Whoa. What a day! (Estoy aqui en Madrid, Portugal Dad!ahahahaha-- ease off on the geography jokes.) We got here to the CCM about an hour ago. We ate...not sure what all of it was...something with clams and a different kind of melon that looked/tasted like a watermelon crossed with a honeydew. I asked what it was called and the lady said...pause for effect...melon--ahahaha-- and some yogurty pudding stuff. It is so good to be here. I talked to this lady in the SLC airport. She was Jehovah´s Witness from Denmark with her husband and they were so cool. We talked for awhile and I got to share some of our beliefs with her. Then this other lady sat down and began talking my ear off. She said she was "raised Mormon," but asked why we all had the same first names (sisters=hermanas and brothers=elders) and then asked if I was married...so, yeah, that´s about when I smelled that she was totally sloshed. That was an interesting conversation to try to get out of gracefuly and was unsuccessful. ahaha
The flight was 10.5 hours to Paris, which I know is located in FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hahaha I slept a lot. It was wonderful. As we were taxiing out of SLC, I looked out the window across the plane and saw the Salt Lake Temple perfectly framed. It was a sweet moment :-) Did I mention that I may or may not have prayed for window seats and got window seats on BOTH flights today?! It was great...except that Paris was super foggy so we didn´t get to see anything :-( We almost missed our connecting flight to Madrid, but were saved by another tender mercy. Our 8-missionary group got split up because...well all I have to say is "Elders" and you all know what I mean...3 of us made it to the gate and told the guy that 5 more of us were coming, but he said that he had to shut the gate in 2 minutes and everyone else would have to catch another flight. I prayed they´d make it and you know what? That gate stayed open for the next 15 minutes and we all made it.
So when we got to Madrid, we made it out to some arrival/taxi place and the Elders wanted to run around looking for our ride. I mean seriously, I swear these kids were boy scouts, right? When you are lost, you stay together and stay put. We finally convinced them that since we had the CCM President´s cell number ON OUR ITINERARY, we should probably call to see where we should go...that opened up a whole new can of worms involving money exchange and foreign pay phones...Right about the time that I was about to use my carry-on to give some elders a "new haircut," I decided we were going to pray for help. I ended up praying alone. But, I kid you not, 30 seconds after I opened my eyes, I looked to the left and there were 2 men wearing suits walking up to us, with the CCM President and his wife right behind them. Prayers are answered...and not just because a sister missionary on the news clubbing elders with hawaiian luggage would be bad PR for the Church :-) ahahaha Ok, I am being dramatic and completely exaggerating, but I have to admit that the idea did cross my mind...once. Fleetingly. But being around elders again reminds me how much I miss my district from the Provo CCM and how amazing they were. I was so blessed and taken care of.
Connor emailed me and is teasing me because he knows my first assignment and my trainer but can´t tell me. What a bum. He´s getting a wet willy when I see him. haha But he doesn´t know that the President Earls already told me that I´m going to Zarragoza I believe and they need me there earlier than everyone else that came today. They will be here until next Tuesday and I will be leaving by Saturday at the latest--which means that I will get to go to the Temple on Thursday :-)))))))) I just knew since my 3rd week in the Provo CCM that I would make it here to Madrid and be able to attend the Temple. I am oh so excited!
They are amazing here and "making" us go to bed in less than an hour. I use the term "making" loosely. haha We are all pretty much gone already. We met one of our teachers, FINALLY a native who actually speaks the spanish they expect us to learn and speak for the next 16 months!, but he will have to reintroduce himself to me again tomorrow because I already forgot everything he said. Poor guy, but my brain´s fried. I cannot WAIT to sleep for 11 hours.
And speaking of my mind and where I lost it...I can´t remember anything else I was going to say...wow-- out of words. That´s gotta be a first. haha Well, I am so excited to finally be here and it hasn´t really sunk in or anything, but I´m sure I´ll have more to say on that note by Thursday, along with some funny stories about me butchering this language that I love so much but is always on the tip of my tongue (ba-dum-bing!). ahaha I feel almost entirely unprepared to dive into the work here, but I´m done being timid and holding back. Mistakes are not only essential to learning a language, but make great stories, right? ahaha So bring it on!
Caleb--thanks for the email bro! I wish I could have seen the curbstomp to the face spike .ahahaha I can´t wait to write and tell you about everything here. Ooh the inquiry paper. I still have mine, rough stuff. Own the short story.
Ok, we gotta go. I will write again soon! But I am safe and mostly sound (questionable) and here in Spain--the country and people that I already love...even though we can´t quite communicate yet. ahaha--just kidding. I love you all so much and pray for you daily.
Les quiero,
Hermana
(FINALLY IN SPAIN)
Dalton
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
"The time had come the Walrus (President) said...!"
OK, ok, ok--first things firsties. I have my visa. It's a "for real" thing this time because I am currently holding it in my hands...and I may or may not have slept with it last night as well...So the back story--Monday I ran into our mission president and his wife coming out of the elevator in the South Visitor Center and he said, "Hey where are you going again?" I said Spain and he said, as he casually walks by, "Oh, right. You are going there Thursday." I laughed and then realized he was serious. He showed me the email and said I had to go to UVU Wednesday-- because the head of the language department is also the Spain consulate-- pick up my visa and then handed me travel plans for last Thurs-SLC>Dallas, Dallas>Madrid. I was so excited and pumped...and then you ask, "but wait, you are still on T-Square. What happened?" Well, I'll tell you. I got to the SLC mission home Wed. morning to go to UVU with some missionaries there...and was told that the consulate DIDN'T actually have my visa.ahahaha! I laughed really loudly in this poor Elder's face when he told me because it was just too funny. I mean really, the Church has given me THREE different travel plans to Madrid now and yet there I was, in SLC minus a visa. So the working (not waiting!) began again.
