That's what she pleaded when she explained my own personality to me. I cannot be angry. If anything, her explanation made everything so much clearer and I think this conversation has brought us closer together.
You see, I'm a gatherer. I will take what you give me and hold it and carry it for you if you don't want to deal with it. I know how hard it is to carry all of these things for people. I try not to give others the burdens that belong to me. I know how heavy it gets. I know how scared one can be when charged with burying someone else's dead body.
I've concluded that no matter what the school definition is for the types of family units, every family is broken in some way. I can't even begin to address mine even though I come from a 'nuclear' family. I bet you have a similar tale. We all have family secrets we don't want the world to know.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Independence
I had a conversation with an authority figure the other day. She was asking why kids didn't do things immediately. I asked, "Do you think that maybe it's a form of independence?" What I meant was, "Don't you think it is a way for the kids to find come kind of control in their lives?" But that obviously didn't come across when she looked at me and said, "That's wrong!" and continued to lecture about how kids should be obedient. I understood that she was trying to say that it is not good to be independent in disobedience, but still it hurt and part of me felt crushed. Really? It's not good to have control over my own life?
Today she gave a speech and said how proud she was that her kids had taken initiative to create their own chore chart and are taking control of their own lives. The contradiction irked me. Which is it? She is always talking like this. My sister would say that it is good to be your own person as long as it fits and conforms to the box of the authority figure. But isn't that always how it is? In any job, in any home, you have to fill the box of the authority figure. So at what point will you be free to follow your own conscience and be your own person in the box that you create for yourself? And then you have to ask, are you independent then?
Today she gave a speech and said how proud she was that her kids had taken initiative to create their own chore chart and are taking control of their own lives. The contradiction irked me. Which is it? She is always talking like this. My sister would say that it is good to be your own person as long as it fits and conforms to the box of the authority figure. But isn't that always how it is? In any job, in any home, you have to fill the box of the authority figure. So at what point will you be free to follow your own conscience and be your own person in the box that you create for yourself? And then you have to ask, are you independent then?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Watching...
I have recently discovered that there is nothing more tiring than watching. Your eyes are constantly staring at a still object trying to find some meaning for you in it. Or in my case, you move your eyes constantly trying to keep track of 2 three-year-olds. It's nice when they take turns but it is hard to watch both of them at the same time when one wanders all over the yard and the other one is yelling for attention while they go down the slide. And then you add the occasional street crossing where you have to watch for cars so the neighbor kid doesn't get run over going home or back over to our house to play. That was yesterday afternoon.
Today we had a new set of neighbors over this morning. So I was doing the same thing I did yesterday with a three-year-old, 2 four-year-olds, a six-year-old, a seven-year-old, and a nine-year-old. I think. I'm guessing on the ages, but I did get to know all their names. I decided that God must have a lot of patience. Then I remembered that he has babysitters too. And while they don't get tired like I do, I'm sure they would wish we would calm down a bit.
Needless to say, after two days of this, I can honestly say that I'm glad to be done for the day. Now it's my time.
Today we had a new set of neighbors over this morning. So I was doing the same thing I did yesterday with a three-year-old, 2 four-year-olds, a six-year-old, a seven-year-old, and a nine-year-old. I think. I'm guessing on the ages, but I did get to know all their names. I decided that God must have a lot of patience. Then I remembered that he has babysitters too. And while they don't get tired like I do, I'm sure they would wish we would calm down a bit.
Needless to say, after two days of this, I can honestly say that I'm glad to be done for the day. Now it's my time.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Attention...
It's interesting to see the things we do for attention. Children often get into things they know they're not supposed to....Actually, I don't think that changes over the years.
Young children will move sacks of potatoes or put the vinegar bottle in the living room. Sometimes they'll stuff their toys under refrigerators. Some teenagers get into drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc. And if they didn't do that stuff while in their teens, they go through it in their 20s (which is something like the "terrible twos" only on a grander scale and parents don't have as much control over discipline.
But since this is all to get attention, it's best to ignore it. Although sometimes it's hard not to look at those in their 20s and say, "You're an idiot."
Young children will move sacks of potatoes or put the vinegar bottle in the living room. Sometimes they'll stuff their toys under refrigerators. Some teenagers get into drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc. And if they didn't do that stuff while in their teens, they go through it in their 20s (which is something like the "terrible twos" only on a grander scale and parents don't have as much control over discipline.
But since this is all to get attention, it's best to ignore it. Although sometimes it's hard not to look at those in their 20s and say, "You're an idiot."
Sunday, May 23, 2010
On being good...
There is something to be said about being good. To use a Bleach reference, being good allows you to talk to your zanpakto to give you added strength and power. Some of us "religious" people call it the power of God. I have come to rely on it daily.
But sometimes being good has its down moments. It's how I lost most of my friends. It's why some of my friends expect me to lecture them when they do something they know is wrong. I think when I was younger, I probably did give several lectures. I don't any more. I don't have any thoughts to share about what they choose to do with their lives.
