Thursday, April 26, 2012
Dearest ones,
So, I am fine. It must have been some strep related thing i had. I had called sister cox (the sister that takes care of all our health concerns) and she talked with the doctor and he said he thought it was viral. but due to your emails mom, she called me back up and told me to buy some penicilin. so i did. i took it and now my throat feels just great. :) i didn´t think it was bacterial either because i never had a fever, but maybe if i would have let it go on a little bit longer i would have gotten a fever. i´m just glad it is gone. sorry mom, i didn´t mean to worry you. it really wasn´t anything too bad.
ok, so ironically, today we have transfers so i got to travel in to BA. that means i got mail. and the day i read that kati webb got my letter, you can tell her that i got her announcement and i loved it. i´m super happy for her.
speaking of transfers, i am staying in junin. when they called us up they said, "hermana yingling is going.......to stay". haha what? i´m going for 7 1/2 months in Junín. maybe i´ll make it to the end of my mission. we´ll see what happens. i´m not sure what i have to offer, but i sure know that i am learning a lot from my experience here. still don´t know who my new companion is, but we will see.
oh yeah, and the missionary couple that was in junín for 1 1/2 years is being transferred. so last night they did a farewell party and it kind of turned into a farewell party for H. Nordhagen too. She is great and i´ll miss her. I was hoping for a 3rd transfer with her, but i guess the Lord has other plans in store.
as far as the work goes in junín, things look to be brightening. the number of people in church is now averagely about 30 people. almost double from what we had a couple months ago and i´m happy to see it. francisco is really joining in with the branch and it is cool to see. he just needs to quit smoking and it is resulting harder than we had hoped. pray for him and our investigator monica. so they can both be worthy to make the sacred covenant of baptism.
oh and i got your easter package!! thanks for the hand warmers. they are going to be just perfect for winter coming up. it gets even colder in junín. it has gotten pretty cold the last couple of days. but i guess it is supposed to warm up next weekend. being on bikes is good because you get your blood going a little bit more, but at the same time, the cold wind gets through the clothes more easily. oh face, thanks for the chocolate!! i´m super excited to try it. it got here in better condition than the reese´s. haha. yum! you always know how to brighten my day. :) oh and i love the ring. it is real pretty. i´m wearing it right now. and mom, i especially loved your letter. thank you so much.
anyway, let´s see. there is so much work to be done. seriously. not enough time to do it all. but as long as i am doing the best i can do, i can´t expect anything more. All we can do is work our hardest so that when we face the Lord we can tell him that we did all that we could do.
ok, love you lots.
hermana yingling
p.s. i never got the letter from angela. i recently sent her one, but i don´t know if it got to her. sad day.
Monday, April 16, 2012
dearest ones,
anyway, i just got the package of all the letters that ym and yw did for valentine´s day. :) i´m sure it has been sitting in the office forever but i just got it today because i don´t get mail unless someone goes to Buenos Aires and we somehow meet up with them. But, if you can thank everyone from the ym and yw, i would really appreciate it.
so...i don´t have lots of time, but i just want to tell you about the big things that have been happening this past week. Sunday we got to church and the missionary senior companion here told us that they were being transferred to a different area. They never expected that because they have been here for 1 1/2 yrs. and they only have 6 months left. But it is good because now we have a member that is the branch president and it will force that the members need to start working more. I´m happy about all the changes too. For now they are preparing the area to be split, but we will see what happens. I don´t know if i will be leaving to a different area or if i will stay here until the end of my mission. i´m fine with either way. I know all the changes that happen in the mission are God inspired and that helps me feel comfortable and safe with every change that we have had and will have. The gospel is all about progress and that requires change.
oh and some more good news about fransisco. he is progressing really fast and it is fun to see. :) he told us on sunday that he doesn´t smoke any more because he wants to get baptized on the 28th. so we will see. he dropped from 40 cigarettes per day to nothing in only 1 and 1/2 weeks. wow. that is how God helps those who really have the desire to change. it is the same with every single one of us in our lives. if we have something that we want to change, He will help us if we put our part in and if we really, truly have that desire.