I got my visa yesterday (Friday) and fly to Madrid Monday afternoon, November 14th...for real this time. Oh, did I mention I will be getting there via...Paris? Oh I didn't? Well let me tell you. The flight is SLC>Paris, Paris>Madrid. Muahahahaha! I will spend like a whole HOUR in Paris, France!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you think I can snap some pics while running to my connecting flight? Hmmm, we shall see, but I would bet good money on it. Oh, other good news--I get to call you before I leave from a phone here so we can talk without crazy airportness. I will call tomorrow in the early afternoon--I'm not sure if we are on the same time again or not. I hate Daylight Savings! Completely bonkers--and if that doesn't work out for whatever reason, I'll call again later in the evening, like after dinner-ish I hope? I am so excited to hear everyone's voices--you have no idea.
So this week was transfer week. It was crazy and eye-opening to see sisters going home, especially sisters I really liked and got close to. My emotions were somewhere between awe and jealousy and determination. Some day it will be my turn, but I don't want it to come one day sooner than that because I have a lot to do, a lot to learn and a LOT of people to meet and teach. I decided, once again, that I will be the kind of missionary that works hard until they shove her onto the plane...not the missionary that skates trunkily through the last transfer. They have a transfer meeting here because so much changes every transfer, so that was Monday morning at 7. It was unique. They also have a 3rd verse to "Called to Serve" here that is specific to the Temple Square mission that I will write down and never forget.
I still have the same companion, obviously, but we are a trio now! (So that they don't have to juggle companionships when us "visa-waiters" vamonos.) So my newest companion is Sister Hoyos from Sonora, Mexico!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We get along SO well and have tons to talk about. And I get to make spanish phone calls, lessons and especially tours with her! It is so wonderful. I was 100% prepared to be fluent with her before I got my visa...but Heavenly Father had other plans.. which I am happy with. haha. There is a HUGE latino devocional tomorrow night at the conference center, like 21,000+ people, and she's the spanish coordinator, so we are prepping for that and going to have all the spanish-speaking sisters positioned strategically outside for contacting. I am so excited--she is even going to let me wear her Mexico flag with my nametag-- heeheehee--so that should be crazy and terrifying and fun.
I can't wait to write to you next week from ESPANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It seems so surreal and like a dream. I've been waiting since I opened my call, but now it almost feels like, "Oh right, I'm supposed to be there!" I guess that means all the effort and energy I've tried to put into serving here and now has paid off at least a little bit.
Hey! I will try to get a package sent home by Monday. Just stuff I don't want to take with me or don't have room for. if I don't get it sent, then I will make my companions make the Unbreakable Vow to get it sent this week. We shall see...
Well, I am off to eat, starving!, and then...to the Salt Lake Temple!!!!!!!! I will get to do a session after all! I didn't think I would, but we pulled some strings and are going this afternoon. I am oh-so excited--I don't have the words right now. :-))))))))))))))))))))) Miracles do happen--I see them every week. Thank you for the prayers for my visa. It came precisely on the Lord's time as everything does. Next stop: Madrid, Spain. The next part of this journey is about to begin. How great life is when we are doing the Lord's work, the Lord's will, and all on the Lord's time.
Les quiero,
Hermana Dalton
Shout outs:
Brother Krauss! I'm so sorry I missed you! It's mission policy that you can't tell people where other sisters are for security purposes so you just have to tell them to wander around and pray they bump into them. But I felt so special when I got your note. Thank you so much and my comp will call the potential! You are the best!
Clecca- I love you SO darn much! Becca the email was hilarious and the pictures are SO SO SO cute! The girls are getting so big! I hardly recognized Haley underneath all that curly Clark hair! Thanks for remembering me and making me feel so loved. All the YW ideas and activities sound great! See, the blessings from keeping a "house of order" are already flowing in! Keep it up! And I can't wait to hear about this Murder Mystery Dinner!
Chandrea--Thanks for the colored pictures and email! I will put them up when I get to Spain! It sounds like you are all adjusting to Mesa really well. I keep running into people from Mesa and Mesa Mountain View--like missionaries. Halloween sounds like it was great with all the parties and costumes. I love you all so much! Muah! Muah!
Mom-thank you for the package!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing to get and the perfect timing. The chex mix didn't last a whole day.ahaha--compliments of having 2 companions :-) And the pumpkine bread and homemade jam were delicious! I made cornbread this week and it was amazing--I can only say that because we all know I don't even make anything past cookies and waffles.ahaha Everyone was impressed, especially me. Thanks a ton! You are the bestest! I hope that other package gets here before I leave Monday, unless you didn't send it after all :-/ I'll pray it works out.
Chloe-I loved the purple email!ahaha You are so cute. Way to go with v-ball sis! Just keep playing and having fun and getting better. I can't wait to see you play. I LOVE Pres. Uchtdorf's talk! We got copies in the MTC...on blue paper...and I laminated mine. I will reread that talk a lot during my life I think. Thanks for sharing and know I love you so much!
Dad-I can't believe it is Nov. either! Where'd the time go?! haha Thanks for the sports update. There was a guest here who asked for a tour...but when I saw his ASU hat, I had to refuse....ahahaha--just kidding! But we did have a fair amount of teasing and ribbing back and forth during the tour. haha I can't wait to talk to you and hear how everything is going. U of A sounds crazy with Stoops and Shelton. Silly university.
P.S. I attached some pics! Um, one's with Elder Parker Harmon from the MTC, Sister Brooke Shaw from the MTC, "The Forgotten Five" the morning us 5 visa waiters got to T-Square, My comp Sis Clayton on Halloween waiting to watch Despicable Me, us outside the Bountiful Temple, Sister Barraza from Barcelona, Spain (Hospitalet Ward I believe), My roomies Sisters Clayton, Kealamakia and Hednandez(she left for home this week), and me with the long awaited visa...and evidence that yes, I slept with it. ahahaha!
I got my visa yesterday (Friday) and fly to Madrid Monday afternoon, November 14th...for real this time. Oh, did I mention I will be getting there via...Paris? Oh I didn't? Well let me tell you. The flight is SLC>Paris, Paris>Madrid. Muahahahaha! I will spend like a whole HOUR in Paris, France!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you think I can snap some pics while running to my connecting flight? Hmmm, we shall see, but I would bet good money on it. Oh, other good news--I get to call you before I leave from a phone here so we can talk without crazy airportness. I will call tomorrow in the early afternoon--I'm not sure if we are on the same time again or not. I hate Daylight Savings! Completely bonkers--and if that doesn't work out for whatever reason, I'll call again later in the evening, like after dinner-ish I hope? I am so excited to hear everyone's voices--you have no idea.
So this week was transfer week. It was crazy and eye-opening to see sisters going home, especially sisters I really liked and got close to. My emotions were somewhere between awe and jealousy and determination. Some day it will be my turn, but I don't want it to come one day sooner than that because I have a lot to do, a lot to learn and a LOT of people to meet and teach. I decided, once again, that I will be the kind of missionary that works hard until they shove her onto the plane...not the missionary that skates trunkily through the last transfer. They have a transfer meeting here because so much changes every transfer, so that was Monday morning at 7. It was unique. They also have a 3rd verse to "Called to Serve" here that is specific to the Temple Square mission that I will write down and never forget.
I still have the same companion, obviously, but we are a trio now! (So that they don't have to juggle companionships when us "visa-waiters" vamonos.) So my newest companion is Sister Hoyos from Sonora, Mexico!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We get along SO well and have tons to talk about. And I get to make spanish phone calls, lessons and especially tours with her! It is so wonderful. I was 100% prepared to be fluent with her before I got my visa...but Heavenly Father had other plans.. which I am happy with. haha. There is a HUGE latino devocional tomorrow night at the conference center, like 21,000+ people, and she's the spanish coordinator, so we are prepping for that and going to have all the spanish-speaking sisters positioned strategically outside for contacting. I am so excited--she is even going to let me wear her Mexico flag with my nametag-- heeheehee--so that should be crazy and terrifying and fun.
I can't wait to write to you next week from ESPANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It seems so surreal and like a dream. I've been waiting since I opened my call, but now it almost feels like, "Oh right, I'm supposed to be there!" I guess that means all the effort and energy I've tried to put into serving here and now has paid off at least a little bit.
Hey! I will try to get a package sent home by Monday. Just stuff I don't want to take with me or don't have room for. if I don't get it sent, then I will make my companions make the Unbreakable Vow to get it sent this week. We shall see...
Well, I am off to eat, starving!, and then...to the Salt Lake Temple!!!!!!!! I will get to do a session after all! I didn't think I would, but we pulled some strings and are going this afternoon. I am oh-so excited--I don't have the words right now. :-))))))))))))))))))))) Miracles do happen--I see them every week. Thank you for the prayers for my visa. It came precisely on the Lord's time as everything does. Next stop: Madrid, Spain. The next part of this journey is about to begin. How great life is when we are doing the Lord's work, the Lord's will, and all on the Lord's time.
Les quiero,
Hermana Dalton
Shout outs:
Brother Krauss! I'm so sorry I missed you! It's mission policy that you can't tell people where other sisters are for security purposes so you just have to tell them to wander around and pray they bump into them. But I felt so special when I got your note. Thank you so much and my comp will call the potential! You are the best!
Clecca- I love you SO darn much! Becca the email was hilarious and the pictures are SO SO SO cute! The girls are getting so big! I hardly recognized Haley underneath all that curly Clark hair! Thanks for remembering me and making me feel so loved. All the YW ideas and activities sound great! See, the blessings from keeping a "house of order" are already flowing in! Keep it up! And I can't wait to hear about this Murder Mystery Dinner!
Chandrea--Thanks for the colored pictures and email! I will put them up when I get to Spain! It sounds like you are all adjusting to Mesa really well. I keep running into people from Mesa and Mesa Mountain View--like missionaries. Halloween sounds like it was great with all the parties and costumes. I love you all so much! Muah! Muah!
Mom-thank you for the package!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing to get and the perfect timing. The chex mix didn't last a whole day.ahaha--compliments of having 2 companions :-) And the pumpkine bread and homemade jam were delicious! I made cornbread this week and it was amazing--I can only say that because we all know I don't even make anything past cookies and waffles.ahaha Everyone was impressed, especially me. Thanks a ton! You are the bestest! I hope that other package gets here before I leave Monday, unless you didn't send it after all :-/ I'll pray it works out.
Chloe-I loved the purple email!ahaha You are so cute. Way to go with v-ball sis! Just keep playing and having fun and getting better. I can't wait to see you play. I LOVE Pres. Uchtdorf's talk! We got copies in the MTC...on blue paper...and I laminated mine. I will reread that talk a lot during my life I think. Thanks for sharing and know I love you so much!
Dad-I can't believe it is Nov. either! Where'd the time go?! haha Thanks for the sports update. There was a guest here who asked for a tour...but when I saw his ASU hat, I had to refuse....ahahaha--just kidding! But we did have a fair amount of teasing and ribbing back and forth during the tour. haha I can't wait to talk to you and hear how everything is going. U of A sounds crazy with Stoops and Shelton. Silly university.
