Aloha From Provo, Utah!!!
I made It through two weeks here, and only have two left! Soo cool... I'm a little sad because my companions leave Monday and Wednesday, so I have a week without them, but I'll have Sister Reber as my companion, she's here for another 7 weeks! So I'll have tour guide training with some other Sisters I guess. No Idea!! Well before I start...
Madi, I'll do my best to make paragraph Indents... and I love the letters I get from you. I feel bad though because you’re using all those stamps. Just use deal elder, and use those stamps for when I'm actually In Hawaii. :D That should make it cheaper for you! And I love getting letters... so keep them coming! Ammon thank you for the Chuck Norris joke over dearelder.com. I appreciated the laugh. We get the mail twice a day, and no joke, it's the best time of day.
I realized I have the Best Family In the world! And the greatest friends as well :D So something funny that happened... well there was a lot of funny things, but things that are sticking out in my mind. 1) We were walking in the TRC (a place where you practice teaching "investigators") and as we were walking down the hall Sister Steven noticed that Sister Rowleys skirt was tucked up into her underwear. Remember Italy, mom? Yeah, same thing. We laughed for hours. Some of the elders were going to try and make milk come out of my nose, so I stopped drinking for almost my entire meal. Then at the end I had to drink my milk up, and Elder Johnson said “this one time I was at the zoo and I saw a giraffe give birth.” He won. We've spent a lot of time at the referal center, and that's probably where the funniest things happen.
I love talking to people :D We finished up the second lesson yesterday (Plan of Salvation) and are starting the third (Gospel of Jesus Christ). I'm glad I'm not learning a new language. I want to get out and teach. I think 9 weeks here would kill me.
Mommy, thanks for sending me my contacts, pjs, and hoody. I love walking around here with my UofU stuff. My favorite is my "Quest Perfected" shirt. There are so many girls who wear the "quest for perfection" shirts and they smile at me when they read mine, then realize that it's got a giant U on it.... then they glare. I laugh. It's just a shirt :D
We've been running a lot at gym, but we decided to play volleyball again yesterday. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Elder Cowley likes to quote madTV which probably isn't the best, but we all laugh anyways. None of us are any good, which makes it soo much more fun!! The other day during gym time I was stretching then doing some pushups. Elder Biehain (the one who my branch president introduced me to last week as the kid who says sir to much) was walking past and taunted me to "just do 2 more Sister Bridge." So I did 45. Now whenever I walk by him and his companion he has to mention how he got out-push-up'd by a Sister missionary. But he's a big football player, so I'm pretty sure he can do more than me.
And to all my Arnies, thanks for the card. It was great. I love and miss you all! Good luck to all of you going to field training, you're going to do amazing, and I know this because I trained with you and I can tell you will be the best!
I've been taking lots of pictures. We figure out how to make these cool light saber effects... so we got some good pictures. I'm printing some off today, and I'll send them when I get them back. My companions are amazing! We went to the temple this morning with the whole branch, and it was great! I almost fell asleep, but then didn't because I had to cough, and you know when you have to have a coughing fit, but you can't? Yeah, that kept me awake. My eyes started watering and I wasn't crying, but I couldn't breathe... It was funny (after). I got some cough drops from another Sister because she didn't want to take them with her out into the field, but I'll just have to buy some more.
I've gotten a lot of letters, and I'm going to try my hardest to respond to them today. I have a lot of time to write during laundry, so be patient! But I love writing letters and so you will get some!!
As far as questions go - Yes, the food Is amazing. I eat too much. But you don't get to dish up your own food, they just give it to you... and you feel guilty if you don't eat it all! And when they have ribs and mashed potatoes.... I'm just saying. But Sister Rowley and I are trying to drink at least 3 glasses of water at every meal. It's worked pretty well. She's beating me in the count, because I thought the agreement was "liquid" not just water, so I had 2 waters and a Gatorade. I was shot down.
Well I'm gratefull for my time here. I've learned so much about the gospel and about teaching. There are great teachers here who will sit down one on one and help you become better. They really have a love for the gospel, and they want you to succeed. One of our teachers sat down for about two hours with us last night and answered any questions we had about the gospel. He's really young (well, my age, but that's young, right) but really really smart. I love it here, and I know the gospel is true! My testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown soo much and I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet! He brought forth this dispensation of the Gospel! I love ya! and I'm grateful for temple so my wonderful family can be together forver!!! Till next week!