anyway, until next week. love you all lots, and i´m praying for you too.
love, sarah
anyway, i just got the package of all the letters that ym and yw did for valentine´s day. :) i´m sure it has been sitting in the office forever but i just got it today because i don´t get mail unless someone goes to Buenos Aires and we somehow meet up with them. But, if you can thank everyone from the ym and yw, i would really appreciate it.
so...i don´t have lots of time, but i just want to tell you about the big things that have been happening this past week. Sunday we got to church and the missionary senior companion here told us that they were being transferred to a different area. They never expected that because they have been here for 1 1/2 yrs. and they only have 6 months left. But it is good because now we have a member that is the branch president and it will force that the members need to start working more. I´m happy about all the changes too. For now they are preparing the area to be split, but we will see what happens. I don´t know if i will be leaving to a different area or if i will stay here until the end of my mission. i´m fine with either way. I know all the changes that happen in the mission are God inspired and that helps me feel comfortable and safe with every change that we have had and will have. The gospel is all about progress and that requires change.
oh and some more good news about fransisco. he is progressing really fast and it is fun to see. :) he told us on sunday that he doesn´t smoke any more because he wants to get baptized on the 28th. so we will see. he dropped from 40 cigarettes per day to nothing in only 1 and 1/2 weeks. wow. that is how God helps those who really have the desire to change. it is the same with every single one of us in our lives. if we have something that we want to change, He will help us if we put our part in and if we really, truly have that desire.
anyway, until next week. love you all lots, and i´m praying for you too.
love, sarah
dearest ones,
anyway, i just got the package of all the letters that ym and yw did for valentine´s day. :) i´m sure it has been sitting in the office forever but i just got it today because i don´t get mail unless someone goes to Buenos Aires and we somehow meet up with them. But, if you can thank everyone from the ym and yw, i would really appreciate it.
so...i don´t have lots of time, but i just want to tell you about the big things that have been happening this past week. Sunday we got to church and the missionary senior companion here told us that they were being transferred to a different area. They never expected that because they have been here for 1 1/2 yrs. and they only have 6 months left. But it is good because now we have a member that is the branch president and it will force that the members need to start working more. I´m happy about all the changes too. For now they are preparing the area to be split, but we will see what happens. I don´t know if i will be leaving to a different area or if i will stay here until the end of my mission. i´m fine with either way. I know all the changes that happen in the mission are God inspired and that helps me feel comfortable and safe with every change that we have had and will have. The gospel is all about progress and that requires change.
oh and some more good news about fransisco. he is progressing really fast and it is fun to see. :) he told us on sunday that he doesn´t smoke any more because he wants to get baptized on the 28th. so we will see. he dropped from 40 cigarettes per day to nothing in only 1 and 1/2 weeks. wow. that is how God helps those who really have the desire to change. it is the same with every single one of us in our lives. if we have something that we want to change, He will help us if we put our part in and if we really, truly have that desire.
anyway, until next week. love you all lots, and i´m praying for you too.
love, sarah
anyway, i just got the package of all the letters that ym and yw did for valentine´s day. :) i´m sure it has been sitting in the office forever but i just got it today because i don´t get mail unless someone goes to Buenos Aires and we somehow meet up with them. But, if you can thank everyone from the ym and yw, i would really appreciate it.
so...i don´t have lots of time, but i just want to tell you about the big things that have been happening this past week. Sunday we got to church and the missionary senior companion here told us that they were being transferred to a different area. They never expected that because they have been here for 1 1/2 yrs. and they only have 6 months left. But it is good because now we have a member that is the branch president and it will force that the members need to start working more. I´m happy about all the changes too. For now they are preparing the area to be split, but we will see what happens. I don´t know if i will be leaving to a different area or if i will stay here until the end of my mission. i´m fine with either way. I know all the changes that happen in the mission are God inspired and that helps me feel comfortable and safe with every change that we have had and will have. The gospel is all about progress and that requires change.