I feel sad though. I won't ever tell them that they make me sad. In the end, it doesn't matter since it is not my life and it is up to them to make the choices. I won't tell them that I will cry for the blessings lost to them. I won't tell them that my heart aches for them. I won't tell them. All that matters is that we are friends and I want to keep that for as long as they will let me. On my part, it will be forever. I hope it will be the same for them.
But sometimes being good has its down moments. It's how I lost most of my friends. It's why some of my friends expect me to lecture them when they do something they know is wrong. I think when I was younger, I probably did give several lectures. I don't any more. I don't have any thoughts to share about what they choose to do with their lives.
I feel sad though. I won't ever tell them that they make me sad. In the end, it doesn't matter since it is not my life and it is up to them to make the choices. I won't tell them that I will cry for the blessings lost to them. I won't tell them that my heart aches for them. I won't tell them. All that matters is that we are friends and I want to keep that for as long as they will let me. On my part, it will be forever. I hope it will be the same for them.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Is it enough?
I want to tell you, "Thank you," for coming back. I want to tell you, "Welcome home. I've missed you," since you were gone for so long. I want to tell you, "I love you," just because I do. You mean so much to me and I'm sorry if I don't tell you enough. You are dear to me. Your presence means a lot to me. I miss you when you aren't here.
I want to be there for you forever. When you leave the house I always say, "I love you! Be safe!" Because it is not my place to stand next to you with a sword and shield so we can fight the enemy together. My place for now is to wait for you to come back so you can tell me how the battle went and I can keep that trust in my heart.
You work so hard. I try to hard to support you. I just hope that my being there for you is enough because I don't know what else to do.I do my best at this small thing. I can only be here and tell you, "Welcome home. I love you!"
I want to be there for you forever. When you leave the house I always say, "I love you! Be safe!" Because it is not my place to stand next to you with a sword and shield so we can fight the enemy together. My place for now is to wait for you to come back so you can tell me how the battle went and I can keep that trust in my heart.
You work so hard. I try to hard to support you. I just hope that my being there for you is enough because I don't know what else to do.I do my best at this small thing. I can only be here and tell you, "Welcome home. I love you!"
Saturday, May 15, 2010
On feeling deeply...
I don't know if I've ever talked about this with anyone. But I don't feel deeply. I don't have ... maybe it would be better to say that I have never felt an emotion deeply enough to motivate me. Everything I have done, accomplished in my life to this point has been from a sense of duty to someone of a higher rank than me or to an institution that I have committed to. But now that I don't have one of those in my life, I find it hard to move. I have never felt an emotion deep enough to motivate me, to make me move. Not for my family, not for my friends, and certainly not for myself.
I have never felt an emotion deep enough to motivate me. I wonder which emotion it could be... What does it feel like? This feeling called "Passion". . .
I have never felt an emotion deep enough to motivate me. I wonder which emotion it could be... What does it feel like? This feeling called "Passion". . .
I don't know yet...
I've been thinking about a lot of things lately. One, when I got home from my mission in Argentina, I remember how amazing the Wasatch Mountains looked and how colorful the valley was. When I got home from my visit to the UK I remember thinking that in Utah, even green is brown. This really is a desert.
Also, I've been thinking about communication. You see, I have a friend and I'm sure I hurt his feelings because he hasn't written to me in weeks and I haven't been around to answer the phone when he calls. That last bit is not intentional. But I don't have any words to console him if that's what he's looking for. We are friends because we choose to be. That won't change for my end. But I have no feelings of sorrow or regret and don't know why it is I keep wondering if he would write to me if I said I was sorry. I don't know what I would be apologizing for. I guess I have to wait for him to want to write to me.
Oh, and Iron Man 2 was pretty good. It's on the library list.
Also, I've been thinking about communication. You see, I have a friend and I'm sure I hurt his feelings because he hasn't written to me in weeks and I haven't been around to answer the phone when he calls. That last bit is not intentional. But I don't have any words to console him if that's what he's looking for. We are friends because we choose to be. That won't change for my end. But I have no feelings of sorrow or regret and don't know why it is I keep wondering if he would write to me if I said I was sorry. I don't know what I would be apologizing for. I guess I have to wait for him to want to write to me.
Oh, and Iron Man 2 was pretty good. It's on the library list.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
On change and time...
I was told once that I'm living in the past. Literally, that is impossible. I, like you, am living in the present. But that doesn't mean that I am quite possibly living in shadow of the past. I find it hard to recreate myself, to be the me that I know I can be when I have always been the me that I have spent the last 20 some odd years creating.
Living takes time. Time is always in motion and so is life. No matter how much we wanat to reverse it, to do it over, time and life are always moving forward. We are not playing UNO. Living is a verb. It is described as an action word. And with any action comes change.
Change, like time and life, is inevitable. It simply is. So when I'm told that I live in the past, that means that for that person, I haven't changed. Which is illogical. Since I'm living, I have to have changed at least a little bit.
You see, in the past, I was so strict on the do's and don'ts. I was the good one, the nice one, the forgiving one. I was the one who told you what to do, who pointed out your faults and told you to be better. I don't remember saying such things with words, but perhaps my actions spoke that way since that is how I lost several friends and maybe even all of them now.
