My Querida Familia y Amigos Mios,
Thank you kindly for your emails. I never tire of them. Send them whenever you can and with whichever details from home you can include--I love to hear from you! I pray for you ever day and think of you all the time. To my beloved friends in the Wollochet Ward in Washington, yourselves included! I thank Heavenly Father every day for the time I had to be with you. My service here is only possible because of what I learned while in the Gig Harbor Ward.
This week has been one of the best in my mission. Hermana Ferraez and Hermana Alicea both have quite the sense of humor, and between the both of them, I spent every moment between lessons busting up into laughter at their chistes (jokes). It is amazing to see them cracking up and getting to know each other even with a language barrier. I spent much of the time translating, to be sure. But it was delightful. The Zone Leaders brought another matres to accomidate a third sister.
Our investigators--Marcello. Marcello is 45, divorced, with 2 grown up daughters. He lives with his parents. It is rare for people here of any kind to live alone, they almost always live with their family--a distant cousin, a grandpa, a niece, a sister. Families never seem to part. Some families, like our investigator Marta, have their 11 grown up kids living on the same street as them in the connected walls of the little Argentine street Houses. Anyways, Marcello was a pastor for over 30 years to the Evangelical church. But as of 5 months ago, has had a little bit of a beef with God and with the people of his church, and so left it. We met him contacting--yup, that clapping thing, kinda like tracting--and he showed up to church the next Sunday! It was a miracle. Since, we´ve had a great member lesson with him and Hermano Allasia, He attended the Elders Quorum Activity Saturday where they cooked and ate Choripan (it´s like a hotdog, except with bratwurst kind of meet instead of a polish dog), and came to church again this past sunday. Hermana Ferraez and I invited him to be baptized on August 31st, and he said that if he gets an answer in the affirmative through prayer, he will be baptized. I commited him to read Nephi 31, and expressed to him that he would receive his answer. He has been keeping every commitment. We have a lot of hope for him!
Carolina. Carolina is living with Gaston, her boyfriend as of 12 years. They have 3 beautiful children. A plague of Argentina are people co-habitating. The government pays unmarried mothers a sum every year for each child they have, and, as a result, many people live ´juntada.´She has felt such a lack of peace in her life and immediately invited us to come back to her home when we met her contacting (yup, more clapping!). She is absolutely beautiful, and used to be a professional ballerina. She, to me, looks like and has mannerisms just like Noelle C., but in an Argentine way--Love you Noelle! She has loved reading the missionary pamphlets and keeps her commitments in reading the Book of Mormon. Right now, she´s struggling with feeling so alone in raising her 3 kids. Gaston supports their family financially, but works all the time, and when he´s home, he´s either sleeping or socializing. When reading the family proclamation, Carolina told us this plan is her dream. She wants this kind of home, and asked how she could find it. We expressed that God has a Plan for families to be forever. Two wonderful sisters in the branch have accompanied us on 2 different occasions and testified of the reality of eternal families. This past week, Hna. Ferraez felt impressed to sing Families Can Be Together Forever at the end of our lesson. Tears began to stream down Carolina´s cheeks. She accepted our invitation to baptism, but has to get married before she can enter the waters of baptism. Pray for her!
Javier--22 years old, a hipster in and of his own right. He weaves dream catchers and has them hanging all over his apartment. We met him contacting and he told us we are always welcome to come to his home and teach him about the gospel (he also asked if I was from Brazil?). We had a great Restoration lesson with him, and a member named Thomas A., who just returned from his mission in Dallas, Texas.
So many more . .. I wish I had the time to tell you!
Two final things. Yesterday morning We took a taxi to the Terminal, with Hermana Ferraez´ suitcases in tow. Hermana Ilse P. met us at the terminal and brought her hymnbook, and before I knew it the bags were packed on the Bus and all the missionaries (our zone leaders, district leader, etc.) and ourselves were singing ´Para Siempre Dios Este Con Vos,´or ´God Be With You Till We Meet Again.´ I held it together to the final verse, and then tears began to stream freely from my cheeks. Hermana Ferraez Gave me a sweet, tight, side hug while I warbled my way through the last verse with unreserved tears. I have never cried that much yet on my mission! She told me everything will be okay. I know it will be, the tears were for how much I´ll miss her. How do you put into words your feelings for a friend who has been there for you when you felt like a little kid on the first day of kindergarten? She was my best friend through the hardest 6 weeks of my life, learning a foreign tongue, learning to live and behave appropriately in an entirely new culture, how to ride the bus, how to budget with pesos, how to teach, where not to travel at night to stay safe, how to be patient with folks telling us that we´re preaching falsely, how to stand as a Witness of God in all things and at all times(she taught a lesson to a woman at the peluqueria, or salon, while she got her hair cut on pday). I´m far more now than I was 6 weeks ago. And I don´t know, for certain, when I´ll see her again. She´s on her way home now, at the end of her mission, to her home in Yucatan, Mexico. My goodness, I sure miss her!
I am so grateful for each and ever companion Heavenly Father has given me on my mission. Hermana Alicea, Hermana Telfer, Hermana Café (Sister Brown,) Hermana Joven (Sister Young), Hermana Ferraez, and Hermana Alicea over again--each sister has been just that, a sister to me. I love you, comps! God never leaves us alone. He always gives us a best friend to have for always as a Missionary, for which I am so grateful. And he gives us our families for forever. Amazing Grace. I am only beginning to realize how infinitely incredible each Child of God is. If only everyone would realize it! We are capable of so much! I am thankful for my family, friends, and companions for seeing things in me I didn´t think were there, and helping me achieve talents I never knew possible.
Finally, I have to express a truth I´ve come to this week and am striving to put into practice. We never need to be afraid of anything. I realized this week as I struggled to overcome feelings of inadequacy or unsurety in this change for this coming transfer, and bidding adieu to my entrenadora--never need we be afraid. When I get to be afraid of a new situation--teaching a lesson I´m less familiar with, or calling someone on the phone (without context of facial expressions or surroundings its alot harder to understand Castellano and it freaks me out!), I stop myself and think about it. Firstly, why am I afraid? Second, what can I do about it? Third, I tell myself everything´s going to be okay no matter how it turns out. And then I act. And you know what, as long as we´re doing our best, that´s all we can do. Ether 12,27. God gives us weaknesses that we may be humble. And Christ suffered all things so that we don´t have to. Don´t worry, be happy. Everything will be okay!
Love you all, and hugs from the bottom half of the world!
Hermana Boren
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The Impossible
My dear family,
Thank you so much for your beautiful email. My goodness, I love to hear about home and see the pictures of mirror lake. What a wonderful tradition. That campsite is sacred ground to me. The family is ordained of God, and I know our family has grown so close and shared so many experiences together in that beautiful piece of Heaven.
My title today explains this past week, and my life to come in the next 7. Let me preface my email with the thought that With God, nothing shall be made impossible. I know that to be true. I know that with him, we call do all things (just see philippians).
This past week has been one filled with miracle lessons. Our investigators are progressing, especially Carolina Sosa. We had a marvelous lesson with her Tuesday about the priesthood, the power of God. She was overcome with emotion as we talk about this sacred truth. She offered the most beautiful prayer, offered as a sincere conversation filled with ´buenos´y ´nada mas, padre.´It was beautiful to see her begin to talk to God. She has been reading the book of Mormon consistently and is coming to church this Sunday. I adore her!
Jessica and Isabel, Javier, Marcello, and so many others have been finding and teaching miracles this week.
The most important thing I have to tell you in my limited time, is that I received a phonecall from Elder Yarro, assisant to the president, this past Thursday morning. He informed me that that day, 6 sisters from the United States would be flying into our mission. For the next 10 days til the end of the transfer, I would be in a trio with one of these new sisters and Hermana Ferraez. And thereafter, I would be training this same sister for the coming transfer.