P.S. I attached some pics! Um, one's with Elder Parker Harmon from the MTC, Sister Brooke Shaw from the MTC, "The Forgotten Five" the morning us 5 visa waiters got to T-Square, My comp Sis Clayton on Halloween waiting to watch Despicable Me, us outside the Bountiful Temple, Sister Barraza from Barcelona, Spain (Hospitalet Ward I believe), My roomies Sisters Clayton, Kealamakia and Hednandez(she left for home this week), and me with the long awaited visa...and evidence that yes, I slept with it. ahahaha!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Later on First P-day on T-Square, Thursday, November 3, 2011
So I didn't get to say everything I wanted in my email, so I wrote a paper letter. I've had so much to do today that I just ran out of time.
I forgot to tell you that on my "explorer day" I chose to take a tour of the Conference Center since it's a tour I have to know for visitors! haha I remember I've been there before when it was brand new and watched "The Testaments" movie, but other than the ridiculously large bathrooms that spit you out on the other side of the building, I didn't remember anything.
The artwork is absolutely incredible! It's all original! I didn't know that and I fell in love with the Arnold Friberg room. So amazing! I didn't know the story behind those paintings. There were also 2 paintings of the story of Alma the Younger and I loved them both. I've decided that I'm going to have lots of artwork prints and paintings in my future home. haha.
I also toured the Beehive House and saw Clarissa Young's room! That was cool.
It is much harder than I anticipated to talk to people on the Square. I had a guy yell at me and throw out some Bible verses in my face. haha That was exciting. And it's so hard to talk to members about missionary work...especially because I have a guilty conscience because I never wanted to talk to the missionaries either! ahaha But as anticipated, it is SUPER hard to talk to people on the phone!!! ahaha But I power through it each day. One day I won't want to barf as I dial the number, right?! At least that's what the other sisters here tell me!
I am discovering a new-found love for Temple Square; it truly is an amazing and sacred place with so much history! Mom, I got to go to "Music and the Spoken Word" last Sunday morning!!! It was awesomely fabulous! I thought of you the whole time. You have to go some time! Come on up! haha
It's been very eye opening to talk to people. I realize more and more everyday just how blessed I am to have the gospel, my family, my health, an education--the list just goes on and on. I am amazed at the love I feel for everyone I talk to. If they could only understand how the gospel could change their lives! It is hard to see people reject it, but feels so incredible when you can see and feel the light come on in their eyes and in their lives. It makes everything worth it! I'm so happy to be a missionary and and be challenged and grow and learn. Thanks for letting me have this opportunity.
I love you all so much! Hugs and kisses and SCARY MONSERS! haha
Muah, Hermana "T-Square" Dalton
I forgot to tell you that on my "explorer day" I chose to take a tour of the Conference Center since it's a tour I have to know for visitors! haha I remember I've been there before when it was brand new and watched "The Testaments" movie, but other than the ridiculously large bathrooms that spit you out on the other side of the building, I didn't remember anything.
The artwork is absolutely incredible! It's all original! I didn't know that and I fell in love with the Arnold Friberg room. So amazing! I didn't know the story behind those paintings. There were also 2 paintings of the story of Alma the Younger and I loved them both. I've decided that I'm going to have lots of artwork prints and paintings in my future home. haha.
I also toured the Beehive House and saw Clarissa Young's room! That was cool.
It is much harder than I anticipated to talk to people on the Square. I had a guy yell at me and throw out some Bible verses in my face. haha That was exciting. And it's so hard to talk to members about missionary work...especially because I have a guilty conscience because I never wanted to talk to the missionaries either! ahaha But as anticipated, it is SUPER hard to talk to people on the phone!!! ahaha But I power through it each day. One day I won't want to barf as I dial the number, right?! At least that's what the other sisters here tell me!
I am discovering a new-found love for Temple Square; it truly is an amazing and sacred place with so much history! Mom, I got to go to "Music and the Spoken Word" last Sunday morning!!! It was awesomely fabulous! I thought of you the whole time. You have to go some time! Come on up! haha
It's been very eye opening to talk to people. I realize more and more everyday just how blessed I am to have the gospel, my family, my health, an education--the list just goes on and on. I am amazed at the love I feel for everyone I talk to. If they could only understand how the gospel could change their lives! It is hard to see people reject it, but feels so incredible when you can see and feel the light come on in their eyes and in their lives. It makes everything worth it! I'm so happy to be a missionary and and be challenged and grow and learn. Thanks for letting me have this opportunity.
I love you all so much! Hugs and kisses and SCARY MONSERS! haha
Muah, Hermana "T-Square" Dalton
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Hello From Temple Square!
Hey everyone,
I suppose some of you are still chuckling about this turn of events. If there was ever any doubt that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor...doubt no longer. He does. Hence, I am here in the last mission on earth I ever wanted to be in. ahahaha And I am here with a smile, a happy attitude and a prayer in my heart for a certain visa to Spain :-)>
Sorry about the no communication. So, I found out last Friday night that they did NOT, in fact, have my visa and that they were temporarily reassigning me to...yes...Temple Square. I would say kharma, but that's not real, so it must be Heavenly Father humbling me again...as usual, since I have lots of things to be humbled about.
So, yah, since last Saturday morning I have been here in SLC at Temple Square...not in Spain. It's been a wild ride. So different than I expected and so different from every other mission...They changed everything here a couple of years ago so that sisters can teach potential investigators and referred contacts until the local missionaries take over. So time is split between walking Temple Square and the 2 Visitor Centers trying to talk to everyone when most of them don't want to talk to you...and calling people...on the phone...yes, you have permission to laugh hysterically at this, knowing me and my phobia of phones. I'm faintly remembering some quote about "out of the frying pan and into the fire?" Yes, there's Heavenly Father and that sense of humor again. Ok ok, I can't actually blame Him because this is what I asked for. Back in March of this year--the night that I chose to serve a mission--in a prayer I told my Heavenly Father what I wanted, knowing that I would receive it because it is a righteous--albeit painful--desire. I told Him that if I was going to do this, if I was going to serve a mission, I didn't want the easy way out. I wasn't going to pray for Him to make it easy. I wanted what was going to make me grow the most, to become the person that only He knows that I have the potential to be. If I was going to do this, I was all-in; I wanted the kind of mission that would change me and my life forever. So far, He's kept up His end of the bargain to the "t," as He always does.
Where does that leave me? haha Well, this week has certainly been the unexpected. haha It is different, but I am learning so much, in ways that I wouldn't have chosen otherwise, but are the best for me. My trainer, Sister Clayton, is from San Diego and is great. She is very calm and caring and seems to be best friends with every sister missionary on the Square. She has a quiet sense of humor that takes me by surprise sometimes and always keeps me on my toes. She's been out 9 months tomorrow, I believe, and training/senior companion is all very new for her...and she got stuck with me. Poor soul. She'll get lots of blessings. Neither of us is super out-going when it comes to starting conversations with strangers, so we struggle and figure it out together! ahaha Heavenly Father always finds ways to bless those who do their best to serve Him...even if they are anything but good at it.
President and Sister Holmes are amazing--so funny AND fun. I've been rather spoiled here so far in lots of ways--I got to take an "explorer day" and experience Temple Square as a visitor this week. The re-edited Joseph Smith movie is even better than the original! We get to open and close it almost every day. I watched the whole thing during explorer day, but will have the first 5 and last 15min of this movie down in by next week. haha
For Halloween, well every holiday I'm told, Sister Holmes takes care of the sisters. The Square closed early and we got to eat pizza, candy, sing a few Halloween songs...and watch not one, but 2 movies!!!!!!!!!!!!...any guesses?...Despicable Me and The Best Two Years. It was amazing and helped so much with my first week here.
Yesterday, we got to attend the Bountiful Temple for a session. Wow. It was incredible. (And it was snowing!haha) Afterwards, the Temple President and his wife, the Callisters, had a private meeting with all the sisters and it was phenomenal. SO much food for thought my brain still has not been hungry.
Today is p-day, obviously, so we are heading to Walmart after this, so I can finally get some food. I've been living off grapes, apples, oatmeal squares and grape juice that I was able to have another Sister pick up for me whose first day was her p-day. haha They gave us $60 cash and I 'dunno' how long it's supposed to last, but we'll see what I can get. I can dip into my reserve funds, too, if needed. It is nice but weird to finally be cooking for myself again. Oh, there is a Sister here from Sweden, Sister Vennerholm, I believe, who knows Landon Lane! They met in Sweden before his mission. Everyone knows the Lane's! :-) And another Sister who knows Evan Moss and his new wife...I think she and her companion know Kelsey and Ari as well, but not 100% sure. There are sisters here from everywhere! Including Spain! But I can't really talk to any of the native spanish-speakers in spanish because it is a mission rule to only speak english unless giving a tour or calling an investigator who speaks that language, which also means there's no scheduled time for language study either. Depending on how long I am here, I am VERY nervous about losing the spanish I've learned. But I wake up 30 minutes early before running to read and study spanish every morning, so I hope it's enough. Heavenly Father will bless me for being obedient and trying, right? Right.
Unfortunately, 'dearelder' along with everyone else thought or thinks I am in Spain right now, so I haven't gotten any letters or dearelders this week. I assume I'll get them when I get to Spain--not sure. But here is the address here:
Sister Clarissa Dalton
UT SLC Temple Square Mission
50 N West Temple St BSVC
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
If you sent anything through 'dearelder' this week, I didn't get it so sorry, no shout outs. But I'd love some this week or letters or emails or whatever! haha Maybe 'dearelder' would come through here if you changed my mission from Barcelona to Temple Square? I dunno. Sorry :-/
Well, that's about it. I'll write some paper letters today, too. It has truly been the best and the worst week so far--so I must be in the right place, yah?ahaha That's what first weeks are for. Thanks for your prayers and support. I can feel them even when I can't read or see them. And who knows, maybe when I get back, I'll want to talk to everyone I meet all the time and talk on the phone 24-7...and maybe not ;-) heeheehee I love you all so much!!!!
Les quiero,
Hermana Dalton
P.S. 5 of us came here waiting for visas. Pres. Holmes named us "The Forgotten Five."ahahaha And we are the "weird" sisters who have nametags in different languages and no flag attached. :-) heehee So funny/awkward.
I suppose some of you are still chuckling about this turn of events. If there was ever any doubt that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor...doubt no longer. He does. Hence, I am here in the last mission on earth I ever wanted to be in. ahahaha And I am here with a smile, a happy attitude and a prayer in my heart for a certain visa to Spain :-)>
Sorry about the no communication. So, I found out last Friday night that they did NOT, in fact, have my visa and that they were temporarily reassigning me to...yes...Temple Square. I would say kharma, but that's not real, so it must be Heavenly Father humbling me again...as usual, since I have lots of things to be humbled about.
So, yah, since last Saturday morning I have been here in SLC at Temple Square...not in Spain. It's been a wild ride. So different than I expected and so different from every other mission...They changed everything here a couple of years ago so that sisters can teach potential investigators and referred contacts until the local missionaries take over. So time is split between walking Temple Square and the 2 Visitor Centers trying to talk to everyone when most of them don't want to talk to you...and calling people...on the phone...yes, you have permission to laugh hysterically at this, knowing me and my phobia of phones. I'm faintly remembering some quote about "out of the frying pan and into the fire?" Yes, there's Heavenly Father and that sense of humor again. Ok ok, I can't actually blame Him because this is what I asked for. Back in March of this year--the night that I chose to serve a mission--in a prayer I told my Heavenly Father what I wanted, knowing that I would receive it because it is a righteous--albeit painful--desire. I told Him that if I was going to do this, if I was going to serve a mission, I didn't want the easy way out. I wasn't going to pray for Him to make it easy. I wanted what was going to make me grow the most, to become the person that only He knows that I have the potential to be. If I was going to do this, I was all-in; I wanted the kind of mission that would change me and my life forever. So far, He's kept up His end of the bargain to the "t," as He always does.