But the present me isn't always like that. I'm still the good one, but I have my bad side that you don't see. I'm still the nice one, but I have my mean side that you don't see. I'm still the forgiving one, because I don't let you see the grudges I hold on to. I will never tell you what to do anymore. We both need to trust our own judgment. I won't point out your faults. I have too many of my own to keep track of. And one big thing that is different. The me now will accept you no matter what.
I know how unreal that sounds. It seems like I'm trying to be some kind of super human. But with all my flaws, how can I not accept that you have yours, too?
You see, through all the time and living, we both have changed. But that doesn't change the fact that I will be your friend.
Living takes time. Time is always in motion and so is life. No matter how much we wanat to reverse it, to do it over, time and life are always moving forward. We are not playing UNO. Living is a verb. It is described as an action word. And with any action comes change.
Change, like time and life, is inevitable. It simply is. So when I'm told that I live in the past, that means that for that person, I haven't changed. Which is illogical. Since I'm living, I have to have changed at least a little bit.
You see, in the past, I was so strict on the do's and don'ts. I was the good one, the nice one, the forgiving one. I was the one who told you what to do, who pointed out your faults and told you to be better. I don't remember saying such things with words, but perhaps my actions spoke that way since that is how I lost several friends and maybe even all of them now.
But the present me isn't always like that. I'm still the good one, but I have my bad side that you don't see. I'm still the nice one, but I have my mean side that you don't see. I'm still the forgiving one, because I don't let you see the grudges I hold on to. I will never tell you what to do anymore. We both need to trust our own judgment. I won't point out your faults. I have too many of my own to keep track of. And one big thing that is different. The me now will accept you no matter what.
I know how unreal that sounds. It seems like I'm trying to be some kind of super human. But with all my flaws, how can I not accept that you have yours, too?
You see, through all the time and living, we both have changed. But that doesn't change the fact that I will be your friend.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
These days...
I woke up this morning with one thing in mind: edit stories. And I completed that task for today long before lunch. I ate lunch and watched a little tv. I hate daytime tv. And after that was done, I didn't know what to do with myself. I could edit some more I thought, but I didn't want to spend the day at the computer again. I needed to get out. To get away to somewhere...else. So I took a walk to the park and sat on the grass for a while before I walked back and got on the computer again.
To be honest, I was going to use this blog more frequently than I do. I was going to tell you all about how I am doing now that I'm home from my mission. But it's already been 3 years.
Now, I've graduated from college. I've applied for work and continue to practice my editing skills on the stories my friends and family members send me. I love it!
Because it's days like this, with the wind and the sun, that you just need to take the time away from the noise and fill your soul with peace for even five minutes so you can get through the rest of the day.
To be honest, I was going to use this blog more frequently than I do. I was going to tell you all about how I am doing now that I'm home from my mission. But it's already been 3 years.
Now, I've graduated from college. I've applied for work and continue to practice my editing skills on the stories my friends and family members send me. I love it!
Because it's days like this, with the wind and the sun, that you just need to take the time away from the noise and fill your soul with peace for even five minutes so you can get through the rest of the day.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Home and all that that implies...
Hey all!
It's been a long time since I've written. I've been home for about six months now and life is good. It was really hard to come home and at the same time it was the best thing that could have happened for me.
I loved the mission. It is the best experience you can have and I would recommend one to everyone. You meet the best people who will be your friends for life. They are people who will love you and stick by you.
Being home has been great too! I have a new niece that I get to babysit and I'm working. I also just get to be here to help out whenever anyone needs anything. I've been able to go to my friend's wedding, and have fun with my friends. I've even had time to write a story that needs editing. It's awesome!
It's hard to come home from a mission no matter how long you have been a missionary. But coming home is made easier by loving and understanding family and friends.
Hopefully, I'll write again soon! Love you all muches!
It's been a long time since I've written. I've been home for about six months now and life is good. It was really hard to come home and at the same time it was the best thing that could have happened for me.
I loved the mission. It is the best experience you can have and I would recommend one to everyone. You meet the best people who will be your friends for life. They are people who will love you and stick by you.
Being home has been great too! I have a new niece that I get to babysit and I'm working. I also just get to be here to help out whenever anyone needs anything. I've been able to go to my friend's wedding, and have fun with my friends. I've even had time to write a story that needs editing. It's awesome!
It's hard to come home from a mission no matter how long you have been a missionary. But coming home is made easier by loving and understanding family and friends.
Hopefully, I'll write again soon! Love you all muches!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Last letter from Argentina (Monday March 12th, 2007)
Hey all! Thanks all so much for your love and support! I’m glad that everyone’s excited! So, this week has been great!
Monday we went to Mariano Moreno and I have great pics! Elder Whiting and I spent the whole hike that we took quoting movies and telling jokes. It was nice to relax.
On Thursday I had my best Undead Monkey Moment (UMM). I was walking behind Hna. Riquelme as we climbed a hill and when we reached to top, she said something. I didn’t hear her because the wind was very strong. So I caught up to her and started to ask her what she said and she apparently didn’t realized I was there. She scrame so loudly. She startled me. But I was laughing so hard at her. Sadly, there was no one in the streets to witness this marvelous event.
