MTC Week 5 - June 21, 2015

I GOT MY TRAVEL PLANS!!!!!! I mean.  What ever.  No big deal right?  uh NOOOO. HUGE DEAL.  hahaha. You could say Im nervous.  but excited.  So I sing a song called nervous but excited!!!! hahaha joke.  no but really.  this is real.  Crazy loco!!

Dont worry about mending a shirt, I got it like a pro.

On to this week! I took some language assesments and got some really good feedback! I guess you could just call me fluent or something! hahaha joke. But I think it is pretty safe to say now that I know WAY more spanish than I ever did french and as much as I choke while saying this...... I like spanish better! haha.  I am still trying to work on loosening my tongue while I speak, but everyone I talk to is impressed by my accent and quick speaking. so things are looking good.  But, that will all change in one week when we get there and I just cry because I am lost in a crazy drunken partying country in the middle of the world cup.  there is no place like home right?

Hermana Tu'akalau is leaving on monday.  Not sure what really happened there but she is leaving before the rest of us! We are way sad and may cry about it all the time.  Anyways.  One morning she woke up with an awful back ache.  She got surgery there about a year ago, and was worried that the infection she once had removed was coming back and would have to be sent home Quite the serious situation.  So we went to the doctor and the doctor said "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" I'm serious.  That is what he said! We were just as surprised!  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA joke.  Man. I crack myself up.  I am such the comedian.  No, but the doc gave her some drugs and made her stay in, so we stayed in with her! It is a miracle how fast she is healing.  She received some blessings from our zone leaders, and they said she had work to do for the next 18 months and would not have to be sent home.  WHAT POWER! She is healing incredibly fast and we are just so grateful and amazed that all is well because she is leaving in a few days gosh dang it!

This week at the devotional, M Russell Ballard came.  Missionary powerhouse bow chicka wow wow. He talked about Joseph F Smith and saying "True blue dies in the wool through and through." You know that one? He said this is the greatest time for missionary work and that God knew it was coming.  He knew he needed his strongest for the final push.  That is us! Can you believe it? It is so easy to get down on ourselves for messing up, but we are the elect to God.  definitely a booster! ANYWAYS! He just talked about how we need to be bold, and straight forward in never denying the truth.  Defend it! True to the faith- Read the lyrics, they are good! It was encouraging and so inspiring! We also had Sheri Dew come this week and speak about grace.  It was so neat the insights she had about this insanely deep doctrine that is hard to comprehend, yet she made it so simple.  Grace is the power from god.  She even said to substitue the word grace for power when reading scriptures.  Give it a try.  All because of the love that God and Jesus have for each of us.  Crazy to think about but so cool! Simplicity is the way to go. That is the way we are taught to teach, and that is the way to invite the spirit into our lives.  By doing the simple things.  Pray, read, fast, keep covenants and serve.  It will make all the difference in your life, because it has the difference in mine.

Sorry this is out of order but I want to talk a bit about father's day.  What an awful day to be alive! We watch music and the spoken word every sunday and to watch clips of fathers playing with their daughters brought tears to my eyes hard core- torture to a room full of young girls with no daddy to hug or anyone of the male sex for that matter.  I'm even tearing up right now too!!! It didn't help that they were singing "hush abye baby!" Dad I think the world of you, and I look up to you in so many ways.  You are my support! I just wish I didn't have to say goodbye and that you could be here by my side all along the way! But I understand that is not possible.  This is the chance for me to grow closer to my father in heaven and strengthen that relationship for the eternities!!! But please know I love you! This week we were talking about being snappy to our parents.  I instantly remembered that one time when you wanted to go on a bike ride with your daughters, but me being my stubborn self kept us home.  You said that you weren't going unless we all went, so then I said- So then no one is going. You became upset and sat in your room in silence for an hour.  I AM SO SORRY!!! I still think about it often and hope that you will forgive me.  I love you so much.  I just don't think you know how much.  Hope you had a great day last week :)

This week we had our best lesson yet with our investigator! We taught him while Hna T was at in feild orientation.  We taught super simply the fall of adam and eve and the chance we all have to make good choices.  we read through a few verses with him and made him pause every phrase literally and explain to us what it meant!  so many obvious questions but hey it worked!! He has been so tough to us and non accepting in the past.  We finally just boldly showed him that we must either choose good or bad in this life.  Eternal life with god, or endless torment.  He discovered for himself that he wants to follow god, and will take the necessary steps to do so.  we asked him to be babptized and were expecting him to say no, like every other time, in practices or real lessons.  So because of this, we had a back up plan of how to discern his doubts or worries and then to ask him again.  But there was no need for the back up plan.  He said yess!!!! We were so shocked, that we kind of panicked and told him a bunch of useless facts in that moment, but hey it was great.  As we were leaving the lesson, he said to stop and sit down becuase he wanted to talk to us personally. (remember this is my teacher pretending to be our investigator) He said that it was an OUTSTANDING lesson and that he was so moved by the spirit we invited and the inspired questions we asked.  he told us he came into the lesson determined to decline our persistent invitaions of baptism.  Yet, he felt something so strong that he couldn't deny the invitation anymore.  He was so proud and it was the biggest relief in the world.  I was smiling so big that tears were in my eyes! We are worked so hard here, it was finally worth it to see our preparations pay off and to experience the good of serving a mission.  It is worth it and I love it.