Feelings overwhelmed my heart upon this news. I Have only been in this mission for a month, and in teh field for 5! Trainer, already? Training in Argentina is different, because near every missionary that comes here has already been serving in another mission while waiting for a visa. It{s not the same as training right off the bat, but there's much to adjust to as far as the culture goes. Anyways, with this news, I immediately said a prayer. Hermana Ferraez just smiled and gave me the biggest hug and smile. She told me she saw this coming, and that I would be fine.
The next day, we had to drop all our plans. We got up at 4 am, got ready for the day, and took a taxi to the terminal. From there, we took the bus to Rosario, about 3 hours. And from the terminal we took another bus through Rosario, hopped off at a street corner with a verduleria (vegetable market), and walked to the mission home. My heart was filled with so many thoughts, daydreams, as I looked into the clear blue Rosario sky, with the cobblestone streets and the victorian homes slathered in ivy.
Upon entering the gates of the tall, brown brick yard of the mission home, I was greeted by the sound of three voices shouting "Hermana Boren!" To my surprise and delight, I was slammed with the tightest group hug of my life. From the mission office, behind the mission home, came flying Hermana Alicea, Hermana Telfer, and Hermana VanWagnen--my sweet friends from my district in the MTC. 3 of the 6 sisters. I felt, in that moment, that I was surely to be companions again with one of them. It was one of the tenderest moments of my mission thus far.
Hermana Ferraez and I were asked to enter the mission home for a brief meeting. Guess who they asked to play the pump organ for the opening song, Count your many blessings? You guessed it, me. I have never played organ in my life, let alone pump organ! But with God, nothing is impossible. I confidently walked to the front of the mission home parlor and set to work pumping my feet on the pedals, and doing my best to connect the notes so they don't sound choppy while the rest sang in spanish. It was a blast!
After a brief training, we were asked to go to the mission garage to greet our new companions. I felt such anticipation as they announced whom would be training whom. They called my name to the front of the room, and the name they called next . . . Hermana Alicea! My companion from the MTC! WOW! I couldn't believe it, I gave her the tightest squeeze and we both laughed in cries of delight and surprise.
Come to find out later, President Giuliani told me later he had no idea that she'd been my companion in the MTC. He didn't know this, either, when he called me to be a trainer.
Later, many of the missionaries that work int he office--Assistants to the Preisident, Financial missionaries, etc. Kept asking me, Werent you here just last transfer? Wait, you've only been in the field a month!' I just smiled, what do you say to that? President called me to do this. I'm not going to say no.
Hermana Alicea served in the Kirtland, Ohio mission, English speaking, for 4 months after our time in the MTC. I spoke only english (except at Blue Agave Restaurant and to random gardners) in Washington, and have but a month here. We are two rubias in Venado Tuerto, learning Castillano along our proselyting, missionary teaching way. In all honesty, to everyone here--the other missioaries, ward members, etc.--this has never been done before. Am I a little nervous? I'd be lying to say no. But instead of shying away, I take confidence in my God. He has brought me this far on my mission, through things I didn't think I could do. Instead, I'm facing this new challenge ahead with a broad smile and the words of Kuzco in Emperor's new groove--'Sharp rocks at the bottom? Bring it on.' Heavenly Father calls the weak to do his work, and makes it possible with his hand and help. I am so grateful at this moment to have Hermana Ferraez these first 10 days, teaching me to take the lead in lessons and learn the streets of Argentina. In the same moment, I know I couldn't do this without anyone besides Hermana Alicea. She is my sister in zion, and I am delighted beyond words to be reunited with her!
I love you all. God is good. His miracles are all around us, all we must do is be obedient, and give him a good thank you in our prayers every night. He loves us. HE loved us enough to send his only begotten son to atone and die and rise again, that we may have life eternal! How beautiful a truth.
Remember that with God, nothing shall be impossible. I love you! Stay firm in the faith!
Hermana Boren
Mickey Moo
Mikayla Renee
Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Thank you so much for your beautiful email. My goodness, I love to hear about home and see the pictures of mirror lake. What a wonderful tradition. That campsite is sacred ground to me. The family is ordained of God, and I know our family has grown so close and shared so many experiences together in that beautiful piece of Heaven.
My title today explains this past week, and my life to come in the next 7. Let me preface my email with the thought that With God, nothing shall be made impossible. I know that to be true. I know that with him, we call do all things (just see philippians).
This past week has been one filled with miracle lessons. Our investigators are progressing, especially Carolina Sosa. We had a marvelous lesson with her Tuesday about the priesthood, the power of God. She was overcome with emotion as we talk about this sacred truth. She offered the most beautiful prayer, offered as a sincere conversation filled with ´buenos´y ´nada mas, padre.´It was beautiful to see her begin to talk to God. She has been reading the book of Mormon consistently and is coming to church this Sunday. I adore her!
Jessica and Isabel, Javier, Marcello, and so many others have been finding and teaching miracles this week.
The most important thing I have to tell you in my limited time, is that I received a phonecall from Elder Yarro, assisant to the president, this past Thursday morning. He informed me that that day, 6 sisters from the United States would be flying into our mission. For the next 10 days til the end of the transfer, I would be in a trio with one of these new sisters and Hermana Ferraez. And thereafter, I would be training this same sister for the coming transfer.
Feelings overwhelmed my heart upon this news. I Have only been in this mission for a month, and in teh field for 5! Trainer, already? Training in Argentina is different, because near every missionary that comes here has already been serving in another mission while waiting for a visa. It{s not the same as training right off the bat, but there's much to adjust to as far as the culture goes. Anyways, with this news, I immediately said a prayer. Hermana Ferraez just smiled and gave me the biggest hug and smile. She told me she saw this coming, and that I would be fine.
The next day, we had to drop all our plans. We got up at 4 am, got ready for the day, and took a taxi to the terminal. From there, we took the bus to Rosario, about 3 hours. And from the terminal we took another bus through Rosario, hopped off at a street corner with a verduleria (vegetable market), and walked to the mission home. My heart was filled with so many thoughts, daydreams, as I looked into the clear blue Rosario sky, with the cobblestone streets and the victorian homes slathered in ivy.
Upon entering the gates of the tall, brown brick yard of the mission home, I was greeted by the sound of three voices shouting "Hermana Boren!" To my surprise and delight, I was slammed with the tightest group hug of my life. From the mission office, behind the mission home, came flying Hermana Alicea, Hermana Telfer, and Hermana VanWagnen--my sweet friends from my district in the MTC. 3 of the 6 sisters. I felt, in that moment, that I was surely to be companions again with one of them. It was one of the tenderest moments of my mission thus far.
Hermana Ferraez and I were asked to enter the mission home for a brief meeting. Guess who they asked to play the pump organ for the opening song, Count your many blessings? You guessed it, me. I have never played organ in my life, let alone pump organ! But with God, nothing is impossible. I confidently walked to the front of the mission home parlor and set to work pumping my feet on the pedals, and doing my best to connect the notes so they don't sound choppy while the rest sang in spanish. It was a blast!
After a brief training, we were asked to go to the mission garage to greet our new companions. I felt such anticipation as they announced whom would be training whom. They called my name to the front of the room, and the name they called next . . . Hermana Alicea! My companion from the MTC! WOW! I couldn't believe it, I gave her the tightest squeeze and we both laughed in cries of delight and surprise.
Come to find out later, President Giuliani told me later he had no idea that she'd been my companion in the MTC. He didn't know this, either, when he called me to be a trainer.
Later, many of the missionaries that work int he office--Assistants to the Preisident, Financial missionaries, etc. Kept asking me, Werent you here just last transfer? Wait, you've only been in the field a month!' I just smiled, what do you say to that? President called me to do this. I'm not going to say no.
