Things are much better this week and once again I can say I am loving life.
We went to the zoo today, it’s free and hence not very good haha, but today has been the best day. Every P-day we have the opportunity to eat with the Ramon family. I mention them more in my letters, but they are the best members. The dad is Secretary in the ward and the son is Bishop. The mom is a clothing designer in Montevideo which is HUGE! She designs wedding gowns. Irma Alvarez… if you want to check it out. She is Relief Society president and a painter as well. Their son just returned from his mission two weeks ago in Mexico. Their other son is the Bishop and a professional photographer. And so! I get along with them really well haha. Hermano Erick, the dad, is teaching me how to play the guitar haha. He’s amazing. And he’s working on his English, so he practices with me. He also likes English music so today he played us some good Charlotte and other good stuff. I love this family with all my heart. They are the greatest. They make me feel at home and loved while being away from those I truly love.
This week has been a roller coaster… and you know how much I love roller coasters ha. But I hear that the mission is full of them so I better get ready to hang on tight eh? : ) I experienced many great things. Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to teach a lesson to a lady. My comp is very good at teaching, but she is strictly by the book. She teaches lessons, not people and it should be the other way around. We were starting to lose this lady because she doesn’t want to change religions. She mentioned she already had faith and hence didn’t need to change beliefs. I was impressed to ask her about the atonement. It’s a very complicated matter sometimes, the atonement, and thus we don’t usually go into it at the beginning, but I figured she already wasn’t accepting our message so I might as well ask. And it was the spirit telling me to ask. As soon as I asked that, her face drew a blank. She had no idea about the atonement. This was where she was lacking in belief. She said she doubted there was an atonement and such and this one question opened up a very good conversation/lesson. Elder Holland says, more important than talking is listening and so through the spirit I was able to ask A LOT of questions. I didn’t even know how to say these things prior! It was amazing, and through those questions we got her thinking about her baptism and such. I honestly am not sure if she will change. She’s a woman of her ways, but I for sure was strengthened. She left for a minute and my comp turned to me and said, "Is this you Hermana?" I giggled and said, “No... this is the spirit.” It was incredible and we couldn’t stop talking about it the rest of the night. It was great.
Also, like dad said last week, perhaps I will be able to talk about grandpa in my lessons and bear testimony that I will see him again. Man... I talked about nothing else but grandpa this week. I bore testimony almost every lesson we gave, and it was rough to do so. But we had a ward activity this week to visit all the inactive members. Only two ward members showed up. This is why we need to strengthen the ward. For some reason, they assigned us sisters to go to the Elder’s area, which we never do. We knocked on a door and a 14 year old girl answered. Her grandmother had been the member we were looking for and she informed us her grandma passed away just a few months ago. She got teary eyed and I felt her pain and sorrow. She invited us in and a few minutes later her mom showed up.
She wanted to listen too, but wasn’t able to at the time. We informed her that missionaries would be in contact, but it would be the elders. I was sad because I wanted to share my story with her. As we were walking out of the door, I was prompted to tell her about grandpa and so at the very last second, as the member and my comp walked out the door, I turned around and said, "I just want you to know, my grandpa passed away also, but I know through this gospel we can be with our loved ones again. This is the message of our gospel and I know it to be true." I said thank you for your time and they thanked me in return and I bolted. I have no idea what’s going to happen or even what their reaction was, but the elders are going to visit her tomorrow and so I hope it goes well.
We had a baptism this Saturday. And as it was starting, so was grandpa’s funeral. I thought of you all and prayed my heart out for you all to have comfort. I know you received it. Then I was able to focus on this special event. Apparently it counts as my first baptism even though I didn’t find him or teach him. He’s great, Hector is his name. I mention him more in my letter home, but that was very special. The elders in our zone tell me I’m very lucky because they didn’t have a baptism until 6 months or so into their mission. I’m grateful I was able to be reminded why I’m here.
I know this area is one of the most difficult in the mission. At first I thought I was being tested because the work is very difficult here. My comp wouldn’t say so but I could see it through the members and our so-called investigators. An elder came here for transfers and he started talking to me about this area. I said it was hard. He said, “I was here before. This area was my hardest.” And he has been out for a year now. The ward was the most difficult to work with and the baptisms were the slowest. I felt some relief, and then I was enlightened with the thought that... maybe I have something to offer that the area needs. Obviously, the things that the missionaries have been doing aren’t working and to reach places never before reached, you have to do things never before done. I am more excited than ever to be here and bring something new here. I am trying my hardest to use my creative talents to build this place back up. I also think the members don’t feel appreciated for their work here and so they stopped working, but that’s all going to change. I’m determined.