One last story, We were playing a game of volleyball - which we do EVERY day because it is so stinking fun and because I am a boss!- and an elder full on hugged me.  HE HUGGED ME! chi car-a-lee. So not allowed.  hhahaha. He was a fresh new elder and was running after the same ball as me and we collided, but his arms were open as he was running and staring up at the falling ball, so my body just went right into his arms.  We both stood there stunned at what was happening, and then while he was still wrapped around me, probably still in shock, he said. I. am. so. so. so. sorry.  hahaha Everyone was dying and we were in the embrace for what felt like forever.  Gotta love those elders hahahaha.

I love you all and 

oh ya, and in case you forgot..... IM GOING TO ARGENITNA!!!!!

Have a great week.  keep the letters coming.  I love you to death and look forward to writing again. yo se que la iglesia es verdadera!- dont expect a perfect convo in spanish when I call from the airport hahah. Love you my family!

con amor, 

Hermana Woolley

Our day teacher Brother Hammond - he knows and served with Amber Stratton

Package from our siblings

Last day at the Temple with Sister T

 Hermana Martinez - night instructor

 Stuck inside because she was not feeling well

 Tessa Herman and me just out of the rain

MTC Week 4 - June 14, 2014

TENGO GOZO EN MI ALMA HOY!!

Ok, I'm so sorry! I may not be able to send pictures to you this week because these computers are stupid, but we will see.  If not, you'll get over it.  

keep me updated on the spurs and heat, looks like Dan wins another bet against Sam either way.  Also, there is a red head from austrailia that is the SPITTING image of blake griffin, so I guess you could say Im obsessed. Things between us are getting pretty serious...... hahahahahahahaha joke.

This week has been a great one once again!!! I forgot to bring my journal and letters, so I will just write to you the most important things that are on the top of my mind! 

Please let Grandpa L. know that I am praying for him multiple times a day and that I want to be updated on his surgery.  Also, Hope girls camp was a blast.  It is still a bit strange to me that life is continuing on outside of here.  But I hope the summer sun is treating you well with tans, boating, swimming, and so much more.  It is giving me sweaty garments.  hahahahaha  

Thank the meyers and averys and woolleys for me please! packages are the sweetest and my district is in debt to you forever! We are too spoiled with treats and sugary goodness.  Also, TELL ALEC TO WRITE ME! THAT NUMSKULL!

ok. About the speakers at devotionals, we have had Elder Nelson and his wife! So good, she talked about how it takes desperation in everyone to show true faith.  What a message.  If I have more time maybe I will write a few more notes on that.  We also have had a social media guy come, the administrator at the MTC, Elder Schwitzer of the 70,  and Elder Quentin Cook and his wife.  AND rumor has it that next week will be a big wig again because it is scheduled to be a broadcast to the other MTCs.  About the choir, I can't be apart of it.  Bro Eggett came and asked me to be a part of it, but when he found out that I was in West, it is impossible to be there for the frequent practices... pretty bummed, but it is not what is most important. I love singing with him.  We have sung Hope of Israel, Where can I turn for peace, and Joseph's First prayer.  All powerful songs, and powerful messages.  I love that I am able to be testifying all hours of the day in multiple ways.

"The privledge to work is a gift.  THe power to work is a blessing, teh love of work is success."- David O. McKay.

I love it here, and I know I say that a lot, but it is because those are the feelings of my heart.  This week I had some pretty cool experiences.  

First off, we are teaching a nonmember in real life in TRC.  Talk about intimidating.  But, it really is such a great opportunity to get a real feel for the work.  In natural Hna Woolley style, I said say some pretty stupid things in lessons.  In the very first lesson with M*a, apparently she was talking about how she never has, and never will have the desire to be baptized.  But, I had no idea what she was saying, so I was just trying to do what our teacher challenged.  TO INVITE ALL TO BE BAPTIZED IN EVERY LESSON.  so, right after she explains her feelings to my companion about baptism, I assumed all was going well, so I say, "Seguirá el ejemplo de Jesucristo al ser bautizado para alguin qué posea la autoridad sacerdocio de Dios? " My companion looked at me with terror like I had done something so terrible and awful.  hahahaha.  You guessed it, M*a quickly rejected the invitation.  Like SisterSteward said (who we ate dinner with, I see her here all the time)-- You are going to look stupid at some point.  You might as well make it here rather than in the field.  hahaha 