oh and some more good news about fransisco. he is progressing really fast and it is fun to see. :) he told us on sunday that he doesn´t smoke any more because he wants to get baptized on the 28th. so we will see. he dropped from 40 cigarettes per day to nothing in only 1 and 1/2 weeks. wow. that is how God helps those who really have the desire to change. it is the same with every single one of us in our lives. if we have something that we want to change, He will help us if we put our part in and if we really, truly have that desire.
anyway, until next week. love you all lots, and i´m praying for you too.
love, sarah
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
family and friends,
haha i hope you liked the subject of the email...
actually, my life wasn´t at risk at all, but apparently in Buenos Aires (where the rest of the missionaries are) there was a big storm that was really dangerous. the worst we got was some wind and some power outage. nothing else. here is what the president wrote us...
Dear Missionaries,
This last Wednesday night Buenos Aires was struck with a rare weather condition that included high winds and lots of rain that impacted some parts of the city more than others. We are grateful that all missionaries were safe and accounted for following this event. However, the resulting loss of electricity and water in many parts of the mission became a concern to me near the end of the second day (Friday) after the storm. Having directed relief efforts for the Church in Central Florida following a number of hurricanes in the last ten years I am familiar with the difficulties that result from the loss of essential services like electricity and water. Promptings from the Spirit and direction of thoughtful Priesthood leaders resulted in us moving 54 missionaries out of their areas on Saturday during the daylight hours for their safety. I believe it is important that we all learn from such experiences and you appreciate how the Church works in time of crisis.
First, it is important that you realize that moving 27 companionships out of their areas was the last thing I wanted to hap-pen at the beginning of this month. It is also important that you realize that my first priority after my own family is the health and safety of those missionaries the Lord has entrusted to my care. Late Friday evening I was prompted to inform the Area President of my concern for the health and safety of the missionaries in the mission as a result of the loss of essential ser-vices in various parts of the mission. President Arnold immediately responded to my message with a scheduled meeting with all key Area staff personnel and the Area Presidency for the next morning. An interesting note is that unknown to me was that the mission president in the South mission was expressing similar concerns to Salt Lake City officials at the same time. Following a one hour meeting with the Area Presidency, President Arnold asked for my suggested course of action. He asked for counsel from his counselors and then he decided to follow my suggested course of action, however, he wanted the removal of the missionaries to take place faster than what I had proposed. Together with the assistants we then set forth to carry out the direction of our priesthood leader. This was all done within what I call the order of the Church and the Priesthood and with the guidance and direction of Priesthood Keys. “For all things must be done in order…by the prayer of faith.” (D&C 28:13)
The decision was made to move the entire zone of G. Catan from their areas, 2 companionships in Marcos Paz, 5 com-panionships in Merlo, 4 companionships in Moreno and 5 companionships in Lujan. By 18:00 on Saturday all missionaries had been relocated to safe areas. Reports of what was accomplished were made to the Area President and Salt Lake City. All missionaries are currently living with other missionaries in various zones or in the apartments near the office in Ramos Mejia. The President of the country has called out the military to asset with maintaining order in the affected areas throughout Buenos Aires. We have reported cases of looting, robbing and other acts of civil disobedience. In addition to these security issues, there is the issue of health concerns with the sustained loss of water and electricity to maintain a healthy environment and provide food and water to many people. This situation will remain a crisis for many until all services are restored to the affected areas in our mission. We love and appreciate those of you who were asked on short notice to leave your investigators, members and areas for your own safety. We hope to have you back in your areas as soon as possible....
Les Amo,
Presidente Carter
a little crazy huh? but i really am greatful for how the Holy Ghost works in small ways for the health, protection, and happiness of those who are worthy of His companionship.
this week was a good week because of Easter. Love remembering Jesus Christ. It is the best. haha. It was also really cool because you felt a special spirit on Sunday and it was nice to fnally have a couple investigators in church to feel that spirit as well.
also, we taught a family on Saturday that seems very receptive, so we will see how things go with that family.