Sis Bridge
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 14, 2009
Hello all!
I can't believe I've been here for over a week! This is actually my first preperation day I've had, so I apologize for not writing earlier! I'm trying to be completely obedient, and we're not allowed to write on other days! But it's great here, and I'm really appreciative of all the letters I've been getting. I get made fun of by my district because I get more letters than the rest of them combined! and there are nine of us.... go figure! I love you all!!! Keep them coming! mail time is my favorite time of day!
Well Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were the longest days of my life! They say here that the weeks feel like days, and the days feel like weeks... it's true. I can't explain it, but it's true. The days last forever. Once we got to the first Sunday everything slowed down a little bit, at least it seemed to. I have an AMAZING district, there are mostly elders going to Tampa Florida, one sister to Tampa, and my companion who is going to Vancouver Canada. And just me going to Honolulu. Actually I'm the only sister flying out there with 4 elders :D I'm not complaining.
The food is great. We take full advantage of our gym time, actually... funny story.... the gym is resurfaced for three weeks every ten years, and you'll never guess when it happened! The day I came! So instead of a gym, we go play in the park across the street! We've been playing a lot of sand volleyball because that's one of the only things sisters can play with the elders (at least the sports that I like...) so thats really great. But we don't have choir because the gym is closed... but thats ok.bGo figure, I get the job of coordinating sister. I was soo surprised when the branch president asked me. I figured the point of me coming was to learn how to be a follower... but i get more leadership! I laughed out loud... he thought I was laughing at him...
Some of my goals so far: 1) To improve my handwriting, which has been coming along nicely! This nice old lady taught me a bunch of ways to help me. 2) To slow down when I speak. My companions have been helping me with that. So I have a lot more goals, a lot of them involve humility, so I'm not going to go into detail about them. I've really realized here that the Lord qualifies who He calls. There are so many people here that are struggling with language, and lessons, but the Lord truly does bless them with strength and knowledge! I love it! It's funny, but I've notived how various things like ROTC have helped me in the MTC. I find myself volunteering for everything, and conducting meetings the same way we did in AAS. It made me laugh the first night... also I have that desire to prove to myself that I can always be better.
One of my favorite quotes was "you are always on parade" and it's funny how that is soo true here! Everyone watches what you do, but mostly just so they can help you! Everyone is willing to help you become a better teacher. Speaking of teachers, they are amazing! We have 2 main ones, but then we have various others who don't have class at that time come help us! We're in class a lot, we're usually there by 0700, then back after breakfast at 0815, then lunch at 1200, back to class, personal study, companion study, missionary directed time (write talks, study more, go do teaching excercises) then dinner at 5 pm, then class after that till 9 pm. Good times. It's not that bad actually, our teachers find really good ways to help us.
One of my favorite places is the Referal Center. It's where you get connected to if you call one of the church numbers on the commercials! So they call to order a Book of Mormon, or a Finding Faith in God DVD, and we get their information and send it to them. We also call back to confirm if they got their gift, and we talk to them about it. Sister Rowley actually got to teach the first lesson over the phone last night to a lady back east, and Sis. Rowley is going to call her back tonight to talk to her some more. Its really fun, I like to listen to all the southern people's answering machines... they are cooo cute! I love southern people! The other missionaries are way cute as well. It's funny when I see two elders sitting on a bench studying, and my first thought it "ooooh! Missionaries!" then I realize... oh wait... I'm one too!! It's a good feeling to know that the Lord has trusted you with the teaching of his children. We were given certificates to show that we have been ordained by the church leaders to proselite, and we get to carry those around with us.