Where does that leave me? haha Well, this week has certainly been the unexpected. haha It is different, but I am learning so much, in ways that I wouldn't have chosen otherwise, but are the best for me. My trainer, Sister Clayton, is from San Diego and is great. She is very calm and caring and seems to be best friends with every sister missionary on the Square. She has a quiet sense of humor that takes me by surprise sometimes and always keeps me on my toes. She's been out 9 months tomorrow, I believe, and training/senior companion is all very new for her...and she got stuck with me. Poor soul. She'll get lots of blessings. Neither of us is super out-going when it comes to starting conversations with strangers, so we struggle and figure it out together! ahaha Heavenly Father always finds ways to bless those who do their best to serve Him...even if they are anything but good at it.
President and Sister Holmes are amazing--so funny AND fun. I've been rather spoiled here so far in lots of ways--I got to take an "explorer day" and experience Temple Square as a visitor this week. The re-edited Joseph Smith movie is even better than the original! We get to open and close it almost every day. I watched the whole thing during explorer day, but will have the first 5 and last 15min of this movie down in by next week. haha
For Halloween, well every holiday I'm told, Sister Holmes takes care of the sisters. The Square closed early and we got to eat pizza, candy, sing a few Halloween songs...and watch not one, but 2 movies!!!!!!!!!!!!...any guesses?...Despicable Me and The Best Two Years. It was amazing and helped so much with my first week here.
Yesterday, we got to attend the Bountiful Temple for a session. Wow. It was incredible. (And it was snowing!haha) Afterwards, the Temple President and his wife, the Callisters, had a private meeting with all the sisters and it was phenomenal. SO much food for thought my brain still has not been hungry.
Today is p-day, obviously, so we are heading to Walmart after this, so I can finally get some food. I've been living off grapes, apples, oatmeal squares and grape juice that I was able to have another Sister pick up for me whose first day was her p-day. haha They gave us $60 cash and I 'dunno' how long it's supposed to last, but we'll see what I can get. I can dip into my reserve funds, too, if needed. It is nice but weird to finally be cooking for myself again. Oh, there is a Sister here from Sweden, Sister Vennerholm, I believe, who knows Landon Lane! They met in Sweden before his mission. Everyone knows the Lane's! :-) And another Sister who knows Evan Moss and his new wife...I think she and her companion know Kelsey and Ari as well, but not 100% sure. There are sisters here from everywhere! Including Spain! But I can't really talk to any of the native spanish-speakers in spanish because it is a mission rule to only speak english unless giving a tour or calling an investigator who speaks that language, which also means there's no scheduled time for language study either. Depending on how long I am here, I am VERY nervous about losing the spanish I've learned. But I wake up 30 minutes early before running to read and study spanish every morning, so I hope it's enough. Heavenly Father will bless me for being obedient and trying, right? Right.
Unfortunately, 'dearelder' along with everyone else thought or thinks I am in Spain right now, so I haven't gotten any letters or dearelders this week. I assume I'll get them when I get to Spain--not sure. But here is the address here:
Sister Clarissa Dalton
UT SLC Temple Square Mission
50 N West Temple St BSVC
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
If you sent anything through 'dearelder' this week, I didn't get it so sorry, no shout outs. But I'd love some this week or letters or emails or whatever! haha Maybe 'dearelder' would come through here if you changed my mission from Barcelona to Temple Square? I dunno. Sorry :-/
Well, that's about it. I'll write some paper letters today, too. It has truly been the best and the worst week so far--so I must be in the right place, yah?ahaha That's what first weeks are for. Thanks for your prayers and support. I can feel them even when I can't read or see them. And who knows, maybe when I get back, I'll want to talk to everyone I meet all the time and talk on the phone 24-7...and maybe not ;-) heeheehee I love you all so much!!!!
Les quiero,
Hermana Dalton
P.S. 5 of us came here waiting for visas. Pres. Holmes named us "The Forgotten Five."ahahaha And we are the "weird" sisters who have nametags in different languages and no flag attached. :-) heehee So funny/awkward.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
I've Got Travel Plans!
Whoa, it is such a small Mormon world. I just got my hair cut here at the MTC and I was rocking my U of A basketball sweatshirt and the sister cutting my hair started asking about U of A...and get this Dad, she is best friends with Brooke Jackson! We talked about her and basketball for awhile and then she asked, "Hey do you by chance know an Assante family in Tucson?" ahahaha She is ALSO best friend's with Thomas Assante's wife and was like, "I just had lunch with Michael Assante the other day!" So we talked about the Assante's and how Becca is their cousin and ya, it was great. I think her name was Katie West? It was nice to talk to someone about familiar people.
Oh, hey did I mention I got travel plans Friday at lunch? Ya, flying SLC - ATL, ATL - Madrid Tuesday morning. I dunno if that means I'm staying in Madrid for a day, week, weeks or going on to Barcelona by another means of transportation. Also, I didn't have to go anywhere to sign my visa like Hna Farrell did, so I don't know if that means they are hoping my visa gets here by then, but my Branch Pres. told me to plan like it's here because I have travel plans, so I am. Ok, I can't act like I'm not freaking out right now like I have been all week-- I"M FINALLY GOING TO SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whew, that felt like a certain elixir named after Felix in Harry Potter. So, yes world, I am leaving Nov 1st. Family--I get a phone call. Pres. said to keep it to 5-10 minutes. Should I call from SLC early in the morning or from Alanta later? I'm not sure what time my layover is. Shoot-- I'll have to check. Um, and I've never made a payphone or collect call before...so I don't know how to do that. Is that what I should do? Or buy a phonecard here? What do you think and what do you want me to do? I'll send you another quick email about whether I have a layover or not. I'm the travel group. Yo-- solo--ahaha. Just me SO...that should be fun--nice on the plane, but you all know how I get nervous with airport security and such. Madrid should be fun with everything in spanish...can't wait...