Sunday had the best good-bye event of the mission! Viviana Baigorria got baptized! The Spirit was strong and wonderful and you just should have been there. I love baptisms! Then we had a party afterward and we invited all the youth. It was the bestest ever! I love the people here in Argentina. They really are Celestial.
Well, that’s all for my last week as a missionary in Argentina. My next entry will be from home. Loves, hugs and kisses to all!
Hermana April Vay Madsen
Monday we went to Mariano Moreno and I have great pics! Elder Whiting and I spent the whole hike that we took quoting movies and telling jokes. It was nice to relax.
On Thursday I had my best Undead Monkey Moment (UMM). I was walking behind Hna. Riquelme as we climbed a hill and when we reached to top, she said something. I didn’t hear her because the wind was very strong. So I caught up to her and started to ask her what she said and she apparently didn’t realized I was there. She scrame so loudly. She startled me. But I was laughing so hard at her. Sadly, there was no one in the streets to witness this marvelous event.
Sunday had the best good-bye event of the mission! Viviana Baigorria got baptized! The Spirit was strong and wonderful and you just should have been there. I love baptisms! Then we had a party afterward and we invited all the youth. It was the bestest ever! I love the people here in Argentina. They really are Celestial.
Well, that’s all for my last week as a missionary in Argentina. My next entry will be from home. Loves, hugs and kisses to all!
Hermana April Vay Madsen
Monday, March 05, 2007
Letter from Monday March 5th, 2007
Hey all! Thanks for letters and emails from Mom, Dad, Noelle, Maxine, and Diane, Cody, Kelly, and Alex. Thanks for your continual love, support, fasts and prayers on my behalf. I appreciate all of them.
One of the best things about this week has been visiting the members. I love visiting them! We visited with Hna. Castro this week and shared about the Restoration and then sat and talked for a little while. I loved that. It is great when we get to know the people we serve.
We also met and talked with another member Jaime. He is really excited to come back to church and wants his wife to hear the lessons. We’ll see what she decides. I’m excited to talk with them though!
Funny story: so, the neighbors always have music going at night and it’s hysterical because they listen to music in English and Spanish. Anyway, the other night, I got to hear “Blue Moon. (a Smurf if bathing alone)” LOL!! I was trying not to wake my companion as I laughed that night.
Jay! Thanks so much, my kindred spirit for the shirt and the letter!!!!! I love them!!!! It makes me so happy to wear the shirt you gave me! Happy! How are you doing? How are classes, studies? I hope to hear from you. Kisses!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
This is my almost last blog as a missionary in Argentina. My health problems have become too much of a problem and I will be home the week of March 12, 2007. Thanks to all for your love and support.
Love always!
One of the best things about this week has been visiting the members. I love visiting them! We visited with Hna. Castro this week and shared about the Restoration and then sat and talked for a little while. I loved that. It is great when we get to know the people we serve.
We also met and talked with another member Jaime. He is really excited to come back to church and wants his wife to hear the lessons. We’ll see what she decides. I’m excited to talk with them though!
Funny story: so, the neighbors always have music going at night and it’s hysterical because they listen to music in English and Spanish. Anyway, the other night, I got to hear “Blue Moon. (a Smurf if bathing alone)” LOL!! I was trying not to wake my companion as I laughed that night.
Jay! Thanks so much, my kindred spirit for the shirt and the letter!!!!! I love them!!!! It makes me so happy to wear the shirt you gave me! Happy! How are you doing? How are classes, studies? I hope to hear from you. Kisses!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
This is my almost last blog as a missionary in Argentina. My health problems have become too much of a problem and I will be home the week of March 12, 2007. Thanks to all for your love and support.
Love always!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Letter from Monday Feb 26, 2007
Hey all! I haven’t gotten letters yet, but thanks to all who sent them! Thanks also for your continual love, prayers, fasts, etc. on my behalf. I’m doing well. The work is going well and my companion is great as always. The people in the ward here are wonderful, excited and work hard in their callings. I love them.
Happy March Birthdays to Mom, Grandma, Grandma, Nils, and Hna. Ale and whoever else I have forgotten! Love you!
We actually didn’t have a baptism this week. We had some scheduling conflicts, so we will see what happens. I will keep you all updated.
So, last Monday was wonderful! We climbed Cerro Michacheo (?) and had lunch. We could see all of Zapala and it honestly looks like southern/central Utah. We have mountains, desert, weeds, etc. I don’t know how allergies are going to be when fall hits. Anyway, hiking the hill was fun. I spend most of the day quoting movie lines with Elder Whiting, a newbie.
On Tuesday I got to help a less active member with his English! It was great! It made me happy to help and do something with English! My favorite part was when Martin’s face lit up when he understood and could apply what he learned! There was a sentence we were looking at that said, “It’s a nice sandwich.” I laughed because we usually don’t say that. Unless, we have met a mean sandwich before. It reminded me of The Hot Rock, “That’s a nice watch.” LOL!
We have a new nickname, “Señoras de Jesus”. I like it.
We also attended a ward activity for lunch on Saturday. It was fun! We all chilled, took pictures, etc. It was like a family reunion in Mayfield and it was nice for us to relax until lunch. We had a blast with the kids and swings.