I did meet another sister going to Honolulu. She's from Japan and doesn't speak much english. She's going to be here for a few more weeks because she's got to learn more before they send her out. Everyone in my district got their flight plans today, accept me.... and i'm going to miss them a lot! I have to spend a week by myself because I have that extra week of visitor center training! I'm way excited! I might be a solo sister, which means I get this cool white sticker on my tag that won't get me introuble if I'm chilling with two elders. :D
One of the girls in my room is a solo sister, she's going to Latvia! Soo jealous... but then not really. We went to the Provo Temple this morning. My first p-day and I had to wake up at 0530! Normally we wake up at 0630, and are in bed by 1030 pm. It's funny, I get 8 hours of sleep, but I am still sooo tired! Our days are filled with sooo much that by lunch you are all worn out! Fortunately I get to go to gym right after lunch, but then by dinner I'm falling asleep! But yeah, the temple was great. I enjoyed going with my entire branch. The elders are way cool. there are two going to Greece, a few going to Armenia, and 3 going to Latvia. The rest are Tampa, and Vancouver. 10 more elders arrived into our branch last night, they are going to Texas and South Dakota. Way nice elders! My branch president actually introduced one to me last night and said "Sister Bridge, this young elder has the same problem you do. He likes to call me "sir" and you know how much I don't like that." I just laughed.
So that's pretty much how it works here. I have 2 extra meetings a week because of my coordinating sister job, but it's not to bad. I'm just the one who makes sure the sisters in my branch are taken care of, and everyone gets their flight plans and travel arrangments. I communicate with the branch president (who is way nice, his wife is cool to) about how the sisters are doing, and if there are any problems. I get to go to all the district meetings though, so thats fun. I only get 30 minutes to write, which is no fun, and I'm trying to include everything...
We've had some amazing experiences so far, and it's been very humbling. It's hard work, and sometimes you just want it to end. But I can't, and I don't want to finish. I love it here. I just have to keep on trucking. Sometimes I have to look in the mirror and tell myself to buck up, and that helps. :D
Well I love you all, and I miss you very much. I hope mothers day was AMAZING! I cried... not gonna lie. Please keep the letters coming. Like I said it's my favorite time of the day! I really appreciate all the support I've gotten, and all the great advise! But i know this is the place for me, my testimony has grown so much in such a short time, and i can't wait for more! I love learning about how I can bring others to Christ, and actually getting to sit down with investigators is such a wonderful experience! I love you all sooo much! I can't even begin to explain! I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us, and that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ!
Love ya!
Sister Charlene Bridge
I can't believe I've been here for over a week! This is actually my first preperation day I've had, so I apologize for not writing earlier! I'm trying to be completely obedient, and we're not allowed to write on other days! But it's great here, and I'm really appreciative of all the letters I've been getting. I get made fun of by my district because I get more letters than the rest of them combined! and there are nine of us.... go figure! I love you all!!! Keep them coming! mail time is my favorite time of day!
Well Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were the longest days of my life! They say here that the weeks feel like days, and the days feel like weeks... it's true. I can't explain it, but it's true. The days last forever. Once we got to the first Sunday everything slowed down a little bit, at least it seemed to. I have an AMAZING district, there are mostly elders going to Tampa Florida, one sister to Tampa, and my companion who is going to Vancouver Canada. And just me going to Honolulu. Actually I'm the only sister flying out there with 4 elders :D I'm not complaining.
The food is great. We take full advantage of our gym time, actually... funny story.... the gym is resurfaced for three weeks every ten years, and you'll never guess when it happened! The day I came! So instead of a gym, we go play in the park across the street! We've been playing a lot of sand volleyball because that's one of the only things sisters can play with the elders (at least the sports that I like...) so thats really great. But we don't have choir because the gym is closed... but thats ok.bGo figure, I get the job of coordinating sister. I was soo surprised when the branch president asked me. I figured the point of me coming was to learn how to be a follower... but i get more leadership! I laughed out loud... he thought I was laughing at him...
Some of my goals so far: 1) To improve my handwriting, which has been coming along nicely! This nice old lady taught me a bunch of ways to help me. 2) To slow down when I speak. My companions have been helping me with that. So I have a lot more goals, a lot of them involve humility, so I'm not going to go into detail about them. I've really realized here that the Lord qualifies who He calls. There are so many people here that are struggling with language, and lessons, but the Lord truly does bless them with strength and knowledge! I love it! It's funny, but I've notived how various things like ROTC have helped me in the MTC. I find myself volunteering for everything, and conducting meetings the same way we did in AAS. It made me laugh the first night... also I have that desire to prove to myself that I can always be better.
