Sunday, March 23, 2014

Mission Memories

Dear Kamiko and Daysa,
I wanted to write you both this letter because I've been thinking about my mission. The BEST time of my mission happened between my 3rd and 6th months of my mission, which is where you guys are right now. First of all, I went into the MTC in August for 2 months. So, I got to Bolivia in October. It was right before Halloween. I brought candy corn to Bolivia and showed my Bolivian trainer how to make fangs out of them. Anyway, my trainer was a nice sister, with good intentions, but work with her was BORING. We were serving in a fairly well-established ward in Cochabamba. I really didn't know how I could be a missionary for 18 months if it meant knocking doors in the morning, going back to appointments in the afternoon to find no one home, then knocking on more doors. It was so dull. Ugh. 

Well, I quickly got transferred. Like I was only with her for about 3 weeks. I got sent to Riberalta, in the jungle, with Sister Eagar. She was from SLC. She was awesome. She taught me right off that the most ineffective way to do missionary work was to knock doors. So, we just talked to EVERYONE. We talked to people at the market. We talked to our "cab drivers". There were no cabs or buses. You got around on the back of motorcycles or you walked. It was a really small town in the jungle. It was hot and humid. It was a small branch and there were 4 companionships all sent up there around the same time. 4 sisters and 4 elders. We basically divided the town into fourths and we each had our own area in which to work. The members were awesome. There was a returned sister missionary who was very helpful. I spent my first Christmas there and I remember having a great time at the branch Christmas party. We also participated in a branch talent show. The RS President was a really poor lady named Hermana Muiba (BTW...All the members were really poor). One day her older son came home to visit. He was about 18. He hadn't joined the church. We taught him. He was baptized and left on his mission to La Paz while I was still out on my mission. 

We had the best missionaries there. We had Elder Obering, a really tall and funny guy. We also had Elder Fuentes, from Santiago. He's the one I've told Kamiko to look out for. He had an awesome sense of humor and a great testimony. Much more like an American than an Bolivian. We had Elder Roberson. He was a convert. He had joined the church when he was in the military. Nobody had posture like Elder Roberson. He stood and sat up straight. We also had a Bolivian elder, Freddy Guachalla. I think he thought all of us Americans were crazy, but he was a great sport. The sisters were Sister Eager, me, Sister Ferrufino, who was Bolivian and a bit serious, but seemed more like an American than many Bolivians did. She was really fun. And there was Sister Diehl. She was an American and was sweet and fun. We had a BLAST. Probably more fun than you should be allowed to have. We also worked HARD. Like I said, we talked to EVERYONE! We even met some soldiers who kept guard at the tiny airport that had one dirt runway. They wanted to learn, so we would go out to the military base and teach a bunch of soldiers all at once. 

We didn't have a chapel. We rented a few rooms in a building. Even at that, it had dirt floors. I remember seeing a sister hold her kid out in the aisle during sacrament meeting to allow him/her to pee in the aisle. The kids didn't wear diapers. They just wore these knitted legging thingys. I also remember arriving at our church building one day to see two bullet bikes parked in front. The zone leaders had come to visit. The most efficient way to get from their town to ours was to rent motorcycles and ride them to our town. We didn't have a baptismal font, either. All baptisms were either in a huge watering hole outside of town, while people were washing cars, doing laundry, etc. in the water, or in a water tank in a less-active member's yard or in the river. I didn't see a baptism in a font until 9 months into my mission.

Anyway, it was a great time and I loved it. I was there from November 17 - February 7. It set an excellent tone for my whole mission. I will always be grateful for Hermana Mary Juanita VanHorn Bagley Whitely Eagar for teaching me how to have fun and effective as a missionary. Yes, that was her whole name. Interesting fact about her. Her parents got divorced during her brother's mission, and remarried during hers. I am grateful that I got to serve in Riberalta, in the jungles of Bolivia. It was beautiful and memorable.

Just thought I'd share.

Riberalta. It did have a town center that had a few framed buildings and homes, but most of the outskirts looked like this. The town was on the banks of the Beni River. We got lots of rain, so it was gorgeous and green.

Me with the Muiba family in their home. Some favorite treats are on the table - quaker oatmeal and chocolate cookies. Sis. Muiba's son who got baptized is on the right. I have a hunch her husband was younger than her, but who knows?

