It's Been a Quiet Week Here at the MTC...
But a VERY Happy Thanksgiving, thankyouverymuch.
One real perk of being in trainign for so long is that we get to be addressed by various members of the church leadership. At the top is the President and his two counselors, under them is the Quorum of the Twelve and under them is the 1st Quorum of Seventy. Usually, at oour weekly devotional on Tuesday evenings we are priveleged to hear from a member of the Seventy. However our group has not been a usual group. Five members of the Quorum of the Twelve have been here in the past month - and two of them came only this week.
What an experience! Plenty of missionaries come and go and never have even one Apostle speak to them and we've received teaching and guidance directly from FIVE.
What a Happy Thanksgiving!
The lights are on, the first snow greeted us this morning and I am loving this place, my companions, my elders and all the wonderful people who surround me a little more everyday.
One of our teachers calls Hungarian "the tongue of angels." Af first I though he gave it that term of endearement to make us feel better about learning something so hard. But slowly however surely, line upon line and precept upon precept I am getting the hang of it and it is jut beautiful.
I hope everyone has Happy Holidays! As some of you have learned, I have a particular use for old calendars, so before you throw them away to make room for '06 - send them my way!
On that note, my laundry is done and it's time to depart. I'm loving you all, Party People!
Friend of the Week:Picture it: Late August 1993 - cafeteria of Central Heights High School, Richmond, KS.
So my mom just started teaching at CHHS (home of the mighty mighty Vikings!) and that meant I got to wait for her after school. It turns out that I find a small group of kids my age who suffer the same fate of waiting it out for parents or older siblings tied up in after school activities, practices and plain old bidniz. Brandy was in my class at the other end of the building with Mrs. Blaufuss int eh 6th grade and our common bond of after-school entrapment pave the way for a friendship tha has now lasted over half my life. Fast forward 12 years and you'll find that although we have changed, not much about us has.
Brandy has seen it all when it comes to me - the best of times, the worst of times and just about everything in between. We have taken many different turns on our paths in life - but if ever we lose our way, we both know that all we need to do is look up and see a Big Bright Star int eh sky leading us back to someone who will always be waiting with open arms. Her father prophecied when we graduated that we would always be friends and I have been pleased to fulfill that prophecy. It is ALWAYS fun and uplifting to see Brandy so it's a high priority to me to take the opportunity as often as possible. It's hard to pick a highlight moment with her because they're all pretty special. A few years ago she came to see me in Lawrence and as she dropped me off she said something that truly defines our dynamic, "No matter how much time it's been since I've seen you, we always just pick up right where we left off."
18 months for Brandy and I - might as well be 18 seconds. I love it.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
So....
I know the holiday film viewing has already begun. Mumz is going to see Harry Potter and I've committed one of my teachers to watch
A Christmas Story once for me.
So....
If you need a break from Rudolf, Cindy-Lou, & the Red Rider Turbo-Action Steel-Plated BB gun, I have a few suggestions that will not only entertain but might actually shed light on the thought provoking question: "So, what do missionaries do?"
* The Other Side of Heaven
* The Best Two Years
* God's Army
All is well here - I am happy & healthy & fully enjoying everything about this place. There is SO MUCH to be thankful for this year, not the least of which being the many millions of YOU.
Be well & safe, dear ones.
Sok Szeretlek!
- Ashley
Friend of the WeekPatrick (although....I think I'm the only one who calls him that)
Picture it: April 2001, the 6th floor lobby of KU's Hashinger Hall.
It's late & I'm exhausted, but a voice calls out to me, "Hey! Hey! You can't fall asleep! I'm trying to say nice things about you!" Well, who on earth am I not to comply with such a request? Enter Patrick, stage left. He was visiting a friend & after that weekend (although we haven't seen each other), we've been friends ever since. There is so much to love about Patrick it seems like a crime to try to compress him into 2 paragraphs. If I met everyone in the whole world, 7 billion "hellos" later, I'm pretty sure I'd never find another like him. He's simply far too awesome - as are all who read this.
We share several loves - gmail, London & the awesomeness of Star Wars. He's an alumn of Mizzou (and we don't hold that against him) & works in graphics for a paper in Myrtle Beach. He has a passion for 80s music & is famed quite literally throughout the world for his "White Boy Dance Party." Forget the 80s part, though. This kid just LOVES music. He's caring, supportive, energetic & kind & is probably one of the most convivial persons I know (fond of eating, drink, and good company). I adore and admire Patrick so and without him, non of you would be reading this - for he was the catalyst that introduced me to the world of blogging.
So if you ever get the chance - take Patrick's lead and start a friendship. All you have to do is desire to say nice things.
Technical delays
Ashley has sent me a couple of letters to post here. She said that I could just scan them and post the pictures for you all to see. So once I have my scanner back, I plan to do that. Sorry nothing new has come up yet, but I will tell you that she is doing very well and enjoying her time at the Missionary Training Center.
- Bryce
10 Days In
And I am learning, living, and LOVING more than I ever thought possible.
Things here are awesomely well. I’m butting heads and basically just learning how to coexist with my District Leader. We could be no more different than if we had been genetically engineered in a lab. But that’s ok. We are going to learn so much from each other.
I’ve been able to really get to know not only the Elders in my District, but the group going to Hungary that arrived in September and the group of Albanians that arrived the same day I did.
It’s funny – here I’m “Hungarian.” Everyone is associated with where they’re going not where they came from.
I’m getting into the swing of things – I am more often able to know where I need to be and when without consulting the schedule and I’m proud to announce I know my way around campus. It took me a week but you wouldn’t laugh if you were here – all the buildings look the same!
Sooooooo much fun ensues getting to know these Elders. By virtue of the fact we spend at least 12 hours a day in a 12’x15’ room we have no choice to be close. Also you would not BELIEVE what we had to do to get our Visas. It’s so gross I don’t dare mention it here, but it’s the sort of experience that cannot help but bring those who must endure it together become much, MUCH closer.
Seriously, I can talk to these boys about anything now.
That’s about all I have time for now. I am LOVING my time here and I know without a doubt that it is the best choice for me. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity.
I’m loving you all….
- Ashley
PS – My little sister turned 22 the day after I arrived – I know she read this at least once. Just in case you’re still checking in, I love you very much and I hope you had an amazing birthday.
Friend of the week:
Kelly
Kel is one of my several Aussie friends, and although they’re all awesome, Kel has to be my favorite. I met her after I had been working for the Wraps for a few months – my employer spotted her dropping off/picking up children Brian and James’ ages and thinking of me, invited her over for a play date. The fun that ensued was some of the best I’ve known. Friday night movies were expected and it wasn’t long until we realized we were each other’s “only friend” (this was actually far from true, but we were certainly our most accessible friend each).
Like every Aussie I know, Kel is extremely laid back and fun. We had our own party when the Dawson’s Creek series finale aired and although it was against my personal principles to do so, I went with her when she got her first tattoo. I couldn’t let her go by herself! Kel has had an amazing impact on my life because through her influence I have gotten a much firmer grasp on what is available to me to do with my life and there is so very much. She teaches me to walk deeply and suck the marrow out of life – and she does so by setting an awesome example.
I’ve Always Wanted a Little Brother…
And now I have EIGHT!
Promptly upon arriving at the MTC (after many phone calls, one AWESOME trip to Jersey and a wonder couple of days with the Vans) I was told that I would be in “Special Circumstances” – a “Unique Situation.”
Story of my life, Party People. Story of my life.
My Unique Situation is that I am a “Solo” Sister. That means that instead of having 1 companion to be with at all times, I have 2 companions with whom I share a room and go to the building where we have classes as well as church meetings on Sunday and “P-Day” (my day “off” – as much as is allowed to missionaries) activities (laundry, Temple, etc – and it’s Saturday, in case any one was wondering). What it really means is on a day of classes (Mon-Fri for me) after my Motras (“Sisters” in Albanian) walk me to my classroom – theirs is next door – I spend the day with the Elders in my group (or “District”) alone because I’m the only sister learning Hungarian in this group. The only girl. With 8, 19ish-year old young men. It’s interesting
I’ve only spent two days in classes with them, but I LOVE them so much already! Ruggles and Swearingon, Cunningham and Stevens, Burgin and Himes, Kinghorn and Balaich – they are already the little brothers I’ve always wanted. I’m the oldest – Kinghorn Elder (in Hungarian, the surname comes first) only graduated from High School in May! But oh, I love them! This is a group of outstanding young men and I am already seeing growth in them.
At first when I was waiting for my Mission Call, I struggled knowing there was a reason. There are probably lots, but one of them was so I could be in this group and I feel so very blessed for that opportunity. They stand when I arrive at, and leave the table (during meals) and have started calling me “Anya,” which means mother. They take exceptionally good care of me and I strive to do the same for them. I wan their mothers and mine to know we are all in Wonderful Hands.
Because I have no companion in the classroom, I get to join the other pairs and in so doing have a unique opportunity to get to know them in a way most sisters don’t.
At first I saw this situation as a trial. It is abundantly clear that I have been blessed.
The Motras
Motra Wulfenstien and Motra Nix – on their way to Albania and coming from Tennessee and Washington, respectively. VERY cool chicas, both of them. M. Wulff is hilarious and M. Nix seems more the brainy type. I know them less than I know the Elders because I spend a fraction of the time with them.
Sister Llamzon came in a week before me. She’s going to Temple Square and I met her in Illinois and we have our meals together, so I see her several times a day and I just LOVE it!
So Much To Write, So Little Time!
I would do an injustice if I failed to report on my time leading up to the MTC.
Mom came out with me to see me speak in Sacrament Meeting and be Set Apart. What a wonderful time we had! We stayed with my very first Bishop’s family – they were sooooo wonderful to us! The wife, Shannon, is just one of the most positive, beautiful inside and out people I know. It would have been a great weekend if all we had done was spend time there.
Sunday morning Sacrament Meeting went WELL. My Stake President was not only in attendance, but sat next to me on the stand (and tearfully spoke a few words as well – this was an honor that humbled me greatly). I don’t think this is typical. My talk went very well – I spoke for nearly 20 minutes and still left out things I wanted to say! Joni said if she hadn’t know me, she would have thought it was a homecoming, not a farewell. What a compliment.
All the people most dear to me in the church who were able to come were in the room when I was Set Apart. What a special experience.
Sunday evening, after church and one of the most pleasurable meals I’ve had in memory, it was time to take Mom to the airport. She was sad, and so was I – I just hope she knows that she’s going to be okay. I said in my talk, “ I could not have been born to a better mother if I had hand picked her myself and I am so glad she is my mom.” The same holds true now and forever.
Monday morning one of the first people I knew in New Jersey was the last I saw there for a while. I accompanied Shannon to early morning Seminary and taught for the first time as “Sister Pollack,” and Joni picked me up after breakfast with her AWESOME girls and pictures. It was sorrowful and yet the most exciting experience of my life.
The Vans took EXCELLENT care of me in Utah. Monday a dear friend, Anne, picked me up at the airport and took me to them. Blessing after blessing after blessing, I tell you! Tuesday we did a session at the Temple and they took me for a drive through the AMAZING mountains around here surrounding Salt Lake Valley. I was nothing short of astounded. Tuesday evening brought another treat – Aaron, who baptized me, drove all the way down from Ogden to see me off. It was so wonderful to see him!
Wednesday morning came all too quickly – and here I am.
Standing Out
Our first full day at the MTC included a large Meeting – of all the missionaries who arrived less than 24 hours ago, 3000 or so in all. The teacher conducting the meeting first had us stand based on where we were going to serve. Then he had us stand on how long we had been members of the church. In a room of over 300, I was the most recent convert.
The teacher asked me to come to the podium in the front and for at least 15 minutes I spoke about my conversion to the church and had the very special privilege of bearing my testimony to so many amazing young people on remarkable journey’s like mine. I’ve been stopped several times since in thanks and I never know what to say – for all my bravado about my eloquence, the words to voice my own gratitude flee – or perhaps they simply don’t exist.
It’s been TONS of hard work and FUN already! I am loving every last minute of all this, and I am so happy to have you all along for the ride.
I don’t know how many of you are prayers – but if you are, Ruggles, Swearingon, Cunningham, Stevens, Burgin, Himes, Kinghorn, and Balaich. Pray for these wonderful men – they take good care of me.
I’m loving you all, my Dear Ones.
Friends of the Week:
Joni
Joni is a Utah native turned Jersey Nanny and is just a bit older than I am. She is one of the few girls I know who has been a nanny (although for more than 1 family) longer than I have! Joni is beautiful inside and out to a degree she has no idea exists – she is one of the most supportive people I know, and she will give of herself whatever she is able to anyone in need. She is incredibly FUNNY – and we spend so much time laughing that the muscles in my face often ache if I’ve been talking to her for more than 10 minutes.
Joni was one of the players involved when I was investigating the church and went on to join it. She also introduced me to the family for whom I would go on to be employed by from 31, Jan 2003 through 8, Oct 2005. Many wonderful afternoons we have shared together at sundry Panera Bread locations, and there are two families in New Jersey who have no idea just how many nannies have resigned from miserable jobs and found better quality and much happier situations because of her influence. She has come to know me all too well – when we went to Kelli’s wedding, I made the drive back with a friend who met us there. She called to check in and she knew exactly what we were doing: “singing Broadway Showtunes at the top of your lungs!”
Jillian Nicole
I have known few people longer than I have known Jill – and of those few, I share DNA with almost all of them. We were in the sixth grade together at good ole CHS, where our surnames were right next to each other. This fact led us to share lockers side-by-side for six years, so it was a good thing we hit it off! When we graduated from high school, we stood up to switch our tassels from one side to the other in the ceremony that made us alumni instead of students. I reached down and held her hand tightly in excitement beaming with her from ear to ear.
One of the very few small pangs of serving a mission is that a grand fun tradition must temporarily cease. She has come to expect her phone to ring every Halloween, usually dreadfully early in the morning, and hear my exuberant voice wish a Happy Birthday. Jill has been one of my most faithful friends and I respect her more than most people I know. She is incredibly smart and poised for great success. A year and a half after we graduated from high school, she paid me a wondrous honor I hope I can be worthy to claim one day. I was a bridesmaid at her wedding and signed as a witness on her marriage certificate. I LOVE that. I don’t think she will ever know how much I love her.