Another funny story of my weird sayings in lessons.  We were practicing inviting people to come to church.  Our teacher was our investigator and in the lesson she said she couldnt come to church because she does her laundry on sundays.  suddenly, there I was, again with no filter-- I say "Well can we wash your clothes for you?" Hna Romeril started dying in laughter, and our teacher was trying hard not to laugh.  she didn't know if she heard me right.  Well she did.  Later she told me that it was a funny question to ask, and may have been a bit intruding, but she liked my sincerity.  It taught her a lot about how important church is to me, and to see that I would be willing to sacrifice my time so that she could experience it too.  So take that!!!! Ready to convert the world.  I might just step on some privacy toes, but hey, I get what I want when I want.

Now to the good lessons.  We have been teaching Ana Maria since May 23rd.  She has accepted to be baptized on the 20th of June, and we are stoked! (she is already a member but we still love her to death) As we were teaching, She mentioned how she loved being with us.  I told her that we were so happy because we are able to testify each day about Christ.  I then was prompted to ask her to bear her testimony so she could experience the happiness that comes in bearing testimony! She did, and it was so heartfelt and real.  We were all crying.  I then took the opportunity to tell her that I know the church is true. Yo lo que. I have never cried so hard or felt the spirit so strong when I said those simple words that I have said a million times.  I even am tearing up writing about it.  This gospel brings me so much joy and I am loving it here :) That is why I'm here.  Because it is true.  If it wasn't I would already have come home because I miss you too much.  Yesterday was the best day in the mission so far, but also the day with the most homesickness.  Don't do anything too fun without me, and don't grow up.  It was an emotional day with many tears and a testimony meeting at the end that wrapped it all up.  Crying is the best therapy and I think that I said the most sincere prayer I have ever said last night.  

I am doing good things and coming closer to Christ everyday.  I love you and want you to share your testimony with someone this week and report back! I am excited about your missionary set up contact.  We may be far away, but we can always be reunited through the word of God.

Happy Father's Day to all!!!!! I love you so much.  Dad, Elder Giliam says he loves you too.  Also Mom, Elder Evans said he has always wanted to be apart of our family so he will fill out an adoption form.

LOVE YOU! con mucho mucho muhco amor... I love you soooooooooooooooo (writing like young aunt sara) much!!!

Hermana Woolley

PS. one last miracle.  Thursday night I had some nasty blisters.  I went to bed and prayed that they would heal quickly so that I could fully focus on the work.  I put on some bandaids, covered them in my ski socks, and went to bed, in the morning as I pulled of my bloody and pussed bandaids, my skin was perfect underneath.  miracle.  God is living today and he cares about his children.  Never forget it.  This tiny simple miracle shows that this work is important and needs to be done.  I'm humbled to say the least.  NEVER FORGET TO PRAY! and go to the temple, and scriptures and everything good because I want to be in the Celestial kingdom together one day!!! Kisses :)

MTC Week 3 - June 7, 2014

Ok.  wow.  This has been THEE fastest week of the mission so far.  But, also the one where I missed you most.  But esta bien.  I still love it here with all my heart and my companionis! We really are progressing together as a companionship.  Cameron & Katelyn L. both wrote me before the mission and said "Be obedient, not every missionary is." I think I finally understand, and am trying my hardest to always do what it right.  Dad, I am glad I don't have a slow peruvian comp yet, or I would be over. hahahaha

Thanks for the packages!!! We went to Brigham's landing to use the Jamba card.  It bought enough for me and my comps! They say thanks! If you cant read the sign in the picture :)  It was crazy being in the real world and having every littel girl want to hug the sister missionaries! so sweet! It did make me sad eating a pastromi burger and corn dog at burger supreme though.  It reminded me of you at home. but it is still the greatest! I love getting packages, mom you are just too clever! We have a creamery right next to our laundry so we can go there any day we want and get everything we need.  For me, this last week I got RITZ!!! I love them and I still continue to eat them by the sleeve.  And good job on the pringles.  The fattier, saltier, and less healthy the food, the more I'll like it.  Healthy crap is for rich people who hate themselves.  But... some package suggestions- caramel brownies, scotheroos, and what ever else your heart desires.  I like both of the bags you sent and will probably use them! What is the update and getting packages back to you? I need to send some stuff home, and maybe send home a shirt to see if you can fix it! Just dearelder me the postmart answer!

On to my week! Hna Romeril is doing better, but we are still visiting the doctor with her regularly.  But finally the president got smart and had us do exchanges so we didn't miss so much class.

