but TWO apostles! Yeah, take that and rewind it back-2! Elder Ballard came last week and it was amazing. Our district was 7 rows back on the stage right side, so we saw him come in and like a huge black wave of suits, everyone stood up. He and his wife gave wonderfully uplifting talks--truly a tender mercy. Then at the end of last week, every missionary in the MTC got a copy of the October Book of Mormon Ensign and we were all instructed to read it cover to cover by Tuesday night. Immediately I knew something was going down and it wasn't a normal devotional. Then at choir practice (yes, I have been going to choir-and yes, you all should be SUPER proud of me for this!!!) We were told that we would be singing 'Consider the Lilies'(that song will forever make me think of you, Mom :-) and the beautiful soprano, Hermana Smith, sitting next to me sounded almost as good as you...almost) ...it being Pres. Monson's favorite song, I thought we were going to get the Prophet, but alas-we did not. But we were not disappointed-- Elder Nelson came :-) No one believed me when I said it had to be one of the 15 Brethren because of the Ensign and all the added hype. When do 2 Apostles come back to back right?! Well, he did and I can say that I sang for an Apostle :-))) I was on the front row of the choir. His wife was hilarious! Like, had everyone chuckling for minutes. She brought slides of funny signs she collects, like at a hotel that said "In case of emergencies, please use the elevator. Please be sure the elevator is on your floor before attempting to use" or something to that effect. Then her commentary to go along with it was priceless. The other slide was an old, rundown barn that had a huge banner on the side saying "Not Even Once." Yes, surprise, she talked about exact obedience. I think the barn banner might become a new motto for me.
Elder Nelson terrified everyone by calling up 2 elders and 2 sisters randomly to role play--with him as the investigator. I knew one of the sisters. I think one of the elders was seriously turning green through the whole thing and about to pass out. It was all about "what do you know about the Book of Mormon that is absolutely true?" He was very funny and witty. At the end, he pulled the other sister in for a hug and I swear you could here the collective "whoosh" of air going out of everyone's lungs as 2500+ missionaries all screamed "that's against the missionary handbook rules!" in their minds...but he let us in on the secret--it was his granddaughter :-) although she didn't know that he was going to call her up. He gave her a big wet one right on the lips at the end, too. (You could see all the elder's mouths hanging open...boys!)
He went through a history of the Book of Mormon--printing, editing, editions, etc. He even had old copies to hold up for everyone to see. It was so cool. I LOVE the new Ensign so much. I'm going to have to laminate my copy or something because it is already getting worn out from so much use. The testimony from Elder Holland at the end is so amazing. I love when he talks about a personal plan of salvation made for him. Wow, I feel the same way. I've always had a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, but it is still getting so much stronger. I finally understand some small part of what it means to feast upon the word. I can't get enough of it, in english or spanish. I love being able to read and ponder every day.
I'm so glad that the Eagle Scout project went so well--minus crotchety old man :-) haha! Way to handle that like a champ Dad! Our teacher, Hermano Lee, who got back from his mission to Colombia last year, showed us a devotional from Elder Holland from a couple years back that helped him decide what kind of missionary he wanted to be. In typical Elder Holland fashion, he got way fired up and it was amazing. I dunno if anyone can get ahold of it outside of the MTC, but I am going to ask around and try. It's just that good.
Oh! I found Parker Harmon. Or more accurately, he found me! The sister next to me during choir practice was like, "Hey, that Elder keeps looking at you. Do you know him?" After a cursory glance, it was a nope!haha, but then he came over and I saw his nametag and recognized him! He looks SO different than I remember! We didn't get to talk long, so I hope that I bump into him again.
Hey Mom, can you send some more socks in a couple of weeks--with the padded bottoms? They are disappearing like Harry Potter and an invisibility cloak--due to a potentially sketchy roommate and hungry washing machines here. Also, it would be amazing if you could send as many packs of that 5 solstice gum that you can find...pwease?...and Dad-hook me up with your hard candy ways, por favor? That's the only kind of food we can have in class and candy helps the 3-hour blocks go by just that much faster...
Ok, shout outs:
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE DEARELDERS!!!!!!
