Mission Zone, McAllen Texas - February, 2012
To Kate's left is her 2nd companion, Sister Zamora (in pink) - BFF's for life!
Sister Cooper and her companion are to Kate's right. The 4 Sisters live in the same apartment
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Hablo Espanol (I Speak Spanish)
March 26, 2012
I am so happy dad got an accordion and I can't wait to get the recorder back! I want a really good song and I will show it to everyone! They will love that!
So this week has been interesting. We had exchanges and I was in the other sisters’ area with Sister Bocanegra. It was so fun because I spoke only Spanish, ALL DAY! To get our capitan award, we have to do it 24/7 for 4 days. It was hard but 1 day down! Our capitan is a Spanish award. Being that our mission is bilingual, we need a little help and motivation with the Spanish so we have a whole program for our Spanish study. It is really neat. Anywho, it was fun because we had an English lesson and I just kind of sat back and let Sister Bocanegra teach and she would look at me like I don't know what to say and I would just look back and smile, inserting testimonies here and there. HAHA! She didn't like it but afterwards she thanked me because I made her do it. And Sister Cooper did that with Sister Ramos too! So then last night we contacted a bit and I let Sister Ramos do ALL the talking. Afterwards we went to I____ and M____'s for lasagna and it was super yummy! I love them so much! I told them that they are going to get sealed in the temple one day and they said, you'll be there right, and I said ABSOLUTELY! They are the best ever and we have a lot of work to do but they are progressing so much! I love them!
O guess what else I did yesterday?!? I BORE MY TESTIMONY IN THE SPANISH WARD! Yes I read it, but I still did it! I was so happy! (Another capitan requirement) They lowered the pulpit though after I had started and I don't know why I have bad reactions but I just stopped and said "O, man!" and everyone laughed. I wish I controlled my reactions sometimes. Crazy Sister Giles.
This week has been crazy because we don't find, but when we do find, we start having great lessons then they tell us that they are members! WHAT!!! Yup, there is a whole group of inactive members that no one knows about! It is crazy! We just keep finding them and helping them to want to come back to the church. We met a guy named J____, 21, and he has been baptized since he was like 12. His mom is super curious about everything. She isn't baptized so hey, there is potential there!
Yes mom, M____ got baptized on March 2nd! I will have to send you pictures today too! Good thing I just remembered that. :) haha. She is doing AMAZING! AND she is going to have her baby within the next week or two! I can't wait!!!!! Little A____ is going to be so cute!!!!! It is so funny because we have been able to develop such a good relationship with her. She is the best.
Our big family is having some struggles, mainly that the rest of their family is Catholic so they don't want them to convert. We are just at a stand still with them right now but I think they will get baptized eventually, just maybe not by us. :(
Everything else is good! We are just working hard and having fun! I love being a missionary and can't think of anywhere on the earth that I would rather be! P.S. I already have crazy tan lines. :( I think they are great though!!!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Kate
Monday, March 19, 2012
Lots to Learn!!
March 19, 2012
Texas weather is just as weird as Utah Zamora think I am going to Laredo for the summer and so then Brother Bradshaw brought it up in coordination and Elder Maldonado (AP) said "Hmm, Sister Giles in Laredo
The work this week has been rough. We are going back to the basics and learning how to find with faith. I have been here long enough to know the miracles, but Sister Ramos hasn't so her faith in finding is a little shaky right now. We are getting on the right track though so we will be good and finding again in no time!
Zone Conference was great! I loved it and I love the Trayner's and I love Elder and Sister Rios who made AMAZING food for lunch. (Best mole’ in the world!) We played scripture jeopardy while we were there. They had scriptures in categories and it would explain a scripture or quote a scripture and you would have to flip open to it and ring a buzzer. It was a hoot because President just threw candy at us the whole time and laugh when people had funny reactions. (One was Elder Salemme hitting the buzzer and just yelling man I am so fast!) Funny story, Elder Salemme just came over to chat while I was writing that. O the irony. P.S. On that note, I have the best zone leaders in the history of the planet. They have helped me so much in the process of figuring out how in the world I need to be a missionary. They are the best. I owe them a frosty or something. If they ever go to Utah
Fannie- I want to see a picture of your shirt! I wish I was there to go with you guys to the midnight showing, but just know that I will be here...asleep...dreaming of people's salvation...when you watch it. Also, super cool that you will be going to OYA with all your friends again this year! You will love it again I am sure! And I refuse to accept the fact that you will be getting your permit soon. I just don't believe it. I think that when I come home and see you drive I will just have a heart attack. Weird.
David-You and your kayak...Weirdo. Tell me how your mission prep is going?!?! When do you start your papers?