Hermana Alicea served in the Kirtland, Ohio mission, English speaking, for 4 months after our time in the MTC. I spoke only english (except at Blue Agave Restaurant and to random gardners) in Washington, and have but a month here. We are two rubias in Venado Tuerto, learning Castillano along our proselyting, missionary teaching way. In all honesty, to everyone here--the other missioaries, ward members, etc.--this has never been done before. Am I a little nervous? I'd be lying to say no. But instead of shying away, I take confidence in my God. He has brought me this far on my mission, through things I didn't think I could do. Instead, I'm facing this new challenge ahead with a broad smile and the words of Kuzco in Emperor's new groove--'Sharp rocks at the bottom? Bring it on.' Heavenly Father calls the weak to do his work, and makes it possible with his hand and help. I am so grateful at this moment to have Hermana Ferraez these first 10 days, teaching me to take the lead in lessons and learn the streets of Argentina. In the same moment, I know I couldn't do this without anyone besides Hermana Alicea. She is my sister in zion, and I am delighted beyond words to be reunited with her!
I love you all. God is good. His miracles are all around us, all we must do is be obedient, and give him a good thank you in our prayers every night. He loves us. HE loved us enough to send his only begotten son to atone and die and rise again, that we may have life eternal! How beautiful a truth.
Remember that with God, nothing shall be impossible. I love you! Stay firm in the faith!
Hermana Boren
Mickey Moo
Mikayla Renee
Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Monday, July 22, 2013
Come thou Fount of Every Blessing
Hola mi Queridos!
Hermana Boren. Week 3. I must begin with thanks--thanks to all of you for your beautiful emails, the gift of your words and loving thoughtful things you say to me. I so appreciate every word!
Another week in Argentina, I can hardly believe it. I have to tell you some more facts about my time here. Firstly, all the native--spanish--speaking missionaries call Americans¨"Jenkies" (zshjankies). At first I wondered if it was derrogatory, but I´ve come to understand it´s an endearing name. Sweet white blond blue eyed people who don´t know how to talk yet . . . like me! Also, all the church members here call Utah the ´fabrica´, or factory, because it produces so many missionaries/members of the church. Some of my favorite words in Spanish that I have never heard before Argentina are ´coso´, which means thing or stuff, and ´fa´, which means wow or huh. It´s fun to learn spanish in such an informal light, at times. I catch so much from conversations, facial expressions, hand gestures, etc. Everyone here talks like a song. At times I realize I need to focus on the words instead of the beauty of the intonation, but it´s so hard to concentrate when you feel like investigators and church members are going to burst into ´bella notte´ at any moment and invite you to dine on spaghetti with their pooch. The language is spanish, but for the sing-song voices I feel I´m in italy. And everyone is so caught up in love--what for all the besos (kisses) and talk of marriage and whatnot. Hermana Ferraez had a lesson with a woman in her mid 70´s, and she expressed to us that her greatest trial in life right now is not having a companion to share life with. Her husband passed away a decade or so ago (I think . . . it´s all bits and pieces right now) and she kept expressing how much she wants a boyfriend. It was the oddest thing. After the lesson Hermana Ferraez explained that this is normal--almost every one of the ´viejitos´ (grandparent aged people) who are single long for love. So with that said, Argentina truly is the France of South America.
I think culture shock really hit this week--there are some things here that just aren´t the same. Truly, appointments are so hard to fix in the afternoon hours from 12 to 4 or 5. The whole world shuts down to sleep! I got used to running, running fast in washington--appointments for every hour of the day, teaching, proselyting, sharing what I love and what has brought me so much joy! It´s killing me to have to be okay with the afternoon hours running slow. Appointments in the states were usually never longer than 1 hour and a half, tops. Here, that´s a normal appointment. These people sure love to talk! I´m adjusting and not complaintant, just wanting--so deeply--to work hard, as the Lord would have me do. I don´t want to waste any of his time or miss sharing the gospel with anyone. But Argentina, Rosario is different that Tacoma Washington. A different culture, a different people. Right now I´m struggling to find a balance between becoming accostomed-acclamated to their culture, and keeping my identity and drive to work. I know all things will come in their time, in God´s time. I know he called me to both places for a very distinct reason, and I´m comforted by that. Right now I´m searching to do his will in Argentina! He is with me always! This, more than anything, brings me peace and joy. The Spirit is real, as is the Atonement. I feel it in affect all the time.
First story of the week--Saturday. I felt so alone! Amongst all the angry dogs in the street and the angry wind tearing through our coats, and It was amidst all these emotions, all this angst and frustration at not being able to share my testimony or worried about working hard and whatnot, that I found myself walking alongside Hermana Ferraez in the chill Venado Tuerto night to the home of Hermana Puck. She is in her mid 80´s and immigrated to Argentina from Germany when she was 24 years old. We have cena (dinner) with her every Saturday evening. She greeted us with her green eyes and snow white hair, inviting us into her home. And to my surprise, laid out on her couch, was a guitar! She had remembered me mentioning my love for music the week before, and my mentioning that I played guitar. Before I knew it I was tuning, humming, and strumming strings while singing hymns of the restoration. It felt so good to put my fingers to work on a fretboard again. After seven or eight songs--my singing in english, Hermana Puck and Hermana Ferraez singing in Spanish--Hermana Puck smiled at me and said (in Spanish) ´This is a balm for your soul, isn´t it?´ I could have cried. Instead my eyes and smile lit up and I offered her sincere thanks. It was, truly, a balm in my tired heart that day. Hermana Puck then proceeded to direct us to her electric keyboard and we took turns playing a song or two for each other. When I began to play loch lomond and sing the words, she suprised me by singing along! In her young years, she memorized many tunes and poems in german, french, english, etc. alike. Her grandson, Matias. age 8 (he´s the spitting image of Ian Johns, Mom, it´s incredible!) surprised us with a visit as well. We began composing a song, the four of us, about Hermana Puck and our adventures singing and sharing the gospel. I felt home, home all around me, in that moment.
I realized in this sweet, simple, moment, how much God loves each of us so individually. Through his sweet daughter, Hermana Puck, he rescued my soul on a chilly Saturday evening, through music. Such sweet music. This was, truly, a manifestation of God´s love for me!
Right now we are teaching Carolina, age 17, with eyes like melted chocolate and a smile like sunshine. I don´t know why, but she reminds me so much of Casey! She runs a little kiosco (little shops. In parts of Venado far from the center of hte city, many people have their own mini store with food, candies, etc.) with her parents and brother in the front of their home. Hermana Ferraez encountered her wiht previous companion, Hermana Castillo, a week or two before my arrival. Her parents are members but haven´t been to church in years. She attended church my first sunday, and it was her first sunday as well! After Sacrament meeting, Hermana Ferraez and i walked with her to the little classroom for sunday school for all the young men and young women. There are only a handful of youth, maybe 6, in this branch. I prayed, with all my might in my heart, as we walked away to Gospel doctrine. Normally, I can use my words to offer comfort and welcome to new people. Or introduce them to others. In this moment, I was a stranger myself. How could I Help Carolina feel welcome when I couldn´t speak myself? So I prayed with all my heart that one of the young men or women would reach out to her. Off and on during Gospel Doctrine I wondered and worried.
Much to my surprise and delight, Carolina and one sweet young woman in the Branch, Candela. After we came out of class, they were in the hallway, chatting and laughing as girls do. Candela is 14, and to me, is an angel! Later, that day, walking back to our apartment to study and have dinner (we study at night on sundays) we encountered Carolina, Candela, and 3 or 4 other youth from the Stake chatting in the park and drinking matte together. I felt like a little kid, I was so giddy to see such friendship and fellowship blooming so fast! Since that first Sunday, Candela and Carolina have become fast friends. Carolina has attended nearly all the ward activities, and is even starting Personal Progress. She wants to be baptized, but is still looking for an answer as to whether or not she should make this covenant. She is a responsible, lovely girl, and she wants to do the right thing and make sure this is a committment she can keep. I have so much hope for her.
Another investigator--Daniel. He is 10 years old, and instead of shaking our hands normal, he has his own handshake for the two of us missionaries! His baptism is this Saturday! I´m reminded of my sweet first baptism in Washington, Josh Huey. It seems that both my missions--Washington and Argentina--begin with a Baptism of a good, wonderful, 10-year-old young man.