Cregan-excellent story about the crotchety old man and I feel no guilt in using this word because I watched a video of Elder Holland speaking at the MTC and he said it! I miss football so much. Thanks for the updates. Enjoy every game for me!
Mom-How'd the med/physical stuff go? The french vanilla/white chocolate cheese ball sounds positively heavenly! I can't find any good white chocolate here. That is so exciting about the G & G personal histories! They came to the right editor--you fixed all my papers!haha
Clecca-Yeah, trios are hard. I'm still in one, but with a different third sister. it's me, Hna F and Hna K. Hna L is still in our room and Hna K's "official" companion, but the 3 of us are in a class together so we are a trio pretty much all day which includes teaching. Hna K has a...strong personality--only child type...so we clash. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? LOVED the Uglies/Specials reference made my day! I tried to explain it after I burst out laughing...but I'm the only reader in the room. Sadly, our little cafeteria game got kaboshed my some crotchety lunch lady. BAH! But yes, I ended undefeated and never had to carry the trays, along with Elder Greenwood...Tinkerbell hygiene tips? Hilarious! I can totally picture this. So cute. Clark-praying a lot before everything? Yeah, I know what you mean. But it always helps. Thanks for the reminder and tip.
Chloe-You should listen to "The Tender Mercies of the Lord" on lds.org under "other music for YW/youth." I love it and put it on repeat for the whole hour of my computer language study program. Makes me think of you :-) Love you! Thanks for your stories. They make me smile so much. Sometimes I wonder who the older sister is!haha
Dad-My comps get a kick out of your AZ postcards and funny one-liners on the back! So do I. You''re the best and I won't forget AZ. I''ll send you a letter/email today...hopefully. Oh, the charge on my debit this month is from immunizations--I had to get my 2nd Hep A shot. I need to pick up a reimbursement sheet for it or something and mail it to you.
ARI!!!! Wherefore art thou?! I need your/Kelsey's UT address so we can write!
Chandrea! I loved the dearelder :-) You all make my day. I promise you are at the top of the list for letters today. Vesper-thanks for the tip about stinky feet! One roommate that left had some RANK feet and it made sleeping unpleasant--she slept on the bunk above me. ahahaha, so funny!
Well, I hope I hit on everything I wanted to--I can't remember and I left my list in the room,haha! I love everyone and love it here--even if I'd rather be in the field. My testimony is strengthened every day and I wouldn't be any place else (except serving in Spain!) Muah! Give my nieces kisses and hugs from "Auntie Tare." I miss them all so much!
Te amo,
Hermana Dalton
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Week two at the MTC
Hola mundo afuera,
Greetings del CCM. I do not know what this stands for, and neither does anyone else that I ask, but apparently it's the spanish way to say "MTC." Or we are all saying something ridiculous with no meaning and someone somewhere is having a good laugh at us "gringos." :-) Either way it sounds impressive, no?
So...trying to fit a week into one email in 30 min in this place is like...trying to pull Caleb away from the mirror-it ain't happening! (<-this is my "polite" reminder to you, my youngest lil brother, that you have NOT written to me yet!!!! Connor is even beating you, and Chloe is kicking your trash. You try my patience young padawan, don't make me give you an "impolite" reminder, ok?! OK. PS-I love you!) Wow, ok last week...
It was a really good week...until my hormones decided to go all ninja on my myself on Friday. I had the misfortune of being the odd missionary out in class and got to teach the first lesson to my teacher...alone. I had already looked like an...imbecile...multiple times this day and him staring at me while I could only say "um" (which isn't even SPANISH!!!) put me over the edge. Yes, I sadly admit that I broke. Huge, awkward, self-confidence-destroying tears. After he tried to console me, IN SPANISH, I finally escaped to the bathroom, companion in tow. I sat on the floor in that tiny bathroom, toilet 6inches from my face and got it all out. As embarrassing as this is, I needed it because 1-it made me realize once again how completely I am reliant on the Lord, in case I ever forgot! 2-My expectations for myself, as always, are way too high and I get an F- for never giving myself any kind of credit. I mean, come on! It's week two! I'm teaching lessons entirely in spanish, praying only in spanish, talking to my companions, district and other missionaries only in spanish(depending on the day), reading the scriptures in spanish and my auditory comprehension is 10x better than my verbal abilities. So after praying a lot on that tile, I picked myself up and get back to class and had a great rest of the day. As I stated before, my hormones were off the charts anyway so I wasn't exactly myself.haha But it was one of those experiences every missionary has and I'm glad I did because the rest of the week has been wonderful.
