Hello, world!
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| Me trying to take a serious picture on the first day of the CCM. It did not go well. No one complimented my braid crown! >:( Serving looks for my own sake, ig. |
Here’s the thing about being insanely busy: You feel like no time has passed at all, and you also feel like you’ve aged five years since you last talked to people. But don’t worry, I promise it’s only been a week. But I’ve written 17 pages’ worth of stories and experiences in my journal, so I’ll try my best to summarize it for all you lovely people!
The first day “at” the CCM was *insanely* overwhelming. Everyone was nice, but it felt like I was barely hanging on, even though we didn’t have that busy of a schedule. I kept on worrying that because I wasn’t physically there, something was going to get brushed under the rug. But I made all of my meetings on time, and I did what I was supposed to, and by day two, I had gotten into the swing of things.
I'm not what one would call a calm person (I’ve been known as a Nervous Nellie), but I really am the most at peace that I’ve been in a longggg time. I feel like I have a direction and a purpose, which is to love people and help them feel loved by God. And I’m super glad that those are the ideas my teachers are promoting, because I was concerned I might be dropped into this environment where people are talking about getting baptisms like conversion is collectible, but instead I’ve found selfless people who are encouraging seeing full people and offering ways to help them.
My district (or distrito jaja*) is awesome! There are 14 of us crazy kids, and only three of them are elders, which our teachers (Hermano Rivera and Hermano Cervantes) both said was super unusual. I’m really loving having these 10 other ladies, and our trio of elders is just right! I’ll give a character breakdown (in alphabetical order) of everybody so that you’ll know who I’m talking about in the coming weeks.
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| On Monday, it was Canadian Thanksgiving, so I was wearing red and white stripes, along with Hermanas Reichner and Roe and Elder Miklich! During our break, everyone switched into stripes (or red if they didn't own stripes) for our afternoon class to see if Hermano Cervantes would notice. He somehow didn't, but he was wearing a red tie! So we ended up matching, even if someone didn't get the memo. |
Elder Bradford: I’m guessing when you picture a missionary, you’re picturing Elder Bradford. He’s more laid back, and he played baseball in high school. I love when he opens up to tell a joke, and he’s actually pretty sweet.
Hermana Draper: She’s so sweet! She kind of has a Cameron Diaz vibe, and her work ethic is such an inspiration to me.
Hermana Gomez: Hermana Gomez is just effortlessly so cool and charismatic. You can’t help but get along with her!
Hermana Johnson: She’s a spiritual giant who stands at 5'1"! She is the pinnacle of patience, and I think her mom vibes rival my own.
Hermana Knorpp: She does it all! Plays piano, cooks, writes, draws, does ballroom dancing! She takes a quieter approach, but I can always see her mind at work.
Hermana McCauley: Another cool girl who brings the group together. She grew up in Oregon, and if that doesn’t explain her vibe, idk what will.
Elder Miklich: Super good at the language, and almost too humble about it. Such a bashful boy, but he’s also so kind and so receptive! Gotta love Elder Miklich.
Hermana Palmer: Sorta the human version of a mouse. She’s a tiny woman. Quiet spirit. But all-knowing. Sort of like an oracle. In her eyes lies every Greek tragedy.
Hermana Reichner: One of my faves! (Is that allowed … ?) She studied abroad in Peru for 3 months, and she’s got the kindest smile and is always ready to encourage us and give a good comment to tie the class together.
Hermana Roe: Another fave! Her fashion game is so strong, and since she’s 5'9" she calls herself a giraffe haha. She’s so friendly and funny, and she laughs at my jokes. An important attribute in friendships.
Hermana Slagowski: Is she human, or is she dancer? She’s the oldest of six kids, and she acts it. Patient, kind, steadfast. Kills it on piano during devotionals!
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| This is mi compañera in all her glory! I'm sure you'll see more of her the next few weeks. |
Hermana Volk: Mi compañera! (The most important person on this list) She’s a musician too, and she’s super nice! We make so many jokes together all of the time. I wish you could hear some of the stuff she comes up with during companion study. She follows the Spirit so well, and I love seeing her growth and development in the language.
Elder Young: To paraphrase Shakespeare, “Though he be but little, he is fierce.” We definitely share a similar sense of humor, and he’s always got a smart comment to offer.
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| Here’s us with our morning teacher, Hermano Rivera! We love hearing stories about his wife and baby |
So I’m sure sure you’re all curious as to what the subject line of this email could possibly mean. I wasn’t as clickbaity as some other missionaries have been (no shade; those ones make me laugh), but I thought this title was so good that I decided to keep it even if it didn’t make sense for 90% of this email.
Here’s what happened: I got an email on Friday from good ol’ President Roden down in Quetzaltenango, where he let me and three other missionaries in the CCM know that the country had been gradually reopening, and we just might be the first new arrivals come November 17. As everyone else in my district was getting their reassignments, I was sitting here thinking I’d be good to head into my original country, after all! Then, during our afternoon class on Monday, my dad knocked on my door, which I was not happy about. Basically, it went:
Me: *gesturing to my computer as if to say “Can’t you see I’m busy?”*
Dad: President Higginson’s on the phone.
Me: I’m in class right now.
*Dad leaves and starts to tell President I’m in a meeting, when I realize what he’s probably calling about*
Me: Hold on, I’m coming!
So, it turns out I've been reassigned (temporarily) to the …
Wait for it …
I never thought of myself as a Southern gal, but here we are! I know a couple people who’ve gotten to serve in this mission, and I would love to hear about their experiences and stories from over there! I’m sure it’s going to be an interesting and fulfilling time, however long I spend serving in the area. I wasn’t sure how to feel about my reassignment at first, but I’m realizing it’s an opportunity to learn to love even more people. And if they need someone serving them, I’m happy to do it.
I’d like to share Matthew 11:28-30, because that was a scripture that helped me this week, and I hope it will help some of you realize that whatever you’re working through right now, you don’t have to be alone in doing it.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
* Pronounced “haha.”
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