I am so grateful, every day, for Hermana Ferraez. Every companionship study, we practice the lessons in spanish, one principle at a time, back and forth. She quizzes me in the street, what is this thing called? or that thing? She gently corrects my conjugation when I need it. Our lessons with investigators--usually 4 or 5 times daily--she does the same as we do in Comp study. one principle upon one principle, I am involved with my simple testimony at least half of the time. It´s incredible, I understand so much more clearly when we´re talking about the gospel. There is a language barrier, but it´s breaking more and more all the time. Last night we retired to bed in fits of giggles. I´m grateful that no matter what happens or what words I say wrong, at the end of the day I have a friend who helps me out and helps me learn. It´s not always easy--there´s some definite differences between our cultures!--but we have learned to overcome it and press forward. We are united when we´re both striving to serve the people we teach and each other.
Much love to you all!
Hermana Boren
Hermana Boren. Week 3. I must begin with thanks--thanks to all of you for your beautiful emails, the gift of your words and loving thoughtful things you say to me. I so appreciate every word!
Another week in Argentina, I can hardly believe it. I have to tell you some more facts about my time here. Firstly, all the native--spanish--speaking missionaries call Americans¨"Jenkies" (zshjankies). At first I wondered if it was derrogatory, but I´ve come to understand it´s an endearing name. Sweet white blond blue eyed people who don´t know how to talk yet . . . like me! Also, all the church members here call Utah the ´fabrica´, or factory, because it produces so many missionaries/members of the church. Some of my favorite words in Spanish that I have never heard before Argentina are ´coso´, which means thing or stuff, and ´fa´, which means wow or huh. It´s fun to learn spanish in such an informal light, at times. I catch so much from conversations, facial expressions, hand gestures, etc. Everyone here talks like a song. At times I realize I need to focus on the words instead of the beauty of the intonation, but it´s so hard to concentrate when you feel like investigators and church members are going to burst into ´bella notte´ at any moment and invite you to dine on spaghetti with their pooch. The language is spanish, but for the sing-song voices I feel I´m in italy. And everyone is so caught up in love--what for all the besos (kisses) and talk of marriage and whatnot. Hermana Ferraez had a lesson with a woman in her mid 70´s, and she expressed to us that her greatest trial in life right now is not having a companion to share life with. Her husband passed away a decade or so ago (I think . . . it´s all bits and pieces right now) and she kept expressing how much she wants a boyfriend. It was the oddest thing. After the lesson Hermana Ferraez explained that this is normal--almost every one of the ´viejitos´ (grandparent aged people) who are single long for love. So with that said, Argentina truly is the France of South America.
I think culture shock really hit this week--there are some things here that just aren´t the same. Truly, appointments are so hard to fix in the afternoon hours from 12 to 4 or 5. The whole world shuts down to sleep! I got used to running, running fast in washington--appointments for every hour of the day, teaching, proselyting, sharing what I love and what has brought me so much joy! It´s killing me to have to be okay with the afternoon hours running slow. Appointments in the states were usually never longer than 1 hour and a half, tops. Here, that´s a normal appointment. These people sure love to talk! I´m adjusting and not complaintant, just wanting--so deeply--to work hard, as the Lord would have me do. I don´t want to waste any of his time or miss sharing the gospel with anyone. But Argentina, Rosario is different that Tacoma Washington. A different culture, a different people. Right now I´m struggling to find a balance between becoming accostomed-acclamated to their culture, and keeping my identity and drive to work. I know all things will come in their time, in God´s time. I know he called me to both places for a very distinct reason, and I´m comforted by that. Right now I´m searching to do his will in Argentina! He is with me always! This, more than anything, brings me peace and joy. The Spirit is real, as is the Atonement. I feel it in affect all the time.
First story of the week--Saturday. I felt so alone! Amongst all the angry dogs in the street and the angry wind tearing through our coats, and It was amidst all these emotions, all this angst and frustration at not being able to share my testimony or worried about working hard and whatnot, that I found myself walking alongside Hermana Ferraez in the chill Venado Tuerto night to the home of Hermana Puck. She is in her mid 80´s and immigrated to Argentina from Germany when she was 24 years old. We have cena (dinner) with her every Saturday evening. She greeted us with her green eyes and snow white hair, inviting us into her home. And to my surprise, laid out on her couch, was a guitar! She had remembered me mentioning my love for music the week before, and my mentioning that I played guitar. Before I knew it I was tuning, humming, and strumming strings while singing hymns of the restoration. It felt so good to put my fingers to work on a fretboard again. After seven or eight songs--my singing in english, Hermana Puck and Hermana Ferraez singing in Spanish--Hermana Puck smiled at me and said (in Spanish) ´This is a balm for your soul, isn´t it?´ I could have cried. Instead my eyes and smile lit up and I offered her sincere thanks. It was, truly, a balm in my tired heart that day. Hermana Puck then proceeded to direct us to her electric keyboard and we took turns playing a song or two for each other. When I began to play loch lomond and sing the words, she suprised me by singing along! In her young years, she memorized many tunes and poems in german, french, english, etc. alike. Her grandson, Matias. age 8 (he´s the spitting image of Ian Johns, Mom, it´s incredible!) surprised us with a visit as well. We began composing a song, the four of us, about Hermana Puck and our adventures singing and sharing the gospel. I felt home, home all around me, in that moment.
I realized in this sweet, simple, moment, how much God loves each of us so individually. Through his sweet daughter, Hermana Puck, he rescued my soul on a chilly Saturday evening, through music. Such sweet music. This was, truly, a manifestation of God´s love for me!
Right now we are teaching Carolina, age 17, with eyes like melted chocolate and a smile like sunshine. I don´t know why, but she reminds me so much of Casey! She runs a little kiosco (little shops. In parts of Venado far from the center of hte city, many people have their own mini store with food, candies, etc.) with her parents and brother in the front of their home. Hermana Ferraez encountered her wiht previous companion, Hermana Castillo, a week or two before my arrival. Her parents are members but haven´t been to church in years. She attended church my first sunday, and it was her first sunday as well! After Sacrament meeting, Hermana Ferraez and i walked with her to the little classroom for sunday school for all the young men and young women. There are only a handful of youth, maybe 6, in this branch. I prayed, with all my might in my heart, as we walked away to Gospel doctrine. Normally, I can use my words to offer comfort and welcome to new people. Or introduce them to others. In this moment, I was a stranger myself. How could I Help Carolina feel welcome when I couldn´t speak myself? So I prayed with all my heart that one of the young men or women would reach out to her. Off and on during Gospel Doctrine I wondered and worried.
Much to my surprise and delight, Carolina and one sweet young woman in the Branch, Candela. After we came out of class, they were in the hallway, chatting and laughing as girls do. Candela is 14, and to me, is an angel! Later, that day, walking back to our apartment to study and have dinner (we study at night on sundays) we encountered Carolina, Candela, and 3 or 4 other youth from the Stake chatting in the park and drinking matte together. I felt like a little kid, I was so giddy to see such friendship and fellowship blooming so fast! Since that first Sunday, Candela and Carolina have become fast friends. Carolina has attended nearly all the ward activities, and is even starting Personal Progress. She wants to be baptized, but is still looking for an answer as to whether or not she should make this covenant. She is a responsible, lovely girl, and she wants to do the right thing and make sure this is a committment she can keep. I have so much hope for her.
Another investigator--Daniel. He is 10 years old, and instead of shaking our hands normal, he has his own handshake for the two of us missionaries! His baptism is this Saturday! I´m reminded of my sweet first baptism in Washington, Josh Huey. It seems that both my missions--Washington and Argentina--begin with a Baptism of a good, wonderful, 10-year-old young man.