Um, what are some other good stories from this week? OH! this is awesome-so my district is huge-13 of us, 4 hermanas and 9 elderes, and we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together pretty much every day. We are really close. So Elder Meyer, plays soccer for BYU-no big deal.haha, decided we should play "rock, paper, scissors" as a district and the loser has to take the walk of shame with EVERYONE'S trays, silverware, bowls, cups, etc. through the trash line. Of course, I was all in.haha It's hard to explain, but everyone plays at the same time and if all 3 signs are thrown down, you shoot again. But if only two signs are thrown, the normal R,P,S rules apply. The winner(s) are "safe" and out. The losers for that round have to play again until there is an ultimate loser and tray-taker. I had my doubts about whether this would work, but the first time we played, 7 of us threw down scissors and Elder Klinkefus (our "pelirojo peligroso <- "dangerous redhead/ginger") threw down paper and had to take all the trays!ahaha Ok, maybe it sounds juvenile or lame or whatever, but it is exciting and a lil bit of an adrenaline rush because everyone is so competitive and into it..and let's face it-excitement in el CCM comes in whatever way we can get it.ahahaha We play all the time as breaks for class and every meal time. Everyone else in the cafeteria thinks we are crazy and is jealous :-) It's really fun. We'll try it when I get back, no worries. Oh, and I haven't had to take any trays yet ;-) hehe
Oh, so apparently I've neglected to mention mi compañera. Actually, as of last week I have two. Hermana F and Hermana L. I´ve had Hna F from the beginning. She´s from LA and also going to Barcelona. We are very different but get along ridiculously well. She thinks I´m hilarious which works out splendidly because she laughs very loudly at all of my jokes!haha Hna L is from Texas, of Spanish heritage, and will be serving in Provo. She is crazy cool and funny. We are like the same person...except she is barely 5 ft, curvalicious and looks mexican...no big deal.ahaha She is a solo sister in another district, but we are all roomies. Sadly, one sister in our district left for home at like 5 this morning-medical reasons. So her companion is tagging along with us for the day and one of us will probably be reassigned as her comp by tonight so our trio of power will separated. I really hope I get to keep Hna F or L as my comp...cross your fingers...
I'm supposed to somehow keep track of people I meet here in the MTC that you all might know...let's see if I can remember...Sisters Hoyt and Hayes (Dad knows them from the institute) have meal times the same as me so we took pics by the map the other day. They are so cute and funny! It's so amazing to see a familiar face and talk...Courtney Koford's younger bro Alex is here, in the intermed spanish class next door to mine. We've talked a few times, and taught each other dicussions for class. He has gym the same time as me and balls it up-which makes me jealous since I can't play unless I find another sister to be on the other team, which doesn't happen often...I met an elder int he breakfast line from Rupert, ID Mom! Elder..Fillipini? or Defillipini? I dunno, but he was impressed by my knowledge about Rupert and Burley. Um I can't think of anyone else.
So kind of depressing news, but Hna F got her visa like last week! She was scheduled to fly out to Madrid next Tuesday but has decided to stay at least another week for personal reasons. So she could go, but she's not...while I can't because I don't have a visa. And I've noticed on my incoming mail it says "1102" as my new departure date...november...after the rest of my district has left if I still don't have a visa. There are A LOT of missionaries waiting for visas from Brazil and Spain. Like a lot. They office told me not to get by hopes up about not getting reassigned stateside and actually getting to go to Madrid... :-( ...so yeah, that's been fun to deal with...but I had a quiet moment in an empty hallway while staring at a drawing of the Madrid MTC on the wall and I just had a feeling that I will get to spend some amount of time at the MTC. And it will be when i'm supposed to be there, however long it is. And I'm supposed to be here now so I better find out why :-)
Thanks everyone for the dearelders and emails! (And Dad for the postcards :-)))) They are moving the bookstore/mailroom into a new building so everything is crazy and mail is sketchy for the next week as well. Thank you Lauren/BRaDeN for the dearelders! Clecca, Cregan and Chandrea-I'm writing you letters today I promise! I love all of you so much and hope that you didn't feel like you just wasted precious time in your life reading this beast! Oh, we got to go to the temple again this morning. It is so amazing to go every week! Mom, a letter is on it's way for you, I promise. Thank you for all the updates and love. They make each day that much better!