This picture illustrates Elder Roberson's military posture. Next to me is Sister Eagar, then Elder Obering, then Elder Fuentes. President Fallis had come to visit us. I don't know how Elder Guachalla got cut out of the pic. Sorry.


Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy Birthday to the Relief Society


Happy Birthday, Relief Society! Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on March 17, 1842. In the first meeting, Emma Smith said: "We are going to do something extraordinary." Through the years, we have. "The purpose of Relief Society is to help prepare women for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need." (lds.org) I love being a member of this great organization and I love my sisters in Relief Society! That's what I shared on facebook today. 

For the month of March, our family home evenings have been centered on Relief Society. In preparation for this, I asked Karen, Rachel and mom to answer some questions about their experience with Relief Society. Below is what they sent me. I love it. When I asked them, I didn't realize at the time that I was getting the perspective of different age groups, too. A young mom, a mom raising kids and a grandma. I shared this with the girls last week and they enjoyed the stories from the RS sisters they know and love and have fun with. 

Rachel Hunter wrote:

Share a memorable VT experience. I don't know if the girls remember or not but I was not active in the church when Derek and I were first married. We were living in Grandma and Grandpa's house and a lady from the ward started to contact me. Her name was Bev JoHansen and she was my visiting teacher. At first she would just drop off nice things; aka treats. As I got to know her a little bit better, she started to come in and visit. She would ask me if I wanted a lesson or if I just wanted to talk. I always wanted to "just talk". As time went on, she never forgot to visit. Sometimes I tried to avoid her calls but she always seemed to make some sort of contact. Well when Derek and I started thinking about going back to church, I was nervous. I didn't really know anyone in the ward. I knew Bev! When she come to visit I asked her about when church started and if I could sit with her. She of course was more than delighted. I sat with her the first Sunday and that was that. We made friends quickly in the ward! She wasn't the only reason that we started back to church but her kindness and example certainly made an impact on me.  
Share a memory from your earlier years in RS. I was DREADING going to RS when I was 18. I didn't want to be with all the "old ladies." I stopped going to church stortly after my 18th b-day so I don't have too many memories...sorry.
what's your favorite thing about RS? When you go to RS each week, there is such a sweet spirit there that you don't feel in any other meeting. I was in primary for so long that finally getting to go back has been great. Such a strength! 
What's a life skill you have learned in RS? I feel like I've learned a lot of empathy being in RS. You are all there struggling together, trying to do what's right, and it doesn't matter what stage of life you're in. 

finally, anything else you might want to share. I know RS is really overwhelming from the outside but once you get in there you realize that you are all equals! No matter the visual age differences, you are all just woman trying to do what's right, and a lot of times failing, but you are there together learning, laughing, and loving together!

Granny Annie wrote:

Brief is the operative word here which is very difficult for me, the Queen of 'to make a short story long'.  But I'll give it my best shot:

Share a memorable VT experience.When Gpa was the Bishop [sometime between 1974 and 1984] life was very busy for me, but I was handling it well.  I had a visiting teacher who was a new convert...so enthusiastic and eager to learn.  One day her partner couldn't come, so she visited me alone.  I'll never forget her sitting on the couch next to me, looking me straight in the eye and asking, "So, Ann, how are YOU doing?"  I burst into tears.  Here I was, totally active, no huge problems, but I guess I needed to know that someone really was interested in me.  Through the years in my RS callings, I've tried to remember that seemingly active, 'put together' sisters also need personal attention even if they don't realize it.
Share a memory from your earlier years in RS.  When we lived in Chicago [I was in my mid twenties] I remember being called to teach 'Spiritual Living'.  At that time we were studying the Doctrine and Covenants.  I knew next to nothing about it..had never read it.  We met at night in those days.  I look back on that and think about how ill-prepared, young and inexperienced I was to be teaching sisters who were well-founded in the Gospel.  BUT they never made me feel inadequate.  I'm glad I didn't turn down the calling because I learned that scripture study was important and also that my fellow RS sisters were kind and non-judgemental.
what's your favorite thing about RS? The sisterhood I have always felt no matter what ward I have been in. 
What's a life skill you have learned in RS? I have learned to try new things that are out of my comfort zone. [Especially in leadership roles.] 
finally, anything else you might want to share. Don't underestimate the power of visiting teaching.  I LOVE it and know that a visiting teacher can change a life.  Take it seriously and the Lord will help you find a way to be a great visiting teacher.  When Carolyn was inactive, she had the same visiting teacher for 5 years.  Every single month that woman wrote her a note, giving her an inspirational message, telling her about her family, what was going on in the ward, expressing some thoughts, etc.  Carolyn never met her, as she would not let her visit, but she read all of the notes.  Years later, when Carolyn became active and was the RS president she remembered the dedication of that woman that gave her something uplifting to think about every month!  THE GOSPEL'S TRUE!