Dana-Keep up your good progress! You are doing great and I have all the faith in the world that you are going to kick butt!
Dad-I wish I had Mobeta's right now! I haven't had yummy luau food in awhile. We'll go when I get back. But don't feel too bad because I get super yummy YUMMY food down here. I am starting to compile recipes so you will get to try them. I love having the members teach us how to cook things. They are so great!
So my Spanish is getting LOADS better! I navigated through the Spanish ward all on my own yesterday. (Sister Ramos was with Sister Cooper in the Singles Ward) I think I just need to have more faith in my ability because I really do know more than I think I do. You will have to see in May when I call. And because I am training, I will most likely still be here in Mission East for Mother's Day. Crazy huh. I say most likely because you never know with President. Transfers are right after my birthday though so I will probably be leaving right after. My birthday is on a Sunday so I am going to have the best birthday ever this year with baptisms! And Elder and Sister Gonzales are already planning a birthday dinner for me and Elder Maldonado (May 21) so it really will be fun. You won't have to worry that I am not having a fun birthday here.
Moral of this email, even though things aren't going the best for our area, I am still loving the mission and being a missionary! I learn new lessons every day and new ways to improve myself! You won't even recognize me when I get home! Anywho...time is up but I will go home and write you guys a letter. I still have to send back the recorder. I think I can only do it on P-day, so there are only 2 things on it. Sorry!
Kate
Monday, March 12, 2012
Being a Trainer is Hard
March 12, 2012
Being a trainer is hard. I don't know how President Trayner does it. (Hardy har har har) That joke never gets old. But really, this week was pretty rough, but we have come out of it with a TON of things we can do to improve so we are really truly blessed!
I probably just made that sound a lot harder than it has been. It really has been a fun week! We just haven't seen the numbers that Sister Zamora and I were seeing. I think that it is just because Sister Zamora and I were basically the same person so our comp unity was through the roof. I know that with just a little time, Sister Ramos and I will have the same thing. And on that note, my new companion's name is Sister Ramos! She is fromRexburg , Idaho
We had stake conference yesterday with Elder Kearon from the 70. It was AMAZING! He told a story that Elder Bowen told in a General Conference and I was like, "Hey! I know him!" But basically, it was great and we met him after and he thanked us for being out on missions because he was a sisters convert too. Way cool!
So I don't know if I am allowed to record every day. If you look at it as a letter I shouldn't but if you look at it like a journal, I could. I have no idea so I will ask when I go into the office today. We have to take M_____'s baptismal form in. We told the APs to take it with them but they said they might lose it so we are just going to take it in. Better safe than sorry I always say! :)
My new district leader’s name is Elder Giron. He is really nice but I don't really know him yet. We are all going to Burguesa (obviously) in a few minutes for some district bonding time. :) Should be fun! I will take pictures!
So how did Dave make a kayak? I see the pictures, but I don't understand. What is it made of? And speaking of that one boy I call my brother, THREE MONTHS AND SIX DAYS UNTIL YOU PUT YOUR PAPERS IN! Just something cool: And this is something I heard from a sister so I don't know if it is true but when she came in, she told President that her brother was getting his call and he said to tell him when and she could call/skype them. SOOOOOO...I don't know if that is true or not but there is a slight possibility that President will let me be in on the opening of the mission call process! How cool would that be!!! I'm still praying you get called here. HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE! I WOULD FREAK OUT!South Texas is having a hard time handling one Giles, imagine TWO!
This transfer is going to be a good one. Elder Giron challenged us to sit down and make some really good companionship goals for the transfer. You know me, I LOVE GOALS! So it was good to get us all on the same page and have a vision to work for. Very cool!
I loved the recorder! I got it the day that Sister Zamora left so she heard it then recorded something on our way to drop her off at the home. Way cool! I haven't recorded anything else on it yet, but I will I promise, I just have to figure out the rules. Don't want to break any. :)
Yes I got the tax papers about two days ago so I will fill them out and mail them today. For sure For sure. Taxes are dumb but tax refunds make it all worth it. :) Just like how knocking doors can be dumb sometimes but then finding that one family makes it all worth it.