Les amo,
Hermana Dalton
Greetings del CCM. I do not know what this stands for, and neither does anyone else that I ask, but apparently it's the spanish way to say "MTC." Or we are all saying something ridiculous with no meaning and someone somewhere is having a good laugh at us "gringos." :-) Either way it sounds impressive, no?
So...trying to fit a week into one email in 30 min in this place is like...trying to pull Caleb away from the mirror-it ain't happening! (<-this is my "polite" reminder to you, my youngest lil brother, that you have NOT written to me yet!!!! Connor is even beating you, and Chloe is kicking your trash. You try my patience young padawan, don't make me give you an "impolite" reminder, ok?! OK. PS-I love you!) Wow, ok last week...
It was a really good week...until my hormones decided to go all ninja on my myself on Friday. I had the misfortune of being the odd missionary out in class and got to teach the first lesson to my teacher...alone. I had already looked like an...imbecile...multiple times this day and him staring at me while I could only say "um" (which isn't even SPANISH!!!) put me over the edge. Yes, I sadly admit that I broke. Huge, awkward, self-confidence-destroying tears. After he tried to console me, IN SPANISH, I finally escaped to the bathroom, companion in tow. I sat on the floor in that tiny bathroom, toilet 6inches from my face and got it all out. As embarrassing as this is, I needed it because 1-it made me realize once again how completely I am reliant on the Lord, in case I ever forgot! 2-My expectations for myself, as always, are way too high and I get an F- for never giving myself any kind of credit. I mean, come on! It's week two! I'm teaching lessons entirely in spanish, praying only in spanish, talking to my companions, district and other missionaries only in spanish(depending on the day), reading the scriptures in spanish and my auditory comprehension is 10x better than my verbal abilities. So after praying a lot on that tile, I picked myself up and get back to class and had a great rest of the day. As I stated before, my hormones were off the charts anyway so I wasn't exactly myself.haha But it was one of those experiences every missionary has and I'm glad I did because the rest of the week has been wonderful.
Um, what are some other good stories from this week? OH! this is awesome-so my district is huge-13 of us, 4 hermanas and 9 elderes, and we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together pretty much every day. We are really close. So Elder Meyer, plays soccer for BYU-no big deal.haha, decided we should play "rock, paper, scissors" as a district and the loser has to take the walk of shame with EVERYONE'S trays, silverware, bowls, cups, etc. through the trash line. Of course, I was all in.haha It's hard to explain, but everyone plays at the same time and if all 3 signs are thrown down, you shoot again. But if only two signs are thrown, the normal R,P,S rules apply. The winner(s) are "safe" and out. The losers for that round have to play again until there is an ultimate loser and tray-taker. I had my doubts about whether this would work, but the first time we played, 7 of us threw down scissors and Elder Klinkefus (our "pelirojo peligroso <- "dangerous redhead/ginger") threw down paper and had to take all the trays!ahaha Ok, maybe it sounds juvenile or lame or whatever, but it is exciting and a lil bit of an adrenaline rush because everyone is so competitive and into it..and let's face it-excitement in el CCM comes in whatever way we can get it.ahahaha We play all the time as breaks for class and every meal time. Everyone else in the cafeteria thinks we are crazy and is jealous :-) It's really fun. We'll try it when I get back, no worries. Oh, and I haven't had to take any trays yet ;-) hehe
Oh, so apparently I've neglected to mention mi compañera. Actually, as of last week I have two. Hermana F and Hermana L. I´ve had Hna F from the beginning. She´s from LA and also going to Barcelona. We are very different but get along ridiculously well. She thinks I´m hilarious which works out splendidly because she laughs very loudly at all of my jokes!haha Hna L is from Texas, of Spanish heritage, and will be serving in Provo. She is crazy cool and funny. We are like the same person...except she is barely 5 ft, curvalicious and looks mexican...no big deal.ahaha She is a solo sister in another district, but we are all roomies. Sadly, one sister in our district left for home at like 5 this morning-medical reasons. So her companion is tagging along with us for the day and one of us will probably be reassigned as her comp by tonight so our trio of power will separated. I really hope I get to keep Hna F or L as my comp...cross your fingers...
I'm supposed to somehow keep track of people I meet here in the MTC that you all might know...let's see if I can remember...Sisters Hoyt and Hayes (Dad knows them from the institute) have meal times the same as me so we took pics by the map the other day. They are so cute and funny! It's so amazing to see a familiar face and talk...Courtney Koford's younger bro Alex is here, in the intermed spanish class next door to mine. We've talked a few times, and taught each other dicussions for class. He has gym the same time as me and balls it up-which makes me jealous since I can't play unless I find another sister to be on the other team, which doesn't happen often...I met an elder int he breakfast line from Rupert, ID Mom! Elder..Fillipini? or Defillipini? I dunno, but he was impressed by my knowledge about Rupert and Burley. Um I can't think of anyone else.
So kind of depressing news, but Hna F got her visa like last week! She was scheduled to fly out to Madrid next Tuesday but has decided to stay at least another week for personal reasons. So she could go, but she's not...while I can't because I don't have a visa. And I've noticed on my incoming mail it says "1102" as my new departure date...november...after the rest of my district has left if I still don't have a visa. There are A LOT of missionaries waiting for visas from Brazil and Spain. Like a lot. They office told me not to get by hopes up about not getting reassigned stateside and actually getting to go to Madrid... :-( ...so yeah, that's been fun to deal with...but I had a quiet moment in an empty hallway while staring at a drawing of the Madrid MTC on the wall and I just had a feeling that I will get to spend some amount of time at the MTC. And it will be when i'm supposed to be there, however long it is. And I'm supposed to be here now so I better find out why :-)
Thanks everyone for the dearelders and emails! (And Dad for the postcards :-)))) They are moving the bookstore/mailroom into a new building so everything is crazy and mail is sketchy for the next week as well. Thank you Lauren/BRaDeN for the dearelders! Clecca, Cregan and Chandrea-I'm writing you letters today I promise! I love all of you so much and hope that you didn't feel like you just wasted precious time in your life reading this beast! Oh, we got to go to the temple again this morning. It is so amazing to go every week! Mom, a letter is on it's way for you, I promise. Thank you for all the updates and love. They make each day that much better!
Les amo,
Hermana Dalton
Thursday, September 8, 2011
One week into the Mission
Ok, if I don't get a shout out to you in this email and you communicated with me somehow this past week, then I will send you something by snail mail, I promise! We FINALLY have a full preparation day!!!! SO nice, I don't have anywhere to be or sunday clothes that I have to wear after this until like 6 tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <- I am only moderately excited about this if you could not tell ;-p chiste, chiste ("joke" in espanol)
Wow, ok so Sunday here-amazing. The testimony meeting was so great in english, spanish and spanglish--ahaha. My comp wanted to bear her testimony and made me go up there with her...but we ran out of time(actually went over!) So I thought I was off the hook...oh no, the Branch Pres. found us afterward and promised that he would be in for our district meeting and we were to bear our tesimonies there...so we did. Actually, everybody in the district did and I learned so much about each of them. You never really know what people are going through and even when they tell you, you're probably not getting the whole story with details. I feel like everyone in the district has a "sob" story about getting on a mission or preparing for a mission or deciding to serve a mission-- part member families, being cut off financially for serving or whatnot...and then there's me. I don't really have one of those. I decided to serve and got ready and had an amazing summer and here I am...my life didn't fall apart or anything like that...maybe it's coming?!?! (scary background music) I get nervous when things appear to be too easy...not that being here is easy! Don't get me wrong-- there have been moments when I've wondered what on earth I have gotten myself into (that's when I remember it's not "on earth" at all, but "from heaven"-- heehee-- clever word play), but not any of the breaking down, emotionally unstable drivel I've seen from some. So, yeah, no worries :-)
We are only talking in spanish, well trying to. Some days are better than others, but I feel like I'm improving and progressing, not as fast as I'd like, but I'm learning to give myself time to grow and learn--to not expect things all at once and that seems to be helping me relax and be happy. We've had some amazingly hilarious moments in class...like when learning commands, one Elder said, "oh, so it's like...'tenme?' bahahahaha (which means "have me!" ahahahaha-- the teacher busted up laughing and he turned bright red :-) But we laugh a lot as a district and that helps so much.
SHOUT OUTS:
Hermana McGee-It is so good to hear from you! Your words and testimony made me tear up (yes, surprise, surprise, I do have tear ducts). Thank you so much, especially for the advice. I am just starting to understand how true it really is.
Clecca- I never saw coordinating sister in the gym, she's gone now...(Oh Dad, I've seen Brette Hoyt a bunch and we always lament that we don't have gym together so we can ball it up!!!) I'm in intermediate spanish, the only people in the advanced class are native speakers, but we talk to them a lot and they are very helpful and hilarious. We are in SYL "Speak your language" and try to only speak in spanish every day and if we can't, then we have to ask for permission to say it in english. We are teaching lessons in spanish and everything. It's hard, but the improvement is amazing, so I keep it up. Yes! I get sack breakfast a lot. Sometimes sack lunch, too. The line is ridiculously long though, so that's hard with the time constraints. I LOVE being able to eat/study outside. I hope it doesn't get cold too fast! The no singing-it's not an MTC rule yet, but our Branch Pres. made it a branch rule, so I've been obedient, although I'd had enough one day and prayed that I would hear some form of music before I exploded over some little thing...and a sister in the bathroom started singing "Come Thou Fount" :-))) I just about ran in there to kiss her for saving my life and sanity...I didn't break the rules, so I have no guilt about this incident :-) For your b-day present I guessed...fireplace!ahaha just kidding. But I did think BBQ grill. The dutch oven sounds awesome! Make some cobbler and enjoy it for me!
Lauren/BRaDeN- hey! I'll write you a letter today, too, but thanks, Lauren, for the dearelder. They do really make my day. It stinks when someone in the district gets like 8 dearelders and you get none--ahaha. BRaDeN!!!!!! WRITE TO YOUR SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She found me in the cafeteria and again a couple of other times and was tearing up because her BROTHER doesn't write to her!!!! Just kidding about the tears, but seriously-holla at yo' sis! We got a good picture together the day before she left. I'll try to get you a copy, but the pic machine is down. I'm jealous about the football game, I'm seriously craving football. I might tackle my comp just to get it out (no worries, I have already forewarned her).
Cregan- Sounds like an awesome holiday and Cambria reading to herself makes me so happy :-) I can just picture it. How's preggie Meggie, as you say? haha I can't believe you are preggers-inhale as much sports as possible! I want a nephew! Think...y chromosome y chromosome ;-) haha. love you!
Ok, I think I covered everybody. I have the next few hours to write letters, so that is what I will be doing! Wow, I never have enough time to say what I want to! Hey Mom, I could use some more of those dress ped socks in black/nude that have the foot pad, See's square suckers/hard candies would be great...um, can't think of anything else. Oh, if you have the time, could you type out some or parts of my hand written letters for the blog? Thanks! I love you so much! Caleb and Chloe-letters are coming! Dad-you, too!
I love you so much and wouldn't be anywhere else!
Love,
Hermana Dalton :-)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Clarissa Dalton--- clarissa.dalton@myldsmail.net Saturday, September 3, 2011
OH MY GOSH!!!! I finally have a "mini" preparation day to email!!!!!!!!! Kinda disappointed in the lack of emails/letters. How depressing...just kidding! I joke! Just using the guilt card while I can...it doesn't get any sympathy here.