Karen Crockett wrote: 

Share a memorable VT experience. One day when Sam was about 2 1/2 yrs old and Chase was about 2 months old I had a 19 year old girl that visit taught me.  She LOVED kids-She was like Shauna- Tall but kids were not intimidated by her-they loved her.  Well, anyway.  I was tired with two small kids.  Mom and dad were in Sweden and I was house sitting.  Kelly had gone on her mission again so I was alone.  I was tired.  She asked if she and Sam could walk to Charlie’s and get an Ice Cream.  It made my day.  She came when I needed someone to give me a break.  I think what I learn most about this is that it is the small and simple things that let us know The Lord hears and answers our prayers or knows what we need when we may not even know what we need.  It is also by a sister willing to listen to the spirit and ACT.  I do not know if this 19 year old girl thought it would be weird to go and ask if she could borrow my kid for an hour or if she was naïve and just wanted to get ice cream.  The point is she ACTED.
Share a memory from your earlier years in RS.  I had a sister come and clean my house and do my laundry after I had a baby.  That was a true act of love and service.  She came and did.  Alan told her no, but she did not care she knew what I needed.
what's your favorite thing about RS? I love our Sunday Lessons and learn so much from the sisters sharing and commenting in each lesson.  I really look forward to RS each week.  Some people feel at home in primary or YW.  I have always felt at home in RS.
What's a life skill you have learned in RS?  I think I have tried things that I may not have tried otherwise by going to the monthly meeting.  I have learned about cooking, exercise, sewing, Super Saturday Crafts, etc.  I have learned that there are some crafty things I like and some I do not like.  I have learned to laugh at my horrible creations and move on.  I have learned to appreciate when people are willing to share their talents.  I have learned that we are all unique and to embrace your uniqueness and not compare yourself to others.
finally, anything else you might want to share. I think a group is sisters can be so powerful when they work together.  We can lighten heavy burdens others may be carrying and we can volunteer and serve like no other.  I love to hear and see the good that comes from a group of sisters working together for good.  I love it when we do service with other organizations in the community like Project Linus,  Food Banks, Clean up Community Parks and open spaces.  It is so nice to see that others want to do good too.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

A Great Trip to Southern California: February 21-24

So, I didn't have to teach the week after President's Day, so we decided to fly to southern California for a long weekend with the girls. We left Friday from the Provo airport and flew to LAX, arriving around noon. We got our rental car and headed to Los Angeles. We went to The Grove, a really pretty outdoor mall. We also got lunch at Chipotle. Awesome burrito with tons of guacamole! I was in heaven. By the time we got our lunch, it was about 2:00. We were all hungry and devoured our giant burritos. Again...heaven!

Mel had to see some shops in LA, including ZARA and Top Shop. She ended up only buying some cute socks. I did all the driving and Mel did the navigating with her phone. We also went to the American Girl Store. There are only 4 stores in the US and we've now been to 3 of them. I had no idea til the girls told me. We've been to one in Denver, NYC, and LA. We're missing Chicago. I have no plans to go there soon. We also drove by the theater where they have the Academy Awards every year. The bleachers were set up because the awards were coming up. The girls and Keenan got out of the car and saw some of the stars on the walk of fame. They saw Bill Cosby's, Bette Midler's and Hugh Hefner's stars. Wow, with Hugh Hefner having a star, they must have a pretty low bar to earn one. He gets one for being a dirty old man, I guess.