Jay, how’s it goin’? “I’ve missed our conversations.” Saludos a su familia, Wendy, Hna. Ale, y todos en Madryn. I miss you, and pray for you. Hugs and kisses!
Well, that’s all for this week, all. Love tons!
Happy March Birthdays to Mom, Grandma, Grandma, Nils, and Hna. Ale and whoever else I have forgotten! Love you!
We actually didn’t have a baptism this week. We had some scheduling conflicts, so we will see what happens. I will keep you all updated.
So, last Monday was wonderful! We climbed Cerro Michacheo (?) and had lunch. We could see all of Zapala and it honestly looks like southern/central Utah. We have mountains, desert, weeds, etc. I don’t know how allergies are going to be when fall hits. Anyway, hiking the hill was fun. I spend most of the day quoting movie lines with Elder Whiting, a newbie.
On Tuesday I got to help a less active member with his English! It was great! It made me happy to help and do something with English! My favorite part was when Martin’s face lit up when he understood and could apply what he learned! There was a sentence we were looking at that said, “It’s a nice sandwich.” I laughed because we usually don’t say that. Unless, we have met a mean sandwich before. It reminded me of The Hot Rock, “That’s a nice watch.” LOL!
We have a new nickname, “Señoras de Jesus”. I like it.
We also attended a ward activity for lunch on Saturday. It was fun! We all chilled, took pictures, etc. It was like a family reunion in Mayfield and it was nice for us to relax until lunch. We had a blast with the kids and swings.
Jay, how’s it goin’? “I’ve missed our conversations.” Saludos a su familia, Wendy, Hna. Ale, y todos en Madryn. I miss you, and pray for you. Hugs and kisses!
Well, that’s all for this week, all. Love tons!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Letter from Monday Feb 19th, 2007
Hey all! Thanks for letters and emails from everyone! Especially the valentines from all my international family! I loved them! Thanks also for your continual prayers, fasts, and love. They help a ton.
So this week was interesting. My favorite part was p-day because I am good friends with Elder Whiting. He is new, but we quote movie lines all the time. I also saw a drugstore that is Dumbo purple called Porthos. LOL!
The weather here is like Merlin’s germ “followed by hot and cold flashes”. We had rain, sun, wind, and fall is setting in early. I had a funny thought when we were knocking doors the other day. “The police are here...I am the police and they are with me...we have all your friends outside in a paddy wagon...” from Signs. I was laughing so hard. This was the “undead monkey” experience for the week.
We have a baptism this coming Friday. Our investigator’s name is Viviana Baigorria. She is really excited and I will have to tell you all about it next week. She is about 16 years old.
Oh, cool scripture experience. We read Alma 37 and talked about how we don’t feel our pain anymore when we repent and then I applied that to the other aspects of our lives because the Savior suffered for everything (see Alma 7: 11-13).
¡Felicitaciones a Marcela y Milton con su bautismo! Me alegre tanto en saber de ustedes. Sigue adelante. Con amor, Hna. Brichu
Jay, my wonderful kindred spirit, como andas, vos? Saludos a todos. Suerte con sus estudios. I want you to remember something. “You are sure to do impossible things if you follow your heart.” Without thinking about anything else, take some time and find out what the missionaries are teaching you means for you. Hugs and kisses! I’m always here if you need me.
Taty, ¡hola! ¿me hagas un favor? ¿Leerá el libro que dejé que se llama Nuesto Búsqueda para la felicidad? Puede ayudarle entender todo que estamos compartiendo. Hay esperanza y las familias pueden ser unidas para siempre. Ud. Solamente necesita alcanzarlas. ¡Abrazos! Hna. Madsen
Love all always!
So this week was interesting. My favorite part was p-day because I am good friends with Elder Whiting. He is new, but we quote movie lines all the time. I also saw a drugstore that is Dumbo purple called Porthos. LOL!
The weather here is like Merlin’s germ “followed by hot and cold flashes”. We had rain, sun, wind, and fall is setting in early. I had a funny thought when we were knocking doors the other day. “The police are here...I am the police and they are with me...we have all your friends outside in a paddy wagon...” from Signs. I was laughing so hard. This was the “undead monkey” experience for the week.
We have a baptism this coming Friday. Our investigator’s name is Viviana Baigorria. She is really excited and I will have to tell you all about it next week. She is about 16 years old.
Oh, cool scripture experience. We read Alma 37 and talked about how we don’t feel our pain anymore when we repent and then I applied that to the other aspects of our lives because the Savior suffered for everything (see Alma 7: 11-13).
¡Felicitaciones a Marcela y Milton con su bautismo! Me alegre tanto en saber de ustedes. Sigue adelante. Con amor, Hna. Brichu
Jay, my wonderful kindred spirit, como andas, vos? Saludos a todos. Suerte con sus estudios. I want you to remember something. “You are sure to do impossible things if you follow your heart.” Without thinking about anything else, take some time and find out what the missionaries are teaching you means for you. Hugs and kisses! I’m always here if you need me.
