Hey Family! How is everyone doing this week? Also my package came! Except I guess I can't pick it up till tomorrow. BUT THANK YOU! I cant wait to open it!!
So this week was good. We ate at this guys house named AJ. He's a recent convert from Nepal. He made these sweet delicious dumplings that are called momos. I love being here cuz we get to eat such sweet food from all over the world. We also taught Samuel again (hes the 18 year old from Colombia). We taught him about the plan of salvation. He was asking a bunch about Adam and Eve.. it was a struggle. I couldn't really understand what was going on haha I still get lost in the Spanish in the lessons sometimes. But the lesson still went well. I just tell you that cuz it's experiences like that, that really help me to be humble. I always remember how much this is the Lord´s work and how much we rely on the Lord to help us. I know I can't speak the language or understand it super well yet, but I know if I focus on teaching with the spirit, it wont matter that I can't speak super well.
So on Monday I got a call that the mission was gonna send me down to Barcelona to pick up my residency card. So Thursday, Hermana Benson and I took an hour and a half bus to Bilbao to meet up with some other missionaries,.. she stayed there with another sister and then they sent five of us greenies on a 7 hour train ride down to Barcelona. It was fun to be reunited with some of my friends from the MTC again. We got to Barcelona and stayed with some sisters there and then picked up our cards the next day. It was funny cuz there was a whole big group of us new missionaries trying to navigate our way around this giant city.. but somehow we managed to get to all the buildings they sent us to. Then after we got our cards, we waited around until our train ride back. So I spent a lot of time traveling this week. The 7 hour ride back felt pretty long. But 14 hours of bonding with other missionaries is good stuff haha, we had a lot of good laughs so it was fun. It was fun to go back down to Barcelona too, but I was definitely ready to be back home by the end of it. It was fun, but the only bummer is, we didn't get to do a lot of teaching because of how much time it took so this week was sort of chill.
Also on Sunday, President and Hermana Pace came up to our ward! It was so fun to see them, I wish we could see them more often. They came up because our building is literally tiny. We have no room for people. And if we bring investigators, we have to make sure they are early otherwise they have to sit in the extra room (I think I said this before, but they broadcast sacrament meeting in one of the classsrooms on a tv) Anyway, they talked about splitting our ward into two branches that meet at different times until they can find another building. Or having two sacrament meetings. So half the ward will go to sacrament at 9, then everyone will come for the second two hours.. and then half the ward will go to a sacrament meeting at 1. Does that make sense? Hope so haha. I don't know what they will do. They had a big meeting about it with President and all our ward leaders and the Stake President. President Pace wants to bring two more elders up here for our ward, which would be awesome... but we need more space for our investigators! Anyway, who knows what they will do.
As far as our investigators.. Samuel, Angelica, AND Onome came to church on Sunday! It was awesome. We were so excited to see Onome cuz we haven't been able to get ahold of her for a long time. But she told us we can see her this Thursday. The Nigerians are so funny. If they don't have time to see you they always say "I don't have chance today" haha but you gotta hear them say it with their accents. It's way funnier. Shes great though, I just hope we can help her get back on track. Angelica consistently comes to church, she even is planning on going to a relief society thing this week, she's got good support in the ward. I just don't know what to do with her cuz she lives with her boyfriend. But we are going to see her tomorrow and lay out her options to see if we can figure out how to get her baptized.
Also this week we found some good new people! We found these ladies named Gloria and Norma. They were just sitting on a bench one day so we went to talk to them. Gloria said it was a blessing that we came to talk to her. We are meeting with them at 5 today to teach them the restoration. I am way excited. I think they could be solid investigators. We have a bunch of stuff set up with some newbies this week too, so cross your fingers! I hope they are really interested!
Everything is going well, its been getting kinda cold here lately, I think I'll be up here for the next two transfers (hey I already made it through my first transfer!) so I might need to buy some thicker clothes. Who knew Spain would be cold? Anyway, I love the work! Its super fun. I love being here. I have never felt closer to my Savior. We have been so blessed to continually find people to teach. The Lord is really hastening His work. Anyway, I love you all! Sorry it wasn't a super eventful week,.... agur! (PS that means bye in basque) yeah. Don't worry I'm learning two languages like a champ. jk. Basque is impossible haha. I'll stick with Spanish for now.
LOVE YOU ALL!
Love Hermana Reid
Showing posts with label First Transfer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First Transfer. Show all posts
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
San Sebastian - Week Five
Hey family! How is everyone? Mom, HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK! I'm glad my letter came!!
Did you all love conference? Man, I was just eating all of it up haha I loved it. So since the hours are different here we watched Saturday morning session on Saturday night (along with the relief society broadcast) and then Sunday we got to see the Saturday afternoon one and the Sunday morning one. Bummer is, we didn't get to see the Sunday afternoon one.. but hopefully I get to see it eventually. I am always so obsessed with conference talks these days. We have a bunch of church magazines in our apartment so I probably read two or three talks a day during meals and stuff. So I was pumped outta my mind for conference. AND IT WAS IN ENGLISH. Thank heavens, it was so nice to watch it in English.
I totally thought it was interesting how much they talked about keeping covenants. It's true though, we are so blessed when we keep our covenants. I of course loved President Monson´s talk on enduring through our trials. It's so true though, we have trials to help strengthen us. We couldn't progress if not. I have seen that so much already since being here. If there hadn't been hard parts along the way, I wouldn't be able to progress. I have such a testimony of going to the Lord in prayer when we struggle. He is ready and willing to help us if we just ask for it. Another thing I really liked was the quote that says "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." So simple and so true. GAH love conference.
Anyway, this week was good. One cool experience we had was with an investigator named Christina. She's from Spain (say whaaaat?) so cool cuz most people here don't want much to do with us. Anyway, shes been struggling along, especially with prayer. She gets so nervous and always refuses to pray with us. I think it is because it is so unfamiliar to her. She feels like she doesn't know how to do it right. We have even practiced with her a bunch, but she won't budge. This last time though, she FINALLY prayed! It was way cool. She was incredibly nervous though, I think it is just really out of her comfort zone. It's sad to think that people don't know about the blessing of prayer, ya know? There is SO much power in prayer. Sometimes I just want to pray forever haha. It just feels good. Anyway, we were really happy. The bummer is, shes outta town this week so we can't go see her but we will keep with it when she gets back.
Another cool thing this week was that we were looking through our list of less active people in our ward, people we could go visit and we found this woman named Soledad. Shes from Chile (hollllaaa for a dollaa honey boo boo) .. (I'm so embarrassed I said that, but it's all for you tytybtwizzle) Anyway, she's so sweet. She's such a strong person, and could be so strong in the church, but she got divorced a few years back from her husband and doesn't want to go to church alone. I think she is worried the people will judge her for it. It's sad. She is active in every other way, she is doing it all, except church. So I'm excited to work with her and help her get back on track. That's something that I've learned about being out here is that it's not all about just finding new people to teach, sometimes you've gotta take care of the people you've got. There are a ton of less active people in this ward that need a lot of help. The hard thing is, the economy is so bad that people are always working. Everyone works Sundays. People just have to work whenever they are needed otherwise they don't work. It makes things more difficult.