The girls loved the palm trees



THE Hollywood Tower Hotel of Disney's "Tower of Terror" ride fame

We then got in afternoon traffic and headed to Anaheim. We were spending the next two nights there and going to Disneyland all day Saturday. We stopped at Walmart to get groceries. We decided to just get bread, cheese and salami and eat dinner in our room. We were all tired and didn't want to go out again, except to go to Downtown Disney to shop a bit before going to bed. It was nice to relax in the room a bit. We then went to the World of Disney store for a bit.

Saturday, we got up early to get ready and grab our sack breakfast from the hotel. We wanted to get in line early so we could head straight over to Cars Land and ride Radiator Springs Racers. We got Allie her birthday button and waited about 30 minutes for the gates to open. While waiting, we met a nice couple from San Jose. They were also there celebrating a birthday. It was the young lady's birthday. We held their place in line while they got her a button. We all went on the ride together since we knew how to get to the ride.

READY...


SET...




GO!!!!!!!!

This is for Kamiko. He was always our pole jumper.

Have ticket...will enter and have a blast!


Birthday Girl!


With Kobi (on the phone) in line 


with our new friends on the cars ride





Isn't "California Adventure" a pretty park?!


Yup...it's gonna be a great day! The Adcocks take Disneyland! and California Adventure!




In line at Tower of Terror

All you can see of Allie is her two Minnie Mouse ears...top left corner




Why does Allie do this to me? I love Midway Mania

and I beat her!
Woody and Buzz ears. I love my girls!






It was a great day. We rode all of our favorites. Small World and Splash Mountain were closed though. So was Thunder Mountain Railroad. That one has been closed for a long time. A couple of highlights were:

1. Melia only wanted to see Sully, from Monsters Inc movies. We were leaving California Adventure and walked through where the Monsters ride is and...BAM...right there was Sully, walking to a spot to take pictures with visitors. So, we got to see Sully and got a pic. It was great.

At Monsters University...Allie, Me, Sully, Melia and Keenan
Mel got a selfie with Sully
2. When wanting to ride Midway Mania, we noticed that the ride was closed. That is one of our favorites. Well, there was a small line formed. The ride was to reopen, but no one knew when. We walked a bit and looked at stuff in stores. Then we decided to head back. Just as we walked past the line, they were reopening the ride. Not only did it reopen, but they took those of us who were at the end of the line and winded us through to create the line, putting us at the FRONT of the line.

3. I scared Melia on the Indiana Jones ride. Just as a snake comes out, I grabbed her. The look on her face was priceless.

4. Last ride we rode was Buzz Lightyear...for Kamiko. He loves that ride.


Allie's score
The park was quite crowded, so in the middle of the day we went back to the hotel to take a nap. That was perfect. It got us ready to keep going til midnight. We were at the park from 8:00 am til midnight with our small nap break. While it was crowded, we were fastpass masters and got to go on all the rides we wanted. Keenan had his pedometer and we walked 15 miles that day.

There is nothing that brings a smile to my face like Main Street Disneyland!

I love this picture of me and Allie

Soon-to-be graduate

Me and my girls

Me and my Keeno. Keenan loves to wear BYU stuff to let people know who we are!


I couldn't think of anything creative, so I decided to sleep in the picture on Space Mountain

We didn't have to get up really early on Sunday and that was nice. We took our time and got ready for the day, then headed to Burbank to stay with Derek and Rachel and the kids. The family met Charlie for the first time. We really had a nice Sunday with them. We just visited and talked. The girls and Rachel tried to tutor me on how to take a selfie...which is a picture of yourself. Moms are notorious for taking horrible selfies and I'm no exception. We ordered Chinese food for dinner and it was delicious! Absolutely fabulous!
Someday my girls will wish they had made prettier faces. Mel, Rose and Allie

Look what I found when I borrowed Rosie's bed for a Sunday nap. Olaf, the snowman, from Disney's "Frozen."

I could not believe how big Charlie has gotten in the two months since I last saw him

Learning how to take selfies. Me and my baby brother

Rae and me

Cute cute little Charlie

Rosie playing with her iPad

Monday we headed out around 9:00 to go to the airport. Melia and I almost missed the plane. We were sitting by our gate when Allie called us and asked where we were. She and Keenan were on the plane. It had boarded at another gate. We all made it back and sure had a great time.