Taty, ¡hola! ¿me hagas un favor? ¿Leerá el libro que dejé que se llama Nuesto Búsqueda para la felicidad? Puede ayudarle entender todo que estamos compartiendo. Hay esperanza y las familias pueden ser unidas para siempre. Ud. Solamente necesita alcanzarlas. ¡Abrazos! Hna. Madsen
Love all always!
Letter from Monday Feb 12th, 2007
Hey all! Thanks for letters last week from Mom, Dad, Maxine, Diane, Noelle (Thanks for the Link pics! I love them!) and Lisa R. Dunn. Thanks for emails this week from Diane, Kelly, Cori and Rene, Alex, and Mom. Thanks as always for your love and prayers and fasts!
I had a great discovery last week in the scriptures! We read 1 Nephi 1 and I realized that Lehi hears the words of the prophets and then prays to know for himself, just like Nephi does with the words of his father! That’s so cool!
So, the ward is wonderful. I have been very grateful this past week for the storm clouds, wind, and a companion that is there for me. There are many people that are wonderful here in Zapala, even though I still don’t know many names or where they live. Hna. Riquelme has been in the area for one transfer, this is her second one here.
OH, Kelly, I hear the funniest song last week about mullets! “That guy’s a girl, that girl’s a guy. Yep....nope” LOL!
Dad asked about perfumes. Yes. It is a latin america thing. But here in Argentina I don’t know what is worse the perfumes or the aerosol deodorant that everyone seems to think works great. “Who knows.”
Alex, congrats on work, school, etc. Keep me posted.
Congrats to Kelly, Heath and Alex for making it to green belt in karate! I will have a ton to learn! I’m so proud of you all!
So this week we had winds and clouds! I saw a licence plate that said “cuc” LOL! and a trash can that said “residuos” LOL! I thought of “prodigeonuous” from October Sky. I have been told be members that I speak Castellano clearly. I have also been told by the primary kids that I speak like a little kid. I said, “That’s good, because I’m still learning how to speak.” Oh, and I’m staying in Zapala for a while because Heavenly Father told me to. There are interesting smells here. The other day I smelled Disneyland (Gepetto’s place-the accordian music helped add to the illusion), and Splash Mountain, and Maxine’s school, and grass in the summer. It was beautiful!
There are a few investigators that I remember. One of them is Yisel. She has strong desires to be baptized and do the right things. We had a few very powerful lessons with her. They were powerful because the Spirit was there.
Jay! Kelly tells me that you are finally in touch with her! Yea! Keep writing! How have you been this week? ¿Me hagas un favor? Por favor, empieza un diario. Escriba lo que siente, porque escucha a las misioneras, sus deseos, todo. Okay, that was a horrible attempt at Castellano. But please start a diary or journal. It will be important to you later. Hugs and kisses, my kindred spirit.
That’s all for this week, I will try to answer other questions in other emails if I can. Loves always and forever!
I had a great discovery last week in the scriptures! We read 1 Nephi 1 and I realized that Lehi hears the words of the prophets and then prays to know for himself, just like Nephi does with the words of his father! That’s so cool!
So, the ward is wonderful. I have been very grateful this past week for the storm clouds, wind, and a companion that is there for me. There are many people that are wonderful here in Zapala, even though I still don’t know many names or where they live. Hna. Riquelme has been in the area for one transfer, this is her second one here.
OH, Kelly, I hear the funniest song last week about mullets! “That guy’s a girl, that girl’s a guy. Yep....nope” LOL!
Dad asked about perfumes. Yes. It is a latin america thing. But here in Argentina I don’t know what is worse the perfumes or the aerosol deodorant that everyone seems to think works great. “Who knows.”
Alex, congrats on work, school, etc. Keep me posted.
Congrats to Kelly, Heath and Alex for making it to green belt in karate! I will have a ton to learn! I’m so proud of you all!
So this week we had winds and clouds! I saw a licence plate that said “cuc” LOL! and a trash can that said “residuos” LOL! I thought of “prodigeonuous” from October Sky. I have been told be members that I speak Castellano clearly. I have also been told by the primary kids that I speak like a little kid. I said, “That’s good, because I’m still learning how to speak.” Oh, and I’m staying in Zapala for a while because Heavenly Father told me to. There are interesting smells here. The other day I smelled Disneyland (Gepetto’s place-the accordian music helped add to the illusion), and Splash Mountain, and Maxine’s school, and grass in the summer. It was beautiful!
There are a few investigators that I remember. One of them is Yisel. She has strong desires to be baptized and do the right things. We had a few very powerful lessons with her. They were powerful because the Spirit was there.
Jay! Kelly tells me that you are finally in touch with her! Yea! Keep writing! How have you been this week? ¿Me hagas un favor? Por favor, empieza un diario. Escriba lo que siente, porque escucha a las misioneras, sus deseos, todo. Okay, that was a horrible attempt at Castellano. But please start a diary or journal. It will be important to you later. Hugs and kisses, my kindred spirit.
That’s all for this week, I will try to answer other questions in other emails if I can. Loves always and forever!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Letter from Feb 5, 2006
Hey all! Thanks for emails from Kelly, Diane, Cori and Rene, Mom, and Alex.. Thanks so much for your love, prayers, fasts, and tears. I don’t know if I have any letters since here in Ruca Hueney, Zapala, we don’t meet the Elders until 1:30. Anyway, thanks for letters too!