Hermana Benson got sick this week. I heard there's some weird virus going around haha. A bunch of the missionaries have gotten sick (don't worry Mom I'm being really careful) But we stayed home all day Friday cuz she was way sick. It was nice though to get some good study time in and stuff. It was kind of a slow week this week though. Conference took up a big chunk of our weekend and then with other meetings and stuff we had during the week, we didn't have that many lessons. Our investigators are struggling a little bit though. I don't know what it is, but lately they are all having trouble progressing... but we are doing the best we can to press forward with it. Oh also Onome.. I don't know what happened, but after the baptism Saturday, we have had zero contact with her. We have called so many times. She lives far though, so it's hard to stop in and see her. We just called this afternoon though and she finally answered, so maybe we can help her. I have been praying so much for her. She really needs the gospel in her life, I just hope we can help her get back on track. Anyway, the work here is good, I hope we can continue to find more investigators and help the ones we have to progress more! I just have to remind myself, I've just gotta do the best I can and not worry about the rest. I am excited for what this next week will hold. I love you all so much! Have a good week!
besos for dayzzz
Hermana reid
Did you all love conference? Man, I was just eating all of it up haha I loved it. So since the hours are different here we watched Saturday morning session on Saturday night (along with the relief society broadcast) and then Sunday we got to see the Saturday afternoon one and the Sunday morning one. Bummer is, we didn't get to see the Sunday afternoon one.. but hopefully I get to see it eventually. I am always so obsessed with conference talks these days. We have a bunch of church magazines in our apartment so I probably read two or three talks a day during meals and stuff. So I was pumped outta my mind for conference. AND IT WAS IN ENGLISH. Thank heavens, it was so nice to watch it in English.
I totally thought it was interesting how much they talked about keeping covenants. It's true though, we are so blessed when we keep our covenants. I of course loved President Monson´s talk on enduring through our trials. It's so true though, we have trials to help strengthen us. We couldn't progress if not. I have seen that so much already since being here. If there hadn't been hard parts along the way, I wouldn't be able to progress. I have such a testimony of going to the Lord in prayer when we struggle. He is ready and willing to help us if we just ask for it. Another thing I really liked was the quote that says "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." So simple and so true. GAH love conference.
Anyway, this week was good. One cool experience we had was with an investigator named Christina. She's from Spain (say whaaaat?) so cool cuz most people here don't want much to do with us. Anyway, shes been struggling along, especially with prayer. She gets so nervous and always refuses to pray with us. I think it is because it is so unfamiliar to her. She feels like she doesn't know how to do it right. We have even practiced with her a bunch, but she won't budge. This last time though, she FINALLY prayed! It was way cool. She was incredibly nervous though, I think it is just really out of her comfort zone. It's sad to think that people don't know about the blessing of prayer, ya know? There is SO much power in prayer. Sometimes I just want to pray forever haha. It just feels good. Anyway, we were really happy. The bummer is, shes outta town this week so we can't go see her but we will keep with it when she gets back.
Another cool thing this week was that we were looking through our list of less active people in our ward, people we could go visit and we found this woman named Soledad. Shes from Chile (hollllaaa for a dollaa honey boo boo) .. (I'm so embarrassed I said that, but it's all for you tytybtwizzle) Anyway, she's so sweet. She's such a strong person, and could be so strong in the church, but she got divorced a few years back from her husband and doesn't want to go to church alone. I think she is worried the people will judge her for it. It's sad. She is active in every other way, she is doing it all, except church. So I'm excited to work with her and help her get back on track. That's something that I've learned about being out here is that it's not all about just finding new people to teach, sometimes you've gotta take care of the people you've got. There are a ton of less active people in this ward that need a lot of help. The hard thing is, the economy is so bad that people are always working. Everyone works Sundays. People just have to work whenever they are needed otherwise they don't work. It makes things more difficult.
Hermana Benson got sick this week. I heard there's some weird virus going around haha. A bunch of the missionaries have gotten sick (don't worry Mom I'm being really careful) But we stayed home all day Friday cuz she was way sick. It was nice though to get some good study time in and stuff. It was kind of a slow week this week though. Conference took up a big chunk of our weekend and then with other meetings and stuff we had during the week, we didn't have that many lessons. Our investigators are struggling a little bit though. I don't know what it is, but lately they are all having trouble progressing... but we are doing the best we can to press forward with it. Oh also Onome.. I don't know what happened, but after the baptism Saturday, we have had zero contact with her. We have called so many times. She lives far though, so it's hard to stop in and see her. We just called this afternoon though and she finally answered, so maybe we can help her. I have been praying so much for her. She really needs the gospel in her life, I just hope we can help her get back on track. Anyway, the work here is good, I hope we can continue to find more investigators and help the ones we have to progress more! I just have to remind myself, I've just gotta do the best I can and not worry about the rest. I am excited for what this next week will hold. I love you all so much! Have a good week!
besos for dayzzz
Hermana reid
Monday, September 30, 2013
San Sebastian - Week Four
HEY FAMILY!
How are you all doing? Sounds like everyone had a pretty good week! This week was good, although the big bummer of the week was that Onome didn't get baptized. It was so sad cuz we taught her all the big commandments (word of wisdom, chastity, tithing) and it went so well, she took everything, no problem. So early this week we went to teach the ten commandments and get her ready for her interview. We figured it would be a breeze cuz she had accepted everything so well. As we were talking about the sacrament, she asked why we use water instead of wine and then all of a sudden all these questions came up. She told us she wants to know more before she is baptized. She had a lot of questions about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, which is totally good, but it was just a bummer that she decided she wasn't ready to be baptized yet. She just needs to work more on her own through prayer and reading the Book of Mormon to receive her own answer for herself. The elders had a baptism on Saturday though! It was really good. I'll try and attach a picture of the font haha it's way funny. Onome came too, so that was good for her to get to see it.
We had kind of a rough week with our investigators. We had a bunch of people cancel on us which was a bummer. We started teaching that guy Kelvin (the one that tried to kiss me haha) and I think he´s really interested. We met with him and talked to him about the Book of Mormon and gave him a chapter to read from it. He has a friend that's a recent convert which is nice cuz I think that'll help him to keep on top of his reading and all that. I think we are gonna play soccer with them later today too if we still have time.
Oh another cool lesson we had was with this young boy named Samuel. He's probably 18 and is from Colombia. He is super involved in his church, he has it all day on Saturdays. But the good thing about that is, he knows a lot about church stuff. We taught him the restoration the other day and about how we know that this church we have is the same that Christ established when He was on the earth. We watched the Restoration video which I think was really good for him to see. He was asking how he can know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. Which is like the best question ever for a missionary haha. We told him to pray about it and to read in the Book of Mormon. I've learned how important it is to try and keep people committed to reading in the Book of Mormon and praying often. That's the only way they will receive an answer for themselves and be truly converted. I've learned how sad it is when people don't keep their commitments, but we are trying our best to always remind them to do their part.