I am so grateful, every day, for Hermana Ferraez. Every companionship study, we practice the lessons in spanish, one principle at a time, back and forth. She quizzes me in the street, what is this thing called? or that thing? She gently corrects my conjugation when I need it. Our lessons with investigators--usually 4 or 5 times daily--she does the same as we do in Comp study. one principle upon one principle, I am involved with my simple testimony at least half of the time. It´s incredible, I understand so much more clearly when we´re talking about the gospel. There is a language barrier, but it´s breaking more and more all the time. Last night we retired to bed in fits of giggles. I´m grateful that no matter what happens or what words I say wrong, at the end of the day I have a friend who helps me out and helps me learn. It´s not always easy--there´s some definite differences between our cultures!--but we have learned to overcome it and press forward. We are united when we´re both striving to serve the people we teach and each other.
Much love to you all!
Hermana Boren
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Venado Tuerto
Hola Querido Familia!
Oh my goodness, firstly I have to say what an incredible mother I have. Mom, thank you so much for helping me prepare everything I would need for my mission. The tights, the boots, scarves, EVERYTHING has been so essential. Thank you for helping me find the very best things to be prepared and ready to serve here in Argentina. I love you! Also, I love the pictures you sent. Thank you so much for keeping me updated on life at home. I can´t wait to someday see the MOA video the boys are working on. Jordan, my goodness, you little movie star. And Ty guy, you go for it with those Editing talents of yours! I love hearing everything about home. Thank you for every detail.
Secondly, God loves me. That´s all there is to it. I´m learning and growing so much in my time here, and I´ve only been here for 2 weeks! My area right now is Venado Tuerto, it´s about a 3 hour trip (by bus) south and west of Rosario.
I need to tell you, firstly, some peculiar things about Argentina. This place is enchanting. Argentina seems like a portal for time travel, somewhere caught between worlds and times. There are streets and cars, but very few traffic lights and no painted lines on the streets to separate lanes of traffic. Stop signs, I think i´ve seen maybe 3. You thought my california stops were bad, Austin? You should see the flow of traffic here! There are cars everywhere, some more modern VWs and Fords. But at least half of the cars here could belong in Herbie. Motorcycles and bikes are essential here. On any given motorcycle you might find 3 to 5 people. Commonplace to have that many, really. The Bikes, surely, must be from Mary Poppins, with their wide handlebars and baskets afront. Young couples that could be from Top Gun, kissing over their motorbike wearing leather jackets and hair like the 80s. It´s enchanting and confusing all at once! My taxi ride that first night, from the bus station to our apartment, I didn´t stop praying from the moment we entered the cab til the moment we hit the curb. It was like Indiana Jones at Disneyland, except it isn´t a ride, it´s real life! We made it safe and I won´t have to ride in a taxi again until next transfer . . . I hope!
Dogs. Dogs everywhere. Dogs in houses and stray dogs in streets. In this respect, Argentina is just like Washington (the land of dogs) except the Dogs here are scary! Dirty and raggedly bony from life in the streets. And leaving their traces everywhere. Dad, you should know that I will never procrastinate cleaning up after Jack again in my life after my experience here! One little dog has followed us several time, he looks somewhat like a dalmation. We call him Pecas (freckles).
The keys to front doors (all front doors, ours included) are like those in Scarlet Pimpernell, cerca 1860 or so, complete with old fashioned teeth on either side of the key. Wood burning stoves, in some homes, to keep the house warm. Shutters, on many windows. Bars on most others. A basket seated on a tall pole stands in front of each home, for trash. Trash here is collected every day, from these little baskets seated up high in the front yard. Tiny little washers, no dryers. Clothes are hung on a clothes line outdoors, for us on our little apartment balcony. No dishwashers, but always fridges.
Cobblestone sidewalks at times, other times straight pavement. The food! Goodness, sweet Sister Sanders certainly helped me prepare. The Empanadas are stellar, the pan (bread) supreme. Mom, I bought some authentic alfajores on Saturday, and I´d have to say that we were spot on when we had that cookie alfajores making fest before I left. They tasted almost exactly the same! I´m afraid for my health, but luckily we walk nearly everywhere, which equates to 7 or 8 miles or more a day. That makes me feel a little better. Almuerzo (lunch) is the big meal here, eaten at 1pm or so. Cena (dinner) is usually about 8 or 9 pm and is very small. My American stomach is angry with me at the moment, craving food at 5 or 6. But I´m adjusting. All in good time!
We never knock doors. Always clap. We always clap and stand away from the door at least 7 feet, to wait for´folks to come to their doors. It´s the weirdest thing to me, after knocking doors in Washington for 3 months, 2 hours a day. But I love it! Many houses have a courtyard with a gate. Other homes are right on the sidewalk of the street, like in the Cosby Show.
I think the boys will squirm at this, but everyone greets you with a kiss instead of a hug here! Men in the church are asked to give us handshakes, but the women and children always say hello with a kiss on the cheek, always the right cheek. Stranger or friend. One or two times we haven´t been able to tell a male investigator the rule fast enough, and so I´ve gotten kisses on the cheek from them, too.
At 12 pm, everything closes. I mean EVERYTHING. Media dia, from 12 to 4pm, everyone closes up shop. To eat, to rest. Life runs so much slower, here. At some moments as a missionary it´s killing me, especially in the afternoon hours. I like to work and work hard, and Argentina is forcing me to take things a little slower. I´m thoughtful, wanting to know what Heavenly Father would have me learn, and what he wants me to contribute from my heritage and missionary esperience in the States.
My first week in Argentina was the hardest week of my life. It was incredible, for all the new and exciting things I was seeing and doing. It was so hard, though, not to be able to communicate. My first morning, I almost cried while saying our companionship prayer. I used what little spanish I knew to offer the most simple of supplications to Heaven. Throughout the first day, my Companion had to point to everything while she was saying it, and use lots of hand motions to express herself. She´s from Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, and as part of that she speaks very, very, very fast. Bewildered, I did my best to respond, mangling my conjugations. After offering many prayers that first day, I felt this impression that I should just go with the flow. Do my best to understand, but take everything in. I was in culture shock, for sure. So many new things all around me, and a tongue I hardly understand. But Hermana Ferraez is so patient, and patiently explained things several times over for me to understand. Within a few days our little apartment was covered in little yellow post its of every kind of word for wall, floor, ceiling, shower, faucet, etc. I´ve started taking 3 by 5´s everywhere, writing down all the words I hear or see that I don´t know. Then I ask Hermana Ferraez, and she uses the simple words I do know to help describe it to me. That first week she pointed to everything on the street, corners, chickens, gates, etc. And named it for me.
I am like a little child again, learning to talk. It´s incredible, really. I always took for granted the ability to talk, express myself, and be heard. It´s humbling. But I hold fast to that truth that God can bring everything to our remembrance. For this reason, I´m striving to study like crazy!
I´ve really begun to learn Spanish, though, while teaching. Hermana Ferraez is adamant about me sharing my testimony and taking part in the lesson. She´s a Godsend! Every companionship study, we study and practice one the basic 4 missionary lessons. 1, the Restoration, 2, The Plan of Salvation, 3, Gospel of Jesus Christ, 4, The Commandments. Principle upon principle, she bears witness, and then I bear witness. I´m learning so much, so fast, with her as my buena maestra.
Yesterday I gave my first talk in Catillano (Espanol). Talk about stage fright! Our Branch President called us Thursday night and asked if I would speak. Good golly, was I nervous. But The Spirit is real, it works. I offered my testimony talk about Missionary Work to this small group of 35 church members. After the meeting, several members of the branch complemented me on how quickly my language skills have improved. With God, nothing shall be impossible. I´m concerned to have a good relationship with the Members of this branch, because Hermana Ferraez will take off for home in only 4 short weeks, and I will be here with a new companion to continue the work. I want to be ready, willing, and armed for the challenge (Highland 33rd ward youth activity when I was 12). Most especially to be there for these good people we´re teaching, and we can only do that with the help of the branch members.
God is very aware of me and answers my questions and pleas for help. I was reading in Mosiah 1 and Jeremiah 1 this week, and both gave me the sweetest comfort. Take a look at the first 10 vesrses of each chapter, especially what it says about language!