¡Feliz Cumple a Marcela!
“I hate to worry you, Johnny, but it’s gettin’ hotter.” I know I said that at the beginning of summer in Puerto Madryn, but holy hanna. That was nothing to the cloudless summer heat here in Zapala. My companion is Hna. Riquelme from Buenos Aires. She is wonderful and upbeat and loves the people. I have a lot to learn from her. The ward is wonderful. Our ward missionary lent me her shoes becuase the ones I have aren’t helpful for this area.
Alex will be interested to know that we met a lady named Iris. I also had an interesting lightbulb moment. We were talking with a returned missionary and he said something to the effect that when you feel you don’t have anything that’s when you need to give everything. I’ve tried to remember that, but it has been hard. The members here are nice. They say I speak very clearly and that I don’t have a yankee accent. That’s kind of them.
So, what is Zapala like? Imagine San Francisco hills only not so steep, no sea, moutains in the background, more hills and pavement on the Wyoming trek route. Yep, that’s Zapala. I love seeing the mountains, but I miss the sea now. Zapala is beautiful. There are no Welsh that I know of. We have Mapuche and Argentine people. So I get my Native Americans. I live in an apartment with no windows. It’s great!
Kelly, you will be happy to know that a couple of years ago, Argentina won the Vollyball World Cup. There is more here than soccer.
JAY! My wonderful, kindred spirit, and eternal friend! Thank you so much for writing to me! As we both knew would happen, I cried. Actually I cried every day this week. I know things will be different, well, are different. I want you to know that I think about you and pray for you every day. Thank you for your friendship and for seeing me in a way that I often don’t see in myself. You are a choice son of God and he loves you. “Keep on keeping on” as my Dad and Grandpa tell me. Or in other words, “Sigue adelante.” You can make it. Do what you need to because you know it is true. This Gospel and this church are true. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He died for you and I had the priveledge to share that with you. The Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. We have a Prophet today who leads and guides us. There is nothing more important in this world than this, because if we stick to the Savior, we will gain the best reward and we can be with our families for forever. Keep on keeping on. You can make it. Hugs and kisses! OH, and please say hi to Wendy and Hna. Ale for me!
This poem is for Kelly and Jay. I wrote it when I was traveling to Zapala.
STRENGTH
“Be strong”
“Don’t cry”
“Be stronger”
Tears show
Weakness.
They must
Never show;
For if they do,
We become
Prey
To the Enemy.
But tears
Are
Not weakness.
They are
Signs of
Strength.
Strength to love.
Strength to sorrow.
Strength in compassion.
Strength in humility.
Through tears,
We release
Our burdens,
We renew
Our strength.
Then we
Get up,
Rise
To the challenge
In the strength
God has
Given us
Through Christ.
“Jesus wept”
And He was
The strongest
Of us all.
¡Feliz Cumple a Marcela!
“I hate to worry you, Johnny, but it’s gettin’ hotter.” I know I said that at the beginning of summer in Puerto Madryn, but holy hanna. That was nothing to the cloudless summer heat here in Zapala. My companion is Hna. Riquelme from Buenos Aires. She is wonderful and upbeat and loves the people. I have a lot to learn from her. The ward is wonderful. Our ward missionary lent me her shoes becuase the ones I have aren’t helpful for this area.
Alex will be interested to know that we met a lady named Iris. I also had an interesting lightbulb moment. We were talking with a returned missionary and he said something to the effect that when you feel you don’t have anything that’s when you need to give everything. I’ve tried to remember that, but it has been hard. The members here are nice. They say I speak very clearly and that I don’t have a yankee accent. That’s kind of them.
So, what is Zapala like? Imagine San Francisco hills only not so steep, no sea, moutains in the background, more hills and pavement on the Wyoming trek route. Yep, that’s Zapala. I love seeing the mountains, but I miss the sea now. Zapala is beautiful. There are no Welsh that I know of. We have Mapuche and Argentine people. So I get my Native Americans. I live in an apartment with no windows. It’s great!
Kelly, you will be happy to know that a couple of years ago, Argentina won the Vollyball World Cup. There is more here than soccer.
JAY! My wonderful, kindred spirit, and eternal friend! Thank you so much for writing to me! As we both knew would happen, I cried. Actually I cried every day this week. I know things will be different, well, are different. I want you to know that I think about you and pray for you every day. Thank you for your friendship and for seeing me in a way that I often don’t see in myself. You are a choice son of God and he loves you. “Keep on keeping on” as my Dad and Grandpa tell me. Or in other words, “Sigue adelante.” You can make it. Do what you need to because you know it is true. This Gospel and this church are true. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He died for you and I had the priveledge to share that with you. The Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. We have a Prophet today who leads and guides us. There is nothing more important in this world than this, because if we stick to the Savior, we will gain the best reward and we can be with our families for forever. Keep on keeping on. You can make it. Hugs and kisses! OH, and please say hi to Wendy and Hna. Ale for me!
This poem is for Kelly and Jay. I wrote it when I was traveling to Zapala.