Saturday we had the baptism for a lady the elders taught. Not a whole lot of people showed up, but it was a decent turn out. Oh guess what? Hermana Benson and i sang a duet! Yeah, never ever in my real life would I EVER sing a duet in church. Or anywhere. Except the shower. But here, it's different haha. I feel like I have a decent voice here cuz no one else can sing.. at all. It was fun. We totally rocked it. That night, we had some extra time so we did some contacting. It's hard to get in apartment complexes because if people don't let you in, you cant talk to anyone. Anyway, so we were walking down the street and this guy came out of his building, (ps I'm totally laughing right now while writing this), anyway, Hermana Benson was trying to be sly and catch the door sneakily before it shut and idk what happened but her foot caught on something and she totally biffed it and flew in the lobby of the building. It was so funny. We were dying. Anyway when we got in the building, literally no one opened their door haha. They peek through their peep hole and ask who it is and then walk away without saying anything haha. It was good stuff. Also people always think we are Jehovah's witnesses and whisper about us when we walk by haha. NOT US.
Anyway, we were walking in the street later looking for a less active persons piso and Hermana Benson felt like she should talk to a lady standing by us. We asked her for directions, and it turns out she speaks English! haha that always happens, everyone speaks English to me. NOT HELPING PEOPLE. Jk its fine, it's nice to hear. Anyway, as we talked, she told us how she knew people that were Mormons and had some Mormon family. She wasn't super interested but she said how impressed she always was by how helpful Mormons are. She kept wanting to talk to us. Her name is Karen and she owns a restaurant with her family here. We´re gonna go back and visit her and maybe see if we can teach her some. I think shes interested, she just doesn't know it yet.
So yesterday was kind of a bummer. We called and confirmed with 6 investigators about coming to church on Saturday and they all said they would be there. Well guess how many came? none. it was so sad. We were pretty bummed. I guess that's all part of the work though, it's hard cuz everyone lives so far, we can't go and get them all. We will have to figure something out though. Anyway, things are good here! We are working hard, the weathers beautiful, and the foods so good. I hope you all have a wonderful week! I love you all!
Con Amor,
Hermana fry fry
How are you all doing? Sounds like everyone had a pretty good week! This week was good, although the big bummer of the week was that Onome didn't get baptized. It was so sad cuz we taught her all the big commandments (word of wisdom, chastity, tithing) and it went so well, she took everything, no problem. So early this week we went to teach the ten commandments and get her ready for her interview. We figured it would be a breeze cuz she had accepted everything so well. As we were talking about the sacrament, she asked why we use water instead of wine and then all of a sudden all these questions came up. She told us she wants to know more before she is baptized. She had a lot of questions about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, which is totally good, but it was just a bummer that she decided she wasn't ready to be baptized yet. She just needs to work more on her own through prayer and reading the Book of Mormon to receive her own answer for herself. The elders had a baptism on Saturday though! It was really good. I'll try and attach a picture of the font haha it's way funny. Onome came too, so that was good for her to get to see it.
We had kind of a rough week with our investigators. We had a bunch of people cancel on us which was a bummer. We started teaching that guy Kelvin (the one that tried to kiss me haha) and I think he´s really interested. We met with him and talked to him about the Book of Mormon and gave him a chapter to read from it. He has a friend that's a recent convert which is nice cuz I think that'll help him to keep on top of his reading and all that. I think we are gonna play soccer with them later today too if we still have time.
Oh another cool lesson we had was with this young boy named Samuel. He's probably 18 and is from Colombia. He is super involved in his church, he has it all day on Saturdays. But the good thing about that is, he knows a lot about church stuff. We taught him the restoration the other day and about how we know that this church we have is the same that Christ established when He was on the earth. We watched the Restoration video which I think was really good for him to see. He was asking how he can know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. Which is like the best question ever for a missionary haha. We told him to pray about it and to read in the Book of Mormon. I've learned how important it is to try and keep people committed to reading in the Book of Mormon and praying often. That's the only way they will receive an answer for themselves and be truly converted. I've learned how sad it is when people don't keep their commitments, but we are trying our best to always remind them to do their part.
Saturday we had the baptism for a lady the elders taught. Not a whole lot of people showed up, but it was a decent turn out. Oh guess what? Hermana Benson and i sang a duet! Yeah, never ever in my real life would I EVER sing a duet in church. Or anywhere. Except the shower. But here, it's different haha. I feel like I have a decent voice here cuz no one else can sing.. at all. It was fun. We totally rocked it. That night, we had some extra time so we did some contacting. It's hard to get in apartment complexes because if people don't let you in, you cant talk to anyone. Anyway, so we were walking down the street and this guy came out of his building, (ps I'm totally laughing right now while writing this), anyway, Hermana Benson was trying to be sly and catch the door sneakily before it shut and idk what happened but her foot caught on something and she totally biffed it and flew in the lobby of the building. It was so funny. We were dying. Anyway when we got in the building, literally no one opened their door haha. They peek through their peep hole and ask who it is and then walk away without saying anything haha. It was good stuff. Also people always think we are Jehovah's witnesses and whisper about us when we walk by haha. NOT US.
Anyway, we were walking in the street later looking for a less active persons piso and Hermana Benson felt like she should talk to a lady standing by us. We asked her for directions, and it turns out she speaks English! haha that always happens, everyone speaks English to me. NOT HELPING PEOPLE. Jk its fine, it's nice to hear. Anyway, as we talked, she told us how she knew people that were Mormons and had some Mormon family. She wasn't super interested but she said how impressed she always was by how helpful Mormons are. She kept wanting to talk to us. Her name is Karen and she owns a restaurant with her family here. We´re gonna go back and visit her and maybe see if we can teach her some. I think shes interested, she just doesn't know it yet.
So yesterday was kind of a bummer. We called and confirmed with 6 investigators about coming to church on Saturday and they all said they would be there. Well guess how many came? none. it was so sad. We were pretty bummed. I guess that's all part of the work though, it's hard cuz everyone lives so far, we can't go and get them all. We will have to figure something out though. Anyway, things are good here! We are working hard, the weathers beautiful, and the foods so good. I hope you all have a wonderful week! I love you all!
Con Amor,
Hermana fry fry
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
San Sebastian - Week Three
Hey family!
How are you all? I just read all your emails, sounds like you had some pretty good stuff going on, glad your girls trip was fun mom! Life here is super good. Actually its totez cray... WHO AM I? jk. ps tytyb2 I was laughing at your slangy slang throughout your whole email. LURVE IT. Ok anyway, really though, Hermana Benson and I just laugh all the time about how weird our life is. It rains a lot here. Although (that's for lacy.. the although.. Shell get it) the weather the past two days has been GORGGG. But yeah, we're in the rain a lot. And it rains sideways a lot. So that always makes things interesting. But we just laugh and love it.