Right now we have two investigators with a baptismal date, Carolina (age 17) who is an absolute doll. She reminds me so much of Casey! Daniel (age 10). Both are working towards baptism on the 27th of July. Unfortunately, my time is up, but I can´t wait to tell you about the miracles we´ve been seeing with them next week. I have considerably less time to write here than I did in Washington, so I apologize to all who have sent me emails and I can´t respond. Know that I love you, you are in my prayers, and I thank God every day for the opportunity I have to serve. You might be thousands of miles away from me, my dear family. But You are closer than you know. I think of you and all you have taught me, all the memories we share, all the lessons learned in our home growing up ALL the time. I have had no idea how blessed I have been my entire life until my mission.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Boren
Oh my goodness, firstly I have to say what an incredible mother I have. Mom, thank you so much for helping me prepare everything I would need for my mission. The tights, the boots, scarves, EVERYTHING has been so essential. Thank you for helping me find the very best things to be prepared and ready to serve here in Argentina. I love you! Also, I love the pictures you sent. Thank you so much for keeping me updated on life at home. I can´t wait to someday see the MOA video the boys are working on. Jordan, my goodness, you little movie star. And Ty guy, you go for it with those Editing talents of yours! I love hearing everything about home. Thank you for every detail.
Secondly, God loves me. That´s all there is to it. I´m learning and growing so much in my time here, and I´ve only been here for 2 weeks! My area right now is Venado Tuerto, it´s about a 3 hour trip (by bus) south and west of Rosario.
I need to tell you, firstly, some peculiar things about Argentina. This place is enchanting. Argentina seems like a portal for time travel, somewhere caught between worlds and times. There are streets and cars, but very few traffic lights and no painted lines on the streets to separate lanes of traffic. Stop signs, I think i´ve seen maybe 3. You thought my california stops were bad, Austin? You should see the flow of traffic here! There are cars everywhere, some more modern VWs and Fords. But at least half of the cars here could belong in Herbie. Motorcycles and bikes are essential here. On any given motorcycle you might find 3 to 5 people. Commonplace to have that many, really. The Bikes, surely, must be from Mary Poppins, with their wide handlebars and baskets afront. Young couples that could be from Top Gun, kissing over their motorbike wearing leather jackets and hair like the 80s. It´s enchanting and confusing all at once! My taxi ride that first night, from the bus station to our apartment, I didn´t stop praying from the moment we entered the cab til the moment we hit the curb. It was like Indiana Jones at Disneyland, except it isn´t a ride, it´s real life! We made it safe and I won´t have to ride in a taxi again until next transfer . . . I hope!
Dogs. Dogs everywhere. Dogs in houses and stray dogs in streets. In this respect, Argentina is just like Washington (the land of dogs) except the Dogs here are scary! Dirty and raggedly bony from life in the streets. And leaving their traces everywhere. Dad, you should know that I will never procrastinate cleaning up after Jack again in my life after my experience here! One little dog has followed us several time, he looks somewhat like a dalmation. We call him Pecas (freckles).
The keys to front doors (all front doors, ours included) are like those in Scarlet Pimpernell, cerca 1860 or so, complete with old fashioned teeth on either side of the key. Wood burning stoves, in some homes, to keep the house warm. Shutters, on many windows. Bars on most others. A basket seated on a tall pole stands in front of each home, for trash. Trash here is collected every day, from these little baskets seated up high in the front yard. Tiny little washers, no dryers. Clothes are hung on a clothes line outdoors, for us on our little apartment balcony. No dishwashers, but always fridges.
Cobblestone sidewalks at times, other times straight pavement. The food! Goodness, sweet Sister Sanders certainly helped me prepare. The Empanadas are stellar, the pan (bread) supreme. Mom, I bought some authentic alfajores on Saturday, and I´d have to say that we were spot on when we had that cookie alfajores making fest before I left. They tasted almost exactly the same! I´m afraid for my health, but luckily we walk nearly everywhere, which equates to 7 or 8 miles or more a day. That makes me feel a little better. Almuerzo (lunch) is the big meal here, eaten at 1pm or so. Cena (dinner) is usually about 8 or 9 pm and is very small. My American stomach is angry with me at the moment, craving food at 5 or 6. But I´m adjusting. All in good time!
We never knock doors. Always clap. We always clap and stand away from the door at least 7 feet, to wait for´folks to come to their doors. It´s the weirdest thing to me, after knocking doors in Washington for 3 months, 2 hours a day. But I love it! Many houses have a courtyard with a gate. Other homes are right on the sidewalk of the street, like in the Cosby Show.
I think the boys will squirm at this, but everyone greets you with a kiss instead of a hug here! Men in the church are asked to give us handshakes, but the women and children always say hello with a kiss on the cheek, always the right cheek. Stranger or friend. One or two times we haven´t been able to tell a male investigator the rule fast enough, and so I´ve gotten kisses on the cheek from them, too.
At 12 pm, everything closes. I mean EVERYTHING. Media dia, from 12 to 4pm, everyone closes up shop. To eat, to rest. Life runs so much slower, here. At some moments as a missionary it´s killing me, especially in the afternoon hours. I like to work and work hard, and Argentina is forcing me to take things a little slower. I´m thoughtful, wanting to know what Heavenly Father would have me learn, and what he wants me to contribute from my heritage and missionary esperience in the States.
My first week in Argentina was the hardest week of my life. It was incredible, for all the new and exciting things I was seeing and doing. It was so hard, though, not to be able to communicate. My first morning, I almost cried while saying our companionship prayer. I used what little spanish I knew to offer the most simple of supplications to Heaven. Throughout the first day, my Companion had to point to everything while she was saying it, and use lots of hand motions to express herself. She´s from Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, and as part of that she speaks very, very, very fast. Bewildered, I did my best to respond, mangling my conjugations. After offering many prayers that first day, I felt this impression that I should just go with the flow. Do my best to understand, but take everything in. I was in culture shock, for sure. So many new things all around me, and a tongue I hardly understand. But Hermana Ferraez is so patient, and patiently explained things several times over for me to understand. Within a few days our little apartment was covered in little yellow post its of every kind of word for wall, floor, ceiling, shower, faucet, etc. I´ve started taking 3 by 5´s everywhere, writing down all the words I hear or see that I don´t know. Then I ask Hermana Ferraez, and she uses the simple words I do know to help describe it to me. That first week she pointed to everything on the street, corners, chickens, gates, etc. And named it for me.
I am like a little child again, learning to talk. It´s incredible, really. I always took for granted the ability to talk, express myself, and be heard. It´s humbling. But I hold fast to that truth that God can bring everything to our remembrance. For this reason, I´m striving to study like crazy!
I´ve really begun to learn Spanish, though, while teaching. Hermana Ferraez is adamant about me sharing my testimony and taking part in the lesson. She´s a Godsend! Every companionship study, we study and practice one the basic 4 missionary lessons. 1, the Restoration, 2, The Plan of Salvation, 3, Gospel of Jesus Christ, 4, The Commandments. Principle upon principle, she bears witness, and then I bear witness. I´m learning so much, so fast, with her as my buena maestra.
Yesterday I gave my first talk in Catillano (Espanol). Talk about stage fright! Our Branch President called us Thursday night and asked if I would speak. Good golly, was I nervous. But The Spirit is real, it works. I offered my testimony talk about Missionary Work to this small group of 35 church members. After the meeting, several members of the branch complemented me on how quickly my language skills have improved. With God, nothing shall be impossible. I´m concerned to have a good relationship with the Members of this branch, because Hermana Ferraez will take off for home in only 4 short weeks, and I will be here with a new companion to continue the work. I want to be ready, willing, and armed for the challenge (Highland 33rd ward youth activity when I was 12). Most especially to be there for these good people we´re teaching, and we can only do that with the help of the branch members.
God is very aware of me and answers my questions and pleas for help. I was reading in Mosiah 1 and Jeremiah 1 this week, and both gave me the sweetest comfort. Take a look at the first 10 vesrses of each chapter, especially what it says about language!