Last night we were doing role plays and Sister Ramos called me Kate and it was THE WEIRDEST THING EVER! I always read my name but people don't say it. Super weird. I don't think I will be able to handle it when people call me Kate again. O well, that won't be for a long time. :) And dad, I am not at 6 months yet, I am at 5 today actually, but at the end of this transfer, I will be at 6 months. I can't even believe that! How nutty! Apparently there are the 6-month blues then something at the year mark too so keep that in mind because I might have a rough time. Who knows though, I'm not like most people. :)
Well, I love you all and I hope you are all doing well! We have to go vacuum the car because it will get checked at zone conference tomorrow. Wish me luck! LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Kate
I probably just made that sound a lot harder than it has been. It really has been a fun week! We just haven't seen the numbers that Sister Zamora and I were seeing. I think that it is just because Sister Zamora and I were basically the same person so our comp unity was through the roof. I know that with just a little time, Sister Ramos and I will have the same thing. And on that note, my new companion's name is Sister Ramos! She is from
We had stake conference yesterday with Elder Kearon from the 70. It was AMAZING! He told a story that Elder Bowen told in a General Conference and I was like, "Hey! I know him!" But basically, it was great and we met him after and he thanked us for being out on missions because he was a sisters convert too. Way cool!
So I don't know if I am allowed to record every day. If you look at it as a letter I shouldn't but if you look at it like a journal, I could. I have no idea so I will ask when I go into the office today. We have to take M_____'s baptismal form in. We told the APs to take it with them but they said they might lose it so we are just going to take it in. Better safe than sorry I always say! :)
My new district leader’s name is Elder Giron. He is really nice but I don't really know him yet. We are all going to Burguesa (obviously) in a few minutes for some district bonding time. :) Should be fun! I will take pictures!
So how did Dave make a kayak? I see the pictures, but I don't understand. What is it made of? And speaking of that one boy I call my brother, THREE MONTHS AND SIX DAYS UNTIL YOU PUT YOUR PAPERS IN! Just something cool: And this is something I heard from a sister so I don't know if it is true but when she came in, she told President that her brother was getting his call and he said to tell him when and she could call/skype them. SOOOOOO...I don't know if that is true or not but there is a slight possibility that President will let me be in on the opening of the mission call process! How cool would that be!!! I'm still praying you get called here. HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE! I WOULD FREAK OUT!
This transfer is going to be a good one. Elder Giron challenged us to sit down and make some really good companionship goals for the transfer. You know me, I LOVE GOALS! So it was good to get us all on the same page and have a vision to work for. Very cool!
I loved the recorder! I got it the day that Sister Zamora left so she heard it then recorded something on our way to drop her off at the home. Way cool! I haven't recorded anything else on it yet, but I will I promise, I just have to figure out the rules. Don't want to break any. :)
Yes I got the tax papers about two days ago so I will fill them out and mail them today. For sure For sure. Taxes are dumb but tax refunds make it all worth it. :) Just like how knocking doors can be dumb sometimes but then finding that one family makes it all worth it.
Last night we were doing role plays and Sister Ramos called me Kate and it was THE WEIRDEST THING EVER! I always read my name but people don't say it. Super weird. I don't think I will be able to handle it when people call me Kate again. O well, that won't be for a long time. :) And dad, I am not at 6 months yet, I am at 5 today actually, but at the end of this transfer, I will be at 6 months. I can't even believe that! How nutty! Apparently there are the 6-month blues then something at the year mark too so keep that in mind because I might have a rough time. Who knows though, I'm not like most people. :)
Well, I love you all and I hope you are all doing well! We have to go vacuum the car because it will get checked at zone conference tomorrow. Wish me luck! LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Kate
Monday, March 5, 2012
New Week = New Responsibilities
March 5, 2012
Wow. I don't really know what to say about this week so this email will probably be shorter than you would like. Sorry. :(
This week has been a really weird week. With Sister Zamora going home and me getting the responsibility of becoming a trainer, things were kind of weird. I don't really know how to explain it, but it's all good. It just seems like all these responsibilities are coming all at the same time and all the people I use to ask questions to are leaving. My first two companions and now Elder Jacobs is going up to Sinton for his last transfer. It is so crazy but I think it will be good because it will force me to rely more on the Spirit, rather than my companions or District Leader. Weird, I know.
Today we are going to the mall because Sister Zamora wants to find an outfit to see her family on WEDNESDAY! I can't believe she will be seeing her family on Wednesday! I think it is going to be good for me to have a companion fresh out of the MTC because I have had to go through the process of going home with my last two and after awhile, it gets kind of hard. But I have gotten some of the best knowledge ever from them! I can't wait to see who my new companion is. I looked at President's board and there are two native English speakers and two Spanish coming in. I am predicting that I am getting Hermana Ramos, but we'll see if I am right or not.
Dana and Josh look so great! I am so happy to see the smiles on their faces! I hope they both get jobs soon and that they can stop being bored! Hobbies are good too. I wish I had more suggestions of hobbies or jobs but I don't even know what a hobby is anymore. Or real life for that matter. It is funny because we refer to life outside the mission as real life but I was thinking about it the other day and it hit me that no, this is real life.Whatever you guys are all doing outside of South Texas doesn't even register in my mind. I don't really ever get homesick or trunky because it really doesn't even get in my head that I have a life outside of my mission. It is hard to explain but yes, my heart and mind are here in Texas.