Anyway, cross your fingers.. I think were gonna have a baptism this Saturday! It's for the Nigerian lady we have been teaching, Onome. We still have to teach her a few commandments.. so lets just hope she passes with flying colors, eh? She should though, I don't think she has any major issues. Last time we visited her..she decided she wanted to give us a gift for us teaching her.. she gave us some strange drink. Luckily it was in a can so we took it on the go. But we drank it and it literally tasted like spagettios. Super gross haha. Like moldy spagettios. Talk about the worst. I didn't even swallow it. But it was funny. We both were laughing a ton. Anyway, the work here is good. I wasn't on yesterday because we had a zone conference in Bilbao with President and Sister Pace and our zone. It was way good. I took a ton of notes. There are a lot of things I can always be improving on. Anyway, that's why we have P day today.
So this week we had an intercambio with one of the sister training leaders here. So she was supposed to come down Friday morning, but she missed her bus and came at like 5 that evening. So we had to move around our schedule so we could meet her when she got here. When she came, we went to teach one of our investigators named Samuel. He has a friend that's a recent convert so things are looking good for him to be baptized. He's the one that I gave my first baptismal invite to. But he doesn't have a date yet. Anyway, the lesson was crazy. It was out on a park bench and idk why but everyone and their mom decided to join our lesson. Literally. For some reason all his friends kept showing up in the middle.. we were teaching about the plan of salvation so every time someone came in, we sorta did a recap of what was going on. Anyway, one friend came up to shake my hand and went in for the beso (everyones all about kissing everyone on the cheek when you greet them here) but it was the first time a man had tried to kiss me on the cheek so I freaked and didn't know what to do. Luckily Hermana Benson shouted ah! no podemos! hahaha it was great. He got so embarrassed I felt so bad. But then he was stuck there on the bench listening to us haha he had no escape. It was great. Then during the course of the lesson two other friends showed up to join. It was a party.
Then after, we had to rush to a meeting with the Ward mission leader (who is 18 btw) and for some reason some other man in the Ward was there too. It was a really interesting meeting cuz that Ward member kinda took over it all. Anyway, after we had a ward FHE which was fun. Samuel came with all his friends haha so that's good. We got their info so we can teach them too.
But here's the best part , so earlier in the day Hermana Benson accidentally left the keys in the apartment, not a big deal cuz the elders have a copy right? Well we left fhe that night to get their copy, and went back to our apartment.. and the KEY DOESN'T WORK! yeah talk about the worst haha we were all laughing but sorta freakin cuz what do you do when you don't have a key to your piso? Luckily the dueño lives like 25 minutes away (walking) so we had to go all the way there to get a key and all the way back. We got back to our piso so late it was so bad.. I was major stressing cuz I hate being disobedient. But it wasn't really on purpose. Anyway, it was just a wild day, everything that happened to us was so bizzare. Speaking of, you know what its like being two tall American blonde girls walking around Spain? People stare at us.. literally, and the other day this homeless drunk man started meowing at us.. Life is so strange haha. But i love it. We have had a lot of funny laughs since being here.
Anyway, I am loving the work. It is incredible to see how much it is progressing. We have so many people to see and teach, we don't have enough time to even contact really! Ok, here's something to ask though, please help the missionaries with the work. They can't do it all alone, it doesn't work right. Talk to everyone, invite everyone, and when they invite people to come, talk to them! Anything helps. If the Ward isn't involved, the work can't progress as well. Let's see, what else... we taught a lot this week. Our investigator Angelica will be baptized soon I think. Shes doing really well and progressing well. However, she lives with her boyfriend so that's gotta change. She knows it though, and knows she wants the gospel, so it'll happen. I love this work, and I love this gospel. I know that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it with my whole heart. Read it whenever you can, read as much as you can. It will bless your life, it's definitely blessed mine. I think that's all for this week, I love you all so much! Thanks for your constant support and love! It means the world to me! I have the best family in the world!
How are you all? I just read all your emails, sounds like you had some pretty good stuff going on, glad your girls trip was fun mom! Life here is super good. Actually its totez cray... WHO AM I? jk. ps tytyb2 I was laughing at your slangy slang throughout your whole email. LURVE IT. Ok anyway, really though, Hermana Benson and I just laugh all the time about how weird our life is. It rains a lot here. Although (that's for lacy.. the although.. Shell get it) the weather the past two days has been GORGGG. But yeah, we're in the rain a lot. And it rains sideways a lot. So that always makes things interesting. But we just laugh and love it.
Anyway, cross your fingers.. I think were gonna have a baptism this Saturday! It's for the Nigerian lady we have been teaching, Onome. We still have to teach her a few commandments.. so lets just hope she passes with flying colors, eh? She should though, I don't think she has any major issues. Last time we visited her..she decided she wanted to give us a gift for us teaching her.. she gave us some strange drink. Luckily it was in a can so we took it on the go. But we drank it and it literally tasted like spagettios. Super gross haha. Like moldy spagettios. Talk about the worst. I didn't even swallow it. But it was funny. We both were laughing a ton. Anyway, the work here is good. I wasn't on yesterday because we had a zone conference in Bilbao with President and Sister Pace and our zone. It was way good. I took a ton of notes. There are a lot of things I can always be improving on. Anyway, that's why we have P day today.
So this week we had an intercambio with one of the sister training leaders here. So she was supposed to come down Friday morning, but she missed her bus and came at like 5 that evening. So we had to move around our schedule so we could meet her when she got here. When she came, we went to teach one of our investigators named Samuel. He has a friend that's a recent convert so things are looking good for him to be baptized. He's the one that I gave my first baptismal invite to. But he doesn't have a date yet. Anyway, the lesson was crazy. It was out on a park bench and idk why but everyone and their mom decided to join our lesson. Literally. For some reason all his friends kept showing up in the middle.. we were teaching about the plan of salvation so every time someone came in, we sorta did a recap of what was going on. Anyway, one friend came up to shake my hand and went in for the beso (everyones all about kissing everyone on the cheek when you greet them here) but it was the first time a man had tried to kiss me on the cheek so I freaked and didn't know what to do. Luckily Hermana Benson shouted ah! no podemos! hahaha it was great. He got so embarrassed I felt so bad. But then he was stuck there on the bench listening to us haha he had no escape. It was great. Then during the course of the lesson two other friends showed up to join. It was a party.
Then after, we had to rush to a meeting with the Ward mission leader (who is 18 btw) and for some reason some other man in the Ward was there too. It was a really interesting meeting cuz that Ward member kinda took over it all. Anyway, after we had a ward FHE which was fun. Samuel came with all his friends haha so that's good. We got their info so we can teach them too.
But here's the best part , so earlier in the day Hermana Benson accidentally left the keys in the apartment, not a big deal cuz the elders have a copy right? Well we left fhe that night to get their copy, and went back to our apartment.. and the KEY DOESN'T WORK! yeah talk about the worst haha we were all laughing but sorta freakin cuz what do you do when you don't have a key to your piso? Luckily the dueño lives like 25 minutes away (walking) so we had to go all the way there to get a key and all the way back. We got back to our piso so late it was so bad.. I was major stressing cuz I hate being disobedient. But it wasn't really on purpose. Anyway, it was just a wild day, everything that happened to us was so bizzare. Speaking of, you know what its like being two tall American blonde girls walking around Spain? People stare at us.. literally, and the other day this homeless drunk man started meowing at us.. Life is so strange haha. But i love it. We have had a lot of funny laughs since being here.