Ok, Spanish is getting better too.  Not perfect of course, but coming.  I hope my moments of stupidity can lighten your day, because it sure lifted my mood! It was the epitime of the Best Two Years! Remember that part when he messes up the word while asking for sliced bread and said circumsized instead? Or something about a virgin spirit visiting jospeh smith or something or "and I know that Joseph Smith was a pamphlet?" Ya remember those.  Well, They could have written in my slip for the film as well.  So, there we were in a lesson with Samuel, our new investigator who sleeps through our lessons and texts all the time.  So Finally, I had the prompting to ask him why he was meeting with us.  I simply said, with confidence (not sure if that made the moment better or worse), Que es son expiacions por esta leccion? pardon my espanol.  haha.  I ASKED MY INVESTIGATOR WHAT HIS ATONEMENTS WERE FOR THE LESSON!!!!! I meant to say- what are your expectations for this lesson. he was so confused, and I had no idea that I had said the wrong word.  He kept his cool until after the lesson, when we all broke out it laughter with tears too. Not sure if the tears were because of embarrassment or of laughter.  Probs a bit of both.  Its fine.  I'll get over it.  It was quite the moment, and one I will always remember and laugh at when I look back.  It may not be the story of tyler's being in the shower during a fire drill, but I think it has the potential of being 2nd or 3rd on the list behind E. Davis being whinnie the pooh out the window.  We shall see.  

Also some big news of the week! We started TRC! I can't believe we are old enough to do that! It seems like only the super advanced missionaries who have been here for weeks do that everyday--- ok wait thats me Haha!! It was so dreadful. Definitely the worst lesson we have had yet.  The pregnant lady we taught responded with one word answers and was not very nice.  I blame it on the prenancy.  I'm sure she has a sweet spirit hahahahahaha. and she has MASTERED the pity laugh.  Let it live on.

Another big deal was that we were able to be new missionary hosts! It was so fun to see these kids coming in with terror and shock, and just hug them and carry their bags.  I remember that day too well, and I love being able to give comfort where I can.  We have the opportunity to do it again this next week!

Im glad Jace said something to you!! I was so happy to see her even though I have never talked to her before.  Any connection between us feels like a 50 ft thick steel wire.  So so happy.  I also saw a girl from our ward in our session today, but she was out of the Celestial room too fast for me to talk to her and have her transfer hugs to you all.  Im not sure what her name is, but she is the lady that looks similar to annie bray and is not married I dont think... if that helps at all.  Well you can just hug her anyways because she was just one row in front of me- the closest you will get.  I also think I saw Tawni from a far, but she was busy, so I didn't chase her down.  

I feel like there is not much to say this week, so I will just tell you one or two more funny stories (not tons of spiritual enlightenment is coming to mind right now)! While we were at home with sick sis Romeril, a spider was in her shoe.  It was the size of a quarter.  I know I follow Tammy in the exaggerating genes, but this is no lie.  Im a missionary and I dont lie.  So what are three terrified girls to do? Attack it with a broom! We looked at it crawl onto our shower curtain from a distance, and after about 40 mins- no joke- of staring at it, getting closer, watch it flinch an inch, screaming and bolting away, I finally became the woman of the house and killed that little sucker with no mercy.  1/2 a bottle of disinfectant spray shot just the right distance to exterminate the mennis.  Then Hna, Tu'akulau, after is was dead, slammed the mop against its body until all the legs and joints were little dillweed specks in our shower.  hahahaha.  She is a big girl, but not when it comes to aranas.  

Ok last one, I can't believe that everyone is moving on with life! Chandler wedding, Rory has gained 17 lbs, new dog, and NBA champs nearly dying.  Yet here I am having the time of my life. Half of the fun is strictly because of Hna Tu'akulau.  Tyler- having someone who speaks with a different accent can lighten any mood! Remember Elder twin guy from england who loved hot pockets? ya well- Hermana Tu'akulau adores me and decided that she needed to take me under her wings. She is helping me grow up and become mature haha.  So what did she do to assist me? She body slammed me to the floor, and used a painful weapon.  TWEEZERS!! apparently she has been dying to pluck and shape my eyebrows.  I was offended that she didn't like the little toofs I had that resembled my dad. hahahahahaha. how unfortunate.  ya, our eyebrows are not our grandest quality...... anyways, now she powders them for me and makes me "look like a lady!" hahahahaha she kills me.

I may be the most hated in my district because of the amount of letters I get on the daily, but Hey, Im not complaining! Just sorry for them that they were not born to the best family in town.  Welcome to the family!  

Sorry this letter was not the most uplifting, eh.  I sure hope you had a good laugh though!!

Hasta luego!

Hermana Woolley

Use the "expiacion" daily, good luck on the pool and reading, and go to the temple!! 

Also, if you want me to respond to something, just do one separate letter of questions.  It will be easier that way to get you the info you need!

I love you fossil folks of mine and all the many that my life one to cherish! Have a great week, and I will keep on being myself here at the Westside.