Right now we have two investigators with a baptismal date, Carolina (age 17) who is an absolute doll. She reminds me so much of Casey! Daniel (age 10). Both are working towards baptism on the 27th of July. Unfortunately, my time is up, but I can´t wait to tell you about the miracles we´ve been seeing with them next week. I have considerably less time to write here than I did in Washington, so I apologize to all who have sent me emails and I can´t respond. Know that I love you, you are in my prayers, and I thank God every day for the opportunity I have to serve. You might be thousands of miles away from me, my dear family. But You are closer than you know. I think of you and all you have taught me, all the memories we share, all the lessons learned in our home growing up ALL the time. I have had no idea how blessed I have been my entire life until my mission.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Boren
Hola mi querida familia!
hola mi querida familia!
I write to you from la Bella del Sol! I am finally in Argentina, serving in a tiny rama (branch) called Centro I. My companion is Hermana Ferraez, she is from Mexico and doesn´t speak any English. My goodness, this has been such an incredible week, and my heart is full with so much gratitude at everything that has transpired over the past two weeks. I have so much to tell you!
Last Monday dawned in Washington, a hot, Sherbet Orange sky. All my things packed in my bags, I said goodbye to the little blue house on the bay with my dear Sister Young. We listened to lower lights (my new favorite mission music! It´s folked out hymns and I love it) all the way to the mission office. Once there, I was blessed to receive a priesthood blessing from sweet President Weaver in my last moments in the WA-TAC. I was blessed to be watched over, and placed in the hands of the Lord throughout my time in Argentina. I was also blessed to "win many hearts" as I love them with persuasion and kindness and teaching the Good word of God. President Weaver also gave Sister Young a blessing of comfort. We have had such success in Gig Harbor, there are many investigators and many details she was left with. She was blessed to know that she can do it! That she has the capacity to care after everything and everyone in our beloved part of the WA-TAC in Gig Harbor. Saying goodbye was hard after those amazing 5 weeks together. Tears in her eyes and mine!
Elder Higginson and Elder Decker couldn´t believe it. When they pulled up and saw I was there, both exclaimed "You got your VISA!" Soon, President Weaver and his Assistants were driving us to the Airport. There was a bad accident that transpired on the freeway just left of us as we drove, we missed it by only a little bit. Thanks be to Heavenly Father for our safety! He takes care of his missionaries. This I know! Once at the Airport, both my checked bags were exactly 50 lbs.on the dot! Again, God takes care of us. I needed everything that I brought to Argentina, and was afraid they´d be too heavy.
Our journey began. A 5 hour flight practicing Spanish with the Elders en route to Atlanta (family! It was so good to talk to you, my goodness! Especially to catch so many of you before leaving to Lake Powell. I sure love you, each one of you! Sorry to cut it short, again, there were 30 or so japaneese missionaries waiting to call home). Once in Atlanta, we encountered Elder Hill from the MTC, and that was a joyous reunion. We exchanged stories and laughed and reminisced while we waited to board our flight.
The longest night of my life was the 11 hours overnight on the plane. Kind of awkward, my seat was right next to Elder Decker´s. It just feels especially weird as missionaries not to have a companion of your same gender while traveling. We tried to make the most of it by talking about why we came on a mission and attempting to nap with our seats upright through the long voyage. I did enjoy some free time to write in my journal.
And then we arrived, encountering Elder Topham and Sister Whitaker in Customs. What a joyous reunion!!! Our passports and visas were checked at long last, and our group of about 16 new missionaries were met by a bus driver sent by the mission office. He checked to make sure we were all there, put our suitcases on the bus, and we boarded. 5 more hours of chatting, sharing stories from our stateside experiences. Everyone but 2 of us sisters in the Rosario group served Spanish speaking. I was very intimidated!
Soon we found ourselves at a victorian looking building, the mission home. We met president and Sister Giuliani, wonderful wonderful people. We were blessed to spend the night in the mission home after a dinner of something like mancotti, but Argentina style.
The next day we met our companions, and were off. I was so intimidated at first, my Spanish is more limited than I thought, and Sister Ferraez speaks only Spanish. At first, I could hardly understand her, she speaks so quickly! We embarked on another journey of taxi rides and a bus for the next 4 hours. Finally, about 9:30 pm, we arrived at our little apartment. Oh, man. What days of travel!
Already my time is up. I wish I could express to you more of the transformation my life has taken in only a week! I once had a wish to never grow up. I think it´s been granted, because I speak as a little child once again! It is humbling, frustrating, enchanting, and confusing to be thrust into a new language. Spanish here is a little different, it´s Castillano (cast´ish´ahn´oh) with lots of sh sounds. But I love it. I´m understanding more and more each day, and I´m delighted to be here. I feel so grateful for all I´ve been given, truly, and look forward to all I have to learn. God is Good. He is watching over me all the time. I have no need to fear for anything, I have felt his hand guiding me already in my short time here.
I´m sorry this is so brief. I will send more details about this amazing place next week when I have more time to write. I love love love love love love love all of you!
Hermana Boren
I write to you from la Bella del Sol! I am finally in Argentina, serving in a tiny rama (branch) called Centro I. My companion is Hermana Ferraez, she is from Mexico and doesn´t speak any English. My goodness, this has been such an incredible week, and my heart is full with so much gratitude at everything that has transpired over the past two weeks. I have so much to tell you!
Last Monday dawned in Washington, a hot, Sherbet Orange sky. All my things packed in my bags, I said goodbye to the little blue house on the bay with my dear Sister Young. We listened to lower lights (my new favorite mission music! It´s folked out hymns and I love it) all the way to the mission office. Once there, I was blessed to receive a priesthood blessing from sweet President Weaver in my last moments in the WA-TAC. I was blessed to be watched over, and placed in the hands of the Lord throughout my time in Argentina. I was also blessed to "win many hearts" as I love them with persuasion and kindness and teaching the Good word of God. President Weaver also gave Sister Young a blessing of comfort. We have had such success in Gig Harbor, there are many investigators and many details she was left with. She was blessed to know that she can do it! That she has the capacity to care after everything and everyone in our beloved part of the WA-TAC in Gig Harbor. Saying goodbye was hard after those amazing 5 weeks together. Tears in her eyes and mine!
Elder Higginson and Elder Decker couldn´t believe it. When they pulled up and saw I was there, both exclaimed "You got your VISA!" Soon, President Weaver and his Assistants were driving us to the Airport. There was a bad accident that transpired on the freeway just left of us as we drove, we missed it by only a little bit. Thanks be to Heavenly Father for our safety! He takes care of his missionaries. This I know! Once at the Airport, both my checked bags were exactly 50 lbs.on the dot! Again, God takes care of us. I needed everything that I brought to Argentina, and was afraid they´d be too heavy.
Our journey began. A 5 hour flight practicing Spanish with the Elders en route to Atlanta (family! It was so good to talk to you, my goodness! Especially to catch so many of you before leaving to Lake Powell. I sure love you, each one of you! Sorry to cut it short, again, there were 30 or so japaneese missionaries waiting to call home). Once in Atlanta, we encountered Elder Hill from the MTC, and that was a joyous reunion. We exchanged stories and laughed and reminisced while we waited to board our flight.
The longest night of my life was the 11 hours overnight on the plane. Kind of awkward, my seat was right next to Elder Decker´s. It just feels especially weird as missionaries not to have a companion of your same gender while traveling. We tried to make the most of it by talking about why we came on a mission and attempting to nap with our seats upright through the long voyage. I did enjoy some free time to write in my journal.
And then we arrived, encountering Elder Topham and Sister Whitaker in Customs. What a joyous reunion!!! Our passports and visas were checked at long last, and our group of about 16 new missionaries were met by a bus driver sent by the mission office. He checked to make sure we were all there, put our suitcases on the bus, and we boarded. 5 more hours of chatting, sharing stories from our stateside experiences. Everyone but 2 of us sisters in the Rosario group served Spanish speaking. I was very intimidated!