Anyway, I am loving the work. It is incredible to see how much it is progressing. We have so many people to see and teach, we don't have enough time to even contact really! Ok, here's something to ask though, please help the missionaries with the work. They can't do it all alone, it doesn't work right. Talk to everyone, invite everyone, and when they invite people to come, talk to them! Anything helps. If the Ward isn't involved, the work can't progress as well. Let's see, what else... we taught a lot this week. Our investigator Angelica will be baptized soon I think. Shes doing really well and progressing well. However, she lives with her boyfriend so that's gotta change. She knows it though, and knows she wants the gospel, so it'll happen. I love this work, and I love this gospel. I know that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it with my whole heart. Read it whenever you can, read as much as you can. It will bless your life, it's definitely blessed mine. I think that's all for this week, I love you all so much! Thanks for your constant support and love! It means the world to me! I have the best family in the world!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
San Sebastian - Week Two
Hey family!!
Man, this week was a good one. It sounds like all is well with you guys. Also my companion recieved a package at our apartment. So if you send anything, you could try sending it here instead of the office so it makes it quicker! I think you just need to talk to the mail people and make sure you fill out one of those customs declaration sheets so the people know what it contains and how much its worth, then it wont get stuck in customs this time
Okay so I've got some cool stories this week. We teach this lady from Nigeria named Onome. She lives here with her 3 year old daughter and they speak English. Shes had a pretty rough life,Ii feel bad for her. The first time we taught her, we introduced her to the Book of Mormon and taught her about Christ and invited her to be baptized, she said she would like to be baptized which was way cool! Then we were asking her if she would read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if its true and she said she knew it was true. We asked her how she knew and she said she could just feel it, she just knew it was true. That was definitely way cool cuz the Spirit was definitely testifying to her of it. Anyway, we went back again to teach her more. We were talking about faith and about how we know that we have a Heavenly Father that loves every single one of us. She started to tell us more about her life. She moved here to get a job, which is sad because everyone here is struggling, the economy is so bad, but it must be better than where she was. She doesn't have any family here, doesn't speak Spanish well, and only has her daughter. She isn't legal here yet, until she gets a job. So basically she is trapped. She cant leave, cant do anything. She started crying about how lonely she was. But the cool thing was that she said when she was struggling, she prayed. She prayed with her whole heart to God. She said how much she knows that God loves her, and how He hears her prayers. Man, she has so much faith. She talked about how blessed she was to be in Spain, and to have a bed, and a little room to live in. I couldn't help but cry. It was such a humbling story. I feel so bad that she´s so lonely but I know God is watching over her. I know He has blessed her already, and now she knows about the góspel, she can have more peace and comfort in her life. Man, I was so grateful for that experience, you cant learn things like that in other places. It truly was humbling and it truly helped me to more fully see my purpose here. There´s so many people that don´t know about the love Heavenly Father has for them. Its something that I have such a strong testimony of. I know it with my whole heart that our Heavenly Father loves us. I tear up almost every time i think about it. If you don't know it, pray. Talk to Him. He's there and He wants to listen. He wants to help. I know it. I wouldn't be here if I didn't know it.
Anyway, another cool experience was teaching a woman named Angelica. Shes a young single mom that lives in a cute little pueblo outside of the city. We were teaching her and she was feeling nervous about her baptism. We read Alma 7.15-16 with her about not having fear and stepping forward with faith. It totally clicked with her. She totally understood it. The lesson was in Spanish so I couldn't understand everything, but I could understand her say that she felt so peaceful while we were teaching her. She said she felt like nothing else in the world mattered and she just felt really good. It was way cool, because I know the Spirit was testifying to her that this gospel is for her. Shes so sweet.
Saturday we ate with a member that we eat with every Saturday, his name is Pacheco, and hes from Ecuador. He fed us a yummy soup with lentils and potatoes and then this delicious turkey soup thing. I cant describe it. and yeah, it was kinda weird to have two soups haha but it was all really yummy. I'm lucky all the food here that I've had is so good.
Anyway, Both Angelica and Onome came to church on Sunday which was way cool. We had another investigator named Samuel come too. Hes a young kid, and super devoted to his church, which is actually pretty similar to ours. We havent taught him much though, we have a cita set up with him this week. Okay so Sundays here are crazy haha. The building is so small. Like way smaller than Winsted. The chapel isnt big enough for the group of 65 so they have an overflow room where you watch the speaker on a tv screen haha. We got there late cuz we had been gathering all our investigators and they took forever to get out the door, so we were all in the overflow room. I still cant understand a lot cuz everyone talks so fast, but I try to catch on to as much as I can. Oh something kinda funny, so when people talk too long during their talks, the bishop slides a laminated note to them telling them to wrap it up haha.. sorta strange...
So after church we ate with a member named Aquilina. Shes a sweet older woman who cooks GOOD food. Holy cow. Shes from Honduras. Oh thats another cool thing about being here is we meet so many people from so many different countries. Anyway, she cooked yummy meat, super good rice, and beans, with a pico salsa something and avocado. Oh and fresh tortillas. It was seriously so yummy. But she fed us a ton haha I was dying. And then we had cake.. it was a lllloooot. But luckily I loved it. She gave us some of that yummy milk sweet rice stuff... idk how to describe it, but she gave us some in a tupperware, I've been eating it a bunch, its yummy stuff if its made right.
Okay so Sunday night was straight up crazy. We went to Ward council right? yeah. so everyone is talking fast Spanish so I'm trying to keep up. At some point during the meeting, one of the ladies decided to bring up some issues she had with another lady there... it literally got so crazy.. lets just say four people stormed out of the room, and I think about five ended up crying. Idk what happened cuz I didn't understand everything, but someone was offended and then it all went downhill from there. It was really sad actually. This ward definitely needs us. I was just sitting there thinking that if they could just remember the Savior, and His love and gospel, they wouldn't spend time fighting with each other. I feel bad, if the unity among all the leaders of the ward is so bad, its hard to get stuff done. So Hermana Benson and I are gonna do the best we can to restore the love and to help them turn their focus to Christ. If your testimony is centered in Christ, you will never let anyone get in between that somehow. Its a lot harder to get offended. Once we have a love like Christ has, its easier to look past peoples faults and to see them as He does.
