(Sorry about the delay! - Amanda)
Howdy everyone!
I'm constantly amazed how quickly time is flying by and can hardly believe it has been another week of my mission. I'm so happy and grateful for the priviledge of being part of the Lord's work. Thanks so much to all my friends and family for your love, prayers, and support!
This week has been busy as usual with finding and teaching those that God has prepared to receive our message. We have also enjoyed serving in the community and finding so many wonderful opportunities to invite other to come unto Christ. One of our investigators committed this week to be baptized! As we discussed setting a specific date for baptism, she out of the blue suggested October 7th because that is her 70th birthday. We committed her to pray about that date and are hoping to move it forward quite a bit... like to March.... according to the Lord's will of course.
My companions are amazing and I love them more each day as we work hard together. Sister Miller's birthday was yesterday the 23rd and we had some fun celebrating it throughout this past week. Last Preparation Day we went to go get pedicures together, and Sister Stott and I paid for hers. She'd never had one before and we all enjoyed it immensely! :) The member family who fed us last night had birthday cake for us... as did the restaraunt a member took us to the night before... not to mention the cheesecake ice cream another family brought us when they brought us dinner on Monday... and the birthday cheesecake served at our dinner appointment Saturday... and the cupcakes given to us a couple days before that... We're incredibly spoiled and trying our best not to gain 500 pounds. I have a feeling we would be just as spoiled without a birthday to celebrate.
It's a good thing we are working hard to utilize our 30 minutes of exercise time each morning. We walk/jog around our apartment complex some mornings, and other mornings use the missionary health guide suggestions for apartment exercise. This morning I ended up doing a lot of ballroom dance moves for cardio in our living room. I felt ridiculous every time Sister Miller looked up to watch me, but it was pretty fun :) (We can only walk/jog when we are all up to it, -because we have to stay together- and Sister Stott was not well this morning.)
I'm super grateful for the power of the restored Priesthood. Sunday night while teaching that awesome lesson where we committed Mary to baptism, I had a migraine settle over me. It turned in to one of the most severe I've had in years with incredibly intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. I rested in our bedroom during our dinner break and was prompted by the Holy Ghost to ask for a Priesthood blessing. Sister Stott called Elder Porter and Elder Clark (missionaries for the Lake Charles North area that live in our apt. complex and serve in our ward) for me and we met them at the church. They gave me a beautiful blessing that promised my pain would fade quickly and I would be able to work effectively by the morning. I instantly felt the pain begin to gradually fade, and I truly have never experienced a migraine disappear so quickly. By the time we got home I was able to eat (and keep it down!) and plan with my companions for our Monday schedule. I still felt pretty gross so when I started to work on organizing our area book with them, the Spirit quickly prompted me to "not push it and go to bed"... So I did. I slept great and woke up fine Monday morning. Faith combined with the power of the Priesthood definitely moves the mountains in our lives according to Heavenly Father's will.
I love you all and look forward to hearing from you! Make good choices! For readers of my emails/blog who are returned missionaries- feel free to send me stories from your mission. I love hearing them!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Les bon temps roulez!
It's quite the time of year to be living in Louisiana! It has indeed been quite a bit colder than is typical, but we've managed to stay warm most of the time, and continue in the Lord's work all of the time. The only snow we saw was while driving across the Texas border, and of course it wasn't sticking. We've heard all about the snow further North in Louisiana though, and across the country. Crazy stuff!
Not only has the weather been different, but we've been able to witness some historical/cultural events in the few weeks I've been here. The Saints winning the Super Bowl was a huge deal! We didn't watch it, but spent part of that time at a member's home baking cookies for our neighbors, then delivered them with notes. We were teaching an investigator during the ending of it, and the neighborhood we were at went crazy when they won! We couldn't tell if they were happy or mad at first (not knowing the result of the game), but we were able to decipher the drunken yelling eventually. Very exciting stuff for Louisiana.
The other big event was Mardi Gras! We didn't really participate in that either, but we were able to eat our share of King Cake, see some cool floats that drove by, and enjoy the festive spirit of the holiday. We also successfully avoided the less moral activities and were able to productively go about the Lord's work. Life as a missionary is fascinating :)
Random Information I forgot to include in previous emails:
1-I chopped my hair while in the MTC! I'd cut a few inches before I left on my mission, and then a few more the week before leaving the MTC. I mostly just decided I didn't have time to deal with my hair. Those of you who already thought I looked like my mom, will think so even more when you see pictures. Even I can see the resemblance with the new haircut. It will also be nice once it gets hot down here.
2-I wake up on time almost every morning and pretty much never use the snooze button more than once. This will be a shocker to anyone who has ever lived with me. (For stories of my past waking up habits, feel free to ask my parents or any former roommates.) It's been such a blessing and gift from my Heavenly Father to not struggle with that as much as I was expecting to.
I am loving the Lord's work and being a missionary. I face major challenges every day, but am constantly a witness to countless small miracles and tender mercies of the Lord. I know God lives and loves us each so much!
Feel free to ask questions about things I may leave out. It's hard to remember to include everything I want or think you may want to know!
I love you all!! (REALLY I DO!!!)
*~Sister Pilmer~*
Not only has the weather been different, but we've been able to witness some historical/cultural events in the few weeks I've been here. The Saints winning the Super Bowl was a huge deal! We didn't watch it, but spent part of that time at a member's home baking cookies for our neighbors, then delivered them with notes. We were teaching an investigator during the ending of it, and the neighborhood we were at went crazy when they won! We couldn't tell if they were happy or mad at first (not knowing the result of the game), but we were able to decipher the drunken yelling eventually. Very exciting stuff for Louisiana.
The other big event was Mardi Gras! We didn't really participate in that either, but we were able to eat our share of King Cake, see some cool floats that drove by, and enjoy the festive spirit of the holiday. We also successfully avoided the less moral activities and were able to productively go about the Lord's work. