So, now Soeur Powers is in New Jersey. Her visa didn't come in time so she is visa waiting there! Probably just email her for now, as letters may or may not make it to her in time, as we're not sure how long she'll be in the states. She found this out on the same day she sent this email...
Hey!
This week has been another amazing one. I know I say this every single week but the time really does fly. A few really cool things have happened. We had our final TRC appointment on Wednesday. We taught a grandfather and grandaughter who were playing recent converts. It was our best teaching experience yet. Sr Flood and I have struggled making the investigator a part of the lesson. It feels like we have so much to share that we get carried away and end up just talking AT the person instead of talking WITH them. We made it a goal to ask more questions and it made a world of difference! What is the point of sharing the Plan of Salvation or testifying of the Book of Mormon if they don't understand how it can affect them personally? They shared their testimonies of the Savior and the difference the Atonement has made in their lives. We were also able to share our feelings with them. I know that our relationships with the Savior are extremely personal but when we vocalize those feelings it is easier see how blessed we are. I know that when we seek to draw near to Him He draws near to us (D&C 88:63). I feel like it is so easy for me get off track but when we humble ourselves in prayer and beg for mercy, God is so willing to give it.
In response to your email mom...So cool that you got to meet Blair! She is incredible and obviously so dedicated to the work. Tell her hi the next time you go to the temple! There is a Sis Tsai here from Maryland who is going to Denver I think? She said she also knows Blair and to say hi! Just a heads up...for anyone sending me mail to the mission home, put the name of the mission first.
I AM SO EXCITED to go! A tiny bit nervous but the good kind of nerves. Mormon 5:23! It is going to be an adventure but it is going to be a blast. I know we can do all things in the strength of the Lord.
O, I almost forgot...i participated in this learning a language study...remind me to tell you about it on monday! LOVE LOVE LOVE sr powers
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Sept Semaine
Morning! Thanks for the cookies mom! They are delicious...I'm so sorry that the flags have been up all week at the beach. I guess that has given you a lot of time to play Nertz. Is it more fun without me dominating?! Just kidding of course. Hopefully you'll get at least one day in the water. So happy to hear that everything is going well otherwise.
I am anxious as you are to hear where Josh is called! Maybe he will get called French-speaking and inherit my teachers. I adore Sr. Stevens and Fr. Wadsworth. They have been such an amazing support in this whole MTC process. It is so clear that they were both amazing missionaries and I aspire to have as much conviction and charity as they do. Anyways send me a DearElder the minute he gets the call!
San Francisco was so much fun! We had to be at the travel office at 5am for our 9am flight! On the flight there I spoke with an amazing woman from San Fran. She drew me an incredibly detailed map of the city and gave me a list of approx. 100 things to do in the 2 hours we had! She was Apostolic and explained all of her beliefs and then I reciprocated! The conversation was amazing! I think the hardest thing about it was trying to decide what to tell her. There is so much doctrine and knowing what will make the difference is difficult. We ended up talking about the Plan of Salvation, the Restoration and the importance of prophets. Again...I have so many things that I can work on! I think it is easy to inform people about doctrine but getting them to FEEL the truth in the message is essential. Anyways, I think she left with a better impression of the church AND a pass along card:) We waited at the consolate for about 2 hours....and didn't end up having any time to see San Francisco. We were right next to Chinatown so we grabbed some Chinese food. It felt good to eat with chopsticks again! On the flight back I sat next to this 21 y/o kid from Billings. We talked all about his love for planes and his relationship with God. I thought things were going well until he asked for my number as we were getting off the plane! AHH...I guess I wasn't clear enough in explaining my purpose as a missionary! Haha thank heavens we don't have phones!
One quick last thought...
Sister Dalton came and spoke at relief society this past week. She is incredible! She talked all about how we love to stay in a comfort zone but we don't progress when we stay there. The Lord pushes us so that we can grow and learn. I feel like I am living proof of this principle. The French is still difficult and it is hard not being good at it! I feel like I usually understand things quickly and but not so much the case with the language. The French is pushing way outside my comfort zone boundaries! We just have to keep plugging at it and Heavenly Father will bless us for our efforts. HUMILITY! Anyways she concluded with D&C 123:16-17... I had never read that scripture and I think it has made it to my list of top ten. We do all we can and we are promised the the hand of God in our lives.
I LOVE YOU! good luck with the start of school and work and mission calls!
I am anxious as you are to hear where Josh is called! Maybe he will get called French-speaking and inherit my teachers. I adore Sr. Stevens and Fr. Wadsworth. They have been such an amazing support in this whole MTC process. It is so clear that they were both amazing missionaries and I aspire to have as much conviction and charity as they do. Anyways send me a DearElder the minute he gets the call!
San Francisco was so much fun! We had to be at the travel office at 5am for our 9am flight! On the flight there I spoke with an amazing woman from San Fran. She drew me an incredibly detailed map of the city and gave me a list of approx. 100 things to do in the 2 hours we had! She was Apostolic and explained all of her beliefs and then I reciprocated! The conversation was amazing! I think the hardest thing about it was trying to decide what to tell her. There is so much doctrine and knowing what will make the difference is difficult. We ended up talking about the Plan of Salvation, the Restoration and the importance of prophets. Again...I have so many things that I can work on! I think it is easy to inform people about doctrine but getting them to FEEL the truth in the message is essential. Anyways, I think she left with a better impression of the church AND a pass along card:) We waited at the consolate for about 2 hours....and didn't end up having any time to see San Francisco. We were right next to Chinatown so we grabbed some Chinese food. It felt good to eat with chopsticks again! On the flight back I sat next to this 21 y/o kid from Billings. We talked all about his love for planes and his relationship with God. I thought things were going well until he asked for my number as we were getting off the plane! AHH...I guess I wasn't clear enough in explaining my purpose as a missionary! Haha thank heavens we don't have phones!
One quick last thought...
Sister Dalton came and spoke at relief society this past week. She is incredible! She talked all about how we love to stay in a comfort zone but we don't progress when we stay there. The Lord pushes us so that we can grow and learn. I feel like I am living proof of this principle. The French is still difficult and it is hard not being good at it! I feel like I usually understand things quickly and but not so much the case with the language. The French is pushing way outside my comfort zone boundaries! We just have to keep plugging at it and Heavenly Father will bless us for our efforts. HUMILITY! Anyways she concluded with D&C 123:16-17... I had never read that scripture and I think it has made it to my list of top ten. We do all we can and we are promised the the hand of God in our lives.
I LOVE YOU! good luck with the start of school and work and mission calls!
Monday, August 31, 2009
A Few MTC pictures
Very first day in the MTC!
This is the zone pre-everyone leaving. They used to have 2 branches but they decided to combine them and now there is only one. My branch president is President Robinson...Max Robinson's brother! Small, crazy world. I love all of these Sisters. They all went to Paris except for Sis Call in blue. Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Send Off
Amber and Kim
Grandma and Grandpa Z
The amazing "work force"
Kate gave her talk on her 22nd birthday
Friends
The siblings
The family sing
Kate and Maury
Friday, August 28, 2009
Semaine Six
HEY!!! Alors, J'ai beaucoup les chose parteger! This week has been amazing! Can you believe that I have been here for 6 weeks? I sure can't! This is going to have to be bulleted...
1. Elder Scott came and talked to us on Tuesday night! It was INCREDIBLE. They usually post who is going to be speaking as everyone is walking in. When they didn't there were rumors flying about who the important person was. Every devotional we sing 3 prelude hymns and while we were singing "True the to Faith," he walked in and we all stood. We stayed standing throughout and finished with, "faithful and true we will ever stand." Amazing feeling. He talked all about how important the Spirit is in our teaching. Missionary work is completely different than it used to be. We have the outlines for the lessons but the goal is to be able to cater to the needs of the person. He advised us to not fear following what we feel. Heavenly Father knows his children more than we ever could. He knows what people need to hear and we just have to have the courage to follow what we are told. He emphasized the importance of LISTENING. "Prompting of the Spirit is real but it doesn't come with a neon sign. It is a skill that can be developed." Interesting thought. No wonder the apostles are so in tune...they have been at it for years! My other favorite thought was his discussion about prayer. "Prayer strengthens us. Dont rush through the privilege of speaking with your Heavenly Father." While I have been here, I have learned how real and how powerful prayer is. Heavenly Father wants to bless us but we have to humbly go to him. Anyways still a lot to talk about...
2. I am in the new orientation video! Sr Flood and I were studying outside and a guy came up to us and asked us to participate. Just a heads up for Josh...It's right after Sister Smith introduced herself. I am sitting on a bench in an orange sweater on the left side of the screen!
3. I am going to San Francisco on Tuesday! Remember how Freddy had to go to apply for his visa in person? Apparently my papers took a little bit longer to process because they didn't get the birth certificates soon enough. Anyways, we go for the day and get to spend the day on the pier! Apparently it takes about 2 weeks to get the French visa and then they apply for the Belgian one. The Belgian one only takes a few days so cross your fingers I get to leave on time! They can't apply for them at the same time because the French don't like the idea of us going more than one place. I am so excited to get to the field but I wouldn't mind staying a few extra days at the MTC. Heavenly Father knows that I need all the help I can get! Sr Earl left early Wednesday morning for Milwaukee. She is visa waiting there for a few weeks and then she gets to head to Madagascar! I wouldn't mind doing that either...whatever happens is what is meant to happen!
4. We got new French sisters this week! Two are headed to Paris and one is headed to Tahiti. They are so sweet and I can't wait to get to know them better. They had quite the 'deer in the headlights' look when I was giving them the tour! Serisouly, I was there just 6 weeks ago and can't believe how much I have learned. The MTC is an amazing place. I have been pushed further than I thought possible but have also been blessed more than I could have ever imagined. Alma 26:37 ---God is mindful of every people...especially missionaries!
5. This past week we taught a family of SEVEN in the TRC! It was absolutely out of control. The kids were 12 and under and all spoke fluent French. They were 'Muslim' so that also made things interesting. It was cool trying to incorporate the kids into the lesson. There was a lot of screaming and a little bit of fun! Seemed more like the real thing than our other TRC appts. Both parents served French speaking and I have come to the conclusion that you didn't teach me French because Heavenly Father knew that I needed to be humbled!
With all the love in my heart sr powers
1. Elder Scott came and talked to us on Tuesday night! It was INCREDIBLE. They usually post who is going to be speaking as everyone is walking in. When they didn't there were rumors flying about who the important person was. Every devotional we sing 3 prelude hymns and while we were singing "True the to Faith," he walked in and we all stood. We stayed standing throughout and finished with, "faithful and true we will ever stand." Amazing feeling. He talked all about how important the Spirit is in our teaching. Missionary work is completely different than it used to be. We have the outlines for the lessons but the goal is to be able to cater to the needs of the person. He advised us to not fear following what we feel. Heavenly Father knows his children more than we ever could. He knows what people need to hear and we just have to have the courage to follow what we are told. He emphasized the importance of LISTENING. "Prompting of the Spirit is real but it doesn't come with a neon sign. It is a skill that can be developed." Interesting thought. No wonder the apostles are so in tune...they have been at it for years! My other favorite thought was his discussion about prayer. "Prayer strengthens us. Dont rush through the privilege of speaking with your Heavenly Father." While I have been here, I have learned how real and how powerful prayer is. Heavenly Father wants to bless us but we have to humbly go to him. Anyways still a lot to talk about...
2. I am in the new orientation video! Sr Flood and I were studying outside and a guy came up to us and asked us to participate. Just a heads up for Josh...It's right after Sister Smith introduced herself. I am sitting on a bench in an orange sweater on the left side of the screen!
3. I am going to San Francisco on Tuesday! Remember how Freddy had to go to apply for his visa in person? Apparently my papers took a little bit longer to process because they didn't get the birth certificates soon enough. Anyways, we go for the day and get to spend the day on the pier! Apparently it takes about 2 weeks to get the French visa and then they apply for the Belgian one. The Belgian one only takes a few days so cross your fingers I get to leave on time! They can't apply for them at the same time because the French don't like the idea of us going more than one place. I am so excited to get to the field but I wouldn't mind staying a few extra days at the MTC. Heavenly Father knows that I need all the help I can get! Sr Earl left early Wednesday morning for Milwaukee. She is visa waiting there for a few weeks and then she gets to head to Madagascar! I wouldn't mind doing that either...whatever happens is what is meant to happen!
4. We got new French sisters this week! Two are headed to Paris and one is headed to Tahiti. They are so sweet and I can't wait to get to know them better. They had quite the 'deer in the headlights' look when I was giving them the tour! Serisouly, I was there just 6 weeks ago and can't believe how much I have learned. The MTC is an amazing place. I have been pushed further than I thought possible but have also been blessed more than I could have ever imagined. Alma 26:37 ---God is mindful of every people...especially missionaries!
5. This past week we taught a family of SEVEN in the TRC! It was absolutely out of control. The kids were 12 and under and all spoke fluent French. They were 'Muslim' so that also made things interesting. It was cool trying to incorporate the kids into the lesson. There was a lot of screaming and a little bit of fun! Seemed more like the real thing than our other TRC appts. Both parents served French speaking and I have come to the conclusion that you didn't teach me French because Heavenly Father knew that I needed to be humbled!
With all the love in my heart sr powers
Monday, August 24, 2009
Semaine Cinq
FAMILY! Can you even believe that I have already been here for 5 weeks? I know everyone tells you that the MTC time passes quickly but you don't believe it until it happens. We only have 3 more weeks left and it only makes me want to work harder. I am going to be in Belgium in no time at all!
JOSH! I can't believe you. I got your letter and opened it in the bookstore. I literally screamed in excitement for your 'mission call,' only to fin out that you made the whole thing up! I guess I can forgive you, that being the Christ-like thing to do:) I am so happy your papers are in and I CAN'T wait to hear where and when you are going. Maybe you'll get to be in the MTC with Roy. Is he learning some crazy African dialect? AHHH you are going to love it here. I love you. Keep working hard and preparing. I wish I had spent more time studying Preach My Gospel so keep working on that.
This week has definitely been another growing one! We had another interesting week at the TRC. This week we taught the first lesson in French. We have been teaching all of our Progressing Investigators in French but this was the first official time. Either way, I was praying that I would have more strength and courage in the lessons. Usually I ask questions and come up with scriptures to share and Sr. Flood does the explaining. I wanted to be able to be more confident in ability to actually TEACH in French. So we knocked on the door and Sr. Floor completely blanked! She didn't say a word and I freaked out for about 4 seconds and then jumped in. I held the conversation for about 15 mins! Miracles do happen! Haha that makes me think of fiddler on the roof. I'm not sure if I prayed Sr. Flood's speechlessness or not but it was a liberating feeling. Just to clarify, I have absolutely no pride in my French speaking ability but Heavenly Father does help us when we need him most. I don't know how much more I have to say about this week. I love getting the chance to study the scriptures so frequently. I love you all. I pray you all have a good week and know that I am thinking of you! Have fun at the beach and give Lauren a hug for me!
Sr. Powers
JOSH! I can't believe you. I got your letter and opened it in the bookstore. I literally screamed in excitement for your 'mission call,' only to fin out that you made the whole thing up! I guess I can forgive you, that being the Christ-like thing to do:) I am so happy your papers are in and I CAN'T wait to hear where and when you are going. Maybe you'll get to be in the MTC with Roy. Is he learning some crazy African dialect? AHHH you are going to love it here. I love you. Keep working hard and preparing. I wish I had spent more time studying Preach My Gospel so keep working on that.
This week has definitely been another growing one! We had another interesting week at the TRC. This week we taught the first lesson in French. We have been teaching all of our Progressing Investigators in French but this was the first official time. Either way, I was praying that I would have more strength and courage in the lessons. Usually I ask questions and come up with scriptures to share and Sr. Flood does the explaining. I wanted to be able to be more confident in ability to actually TEACH in French. So we knocked on the door and Sr. Floor completely blanked! She didn't say a word and I freaked out for about 4 seconds and then jumped in. I held the conversation for about 15 mins! Miracles do happen! Haha that makes me think of fiddler on the roof. I'm not sure if I prayed Sr. Flood's speechlessness or not but it was a liberating feeling. Just to clarify, I have absolutely no pride in my French speaking ability but Heavenly Father does help us when we need him most. I don't know how much more I have to say about this week. I love getting the chance to study the scriptures so frequently. I love you all. I pray you all have a good week and know that I am thinking of you! Have fun at the beach and give Lauren a hug for me!
Sr. Powers
Semaine Quatre
Hey! It sounds like the week in Connecticut was fun! Did you get a chance to go into the city at all? Stand in line for 6 hours to see any shows:) How was the Quinn reception? [Sorry Kim, my Mom had to go home before and couldn't go] I have no doubt in my mind that it was absolutely beautiful. I hope you gave them all a hug for me. It is awesome that Kim and Amber are going to be in DC. It is almost as good as having me there...just kidding of course! They are amazing and I am excited that you all will get the chance to know them as well as I do. Again, I have been serisously blessed with good friends in my life. What is the news on Connecticut? Are you going to move there next summer? Make sure and put the white furniture in my room:) Dad how is work going? Do they feed you every meal so you don't waste any time? If so, it's kind of like the MTC! Josh did you put your papers in?!?! About the missionnnn....
Mom, you asked about "Speak Your Language." Last week was a first attempt at Parler Votre Langue. We tried to go all of Saturday without speaking any English! We made it to about 3 in the afternoon. We are going to try and go for it again tomorrow. It can be frustrating but it is also incredibly helpful. We have to look up any words we don't know and then it is easier to remember them. They also started a relatively new program with mock Progressing Investigators. The other French teachers pose as progressing investigators so we contact them and then teach them in French. We have four right now and let me tell you, it is fun! They all served in Europe and so they pose questions that they got on their missions. ie...I have a great life. Why would i need God? and I think there are a lot of different ways for people to find God in their lives. I don't see why there is just ONE way. It is cool being able to simulate what it is going to be like in the field. It challenges us as a companionship and we have learned that it is important to not get frustrated and incorporate the Spirit in our lessons. The PIs also help with the language. It helps me to know the vocab I need to work on and has solidified how I bear testimony in French.
I think my major challenge this week has stemmed from a charge from Elder Bednar. He challenges us to not just go on missions but BEcOME MISSIONARIES. The question becomes how do we do that? Elder Holland gave a talk to the missionaries at the MTC a couple of years ago and said, "Man's extremity is God's opportunity. We don't see miracles because we don't go where the miracles are." I want more than anything to be a missionary. To be able to teach with power and authority and I doing my best to figure out what that means for me personally. I have been reading the account of Ammon/sons of Mosiah's Missions. There is SO much to learn from them. Alma 22:3 The father of King Lamoni essentially begs to be adminstered because of their 1. generosity and 2. the greatness of the word. Alma 26:22...if we do those things listed we can baptize thousands. We went to a Large Group Meeting and they talked about the power and authority of our calling. I have been set apart with the same call as these missionaries, the difference lies in our faith and diligence. vs 29...contacting...they taught EVERYONE! Like Quinn said, talking to everyone yields incredible results. vs 37 God is mindful of EVERYONE. I know that God knows what is going on in each of our lives. He loves us all beyond anything we can even imagine. He has given us the Gospel because of that love and we can feel that love as we come to HIM. I love you all. Thank you again for your prayers and love! SPowers.
P.S. We invented frisbee jackpot...incredibly fun LOVE YOU
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