Oh, speaking of "it's a small world" the gentleman at the front desk of the Temple this morning thinks we are related somehow, although I didn't really understand how. He says he has Dalton relatives in Burley, ID. I think his name was...Br. Thorn? Not sure--haha. It's been a week of "not sure" with people I may or may not know or be related to. I met another Elder Dalton from Arizona. SO crazy. Someone in my zone thought it was my brother and told everyone and it was very confusing to sort it all out.ahaha
We had FHE in our district this week and I was in charge of the activity with another elder, Elder Wood. We made up PMG(Preach My Gospel) jeopardy focused around commitments. It was very fun...and very competitive--ahaha. I was so happy that I wasn't playing so it didn't get out of hand--heehee Me? Competitive? Naaaahhh...
Our 3 roomies left for the field this week, the 3 Visitor's Center sisters. Missouri watch out--Sister April Atkin is there now in the Independence, MO. I told her to ask find people I know.ahaha We'll see. We got 2 new sisters, both in the advanced spanish class and both studying at BYU to teach spanish when they get back...should be interesting. I should use this situation to my benefit and practice my spanish more.haha
It has been a great week for pondering things and learning about how/what I need to improve personally to be the person I want to be. It is hard to face and work through but vale la pena (worth the pain). This is my favorite phrase from my teacher. Completely sums up serving a mission. Did I mention how excited I am to get to Spain?!?!?!? Because I am!
So, what are the Halloween plans? Dad, don't throw too many parties!ahahaha Some sisters on my floor want to "trick-or-treat"...we'll see how that goes or if it works out--ahaha-- silly missionaries.
Well, next week I should be writing from the beautiful country of Spain! I can't wait to get there. And I am oh-so-excited to talk to my family on the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Knowing that is going to happen next Tuesday is getting me through the week. I love you all so much!
Con amor,
Hermana Dalton
Oh, hey did I mention I got travel plans Friday at lunch? Ya, flying SLC - ATL, ATL - Madrid Tuesday morning. I dunno if that means I'm staying in Madrid for a day, week, weeks or going on to Barcelona by another means of transportation. Also, I didn't have to go anywhere to sign my visa like Hna Farrell did, so I don't know if that means they are hoping my visa gets here by then, but my Branch Pres. told me to plan like it's here because I have travel plans, so I am. Ok, I can't act like I'm not freaking out right now like I have been all week-- I"M FINALLY GOING TO SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whew, that felt like a certain elixir named after Felix in Harry Potter. So, yes world, I am leaving Nov 1st. Family--I get a phone call. Pres. said to keep it to 5-10 minutes. Should I call from SLC early in the morning or from Alanta later? I'm not sure what time my layover is. Shoot-- I'll have to check. Um, and I've never made a payphone or collect call before...so I don't know how to do that. Is that what I should do? Or buy a phonecard here? What do you think and what do you want me to do? I'll send you another quick email about whether I have a layover or not. I'm the travel group. Yo-- solo--ahaha. Just me SO...that should be fun--nice on the plane, but you all know how I get nervous with airport security and such. Madrid should be fun with everything in spanish...can't wait...
Oh, speaking of "it's a small world" the gentleman at the front desk of the Temple this morning thinks we are related somehow, although I didn't really understand how. He says he has Dalton relatives in Burley, ID. I think his name was...Br. Thorn? Not sure--haha. It's been a week of "not sure" with people I may or may not know or be related to. I met another Elder Dalton from Arizona. SO crazy. Someone in my zone thought it was my brother and told everyone and it was very confusing to sort it all out.ahaha
We had FHE in our district this week and I was in charge of the activity with another elder, Elder Wood. We made up PMG(Preach My Gospel) jeopardy focused around commitments. It was very fun...and very competitive--ahaha. I was so happy that I wasn't playing so it didn't get out of hand--heehee Me? Competitive? Naaaahhh...
Our 3 roomies left for the field this week, the 3 Visitor's Center sisters. Missouri watch out--Sister April Atkin is there now in the Independence, MO. I told her to ask find people I know.ahaha We'll see. We got 2 new sisters, both in the advanced spanish class and both studying at BYU to teach spanish when they get back...should be interesting. I should use this situation to my benefit and practice my spanish more.haha
It has been a great week for pondering things and learning about how/what I need to improve personally to be the person I want to be. It is hard to face and work through but vale la pena (worth the pain). This is my favorite phrase from my teacher. Completely sums up serving a mission. Did I mention how excited I am to get to Spain?!?!?!? Because I am!
So, what are the Halloween plans? Dad, don't throw too many parties!ahahaha Some sisters on my floor want to "trick-or-treat"...we'll see how that goes or if it works out--ahaha-- silly missionaries.
Well, next week I should be writing from the beautiful country of Spain! I can't wait to get there. And I am oh-so-excited to talk to my family on the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Knowing that is going to happen next Tuesday is getting me through the week. I love you all so much!
Con amor,
Hermana Dalton
Monday, October 24, 2011
Still here in Provo and lovin' it!
So I forgot to mention that last week at the MTC, they had a "special guest" speaker just for the sisters after Relief Society. It was all about wearing make-up and doing your hair every day and "accessorizing." As you may imagine, I laughed a lot and cracked more than a few jokes for the benefit of those sitting around me. In her credit, this lady was a really good public speaker and funny. The best parts came at the end when they handed out baggies of make-up.ahaha And then I saw the sister storming out and by the look on her face, she was very offended.ahahaha Silly girls.