Even though I have blisters on both feet, hundreds of mosquito bites over my entire body (no joke… my comp says I have the chicken pox haha). And the heat and sweat can never be escaped, I am glad to be here. I have a testimony of this gospel and every person who rejects us, actually strengthens my testimony more. Thanks to all of your wonderful words from last week, I am ok. I know that Heavenly Father has a purpose and plan for me, my comp and this area. It’s about to explode : )
I have a testimony of Joseph Smith and I am so grateful for his sacrifice for this gospel. In the J.S. movie he is doing service for a lady in the neighborhood and she comes out and says, "I don’t like your religion Joseph Smith, but I do appreciate your service." He chuckles and says, “That is our religion!" So, I encourage you all to serve someone today. Show someone what this gospel is all about. I love it with all my heart. I’m so grateful for all of your love. I miss you like crazy. Thank you all for your words. I know the lord is protecting you and guiding you with his loving arm, as he is me. Be good ok? : )
Love, Ash
P.S. Go see the Joseph Smith movie right now for FHE. Best movie ever. It will strengthen your testimony so much. I love it.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
ASHLEY'S GUARDIAN ANGEL
This week brought about some sad news for our family... Ashley's Grandpa Berg (Tammy's dad) passed away Saturday, February 12th. We agonized for a couple of days about how and when to tell Ash, knowing that his passing would be difficult for her to hear. She loved him dearly and was fortunate to spend some unforgetable time living with them in California two summers ago.
We finally decided she would want to know now. Writing an email to break this difficult news was a challenge. A phone call would've been so much better, but that was not an option. On top of that, Ashley hasn't been in Uruguay for even a week and everything is new and foreign and the adjustment to this transition is a little fragile right at the moment.
She has left behind her a district that has been with her for nine weeks.... a family and home away from home. She now has a native companion who doesn't speak a lick of English. Ash says it is like another language in Uruguay and she understands nothing. They live in very poor circumstances. Her tiny ward consists of 20 active members. There are no young women, no young men and only 2 primary children. They don't have a primary organization so the children go to class with their parents. It is quite different from Utah!
However, my dad had been sick for quite some time. There was no quality of life left. He was ready to go. His last trip to the hospital was cut short because he requested to go home to be with his family to die. And that request was granted. What a blessing it was that he was able to be in his own home surrounded by loved ones who were able to say goodbye. He passed peacefully during his sleep.
The last time I spoke with my dad I told him I was giving him a "BIG Ashley hug" from her. He loved her hugs! Who doesn't? She is known for her tight, hard, long, genuine hugs. You can feel her soul when she hugs you. For a moment I wasn't sure if he was understanding everything I was saying, but then he gently smiled and said, "Oh, I got it!" That made me happy.
Ashley knew when she left on her mission that she would not see him when she returned. So, she had already said her goodbyes. That doesn't make it any easier though.
Ashley's response in learning of grandpa's passing....
"This has been one roller coaster of a week. Hearing about grandpa doesn't make this week any better. I can't even tell you how grateful I am to have this gospel and know that we will be with him again. That is the only thing that makes this ok. I feel as though he will be my guardian angel here though and I look forward to that."
Then she leaves her final words to grandpa.....
"Dear sweet gramps... You lived a very special life and there are many who love you. You will be missed, but we know you are in a better place without pain. I love you."
He was the best dad! I am so priviledged to have had him in my life. He taught me principles of life that are eternal. He made me believe I could do anything!! He showed me he loved me in everything he did. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of this everlasting gospel and to know that this is not the end. We will be with him again. He has left a huge hole in my life, but he is free from his weak, feeble body and pain. He is surrounded by loved ones. He is happy! I know this! And I take great comfort in that.
I love you dad!
That's all for now.... I'm sure Ash would appreciate any letters of comfort from those of you who feel so inclined. Mourning is always easier when you are surrounded by loved ones. Make sure to send mail (or dear elder) to her new address in Uruguay.
We finally decided she would want to know now. Writing an email to break this difficult news was a challenge. A phone call would've been so much better, but that was not an option. On top of that, Ashley hasn't been in Uruguay for even a week and everything is new and foreign and the adjustment to this transition is a little fragile right at the moment.
She has left behind her a district that has been with her for nine weeks.... a family and home away from home. She now has a native companion who doesn't speak a lick of English. Ash says it is like another language in Uruguay and she understands nothing. They live in very poor circumstances. Her tiny ward consists of 20 active members. There are no young women, no young men and only 2 primary children. They don't have a primary organization so the children go to class with their parents. It is quite different from Utah!
However, my dad had been sick for quite some time. There was no quality of life left. He was ready to go. His last trip to the hospital was cut short because he requested to go home to be with his family to die. And that request was granted. What a blessing it was that he was able to be in his own home surrounded by loved ones who were able to say goodbye. He passed peacefully during his sleep.