One of my favorite quotes was "you are always on parade" and it's funny how that is soo true here! Everyone watches what you do, but mostly just so they can help you! Everyone is willing to help you become a better teacher. Speaking of teachers, they are amazing! We have 2 main ones, but then we have various others who don't have class at that time come help us! We're in class a lot, we're usually there by 0700, then back after breakfast at 0815, then lunch at 1200, back to class, personal study, companion study, missionary directed time (write talks, study more, go do teaching excercises) then dinner at 5 pm, then class after that till 9 pm. Good times. It's not that bad actually, our teachers find really good ways to help us.
One of my favorite places is the Referal Center. It's where you get connected to if you call one of the church numbers on the commercials! So they call to order a Book of Mormon, or a Finding Faith in God DVD, and we get their information and send it to them. We also call back to confirm if they got their gift, and we talk to them about it. Sister Rowley actually got to teach the first lesson over the phone last night to a lady back east, and Sis. Rowley is going to call her back tonight to talk to her some more. Its really fun, I like to listen to all the southern people's answering machines... they are cooo cute! I love southern people! The other missionaries are way cute as well. It's funny when I see two elders sitting on a bench studying, and my first thought it "ooooh! Missionaries!" then I realize... oh wait... I'm one too!! It's a good feeling to know that the Lord has trusted you with the teaching of his children. We were given certificates to show that we have been ordained by the church leaders to proselite, and we get to carry those around with us.
I did meet another sister going to Honolulu. She's from Japan and doesn't speak much english. She's going to be here for a few more weeks because she's got to learn more before they send her out. Everyone in my district got their flight plans today, accept me.... and i'm going to miss them a lot! I have to spend a week by myself because I have that extra week of visitor center training! I'm way excited! I might be a solo sister, which means I get this cool white sticker on my tag that won't get me introuble if I'm chilling with two elders. :D
One of the girls in my room is a solo sister, she's going to Latvia! Soo jealous... but then not really. We went to the Provo Temple this morning. My first p-day and I had to wake up at 0530! Normally we wake up at 0630, and are in bed by 1030 pm. It's funny, I get 8 hours of sleep, but I am still sooo tired! Our days are filled with sooo much that by lunch you are all worn out! Fortunately I get to go to gym right after lunch, but then by dinner I'm falling asleep! But yeah, the temple was great. I enjoyed going with my entire branch. The elders are way cool. there are two going to Greece, a few going to Armenia, and 3 going to Latvia. The rest are Tampa, and Vancouver. 10 more elders arrived into our branch last night, they are going to Texas and South Dakota. Way nice elders! My branch president actually introduced one to me last night and said "Sister Bridge, this young elder has the same problem you do. He likes to call me "sir" and you know how much I don't like that." I just laughed.
So that's pretty much how it works here. I have 2 extra meetings a week because of my coordinating sister job, but it's not to bad. I'm just the one who makes sure the sisters in my branch are taken care of, and everyone gets their flight plans and travel arrangments. I communicate with the branch president (who is way nice, his wife is cool to) about how the sisters are doing, and if there are any problems. I get to go to all the district meetings though, so thats fun. I only get 30 minutes to write, which is no fun, and I'm trying to include everything...
We've had some amazing experiences so far, and it's been very humbling. It's hard work, and sometimes you just want it to end. But I can't, and I don't want to finish. I love it here. I just have to keep on trucking. Sometimes I have to look in the mirror and tell myself to buck up, and that helps. :D
Well I love you all, and I miss you very much. I hope mothers day was AMAZING! I cried... not gonna lie. Please keep the letters coming. Like I said it's my favorite time of the day! I really appreciate all the support I've gotten, and all the great advise! But i know this is the place for me, my testimony has grown so much in such a short time, and i can't wait for more! I love learning about how I can bring others to Christ, and actually getting to sit down with investigators is such a wonderful experience! I love you all sooo much! I can't even begin to explain! I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us, and that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ!
Love ya!
Sister Charlene Bridge
Sunday, May 10, 2009
5-6-09
Hey Ya'll!
Well Ive made it through my first day. Not gonna lie, it was intense. I never want to do it again. After you left I went and stood in lines for about a half an hour, and got all my stuff. Then I went to my room. I was the only one there for about an hour and a half. That was the hardest part of the day. I tried to keep busy, so I ended up putting everything away and making my bed up. Then I ironed my shirts. About this time one of the girls showed up. She's going to Tampa Florida. Then my companion showed up. Her name is Sister Stevens, and she is going to Vancouver. I am the only one in my zone going to Hawaii.