Soon we found ourselves at a victorian looking building, the mission home. We met president and Sister Giuliani, wonderful wonderful people. We were blessed to spend the night in the mission home after a dinner of something like mancotti, but Argentina style.
The next day we met our companions, and were off. I was so intimidated at first, my Spanish is more limited than I thought, and Sister Ferraez speaks only Spanish. At first, I could hardly understand her, she speaks so quickly! We embarked on another journey of taxi rides and a bus for the next 4 hours. Finally, about 9:30 pm, we arrived at our little apartment. Oh, man. What days of travel!
Already my time is up. I wish I could express to you more of the transformation my life has taken in only a week! I once had a wish to never grow up. I think it´s been granted, because I speak as a little child once again! It is humbling, frustrating, enchanting, and confusing to be thrust into a new language. Spanish here is a little different, it´s Castillano (cast´ish´ahn´oh) with lots of sh sounds. But I love it. I´m understanding more and more each day, and I´m delighted to be here. I feel so grateful for all I´ve been given, truly, and look forward to all I have to learn. God is Good. He is watching over me all the time. I have no need to fear for anything, I have felt his hand guiding me already in my short time here.
I´m sorry this is so brief. I will send more details about this amazing place next week when I have more time to write. I love love love love love love love all of you!
Hermana Boren
Monday, July 15, 2013
June 24th (continued
Hand written with a request that it be included.
Firstly there is a Hymn that has come up in my brain so much
lately. It is “I Heard the Bells on
Christmas Day” kind of strange to be thinking of that Hymn in the middle of the
year isn’t it? But there’s a line in the
song-two verses actually, that came repeatedly to mind this week.
“Then in despair I bowed my head,
there is no peace on Earth! I said
for hate is strong and mocks the song,
of peace on Earth good will to men.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor doth he sleep
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail
with peace on Earth good will to men.”
-Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow
I’ve thought of these words over and over. At the beginning of my time in the WA-TAC, I
was taken aback by how much alcohol I smelt and tattoos I saw and how many
broken families I met. I’m still sad to
see those things. But I also know that
God will always win. There’s a whole lot
of Good, a whole lot of light, a whole lot of wonder all around us. I thought that today with all those STARFISH
I saw, the cool water of the Puget sound brushing against the shore. I think of it when I hear primary kids sing. I think of it when I read your letters. GOD WILL ALWAYS WIN. Remember that when satan tries to get you
down.
Also, I forgot to tell about Mission Tour! Elder Piper of the 70 is AWESOME! I dearly
enjoyed his dry sense of humor and his powerful testimony. He is missing the last segment of his two
middle fingers on hos right hand-he lost them
to a snow blower while doing service splits with the missionaries. He said when he puts his right arm to the
square, he’s the only one who can say he loves and sustains the brethren at the
same time! (His missing fingers make it
look like he’s always saying I love you.) He was adamant about meeting each one
of us. He sure is observant. As soon as he shook my hand and I said
“Sister Boren” he said back “Muy Bien.” He must’ve seen my nametag lickedy
split, I never saw him glance at it. He
offered profound council on helping our investigators make commitments not to
us, but to the Lord. That will enable
their conversion to be more self reliant, self led, and more in tune with the
spirit.
I’m writing this next page a few days later, June 27th. I received some unexpected news Tuesday
afternoon. Sister Young & I went to
the Library to print off a few LDS.org articles for Asan when we got a phone
call from President Weaver. He was just
then exiting the Olympic Drive exit to come talk with us in person- we told him
we were just down the street at the Library.
As soon as we hung up, Sister Young turned to me with a look of shock
and worry “you got your visa” she said plainly.
I wondered, and waited anxiously for President Weaver. We spotted his white shack of hair from
across the parking lot, and after he said hello in his cheery way and gave us
both a hug, he held out a white paper and said, “Do you know what this is? I
saw three bolded black letter names of Elder Decker, Elder Higginson, and then
my own – travel plans, just like it looked when we flew to Tacoma. I couldn’t believe it. My visa came.
President had known on my birthday, but didn’t tell me at the fireside
because Sister Dean has not received hers yet.
She is the fourth member of our Argentina-bound WA-TAC waiting
group. She’s far more anxious to leave
than I am. I ache for her!
I report to the Mission office at 8:00am this Monday
Morning, July 1st. I fly into
Atlanta with Elder Higginson & Decker, where we’ll meet several others of
our MTC district and then we’re off to the Buenas Aires Airport. A la bella del
sol.
I can’t believe this day has finally come. I love the WA-TAC and I’m devastated to
leave our 25+ investigators and Sister Young.
We work as such a team! I will
forever love my memories here and count them an integral part of my mission.
And at the same time, I’m overcome with excitement and
anticipation and love for my Mission in Argentina!
I’ll be calling from the Airport on Monday! I can’t wait to
hear your voices again! How I love you
Mom, and Dad, A, T, J, C!
Always,
Con mucho Amor,
Con mucho Amor,
Hermana Mikayla
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Voy a la Bella Del Sol
Dearest Familia,
I thought you should know that this past Tuesday, Sister Young and I got a phone call from President Weaver. He wanted to speak with us in person, and he was getting off the freeway at that very moment! We met with him in uptown in the library parking lot. And do you know what he told me, Tuesday afternoon? My visa came through. Actually, it came through a day after Elder Higginson's and Decker's came through, and before he saw me on my birthday--but he couldn't bear to tell me then because Sister Dean's did not come through. She will be the only one of our original four-some of Visa waiters left behind--isn't that tragic? I was most concerned about her at first because I, quite frankly, wouldn't have minded switching places. I'm lovin' the WA-TAC! But President said it doesn't work that way, and I'll be on my way. I called sister dean last night, and she's doing well with the news. President Weaver told her for sure that she'll be on her way to Argentina next transfer, without a doubt.
Am I excited? Yes. Am I terrified? Yes. I can't believe that in three short Days I'll be on my way to la bella del sol. I report to the mission office at 8 am, this Monday. I'll be flying to Atlanta by noon, and then have a layover there before flying into Buenos Aires. Voy a Argentina! Increible!
Sister Young is quite bummed I'm leaving, and I'm sad to leave her and beloved Wollochet too. We are hoping she gets a real hard working companion to keep up the wild pace we've been running at!
I love you, my sweet family. I'll be talking to you Monday Morning from the Airport. I have no idea when my next P-day will be (this P-day was 3 hours on a Friday afternoon, thanks be to President). Until then, I love you!
Love,
the Argentina-Bound Hermana Mikayla Boren
I thought you should know that this past Tuesday, Sister Young and I got a phone call from President Weaver. He wanted to speak with us in person, and he was getting off the freeway at that very moment! We met with him in uptown in the library parking lot. And do you know what he told me, Tuesday afternoon? My visa came through. Actually, it came through a day after Elder Higginson's and Decker's came through, and before he saw me on my birthday--but he couldn't bear to tell me then because Sister Dean's did not come through. She will be the only one of our original four-some of Visa waiters left behind--isn't that tragic? I was most concerned about her at first because I, quite frankly, wouldn't have minded switching places. I'm lovin' the WA-TAC! But President said it doesn't work that way, and I'll be on my way. I called sister dean last night, and she's doing well with the news. President Weaver told her for sure that she'll be on her way to Argentina next transfer, without a doubt.
Am I excited? Yes. Am I terrified? Yes. I can't believe that in three short Days I'll be on my way to la bella del sol. I report to the mission office at 8 am, this Monday. I'll be flying to Atlanta by noon, and then have a layover there before flying into Buenos Aires. Voy a Argentina! Increible!
Sister Young is quite bummed I'm leaving, and I'm sad to leave her and beloved Wollochet too. We are hoping she gets a real hard working companion to keep up the wild pace we've been running at!
I love you, my sweet family. I'll be talking to you Monday Morning from the Airport. I have no idea when my next P-day will be (this P-day was 3 hours on a Friday afternoon, thanks be to President). Until then, I love you!
Love,
the Argentina-Bound Hermana Mikayla Boren
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