so, fluffy has passed on. i´m glad i know about the eternal truth that families are forever...haha sad day. but, it makes me happy to know that he lived for so long. i will miss him. i´m guessing he lived for about 15 years. that is a long time for a lizard. not even dogs live that long lots of times. thanks for trying to keep him alive. maybe we need to buy another lizzard....he was the perfect pet. you didn´t even have to feed him every day. haha. just once a month and he was good. haha jk.
well, that´s about all for now. gotta go work hard!!
love, sarah
oh p.s. Shalle mulliner, congrats on your mission call. it´ll be the best experience of your life!
oh, and tell katie oliverson hi for me and that i wish i could be there. i´m sending her a letter in the mail. and take lots of pics to send me. :)
haha i hope you liked the subject of the email...
actually, my life wasn´t at risk at all, but apparently in Buenos Aires (where the rest of the missionaries are) there was a big storm that was really dangerous. the worst we got was some wind and some power outage. nothing else. here is what the president wrote us...
Dear Missionaries,
This last Wednesday night Buenos Aires was struck with a rare weather condition that included high winds and lots of rain that impacted some parts of the city more than others. We are grateful that all missionaries were safe and accounted for following this event. However, the resulting loss of electricity and water in many parts of the mission became a concern to me near the end of the second day (Friday) after the storm. Having directed relief efforts for the Church in Central Florida following a number of hurricanes in the last ten years I am familiar with the difficulties that result from the loss of essential services like electricity and water. Promptings from the Spirit and direction of thoughtful Priesthood leaders resulted in us moving 54 missionaries out of their areas on Saturday during the daylight hours for their safety. I believe it is important that we all learn from such experiences and you appreciate how the Church works in time of crisis.
First, it is important that you realize that moving 27 companionships out of their areas was the last thing I wanted to hap-pen at the beginning of this month. It is also important that you realize that my first priority after my own family is the health and safety of those missionaries the Lord has entrusted to my care. Late Friday evening I was prompted to inform the Area President of my concern for the health and safety of the missionaries in the mission as a result of the loss of essential ser-vices in various parts of the mission. President Arnold immediately responded to my message with a scheduled meeting with all key Area staff personnel and the Area Presidency for the next morning. An interesting note is that unknown to me was that the mission president in the South mission was expressing similar concerns to Salt Lake City officials at the same time. Following a one hour meeting with the Area Presidency, President Arnold asked for my suggested course of action. He asked for counsel from his counselors and then he decided to follow my suggested course of action, however, he wanted the removal of the missionaries to take place faster than what I had proposed. Together with the assistants we then set forth to carry out the direction of our priesthood leader. This was all done within what I call the order of the Church and the Priesthood and with the guidance and direction of Priesthood Keys. “For all things must be done in order…by the prayer of faith.” (D&C 28:13)
The decision was made to move the entire zone of G. Catan from their areas, 2 companionships in Marcos Paz, 5 com-panionships in Merlo, 4 companionships in Moreno and 5 companionships in Lujan. By 18:00 on Saturday all missionaries had been relocated to safe areas. Reports of what was accomplished were made to the Area President and Salt Lake City. All missionaries are currently living with other missionaries in various zones or in the apartments near the office in Ramos Mejia. The President of the country has called out the military to asset with maintaining order in the affected areas throughout Buenos Aires. We have reported cases of looting, robbing and other acts of civil disobedience. In addition to these security issues, there is the issue of health concerns with the sustained loss of water and electricity to maintain a healthy environment and provide food and water to many people. This situation will remain a crisis for many until all services are restored to the affected areas in our mission. We love and appreciate those of you who were asked on short notice to leave your investigators, members and areas for your own safety. We hope to have you back in your areas as soon as possible....