Then we had orientation and Dinner. It was nice. I had a spinach salad and cottage cheese.
I've seen 4 people I know already. Its kinda fun. Jen Robsen was a really good friend all through school, Jackie Tejada from work, Derick Franklin from Marching Band, and Cody Gates from the stake.
Oh, and I got the only leadership position available to sisters. I was called to be the coordinating sitter for the branch/zone. Soooo... not really sure what that means yet, but its cool. The branch Pres. said he knew immediately that I was going to get the position. I don't know if that good or bad... but we will see.
And Mom. I'm sorry I didn't eat your french toast this morning. I'm wishing I did. : ( And could you send me a pair of pj pants? I need another I think.
I have a class at 0700 tomorrow, and Ive been given just a minute to write!! I have preparation day on Thursday so I will email you on Thursday! I love you all lots and I know the gospel is true!
Love,
Sister Bridge
P.S. I feel inadequate when I write so I might try to write to much... Sorry : ) Miss you so much!!
Well Ive made it through my first day. Not gonna lie, it was intense. I never want to do it again. After you left I went and stood in lines for about a half an hour, and got all my stuff. Then I went to my room. I was the only one there for about an hour and a half. That was the hardest part of the day. I tried to keep busy, so I ended up putting everything away and making my bed up. Then I ironed my shirts. About this time one of the girls showed up. She's going to Tampa Florida. Then my companion showed up. Her name is Sister Stevens, and she is going to Vancouver. I am the only one in my zone going to Hawaii.
Then we had orientation and Dinner. It was nice. I had a spinach salad and cottage cheese.
I've seen 4 people I know already. Its kinda fun. Jen Robsen was a really good friend all through school, Jackie Tejada from work, Derick Franklin from Marching Band, and Cody Gates from the stake.
Oh, and I got the only leadership position available to sisters. I was called to be the coordinating sitter for the branch/zone. Soooo... not really sure what that means yet, but its cool. The branch Pres. said he knew immediately that I was going to get the position. I don't know if that good or bad... but we will see.
And Mom. I'm sorry I didn't eat your french toast this morning. I'm wishing I did. : ( And could you send me a pair of pj pants? I need another I think.
I have a class at 0700 tomorrow, and Ive been given just a minute to write!! I have preparation day on Thursday so I will email you on Thursday! I love you all lots and I know the gospel is true!
Love,
Sister Bridge
P.S. I feel inadequate when I write so I might try to write to much... Sorry : ) Miss you so much!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Chars MTC address!
Sister Charlene Emily Bridge
MTC Mailbox #230
HI-HON 0602
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo Utah, 84604-1793
MTC Mailbox #230
HI-HON 0602
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo Utah, 84604-1793
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
She's gone....
Well I've been set apart and I'm heading out! I love you all, and hope to hear from you!
Monday, May 4, 2009
here comes goodbye
Here comes goodbye, here comes the last time
Here comes the start of every sleepless night
The first of every tear I’m gonna cry
Here comes the pain, Here comes me wishing things would never change
And he was right here in my arms tonight, but here comes goodbye.
I haven't managed to figure out this whole... good timing thing.
Here comes the start of every sleepless night
The first of every tear I’m gonna cry
Here comes the pain, Here comes me wishing things would never change
And he was right here in my arms tonight, but here comes goodbye.
I haven't managed to figure out this whole... good timing thing.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
One AMAZING sunday!
I had a blast today. After going to church (both singles ward and home ward... wow) I went climbing with Jason and Ammon. Again, if you don't consider this a worthy sunday activity... don't judge me. We had a blast. We did one of my favorite routes in little cottonwood canyon.
I barely made it home in time to eat dinner with my family! I'm glad I did, because dinner was AMAZING! Mom asked me what I wanted for my last sunday dinner before I left... so what else would I want? steak and potatoes! it was great! Then we played games and made my mother a facebook. I love my family!
I barely made it home in time to eat dinner with my family! I'm glad I did, because dinner was AMAZING! Mom asked me what I wanted for my last sunday dinner before I left... so what else would I want? steak and potatoes! it was great! Then we played games and made my mother a facebook. I love my family!
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