Wow, ok so I haven't even been here for like 4 full days yet, but it feels like for...ev....er!!!!! No joke, but at the same time it is going by fast. I just can't get used to not having ANY time to breathe or think! Like seriously! No one explains anything to you unless you ask and then usually they explain it slowly like you are an idiot.ahaha OH, and we FINALLY got gym time yesterday-we played volleyball as a district. I have convinced them that today after dinner we are playing basketball-not an option.ahaha But it was a good release-especially to wear sports clothes and see the SKY!!!!!!! The weather has been beautiful. I've been "running" with my companion at 5:50am,but we only make it a lap or two before it's time to go get ready. That is the earliest we can wake up and I never have enough time to blow dry or straighten my hair-so I am embracing the wet, sprunch look a lot. The "coordinating sister"-female equivalent of a zone leader-is in my room, sleeps above me actually, and is all about doing everything by the book down to the second. Which is whatever, I can deal with it, but my companion was sick last night and we have an RN sister in our room, so we were trying to find out what was wrong and help her...until the coordinating sister stood by the light switch, glanced at her watch, announced that it was 10:30pm and turned the light off (which for her means absolute silence)...fortunately my secret power is night vision and we were able to get her some drugs so she could sleep...Oh, and the fact that the coordinating sister lied to me the first time I met her about where she was from and talked the entire day in a fake (bad) English accent until I called her out on it might have something to do with why I don't trust her.ahahahahahaha so funny (PS I hope you can tell that I'm upset about this. Honestly, I'm learning to take everything in stride and just roll with what gets tossed my way :-) and yes Mom, I am behaving myself and being polite.)
Our district is really close. Most of us get along probably too well, which for 19 year old guys means they get off topic sometimes, but it is so nice to be able to laugh and joke around. They are all here for the right reasons and are good examples and even better--they are all human and make lots of mistakes, which means we get to laugh more :-)
The 3+ hour blocks of classes kill my rear end! My companion probably hates that she has to accompany me to the bathroom like 20 times a day, but I need to move around and escaping to the bathroom has become a good outlet--although there are MANY places I would much rather have my fortress of solitude if I could so choose (Dianna, you will understand the bathroom reference. Thanks for the idea!) The language classes/situations alternate between extremely frustrating and mildly frustrating...just joking!haha It isn't coming easy, but I am learning more everyday-- so what more can I do or ask for, right? I think I am slowly learning to only set realistic goals/expectations for myself because le'mme tell you--if you don't in the MTC--you won't survive! <- This I am not joking about. I'm happy to report that despite my history of being very hard on myself and moody when things are not "perfect," I am happy everyday and smiling :-) A positive attitude is the key and if that's all I learn, then that is an amazing thing to be able to carry with me through life.
Obedience. Ya, nobody was kidding about that! The theme in our branch is "Obedience brings blessings, exact obedience brings miracles." I believe it! (Which is why I haven't Bruce Lee-ed coordinating sister yet...and have promised myself I won't...mostly because she is leaving for her mission on Monday! ; ahahahaha) There is no singing or music allowed in the residence halls--that one is killing me. But I haven't taken out my nano or speaker yet and I am still alive and happy, so life must exist outside of music, even for me. We sing hymns in spanish classes everyday, though, which helps...although, sadly, I have found out that I still can't sing any better no matter what language it is in!haha *sigh* That is the first thing on the list I am asking for at the resurrection-I want some pipes.
AHHHHH-- ONLY 3 MINUTES BEFORE THE COMPUTER KICKS ME OFF!!!!!!! Um, I am praying only in spanish and trying to only speak in spanish with my companion and district elders...it ain't pretty le'mme tell you!haha But slowly and surely we are all improving, We are already teaching discussions it spanish to an "investigator" -one of our teachesr we've never actually met in class. Le'mme say that again, we are trying to teach in spanish. haha Poor guy, I feel so bad he has to sit through it and act like he understands.
HEY!!!! EVERYBODY!!!!! DEARELDER.COM ME!!!!!!! I need letters and info and love!hahah please?
I love you all so much,
Hermana Dalton
Sister Clarissa Dalton
MTC Mailbox # 334
SPA-BAR 1102
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
OH MY GOSH!!!! I finally have a "mini" preparation day to email!!!!!!!!! Kinda disappointed in the lack of emails/letters. How depressing...just kidding! I joke! Just using the guilt card while I can...it doesn't get any sympathy here.