So to respond to some other questions you had, I love my companion, shes also 20 and went to U of U before she came here. We both don't know a ton of Spanish, but she can understand everything and communicate well. I'm still learning how to understand everything. My apartment is nice. Also another cool thing is we are almost constantly booked with appointments! We have hardly knocked doors. This week especially is going to be crazy. Which is way fun and time is starting to fly. We have a district meeting in Bilbao tomorrow which is like an hour or two train ride away, but I like my district. its got 16 of us I think. Um.. I cant think of much else, it was a pretty good week! I think I'm starting to get the hang of things. Every day I can see more and more of the reason why I'm out here. There are people searching for happiness and truth and I cant wait to find them! This gospel is so true. I know it. I know we have a Heavenly Father that loves us. Study the scriptures and pray. That´s the best way to know your Savior more. Keep living the gospel! I love you family! I miss you all so so much, but I'm definitely doing well here! Once I get this Spanish down, I'm gonna baptize this whole country, just watch! LOVE YOU!
LOVE,
Hermana Reid
Man, this week was a good one. It sounds like all is well with you guys. Also my companion recieved a package at our apartment. So if you send anything, you could try sending it here instead of the office so it makes it quicker! I think you just need to talk to the mail people and make sure you fill out one of those customs declaration sheets so the people know what it contains and how much its worth, then it wont get stuck in customs this time
Okay so I've got some cool stories this week. We teach this lady from Nigeria named Onome. She lives here with her 3 year old daughter and they speak English. Shes had a pretty rough life,Ii feel bad for her. The first time we taught her, we introduced her to the Book of Mormon and taught her about Christ and invited her to be baptized, she said she would like to be baptized which was way cool! Then we were asking her if she would read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if its true and she said she knew it was true. We asked her how she knew and she said she could just feel it, she just knew it was true. That was definitely way cool cuz the Spirit was definitely testifying to her of it. Anyway, we went back again to teach her more. We were talking about faith and about how we know that we have a Heavenly Father that loves every single one of us. She started to tell us more about her life. She moved here to get a job, which is sad because everyone here is struggling, the economy is so bad, but it must be better than where she was. She doesn't have any family here, doesn't speak Spanish well, and only has her daughter. She isn't legal here yet, until she gets a job. So basically she is trapped. She cant leave, cant do anything. She started crying about how lonely she was. But the cool thing was that she said when she was struggling, she prayed. She prayed with her whole heart to God. She said how much she knows that God loves her, and how He hears her prayers. Man, she has so much faith. She talked about how blessed she was to be in Spain, and to have a bed, and a little room to live in. I couldn't help but cry. It was such a humbling story. I feel so bad that she´s so lonely but I know God is watching over her. I know He has blessed her already, and now she knows about the góspel, she can have more peace and comfort in her life. Man, I was so grateful for that experience, you cant learn things like that in other places. It truly was humbling and it truly helped me to more fully see my purpose here. There´s so many people that don´t know about the love Heavenly Father has for them. Its something that I have such a strong testimony of. I know it with my whole heart that our Heavenly Father loves us. I tear up almost every time i think about it. If you don't know it, pray. Talk to Him. He's there and He wants to listen. He wants to help. I know it. I wouldn't be here if I didn't know it.
Anyway, another cool experience was teaching a woman named Angelica. Shes a young single mom that lives in a cute little pueblo outside of the city. We were teaching her and she was feeling nervous about her baptism. We read Alma 7.15-16 with her about not having fear and stepping forward with faith. It totally clicked with her. She totally understood it. The lesson was in Spanish so I couldn't understand everything, but I could understand her say that she felt so peaceful while we were teaching her. She said she felt like nothing else in the world mattered and she just felt really good. It was way cool, because I know the Spirit was testifying to her that this gospel is for her. Shes so sweet.
Saturday we ate with a member that we eat with every Saturday, his name is Pacheco, and hes from Ecuador. He fed us a yummy soup with lentils and potatoes and then this delicious turkey soup thing. I cant describe it. and yeah, it was kinda weird to have two soups haha but it was all really yummy. I'm lucky all the food here that I've had is so good.
Anyway, Both Angelica and Onome came to church on Sunday which was way cool. We had another investigator named Samuel come too. Hes a young kid, and super devoted to his church, which is actually pretty similar to ours. We havent taught him much though, we have a cita set up with him this week. Okay so Sundays here are crazy haha. The building is so small. Like way smaller than Winsted. The chapel isnt big enough for the group of 65 so they have an overflow room where you watch the speaker on a tv screen haha. We got there late cuz we had been gathering all our investigators and they took forever to get out the door, so we were all in the overflow room. I still cant understand a lot cuz everyone talks so fast, but I try to catch on to as much as I can. Oh something kinda funny, so when people talk too long during their talks, the bishop slides a laminated note to them telling them to wrap it up haha.. sorta strange...
So after church we ate with a member named Aquilina. Shes a sweet older woman who cooks GOOD food. Holy cow. Shes from Honduras. Oh thats another cool thing about being here is we meet so many people from so many different countries. Anyway, she cooked yummy meat, super good rice, and beans, with a pico salsa something and avocado. Oh and fresh tortillas. It was seriously so yummy. But she fed us a ton haha I was dying. And then we had cake.. it was a lllloooot. But luckily I loved it. She gave us some of that yummy milk sweet rice stuff... idk how to describe it, but she gave us some in a tupperware, I've been eating it a bunch, its yummy stuff if its made right.
Okay so Sunday night was straight up crazy. We went to Ward council right? yeah. so everyone is talking fast Spanish so I'm trying to keep up. At some point during the meeting, one of the ladies decided to bring up some issues she had with another lady there... it literally got so crazy.. lets just say four people stormed out of the room, and I think about five ended up crying. Idk what happened cuz I didn't understand everything, but someone was offended and then it all went downhill from there. It was really sad actually. This ward definitely needs us. I was just sitting there thinking that if they could just remember the Savior, and His love and gospel, they wouldn't spend time fighting with each other. I feel bad, if the unity among all the leaders of the ward is so bad, its hard to get stuff done. So Hermana Benson and I are gonna do the best we can to restore the love and to help them turn their focus to Christ. If your testimony is centered in Christ, you will never let anyone get in between that somehow. Its a lot harder to get offended. Once we have a love like Christ has, its easier to look past peoples faults and to see them as He does.
So to respond to some other questions you had, I love my companion, shes also 20 and went to U of U before she came here. We both don't know a ton of Spanish, but she can understand everything and communicate well. I'm still learning how to understand everything. My apartment is nice. Also another cool thing is we are almost constantly booked with appointments! We have hardly knocked doors. This week especially is going to be crazy. Which is way fun and time is starting to fly. We have a district meeting in Bilbao tomorrow which is like an hour or two train ride away, but I like my district. its got 16 of us I think. Um.. I cant think of much else, it was a pretty good week! I think I'm starting to get the hang of things. Every day I can see more and more of the reason why I'm out here. There are people searching for happiness and truth and I cant wait to find them! This gospel is so true. I know it. I know we have a Heavenly Father that loves us. Study the scriptures and pray. That´s the best way to know your Savior more. Keep living the gospel! I love you family! I miss you all so so much, but I'm definitely doing well here! Once I get this Spanish down, I'm gonna baptize this whole country, just watch! LOVE YOU!
LOVE,
Hermana Reid
Monday, September 9, 2013
San Sebastian - Week One
HEY FAMILY!