I am so grateful that I am staying in Mission East for awhile, but sad news, Sister Holmes is getting transferred to Kingsville. Elder Jacobs is actually going to be her new district leader. I told her, you will love Elder Jacobs. Anywho, I won't get to see her for awhile but we are predicting that we will be together as comps in Port Isabel in September. We are making lots of predictions. Sister Bricker and Sister Zamora both think I'm going to Laredo next so we will see. :)
I love the mission so much! I can't imagine my life without it. I was living a good life before, but now that I am here and have seen all the lessons I am learning, I have no idea where my life would have ended up without it. I truly needed to come on this mission for a reason. If I only ever baptize the A____ family and no one else my entire mission, I will be happy because I was an instrument in the Lord's hands for that family. That is all I want for the next year of my life. (Fun fact of the day, after this transfer, I only have a year left. :) and p.s. I will be coming home at the end of April, not the middle, sorry.) I just want to be a conduit for the Lord. This means consecrating myself hardcore to be exactly the missionary He needs me to be. I am so excited to teach my new missionary the same thing!
Love you all and I promise my next email will be way better because I will have TONS of information for you. (Hopefully) and probably pictures! I will take some with my daughter. (Mission language is so weird. I kill my first two and give birth to my third. So weird. Sister Zamora keeps calling me a teen mom because I am so young.)
Kate
P.S. Training was REALLY good! I learned a ton and President is just so inspiring! And I made a ton of new friends because I didn't know anyone there!
Wow. I don't really know what to say about this week so this email will probably be shorter than you would like. Sorry. :(
This week has been a really weird week. With Sister Zamora going home and me getting the responsibility of becoming a trainer, things were kind of weird. I don't really know how to explain it, but it's all good. It just seems like all these responsibilities are coming all at the same time and all the people I use to ask questions to are leaving. My first two companions and now Elder Jacobs is going up to Sinton for his last transfer. It is so crazy but I think it will be good because it will force me to rely more on the Spirit, rather than my companions or District Leader. Weird, I know.
Today we are going to the mall because Sister Zamora wants to find an outfit to see her family on WEDNESDAY! I can't believe she will be seeing her family on Wednesday! I think it is going to be good for me to have a companion fresh out of the MTC because I have had to go through the process of going home with my last two and after awhile, it gets kind of hard. But I have gotten some of the best knowledge ever from them! I can't wait to see who my new companion is. I looked at President's board and there are two native English speakers and two Spanish coming in. I am predicting that I am getting Hermana Ramos, but we'll see if I am right or not.
Dana and Josh look so great! I am so happy to see the smiles on their faces! I hope they both get jobs soon and that they can stop being bored! Hobbies are good too. I wish I had more suggestions of hobbies or jobs but I don't even know what a hobby is anymore. Or real life for that matter. It is funny because we refer to life outside the mission as real life but I was thinking about it the other day and it hit me that no, this is real life.Whatever you guys are all doing outside of South Texas doesn't even register in my mind. I don't really ever get homesick or trunky because it really doesn't even get in my head that I have a life outside of my mission. It is hard to explain but yes, my heart and mind are here in Texas.
I am so grateful that I am staying in Mission East for awhile, but sad news, Sister Holmes is getting transferred to Kingsville. Elder Jacobs is actually going to be her new district leader. I told her, you will love Elder Jacobs. Anywho, I won't get to see her for awhile but we are predicting that we will be together as comps in Port Isabel in September. We are making lots of predictions. Sister Bricker and Sister Zamora both think I'm going to Laredo next so we will see. :)
I love the mission so much! I can't imagine my life without it. I was living a good life before, but now that I am here and have seen all the lessons I am learning, I have no idea where my life would have ended up without it. I truly needed to come on this mission for a reason. If I only ever baptize the A____ family and no one else my entire mission, I will be happy because I was an instrument in the Lord's hands for that family. That is all I want for the next year of my life. (Fun fact of the day, after this transfer, I only have a year left. :) and p.s. I will be coming home at the end of April, not the middle, sorry.) I just want to be a conduit for the Lord. This means consecrating myself hardcore to be exactly the missionary He needs me to be. I am so excited to teach my new missionary the same thing!
Love you all and I promise my next email will be way better because I will have TONS of information for you. (Hopefully) and probably pictures! I will take some with my daughter. (Mission language is so weird. I kill my first two and give birth to my third. So weird. Sister Zamora keeps calling me a teen mom because I am so young.)
Kate
P.S. Training was REALLY good! I learned a ton and President is just so inspiring! And I made a ton of new friends because I didn't know anyone there!
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