Wow, ok so I haven't even been here for like 4 full days yet, but it feels like for...ev....er!!!!! No joke, but at the same time it is going by fast. I just can't get used to not having ANY time to breathe or think! Like seriously! No one explains anything to you unless you ask and then usually they explain it slowly like you are an idiot.ahaha OH, and we FINALLY got gym time yesterday-we played volleyball as a district. I have convinced them that today after dinner we are playing basketball-not an option.ahaha But it was a good release-especially to wear sports clothes and see the SKY!!!!!!! The weather has been beautiful. I've been "running" with my companion at 5:50am,but we only make it a lap or two before it's time to go get ready. That is the earliest we can wake up and I never have enough time to blow dry or straighten my hair-so I am embracing the wet, sprunch look a lot. The "coordinating sister"-female equivalent of a zone leader-is in my room, sleeps above me actually, and is all about doing everything by the book down to the second. Which is whatever, I can deal with it, but my companion was sick last night and we have an RN sister in our room, so we were trying to find out what was wrong and help her...until the coordinating sister stood by the light switch, glanced at her watch, announced that it was 10:30pm and turned the light off (which for her means absolute silence)...fortunately my secret power is night vision and we were able to get her some drugs so she could sleep...Oh, and the fact that the coordinating sister lied to me the first time I met her about where she was from and talked the entire day in a fake (bad) English accent until I called her out on it might have something to do with why I don't trust her.ahahahahahaha so funny (PS I hope you can tell that I'm upset about this. Honestly, I'm learning to take everything in stride and just roll with what gets tossed my way :-) and yes Mom, I am behaving myself and being polite.)
Our district is really close. Most of us get along probably too well, which for 19 year old guys means they get off topic sometimes, but it is so nice to be able to laugh and joke around. They are all here for the right reasons and are good examples and even better--they are all human and make lots of mistakes, which means we get to laugh more :-)
The 3+ hour blocks of classes kill my rear end! My companion probably hates that she has to accompany me to the bathroom like 20 times a day, but I need to move around and escaping to the bathroom has become a good outlet--although there are MANY places I would much rather have my fortress of solitude if I could so choose (Dianna, you will understand the bathroom reference. Thanks for the idea!) The language classes/situations alternate between extremely frustrating and mildly frustrating...just joking!haha It isn't coming easy, but I am learning more everyday-- so what more can I do or ask for, right? I think I am slowly learning to only set realistic goals/expectations for myself because le'mme tell you--if you don't in the MTC--you won't survive! <- This I am not joking about. I'm happy to report that despite my history of being very hard on myself and moody when things are not "perfect," I am happy everyday and smiling :-) A positive attitude is the key and if that's all I learn, then that is an amazing thing to be able to carry with me through life.
Obedience. Ya, nobody was kidding about that! The theme in our branch is "Obedience brings blessings, exact obedience brings miracles." I believe it! (Which is why I haven't Bruce Lee-ed coordinating sister yet...and have promised myself I won't...mostly because she is leaving for her mission on Monday! ; ahahahaha) There is no singing or music allowed in the residence halls--that one is killing me. But I haven't taken out my nano or speaker yet and I am still alive and happy, so life must exist outside of music, even for me. We sing hymns in spanish classes everyday, though, which helps...although, sadly, I have found out that I still can't sing any better no matter what language it is in!haha *sigh* That is the first thing on the list I am asking for at the resurrection-I want some pipes.
AHHHHH-- ONLY 3 MINUTES BEFORE THE COMPUTER KICKS ME OFF!!!!!!! Um, I am praying only in spanish and trying to only speak in spanish with my companion and district elders...it ain't pretty le'mme tell you!haha But slowly and surely we are all improving, We are already teaching discussions it spanish to an "investigator" -one of our teachesr we've never actually met in class. Le'mme say that again, we are trying to teach in spanish. haha Poor guy, I feel so bad he has to sit through it and act like he understands.
HEY!!!! EVERYBODY!!!!! DEARELDER.COM ME!!!!!!! I need letters and info and love!hahah please?
I love you all so much,
Hermana Dalton
Sister Clarissa Dalton
MTC Mailbox # 334
SPA-BAR 1102
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
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