Let me tell you, it is SO GOOD to be emailing. I feel like its been forever! OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS COUNTRY. OK so much to say. SO on Tuesday we got up way early and took a 6 hour train ride to Barcelona. IT IS GORGEOUS. Way prettier than where we were in Madrid haha.
The Mission President and his wife and like 15 other missionaries met us at the train station with huge smiles. I guess they have been planning for our group to come for months now. So we were kind of a big deal. So we got there and went to a cute little Winsted branch looking building and then life got wild. We were in Barcelona for three days. Which I wasn't expecting. We had to do a bunch of stuff for our residency over the span of a few days so they took us everywhere to sign documents and do fingerprints and all that.
We stayed in a gorgeous hotel. The rooms were way small, like enough space for two night stands, and two twin beds, right next to each other, but super nice. And the food at the hotel.. I thought I died and went to heaven. It was SO GOOD. Shannon woulda died. It was crossiants on crossiants on crossiants. And all these cute little fruits and all these yummy pastries and yogurt and cute little european foods. Dont worry. I took full advantage of that free breakfast.
Anyway, so we did paperwork during the day and then at night we got assigned a temporary companion and would go out tracting. It was way fun, we got to visit some of the investigators and members in Barcelona. Ps theres palm trees here. way cool. Oh and the President and his wife took us to see the coast and all these pretty buildings and this giant castle. It is so gorgeous. Family start saving up, you all have to come pick me up.
Anyway, so then finally Thursday came around and we got our assignments to leave. A bunch of missionaries came down to pick us all up. We had a nice lunch (pizza, always the best) and they started the assignments. The president called up each new missionary one by one and pointed on the map of Spain where they would be going and who their new companion would be. I was DYING of excitement. Some people got sent to the islands but I was glad I wasn't one of them because they had to pack down to one suitcase, and we all know I literally cant do that haha. Embarrassing. Anyway, so I really wanted to go to Bilbao cuz Tyson´s friend said it was his favorite place. But guess what, I got called somewhere even better! It´s called San Sebastian. And it is straight up GORGEOUS. Oh my gosh. I literally wipe drool from my face everywhere I go. I was meant to be here hahaha.When the president shook my hand he said God must really love me for sending me here cuz its the most gorgeous place in the mission.
I found out my companion would be Hermana Benson! She is a tall blonde just like me! I'll attach a picture if I can. I love her. She is so sweet. She's from Salt Lake and has been out for 6 months. She speaks pretty well and can understand everything so that's nice. I got really lucky to have her as my companion.
Anyway, so we spent that night in Barcelona and headed for San Sebastian the next morning on a 6 hour train ride north. The whole train ride was gorgeous. Our apartment is on the second floor and is actually somewhat nice. Its pretty big too. We have two bedrooms and we have two bathrooms, although only one shower. We also have a nice living room, study room, and kitchen that has a washing machine in it, there aren't any driers here though. I got pretty lucky. The appliances and stuff are all pretty old but everything seems to work fine. I'll send pictures next week.
I forgot to take some this week.
Also look up Playa de la Concha.. I think that's it. So like a block away is the beach, luckily Hermana Benson loves to run just like me (match made in heaven) so we've run every day since we have been here, along a nice path by the beach. Family, you'd all die. It's so gorgeous.
Also look up catedral de buen pastor.. its a gorgeous cathedral that I live next to. There are so many cute little shops with the best clothes ever. We got shoes for dayzzz up in here. haha. Good thing we are only allowed to shop once a week or I'd spend a ton of money. jk don't worry dad.. also there are pastry shops everywhere! I love it. They all smell so good and I always want to stop in. They've got everything you'd ever want. Lots of yummy looking breads and cookies and doughnuts and all that. Basically I'm in heaven.
Anyway it's interesting cuz here they eat lunch around 2 and its called medio dia. Everyone eats a giant meal and then doesn't really eat again until like 9 or 10 at night.. but usually just a lighter snack. So Saturday we ate with a member and we had some potato soup and some spaghetti. People drink a lot of coca cola here too. And the members feed you a huge serving.
We've had a few lessons with investigators but I don't understand much so I mostly nod and smile and bear my testimony at the end haha. I'll be honest, my spanish is struuuugggling hahaa. They all talk so fast here! And most of the members are from all these South American countries so they all talk different learning. My comp tells me I'm doing better than she did in the beginning.
So Sunday we had church. Oh man, this building is great. It's tiiiinnny. Even smaller than Winsted. I think it has three tiny classrooms and a larger room for sacrament meeting. There are maybe 50 members. I love it. It's pretty ghetto. So one of the counselors was speaking and all of a sudden I heard him say my name and my comp nudged me and said to go up and introduce myself. Haha, so I got up, and tried to tell them who I was and bear a little testimony in spanish. Yeah. That's right. In spanish in front of everyone on my third day here. So no more complaints about having to speak in front of people! At least it's in your own language haha. jk You know I totally loved it cuz I love speaking in front of people. It was great.
The nice thing about being here is that we have quite a few investigators so we are constantly busy visiting them. We haven't been tracting at all yet. I love going to lessons and meeting people. After church on sunday we went to a members house for mediodia. She's from Honduras. She fed us rice, beans, chicken, and tortillas. It was so delicious. I ate a ton. sorrynotsorry. I love the members here. I'm excited to get to know them. I think almost all of them are from South America,Ii haven't seen many spanish people.
Oh also the bishop here seems interesting haha. He and his wife work in a little magazine stand. He's not super friendly, but it's all good. My comp said he's interesting.. also their ward mission leader is an 18 year old kid named Nicholas. He's a nice kid. It's just funny that he's so young haha. But he helps out a ton.
Lets see, what else. There are two other elders that serve in our ward too. One told me it took him a year and 3 months to learn spanish. So that's comforting haha. I'm not super worried though, I know I'll learn it.
Oh also big news, yesterday a recent convert in the ward called us to meet with his friend. So we met them in the park and introduced him to the Book of Mormon. He said he wants to come to church on Sunday and said he will read it. Also, I invited him to be baptized when he has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and HE SAID YES! I wanted to cry right then and there, I was so excited. My first baptismal invite on my third day here! It was way cool. I'm excited to work here.. Except its been kinda cold here the past few days, and super rainy. I think it gets cold here in the winter which kinda makes me nervous cuz I don't like the cold. Today was super nice though. Anyway, sorry that was all over the place. Look up where I live. Maybe you can google earth it. OH ALSO I have an address
Hermana Kassidy Reid
C/San Martin 15, 2D
20005 San Sebastian
Espana
Tell people to send me letters to that address! I would love letters, I think dear elders still work too, but I'm not positive. Also if you send packages, just send them to the mission home. I think it gets too complicated trying to get packages up here. But letters, send letters and pictures to my address here! I want more pics of the babies and such! Anyway, I cant think of much else, I really love it up here, I got lucky to be in such a beautiful place! Hopefully I get to stay a while! I love you all so much! Thanks so much for the emails! I have really missed you all this week.
Let me tell you, it is SO GOOD to be emailing. I feel like its been forever! OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS COUNTRY. OK so much to say. SO on Tuesday we got up way early and took a 6 hour train ride to Barcelona. IT IS GORGEOUS. Way prettier than where we were in Madrid haha.
The Mission President and his wife and like 15 other missionaries met us at the train station with huge smiles. I guess they have been planning for our group to come for months now. So we were kind of a big deal. So we got there and went to a cute little Winsted branch looking building and then life got wild. We were in Barcelona for three days. Which I wasn't expecting. We had to do a bunch of stuff for our residency over the span of a few days so they took us everywhere to sign documents and do fingerprints and all that.
We stayed in a gorgeous hotel. The rooms were way small, like enough space for two night stands, and two twin beds, right next to each other, but super nice. And the food at the hotel.. I thought I died and went to heaven. It was SO GOOD. Shannon woulda died. It was crossiants on crossiants on crossiants. And all these cute little fruits and all these yummy pastries and yogurt and cute little european foods. Dont worry. I took full advantage of that free breakfast.
Anyway, so we did paperwork during the day and then at night we got assigned a temporary companion and would go out tracting. It was way fun, we got to visit some of the investigators and members in Barcelona. Ps theres palm trees here. way cool. Oh and the President and his wife took us to see the coast and all these pretty buildings and this giant castle. It is so gorgeous. Family start saving up, you all have to come pick me up.
Anyway, so then finally Thursday came around and we got our assignments to leave. A bunch of missionaries came down to pick us all up. We had a nice lunch (pizza, always the best) and they started the assignments. The president called up each new missionary one by one and pointed on the map of Spain where they would be going and who their new companion would be. I was DYING of excitement. Some people got sent to the islands but I was glad I wasn't one of them because they had to pack down to one suitcase, and we all know I literally cant do that haha. Embarrassing. Anyway, so I really wanted to go to Bilbao cuz Tyson´s friend said it was his favorite place. But guess what, I got called somewhere even better! It´s called San Sebastian. And it is straight up GORGEOUS. Oh my gosh. I literally wipe drool from my face everywhere I go. I was meant to be here hahaha.When the president shook my hand he said God must really love me for sending me here cuz its the most gorgeous place in the mission.
I found out my companion would be Hermana Benson! She is a tall blonde just like me! I'll attach a picture if I can. I love her. She is so sweet. She's from Salt Lake and has been out for 6 months. She speaks pretty well and can understand everything so that's nice. I got really lucky to have her as my companion.
Anyway, so we spent that night in Barcelona and headed for San Sebastian the next morning on a 6 hour train ride north. The whole train ride was gorgeous. Our apartment is on the second floor and is actually somewhat nice. Its pretty big too. We have two bedrooms and we have two bathrooms, although only one shower. We also have a nice living room, study room, and kitchen that has a washing machine in it, there aren't any driers here though. I got pretty lucky. The appliances and stuff are all pretty old but everything seems to work fine. I'll send pictures next week.
I forgot to take some this week.
Also look up Playa de la Concha.. I think that's it. So like a block away is the beach, luckily Hermana Benson loves to run just like me (match made in heaven) so we've run every day since we have been here, along a nice path by the beach. Family, you'd all die. It's so gorgeous.
Also look up catedral de buen pastor.. its a gorgeous cathedral that I live next to. There are so many cute little shops with the best clothes ever. We got shoes for dayzzz up in here. haha. Good thing we are only allowed to shop once a week or I'd spend a ton of money. jk don't worry dad.. also there are pastry shops everywhere! I love it. They all smell so good and I always want to stop in. They've got everything you'd ever want. Lots of yummy looking breads and cookies and doughnuts and all that. Basically I'm in heaven.
Anyway it's interesting cuz here they eat lunch around 2 and its called medio dia. Everyone eats a giant meal and then doesn't really eat again until like 9 or 10 at night.. but usually just a lighter snack. So Saturday we ate with a member and we had some potato soup and some spaghetti. People drink a lot of coca cola here too. And the members feed you a huge serving.
We've had a few lessons with investigators but I don't understand much so I mostly nod and smile and bear my testimony at the end haha. I'll be honest, my spanish is struuuugggling hahaa. They all talk so fast here! And most of the members are from all these South American countries so they all talk different learning. My comp tells me I'm doing better than she did in the beginning.
So Sunday we had church. Oh man, this building is great. It's tiiiinnny. Even smaller than Winsted. I think it has three tiny classrooms and a larger room for sacrament meeting. There are maybe 50 members. I love it. It's pretty ghetto. So one of the counselors was speaking and all of a sudden I heard him say my name and my comp nudged me and said to go up and introduce myself. Haha, so I got up, and tried to tell them who I was and bear a little testimony in spanish. Yeah. That's right. In spanish in front of everyone on my third day here. So no more complaints about having to speak in front of people! At least it's in your own language haha. jk You know I totally loved it cuz I love speaking in front of people. It was great.
The nice thing about being here is that we have quite a few investigators so we are constantly busy visiting them. We haven't been tracting at all yet. I love going to lessons and meeting people. After church on sunday we went to a members house for mediodia. She's from Honduras. She fed us rice, beans, chicken, and tortillas. It was so delicious. I ate a ton. sorrynotsorry. I love the members here. I'm excited to get to know them. I think almost all of them are from South America,Ii haven't seen many spanish people.
Oh also the bishop here seems interesting haha. He and his wife work in a little magazine stand. He's not super friendly, but it's all good. My comp said he's interesting.. also their ward mission leader is an 18 year old kid named Nicholas. He's a nice kid. It's just funny that he's so young haha. But he helps out a ton.
Lets see, what else. There are two other elders that serve in our ward too. One told me it took him a year and 3 months to learn spanish. So that's comforting haha. I'm not super worried though, I know I'll learn it.
Oh also big news, yesterday a recent convert in the ward called us to meet with his friend. So we met them in the park and introduced him to the Book of Mormon. He said he wants to come to church on Sunday and said he will read it. Also, I invited him to be baptized when he has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and HE SAID YES! I wanted to cry right then and there, I was so excited. My first baptismal invite on my third day here! It was way cool. I'm excited to work here.. Except its been kinda cold here the past few days, and super rainy. I think it gets cold here in the winter which kinda makes me nervous cuz I don't like the cold. Today was super nice though. Anyway, sorry that was all over the place. Look up where I live. Maybe you can google earth it. OH ALSO I have an address
Hermana Kassidy Reid
C/San Martin 15, 2D
20005 San Sebastian
Espana
Tell people to send me letters to that address! I would love letters, I think dear elders still work too, but I'm not positive. Also if you send packages, just send them to the mission home. I think it gets too complicated trying to get packages up here. But letters, send letters and pictures to my address here! I want more pics of the babies and such! Anyway, I cant think of much else, I really love it up here, I got lucky to be in such a beautiful place! Hopefully I get to stay a while! I love you all so much! Thanks so much for the emails! I have really missed you all this week.
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