GUESS WHAT?! For the Tuesday Devotional...Elder Richard G. Scott came!!!!!! 3 Apostles! I've been so blessed...I guess my Heavenly Father thought I needed more blessings since my visa hasn't come yet :-) He told the Elders to watch the Sisters for how to be better missionaries :-))), which made me chuckle very loudly and mischeviously...until I realized what he was REALLY saying was that as a sister I need to be an example to the Elders so that when they do look I'm not doing something childish or embarrassing...haha...ha...ya. Working on that :-) His testimony was so strong and I just wanted to stay in the room with that feeling for forever. What a tender mercy.
As a district we got to host the new missionaries arriving yesterday! It was so great...except when I didn't know how to get into one of the buildings and we had to haul her 3 suitcases up some flights of stairs...haha...whoops. But she was going to serve at the Visitor's Center in New York at the Sacred Grove, spanish-speaking! So amazing! And the other sister lives 3 doors down (yes Dad, like the band (-;haha), so I got to see her again today. It is so great to get new missionaries and to see their "greenie" spirit and fire. I hope I never lose mine...maybe just my greenie awkwardness...but I'm afraid that will never go away...*sigh*
My district is waiting anxiously in the laundry room right now because we are supposed to get travel plans after dinner. Only you RMs out there might fully appreciate the excitement of this--it's kind of off the charts. My Branch Pres. told me he is 90% sure I'll get plans to go somewhere stateside, but not to count on it. Didn't really know how to take that so I am trying to play it cool. Oh, a batch of like 71 visas for Brazil came in 2 days ago and Elder Parker Harmon got his visa! YEAH! He is so excited. We are trying to get a picture before he leaves on Tuesday.
We set a district goal to only speak spanish every day except Sundays and P-days until we leave. Some do better than others,haha. But it is amazing to me everyday when I have to talk in class or teach or talk to people during lunch that the words/sentences coming out of my mouth are spanish and people seem to be understanding, haha. It is a miracle every time!
Shout outs:
Thanks to everyone who has sent a dearelder or card--I've tried to write everyone back by hand today, so I hope I didn't miss anyone. Rahmderson's--you're next on the list!haha
Connor: I love your emails :-) I can't wait for my visa either!haha! I'm glad that Pres. Hinckley wants me there, too.Trust me--as soon as I get that visa--I will be on a plane, no worries. Keep keepin' on hermano, these really are the best 2 years (or 18 months). I can't wait to hear your spanish and for the rest of our lives--that is the ONLY language we will communicate in! Muahahahaha!haha. I love you so much! You are my favorite missionary and I pray for you, by name, every night :-).
Mom: I'm 100% sure you are doing great as the President, you always do :-) If I can put half the energy into being a missionary as you do in each of your callings, all of Spain will be baptized in 16 months.haha Muah!
GUESS WHAT?! For the Tuesday Devotional...Elder Richard G. Scott came!!!!!! 3 Apostles! I've been so blessed...I guess my Heavenly Father thought I needed more blessings since my visa hasn't come yet :-) He told the Elders to watch the Sisters for how to be better missionaries :-))), which made me chuckle very loudly and mischeviously...until I realized what he was REALLY saying was that as a sister I need to be an example to the Elders so that when they do look I'm not doing something childish or embarrassing...haha...ha...ya. Working on that :-) His testimony was so strong and I just wanted to stay in the room with that feeling for forever. What a tender mercy.
As a district we got to host the new missionaries arriving yesterday! It was so great...except when I didn't know how to get into one of the buildings and we had to haul her 3 suitcases up some flights of stairs...haha...whoops. But she was going to serve at the Visitor's Center in New York at the Sacred Grove, spanish-speaking! So amazing! And the other sister lives 3 doors down (yes Dad, like the band (-;haha), so I got to see her again today. It is so great to get new missionaries and to see their "greenie" spirit and fire. I hope I never lose mine...maybe just my greenie awkwardness...but I'm afraid that will never go away...*sigh*
My district is waiting anxiously in the laundry room right now because we are supposed to get travel plans after dinner. Only you RMs out there might fully appreciate the excitement of this--it's kind of off the charts. My Branch Pres. told me he is 90% sure I'll get plans to go somewhere stateside, but not to count on it. Didn't really know how to take that so I am trying to play it cool. Oh, a batch of like 71 visas for Brazil came in 2 days ago and Elder Parker Harmon got his visa! YEAH! He is so excited. We are trying to get a picture before he leaves on Tuesday.
We set a district goal to only speak spanish every day except Sundays and P-days until we leave. Some do better than others,haha. But it is amazing to me everyday when I have to talk in class or teach or talk to people during lunch that the words/sentences coming out of my mouth are spanish and people seem to be understanding, haha. It is a miracle every time!
Shout outs:
Thanks to everyone who has sent a dearelder or card--I've tried to write everyone back by hand today, so I hope I didn't miss anyone. Rahmderson's--you're next on the list!haha
Connor: I love your emails :-) I can't wait for my visa either!haha! I'm glad that Pres. Hinckley wants me there, too.Trust me--as soon as I get that visa--I will be on a plane, no worries. Keep keepin' on hermano, these really are the best 2 years (or 18 months). I can't wait to hear your spanish and for the rest of our lives--that is the ONLY language we will communicate in! Muahahahaha!haha. I love you so much! You are my favorite missionary and I pray for you, by name, every night :-).
Mom: I'm 100% sure you are doing great as the President, you always do :-) If I can put half the energy into being a missionary as you do in each of your callings, all of Spain will be baptized in 16 months.haha Muah!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)