Les Amo,
Presidente Carter
a little crazy huh? but i really am greatful for how the Holy Ghost works in small ways for the health, protection, and happiness of those who are worthy of His companionship.
this week was a good week because of Easter. Love remembering Jesus Christ. It is the best. haha. It was also really cool because you felt a special spirit on Sunday and it was nice to fnally have a couple investigators in church to feel that spirit as well.
also, we taught a family on Saturday that seems very receptive, so we will see how things go with that family.
so, fluffy has passed on. i´m glad i know about the eternal truth that families are forever...haha sad day. but, it makes me happy to know that he lived for so long. i will miss him. i´m guessing he lived for about 15 years. that is a long time for a lizard. not even dogs live that long lots of times. thanks for trying to keep him alive. maybe we need to buy another lizzard....he was the perfect pet. you didn´t even have to feed him every day. haha. just once a month and he was good. haha jk.
well, that´s about all for now. gotta go work hard!!
love, sarah
oh p.s. Shalle mulliner, congrats on your mission call. it´ll be the best experience of your life!
oh, and tell katie oliverson hi for me and that i wish i could be there. i´m sending her a letter in the mail. and take lots of pics to send me. :)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Dear ones,
Wow, love conference. But who doesn´t right? It was so good. And the first time that I listened to all of it in spanish. haha it is because here in junín we didn´t have the english option. but that´s ok i suppose. I just love hearing their voices. Oh and by-the-way Elder Scott does his own spanish translation. haha. Just a fun FYI fact. Oh and that David Archuleta is going on his mission to Chile (i´m sure you all already knew that a long time ago...). I wonder if he sang in the MTC choir during the conference. I´m sure he did. haha I sang in that choir...which means i´m famous too!!! haha. But I remember practicing that second song that they did when i was in the MTC choir. It is hard. Especially when you can´t breathe because your skirt is too tight from eating too much at dinner. haha Anyway, that was fun to see.
So, this week was a week full of miracles. I can´t even tell about all the miracles we´ve seen. Seriously, so many. Ok, so our zone has been struggling lots. So as a zone we did a fast. And well, it was answered. I feel like I have written so many times about the power of a fast. But it is so true. It is one of the most powerful tools that we have to put our lives in line with God´s will and see the miracles that come from it.
It is amazing to me how the mission changes from week to week. Last week we struggled a lot. And in everything. This week, we worked just as hard, but finally saw the answer to lots and lots of prayers and lots of fasting. We finally have an investigator. :) haha. And he is progressing real well. He went to the conference and he is reading and gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. His name is Fransisco. Pray that he will be willing to accept the commandments and live them.
I´m so grateful for our Savior. I´m grateful that we have the truth. I´m happy to be a missionary, and i wake up every morning grateful for the opportunity that i have to be a representative of Jesus Christ. Remember that with faith on Him, everything is possible.
Love, sister Yingling
Wow, love conference. But who doesn´t right? It was so good. And the first time that I listened to all of it in spanish. haha it is because here in junín we didn´t have the english option. but that´s ok i suppose. I just love hearing their voices. Oh and by-the-way Elder Scott does his own spanish translation. haha. Just a fun FYI fact. Oh and that David Archuleta is going on his mission to Chile (i´m sure you all already knew that a long time ago...). I wonder if he sang in the MTC choir during the conference. I´m sure he did. haha I sang in that choir...which means i´m famous too!!! haha. But I remember practicing that second song that they did when i was in the MTC choir. It is hard. Especially when you can´t breathe because your skirt is too tight from eating too much at dinner. haha Anyway, that was fun to see.
So, this week was a week full of miracles. I can´t even tell about all the miracles we´ve seen. Seriously, so many. Ok, so our zone has been struggling lots. So as a zone we did a fast. And well, it was answered. I feel like I have written so many times about the power of a fast. But it is so true. It is one of the most powerful tools that we have to put our lives in line with God´s will and see the miracles that come from it.
It is amazing to me how the mission changes from week to week. Last week we struggled a lot. And in everything. This week, we worked just as hard, but finally saw the answer to lots and lots of prayers and lots of fasting. We finally have an investigator. :) haha. And he is progressing real well. He went to the conference and he is reading and gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. His name is Fransisco. Pray that he will be willing to accept the commandments and live them.
I´m so grateful for our Savior. I´m grateful that we have the truth. I´m happy to be a missionary, and i wake up every morning grateful for the opportunity that i have to be a representative of Jesus Christ. Remember that with faith on Him, everything is possible.
Love, sister Yingling
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