The last time I spoke with my dad I told him I was giving him a "BIG Ashley hug" from her. He loved her hugs! Who doesn't? She is known for her tight, hard, long, genuine hugs. You can feel her soul when she hugs you. For a moment I wasn't sure if he was understanding everything I was saying, but then he gently smiled and said, "Oh, I got it!" That made me happy.
Ashley knew when she left on her mission that she would not see him when she returned. So, she had already said her goodbyes. That doesn't make it any easier though.
Ashley's response in learning of grandpa's passing....
"This has been one roller coaster of a week. Hearing about grandpa doesn't make this week any better. I can't even tell you how grateful I am to have this gospel and know that we will be with him again. That is the only thing that makes this ok. I feel as though he will be my guardian angel here though and I look forward to that."
Then she leaves her final words to grandpa.....
"Dear sweet gramps... You lived a very special life and there are many who love you. You will be missed, but we know you are in a better place without pain. I love you."
He was the best dad! I am so priviledged to have had him in my life. He taught me principles of life that are eternal. He made me believe I could do anything!! He showed me he loved me in everything he did. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of this everlasting gospel and to know that this is not the end. We will be with him again. He has left a huge hole in my life, but he is free from his weak, feeble body and pain. He is surrounded by loved ones. He is happy! I know this! And I take great comfort in that.
I love you dad!
That's all for now.... I'm sure Ash would appreciate any letters of comfort from those of you who feel so inclined. Mourning is always easier when you are surrounded by loved ones. Make sure to send mail (or dear elder) to her new address in Uruguay.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A NEW CHAPTER .....
It was fun to receive these pics of Ash from the mission president... evidence of her safe arrival in Uruguay. Now the adventure begins... YEAH!!
Sister Medina (her new native comp) with Ash
Ashley with President and Hermana DaSilva
The newest missionaries in Uruguay
Sister Medina (her new native comp) with Ash
Ashley with President and Hermana DaSilva
The newest missionaries in Uruguay
URUGUAY!
We, as a family, expected to be able to talk to Ash on the morning she left Argentina, while she waited for her flight to Uruguay. But to our disappointment, the call didn't come. We didn't know why, but we got this response from her today.
Hello family. I'm sorry I didn't get to call. With so many missionsries at the airport it took us forever to get through customs and security. We barely made the flight. I am so sorry, but turns out president knew you would be curious if we made it and said we could email a quick note today.
We arrived at the mission home yesterday morning and met with president and his family and the trainers. We interviewed with him and then got our assignments and trainers. It was a long day. I got my new companion, Hermana Medina, and yes she is a native. Although less than half the missionaries here are latino. She is so very nice and patient and doesn't speak a lick of English. I am already learning so much. We had to travel all day to get to our area, San Jose.... going from bus to bus, taxi to taxi in the rain with all my luggage. We got to our house. We live in very poor circumstances. I am grateful that we have a place to live though. This morning we had district meeting and every week we have to travel by bus to get there. We started contacting today and it doesn't seem there are many investigators. We get to find the new ones. This is my comp's last transfer so I'm trying to make it good for her.
I love you all. I miss you more than you can imagine and I know this church is true.
Love, Ash
Hello family. I'm sorry I didn't get to call. With so many missionsries at the airport it took us forever to get through customs and security. We barely made the flight. I am so sorry, but turns out president knew you would be curious if we made it and said we could email a quick note today.
We arrived at the mission home yesterday morning and met with president and his family and the trainers. We interviewed with him and then got our assignments and trainers. It was a long day. I got my new companion, Hermana Medina, and yes she is a native. Although less than half the missionaries here are latino. She is so very nice and patient and doesn't speak a lick of English. I am already learning so much. We had to travel all day to get to our area, San Jose.... going from bus to bus, taxi to taxi in the rain with all my luggage. We got to our house. We live in very poor circumstances. I am grateful that we have a place to live though. This morning we had district meeting and every week we have to travel by bus to get there. We started contacting today and it doesn't seem there are many investigators. We get to find the new ones. This is my comp's last transfer so I'm trying to make it good for her.
I love you all. I miss you more than you can imagine and I know this church is true.
Love, Ash
BAPTISM!! Feb. 6, 2011
We totally got a baptism on Saturday before I left Argentina. It is the greatest feeling ever. It wasn’t the girl we were planning on committing either. The Lord works in mysterious ways. I only have 10 minutes to write but, luckily we get to talk tomorrow and so I get to tell you the experience in person... or kind of haha. This weekend was the best ever. I have felt the spirit more than ever before. As much as I am happy to leave this MTC, haha it has become my home and my district has become my family away from my family. Heavenly Father knew I would need them. And now... uncertainty again as I leave for Uruguay. I imagine Heavenly Father is looking out for me again. Well, I know he is... but I am still nervous.
WEEK EIGHT - LAST WEEK IN ARGENTINA
Oh me, oh my...