STRENGTH
“Be strong”
“Don’t cry”
“Be stronger”
Tears show
Weakness.
They must
Never show;
For if they do,
We become
Prey
To the Enemy.
But tears
Are
Not weakness.
They are
Signs of
Strength.
Strength to love.
Strength to sorrow.
Strength in compassion.
Strength in humility.
Through tears,
We release
Our burdens,
We renew
Our strength.
Then we
Get up,
Rise
To the challenge
In the strength
God has
Given us
Through Christ.
“Jesus wept”
And He was
The strongest
Of us all.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Letter from Jan 29, 2007
Thank you all so much for your love and prayers! Thanks for keeping me up to date too. I haven’t had time to read the letters yet so I will try to answer questions next week if I remember.
This week is transfers and I am leaving my lovely home in Puerto Madryn to serve up north in Zapala, Neuquen. My new companion will be Hna. Riquelme. We’ll see how it all goes. Transfers are today, as well as P-day so we’ve been all over the place.
Cool things of the week. I spent time with my favorite people here in Madryn (Jay, Marcela, Milton, Tobias). They all went to church too! Jay even brought a friend! That was so cool! These people are such examples for me. I can’t think of anything else to share with y’all for the week. I need to finish getting ready to leave. We are going to spend the day with Jay and Marcela and Milton!
This week is transfers and I am leaving my lovely home in Puerto Madryn to serve up north in Zapala, Neuquen. My new companion will be Hna. Riquelme. We’ll see how it all goes. Transfers are today, as well as P-day so we’ve been all over the place.
Cool things of the week. I spent time with my favorite people here in Madryn (Jay, Marcela, Milton, Tobias). They all went to church too! Jay even brought a friend! That was so cool! These people are such examples for me. I can’t think of anything else to share with y’all for the week. I need to finish getting ready to leave. We are going to spend the day with Jay and Marcela and Milton!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Calling all friends...
As is the case with every missionary the work can be hard and lack of progress from your investigators can be a negative experience. I know, I served a mission myself.
If anyone has seen those Church produced missionary videos that depict missionary work, very rarely do those kind of awesome experiences happen - if ever - in one's missionary experiences.
So I would encourage all who know April and or read this blog to send her a letter.
By the way, I've just realized that I have been making posts as April for over 6 months...silly me.
Cody
oncewise.blogspot.com Administrator - in April's absence.
cctayl.blogspot.com
ldscorner.blogspot.com
If anyone has seen those Church produced missionary videos that depict missionary work, very rarely do those kind of awesome experiences happen - if ever - in one's missionary experiences.
So I would encourage all who know April and or read this blog to send her a letter.
By the way, I've just realized that I have been making posts as April for over 6 months...silly me.
Cody
oncewise.blogspot.com Administrator - in April's absence.
cctayl.blogspot.com
ldscorner.blogspot.com
Letter from Monday Jan 15, 2007
It’s not too humid, but it’s definitely not as dry as Utah. It is summer now. Contacts are improving, as I actually get to do some and my companion is wonderful. My Castellano is definitely improving. ;) There are butterflies in Argentina but I haven’t seen very many. Missionary life is hard but definitely rewarding. I love it!
Our investigators are wonderful. We are going to put a new baptismal date with Marcela and Milton. All the Bolivians are progressing very slowly. I love visiting Jay, especially with a member friend (his and ours) named Wendy. It is so great to have the members help us. The Spirit is in the lessons more and Jay now has someone, besides us to talk to about the Gospel. I’ve known for a while that all he needed was a friend, especially since we, as missionaries, can’t be there all the time, even though we wish we could be. Gladys and Juan are not married, and we are helping them get their Argentine document (DNI) so they can get married. They are great!
Cool story of the week is that we had Conference with President Cook and Elder Bowen. It was good, the Spirit was there, and yeah. The best part of it was that I was in Trelew and we passed a Welsh chapel and I saw a Welsh word and then we walked through a beautiful park. The Welsh stuff made me happy and I was sad not to have more time to stay. We’ll see if I get to have more Welsh as the mission goes on. I love Welsh things! Anyway, more next week. Love all tons! Hugs and snuggles!
Our investigators are wonderful. We are going to put a new baptismal date with Marcela and Milton. All the Bolivians are progressing very slowly. I love visiting Jay, especially with a member friend (his and ours) named Wendy. It is so great to have the members help us. The Spirit is in the lessons more and Jay now has someone, besides us to talk to about the Gospel. I’ve known for a while that all he needed was a friend, especially since we, as missionaries, can’t be there all the time, even though we wish we could be. Gladys and Juan are not married, and we are helping them get their Argentine document (DNI) so they can get married. They are great!
Cool story of the week is that we had Conference with President Cook and Elder Bowen. It was good, the Spirit was there, and yeah. The best part of it was that I was in Trelew and we passed a Welsh chapel and I saw a Welsh word and then we walked through a beautiful park. The Welsh stuff made me happy and I was sad not to have more time to stay. We’ll see if I get to have more Welsh as the mission goes on. I love Welsh things! Anyway, more next week. Love all tons! Hugs and snuggles!
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