Here it is, my last week in Argentina, and boy am I excited. I love Argentina and all but I am so ready to get out of this crazy place and get going in my own country. No offense Argentines. It’s insane. I really can’t believe I’m leaving here. I’m so excited, but I am so scared too. Ever since last March I have been waiting for my mission and I realized that the MTC totally doesn’t count. I have been waiting for this moment for so long. Tuesday... here I come!
We had a lot of success in our new area and we are planning on committing a lady to be baptized on Sunday. It’s our last week. Everyone has baptisms and we think she is ready, so why not? Wish us luck. Actually, who needs luck when you’ve got the Lord on your side? haha
We became a little more creative with teaching lessons when I discovered a little store had chalk. We taught a 15 year old boy the Plan of Salvation by drawing it out on the sidewalk for him to actually see and understand. It was a blast and he liked it too. We found a family in the park who were soooo nice. We are going back to teach grandparents, brothers, kids, grandkids and all on Saturday. They loved us so much they even took a pic of us. Haha They also offered Hermana Kirkham beer. She was about to drink it when I told her what it was. That kind of thing has happened to her quite a bit. She doesn’t realize the worldly things out here. Haha It sure does make for a funny story though.
We also came across our first woman who, the second we started talking to her, realized she was missing something in life. She started crying right there and told us how every day she is tormented by her family relationships (or lack thereof). She used the word tormented more times than I can count. I started crying with her, and what’s worse was she wouldn’t let us come visit her. She said her husband wouldn’t allow it and they were moving tomorrow anyway. My heart broke as we did all that we could do: pray and hand her a pamphlet and hope that someone will find her in her new area and bring her the gospel. That’s the worst feeling in the world. She thanked us over and over again for listening and being there with her and she said she knew Heavenly Father was our companion in our journeys. It was a powerful experience.
This week I still have been struggling my purpose. I still remember why I wanted to be here, but grasping it when you get overwhelmed is a whole other story. Well... we have these preach my gospel videos here and our district decided to watch them with the little bit of free time we get after meals. They are quite possibly the best things I have ever seen. It’s called the District and they film an actual district in San Diego teaching investigators and tracting and going through all their hard times and interviews of their life stories and all sorts of cool things. I don’t think I have felt the spirit stronger than when I watch those videos. Everyone has given up so much to serve missions. i.e. They have cancer, their family deserts them, they didn’t come with a testimony but still knew it was right… all sorts of things. I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have so many people support me and love me and I didn’t have to give up much to be here. But these missionaries are changing people’s lives and the things they discover about themselves and the testimonies they receive and the spirit they feel is incredible. I just simply cannot wait to get out there. Heavenly Father definitely sent me a little package haha. That’s what Hermana George likes to call tender mercies. A little package sent from Heavenly Father without a name written on it to help us in our time of need. So, we watched these every day this week and I have found my purpose AGAIN. I just want to help and love people, bring them to Christ and show them there’s a better way.
Another little side note, as I continue to read the Ensign, I discover great new things all the time. I would like you all to read the priesthood session talk by Russell M. Nelson about missionaries… Every member a missionary. We have been learning of the importance of planting those seeds as friends or family just at home because we find those people are already somewhat familiar with the teachings. And because someone they love has shared it with them, they are more open and ready to receive. Anyway, that talk is powerful and you will see the ways you can help further missionary work. It’s great. We need the help of you all! So go out and rock it!
I miss you all so very much. Life is challenging, but life is good. Read the scriptures daily, pray often and the Lord will guide your steps. I can’t wait to talk to you all on Tuesday morning. Your inspiring words help me daily and your faces help me too. More than you could ever imagine. I think of you always and appreciate you all so much more. Too bad I had to leave to discover that, right? I guess it’s usually how it goes. But don’t let it happen to you! Love our family! We need them and remember we want to be with each other forever and ever. What a great blessing that is. I love you again. I miss you and know Heavenly Father is with you. Be good and see you soon!
Love, ash face
Here it is, my last week in Argentina, and boy am I excited. I love Argentina and all but I am so ready to get out of this crazy place and get going in my own country. No offense Argentines. It’s insane. I really can’t believe I’m leaving here. I’m so excited, but I am so scared too. Ever since last March I have been waiting for my mission and I realized that the MTC totally doesn’t count. I have been waiting for this moment for so long. Tuesday... here I come!
We had a lot of success in our new area and we are planning on committing a lady to be baptized on Sunday. It’s our last week. Everyone has baptisms and we think she is ready, so why not? Wish us luck. Actually, who needs luck when you’ve got the Lord on your side? haha
We became a little more creative with teaching lessons when I discovered a little store had chalk. We taught a 15 year old boy the Plan of Salvation by drawing it out on the sidewalk for him to actually see and understand. It was a blast and he liked it too. We found a family in the park who were soooo nice. We are going back to teach grandparents, brothers, kids, grandkids and all on Saturday. They loved us so much they even took a pic of us. Haha They also offered Hermana Kirkham beer. She was about to drink it when I told her what it was. That kind of thing has happened to her quite a bit. She doesn’t realize the worldly things out here. Haha It sure does make for a funny story though.
We also came across our first woman who, the second we started talking to her, realized she was missing something in life. She started crying right there and told us how every day she is tormented by her family relationships (or lack thereof). She used the word tormented more times than I can count. I started crying with her, and what’s worse was she wouldn’t let us come visit her. She said her husband wouldn’t allow it and they were moving tomorrow anyway. My heart broke as we did all that we could do: pray and hand her a pamphlet and hope that someone will find her in her new area and bring her the gospel. That’s the worst feeling in the world. She thanked us over and over again for listening and being there with her and she said she knew Heavenly Father was our companion in our journeys. It was a powerful experience.
This week I still have been struggling my purpose. I still remember why I wanted to be here, but grasping it when you get overwhelmed is a whole other story. Well... we have these preach my gospel videos here and our district decided to watch them with the little bit of free time we get after meals. They are quite possibly the best things I have ever seen. It’s called the District and they film an actual district in San Diego teaching investigators and tracting and going through all their hard times and interviews of their life stories and all sorts of cool things. I don’t think I have felt the spirit stronger than when I watch those videos. Everyone has given up so much to serve missions. i.e. They have cancer, their family deserts them, they didn’t come with a testimony but still knew it was right… all sorts of things. I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have so many people support me and love me and I didn’t have to give up much to be here. But these missionaries are changing people’s lives and the things they discover about themselves and the testimonies they receive and the spirit they feel is incredible. I just simply cannot wait to get out there. Heavenly Father definitely sent me a little package haha. That’s what Hermana George likes to call tender mercies. A little package sent from Heavenly Father without a name written on it to help us in our time of need. So, we watched these every day this week and I have found my purpose AGAIN. I just want to help and love people, bring them to Christ and show them there’s a better way.
Another little side note, as I continue to read the Ensign, I discover great new things all the time. I would like you all to read the priesthood session talk by Russell M. Nelson about missionaries… Every member a missionary. We have been learning of the importance of planting those seeds as friends or family just at home because we find those people are already somewhat familiar with the teachings. And because someone they love has shared it with them, they are more open and ready to receive. Anyway, that talk is powerful and you will see the ways you can help further missionary work. It’s great. We need the help of you all! So go out and rock it!
I miss you all so very much. Life is challenging, but life is good. Read the scriptures daily, pray often and the Lord will guide your steps. I can’t wait to talk to you all on Tuesday morning. Your inspiring words help me daily and your faces help me too. More than you could ever imagine. I think of you always and appreciate you all so much more. Too bad I had to leave to discover that, right? I guess it’s usually how it goes. But don’t let it happen to you! Love our family! We need them and remember we want to be with each other forever and ever. What a great blessing that is. I love you again. I miss you and know Heavenly Father is with you. Be good and see you soon!
Love, ash face
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
"The Sister Missionary"
Okay, okay!!! So, Steve found this poem about missionaries just after Ashley made the decision to serve a mission. It's perfect...
THE MISSION PRESIDENT:
Leaps tall buildings in a single bound,
Is more powerful than a locomotive,
Is faster than a speeding bullet,
Walks on water,
Associates with God.
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT:
Leaps short buildings in a single bound,
Is more powerful than a switch engine,
Is just as fast as a speeding bullet,
Walks on water if the sea is calm,
Talks with God.
THE ZONE LEADER:
Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds,
Is almost as powerful as a switch engine,
Is faster than a decelerating bullet,
Walks on water in an indoor swimming pool,
Talks with God if special request is approved.
THE DISTRICT LEADER:
Barely clears a mud hut,
Loses tug-of-war with locomotives,
Can fire a speeding bullet,
Swims well,
Is occasionally addressed by God.
THE SENIOR COMPANION:
Makes high marks on the wall when trying to leap tall buildings,
Is run over by locomotives,
Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self-injury,
Dog paddles,
Talks to animals.
THE JUNIOR COMPANION:
Runs into buildings,
Recognizes locomotives 2 out of 3 times,
Is not issued ammunition,
Can stay afloat with a life jacket,
Talks to walls.
THE GREENIE:
Falls over doorsteps when trying to enter buildings.
Says, "Look at the choo-choo!"
Wets himself with a water pistol,
Plays in mud puddles,
Mumbles to himself.
THE SISTER MISSIONARIES:
Lifts buildings and walks under them,
Kicks locomotives off the tracks,
Catches speeding bullets with her teeth and eats them,
Freezes water in a single glance,
Knows God.
YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!!! Go Ash!
{So, I'm a little biased}
THE MISSION PRESIDENT:
Leaps tall buildings in a single bound,
Is more powerful than a locomotive,
Is faster than a speeding bullet,
Walks on water,
Associates with God.
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT:
Leaps short buildings in a single bound,
Is more powerful than a switch engine,
Is just as fast as a speeding bullet,
Walks on water if the sea is calm,
Talks with God.
THE ZONE LEADER:
Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds,
Is almost as powerful as a switch engine,
Is faster than a decelerating bullet,
Walks on water in an indoor swimming pool,
Talks with God if special request is approved.
THE DISTRICT LEADER:
Barely clears a mud hut,
Loses tug-of-war with locomotives,
Can fire a speeding bullet,
Swims well,
Is occasionally addressed by God.
THE SENIOR COMPANION:
Makes high marks on the wall when trying to leap tall buildings,
Is run over by locomotives,
Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self-injury,
Dog paddles,
Talks to animals.
THE JUNIOR COMPANION:
Runs into buildings,
Recognizes locomotives 2 out of 3 times,
Is not issued ammunition,
Can stay afloat with a life jacket,
Talks to walls.
THE GREENIE:
Falls over doorsteps when trying to enter buildings.
Says, "Look at the choo-choo!"
Wets himself with a water pistol,
Plays in mud puddles,
Mumbles to himself.
THE SISTER MISSIONARIES:
Lifts buildings and walks under them,
Kicks locomotives off the tracks,
Catches speeding bullets with her teeth and eats them,
Freezes water in a single glance,
Knows God.
YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!!! Go Ash!
{So, I'm a little biased}
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
FIRST SIGHTINGS OF HERMANA FARR!!
Oh yeah!!! We received Ash's first SD card with these relished photos. Check these out. Look how the spirit radiates from these missionaries! And doesn't Ash look the happiest you've ever seen her. I love it! I am the proudest momma....
Ashley's companions [L-R]: Hermana Preston and Kirkham, Ash and Hermana Lundskog
All the missionaries in Ashley's group
All the sister missionaries
The sister missionaries "soaring!"
Ashley's little District. Check out their sign. In Argentina they do the "thumbs up" with their thumb and pointer finger. The missionaries added some jestures to it which mean "smile" and "thumbs up" all in one! Ya, some elders trying to look tough.
President and Hermana George (aka Grandma Berg) with Ash
The houses of Argentina
The MTC (left) and the Argentina Temple under construction (right)
Ashley's companions [L-R]: Hermana Preston and Kirkham, Ash and Hermana Lundskog
All the missionaries in Ashley's group
All the sister missionaries
The sister missionaries "soaring!"
Ashley's little District. Check out their sign. In Argentina they do the "thumbs up" with their thumb and pointer finger. The missionaries added some jestures to it which mean "smile" and "thumbs up" all in one! Ya, some elders trying to look tough.
President and Hermana George (aka Grandma Berg) with Ash
The houses of Argentina
The MTC (left) and the Argentina Temple under construction (right)
WEEK SEVEN
Oh goodness. I received so much love today! Mom, I got one of your packages full of goodies. Thank you so much. And all the dear elders I was supposed to get last week arrived today so I probably have 20 things, plus the package full of letters too. But thank you so much! Oh man...
I think that is how I start out every email. haha But every week is almost nearly indescribable. They just keep getting better. I really have no words. This week is going to be a little different though. I wrote you a letter addressed to dad about my last proselitismo and all the good details in there. I learned so much as always. But this week I wanted to focus on one very specific thing that I learned through my personal study.
As you know, we get one full hour of personal study every day and then we continue with other studies. I have come to realize (as probably every missionary will tell you) -- that one hour is the best thing I could have ever experienced and it goes by way too fast now. I swear, I’m sitting there for 2 minutes … then it’s over. I just indulge.
So we have nice scriptures that they gave us in Spanish and no case right now for them to be carried in. So the tradition here is to make a cardboard box for it, decorate it and then tape it up all nice. It’s really very cool and we had a lot of fun with it. But that was our project this week. I wanted to use very specific pictures to collage my box (as you know how much I love to collage things) and everyone else uses the pictures from preach my gospel or the folletos (pamphlets) we hand out. I decided to ask Hermana George for old Ensigns she might have had. Now... you don’t realize how cherished the Ensigns are here. There are none except for a few smart people who brought them beforehand and we all crave the words of the prophets. Anyway...long story short, she gave me the general conference edition from last October. Naturally, I realize how sacred this book is and decide to take nothing from it. Instead, I remembered how much I love the Ensign and I decided to read from it every day during personal study.
I LOVE THE ENSIGN. I have forgotten. Just look through the conference edition. The pictures in it are so amazing. I don’t know if I can describe it to you, but the pictures have such a light about them. Every one you look at brings you a true sense of joy and it touches me so much. I’m not sure if that’s the photographer in me, but I just wanted to try and convey the happiness it brings me. This gospel is the only thing we need! Nothing else matters... nothing. Look at those pictures and tell me that clothes, money and other things of the world matter. The smiles on the faces of the people, the joy, the knowledge, the divinity of this gospel is present throughout the magazine and that’s all we could ever need. I went a step further too. I started marking all the scriptures at the end of each talk in my scriptures and it has become a very tedious process… One that I enjoy greatly though. I can hardly get through a single talk every hour, but I remember one that I really liked. It was by President Eyring and it’s called "Trust in the Lord and Then Go and Do."
I listened to this talk when we got rejected from going into the conference center in October. I was so bummed, but Kenny and his family turned on the radio as we drove home and I remembered hearing this talk while driving home. The spirit was so very, very strong. His words are so powerful. It’s amazing how I think all the talks in the Ensign were made for missionaries. Haha But when I was home, they applied to me as just a normal girl trying to get through life. That, in and of itself, is a testimony of the greatness and complexity, yet simplicity, of God’s plan. How can every talk that’s given apply to all of us in the world at the exact time we need them? There IS a higher power. I don’t know how anyone could deny it, yet they do. I could never, and will never. No matter the problem in life, the gospel is the answer. I don’t care what it is. That’s what we are taught here, and we are beginning to witness it in the lives of those who have not had the gospel. It is simply amazing.
This talk by Pres. Eyring was about obviously trusting in God... READ THIS TALK. If it is the last thing you ever do. It’s teachings are so powerful. We must trust in the Lord in everything we do. We must turn our hearts over to him, and as hard as it is... it is the answer to everything. This is something I deal with and confront on a daily basis. I’m still trying to learn how to do it. Pride gets in the way, lack of faith gets in the way, but step by step we can do it. A lack of trust brings sadness to us. He goes on to mention that there was a lack of trust even in the pre-existence. The third who followed Satan’s plan lacked the proper trust to follow God’s plan and continue to grow and progress. It’s amazing how that can be when they knew Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. That goes to show you how strong the devil really is. We chose to come here. We have already taken the first step in trusting God, and for that he is grateful and happy.
Moving on…. just a little personal testimony builder on Saturday. One thing I didn’t mention; I had one goal when I went out there. In PMG it says that we begin teaching by simply loving the people. I never thought they were bad or anything, but I am still striving to develop that deep love for them. I prayed for one thing all day and it was that... just that I could allow the spirit of God to work through me and give them a little piece of Jesus Christ. We are his representatives, and if they (for one second) don’t feel of his love, then we are not fulfilling our purpose as missionaries. We went out there and I got more genuine smiles than I ever have while being here in Argentina. People are generally scared of us because we aren’t them. But they smiled and they smiled big, and you can’t help but love that. We received more help with our crappy map, more assistance in the stores, more people serving us than I felt like we were serving them. It was such a humbling experience. These are Heavenly Father’s children! He loves them just as much as he does us, just as much as those in prison for committing grievous sins, or not! He loves us, and I felt the spirit working through me to love them stronger and give them the gift of this amazing gospel. They need what we have... that’s all I know.
I have a testimony of this gospel and I truly know that through Jesus Christ, his gospel, and our families, we need nothing more in this life. Heavenly Father has a plan for us and loves us more than anything. I am humbled to be a part of this work. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like when I really get out there. Haha
P.S. 11 more days. I’m sorta freaking out. haha But all is well over here. I am continually learning and growing and being stretched to my max. Thank you for all the love. I love you (my family) more than anything else in this entire universe. I spend 10 minutes each day on my knees making sure Heavenly Father knows how much I appreciate the fact that he has given me all of you, and often times I am driven to tears because of it. Never take each other for granted! I’m not kidding : ) Be good, stand as a witness of Jesus Christ and let his gospel make and keep you happy. I love you all so much!
Love, Ash
I think that is how I start out every email. haha But every week is almost nearly indescribable. They just keep getting better. I really have no words. This week is going to be a little different though. I wrote you a letter addressed to dad about my last proselitismo and all the good details in there. I learned so much as always. But this week I wanted to focus on one very specific thing that I learned through my personal study.
As you know, we get one full hour of personal study every day and then we continue with other studies. I have come to realize (as probably every missionary will tell you) -- that one hour is the best thing I could have ever experienced and it goes by way too fast now. I swear, I’m sitting there for 2 minutes … then it’s over. I just indulge.
So we have nice scriptures that they gave us in Spanish and no case right now for them to be carried in. So the tradition here is to make a cardboard box for it, decorate it and then tape it up all nice. It’s really very cool and we had a lot of fun with it. But that was our project this week. I wanted to use very specific pictures to collage my box (as you know how much I love to collage things) and everyone else uses the pictures from preach my gospel or the folletos (pamphlets) we hand out. I decided to ask Hermana George for old Ensigns she might have had. Now... you don’t realize how cherished the Ensigns are here. There are none except for a few smart people who brought them beforehand and we all crave the words of the prophets. Anyway...long story short, she gave me the general conference edition from last October. Naturally, I realize how sacred this book is and decide to take nothing from it. Instead, I remembered how much I love the Ensign and I decided to read from it every day during personal study.
I LOVE THE ENSIGN. I have forgotten. Just look through the conference edition. The pictures in it are so amazing. I don’t know if I can describe it to you, but the pictures have such a light about them. Every one you look at brings you a true sense of joy and it touches me so much. I’m not sure if that’s the photographer in me, but I just wanted to try and convey the happiness it brings me. This gospel is the only thing we need! Nothing else matters... nothing. Look at those pictures and tell me that clothes, money and other things of the world matter. The smiles on the faces of the people, the joy, the knowledge, the divinity of this gospel is present throughout the magazine and that’s all we could ever need. I went a step further too. I started marking all the scriptures at the end of each talk in my scriptures and it has become a very tedious process… One that I enjoy greatly though. I can hardly get through a single talk every hour, but I remember one that I really liked. It was by President Eyring and it’s called "Trust in the Lord and Then Go and Do."
I listened to this talk when we got rejected from going into the conference center in October. I was so bummed, but Kenny and his family turned on the radio as we drove home and I remembered hearing this talk while driving home. The spirit was so very, very strong. His words are so powerful. It’s amazing how I think all the talks in the Ensign were made for missionaries. Haha But when I was home, they applied to me as just a normal girl trying to get through life. That, in and of itself, is a testimony of the greatness and complexity, yet simplicity, of God’s plan. How can every talk that’s given apply to all of us in the world at the exact time we need them? There IS a higher power. I don’t know how anyone could deny it, yet they do. I could never, and will never. No matter the problem in life, the gospel is the answer. I don’t care what it is. That’s what we are taught here, and we are beginning to witness it in the lives of those who have not had the gospel. It is simply amazing.
This talk by Pres. Eyring was about obviously trusting in God... READ THIS TALK. If it is the last thing you ever do. It’s teachings are so powerful. We must trust in the Lord in everything we do. We must turn our hearts over to him, and as hard as it is... it is the answer to everything. This is something I deal with and confront on a daily basis. I’m still trying to learn how to do it. Pride gets in the way, lack of faith gets in the way, but step by step we can do it. A lack of trust brings sadness to us. He goes on to mention that there was a lack of trust even in the pre-existence. The third who followed Satan’s plan lacked the proper trust to follow God’s plan and continue to grow and progress. It’s amazing how that can be when they knew Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. That goes to show you how strong the devil really is. We chose to come here. We have already taken the first step in trusting God, and for that he is grateful and happy.
Moving on…. just a little personal testimony builder on Saturday. One thing I didn’t mention; I had one goal when I went out there. In PMG it says that we begin teaching by simply loving the people. I never thought they were bad or anything, but I am still striving to develop that deep love for them. I prayed for one thing all day and it was that... just that I could allow the spirit of God to work through me and give them a little piece of Jesus Christ. We are his representatives, and if they (for one second) don’t feel of his love, then we are not fulfilling our purpose as missionaries. We went out there and I got more genuine smiles than I ever have while being here in Argentina. People are generally scared of us because we aren’t them. But they smiled and they smiled big, and you can’t help but love that. We received more help with our crappy map, more assistance in the stores, more people serving us than I felt like we were serving them. It was such a humbling experience. These are Heavenly Father’s children! He loves them just as much as he does us, just as much as those in prison for committing grievous sins, or not! He loves us, and I felt the spirit working through me to love them stronger and give them the gift of this amazing gospel. They need what we have... that’s all I know.
I have a testimony of this gospel and I truly know that through Jesus Christ, his gospel, and our families, we need nothing more in this life. Heavenly Father has a plan for us and loves us more than anything. I am humbled to be a part of this work. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like when I really get out there. Haha
P.S. 11 more days. I’m sorta freaking out. haha But all is well over here. I am continually learning and growing and being stretched to my max. Thank you for all the love. I love you (my family) more than anything else in this entire universe. I spend 10 minutes each day on my knees making sure Heavenly Father knows how much I appreciate the fact that he has given me all of you, and often times I am driven to tears because of it. Never take each other for granted! I’m not kidding : ) Be good, stand as a witness of Jesus Christ and let his gospel make and keep you happy. I love you all so much!
Love, Ash
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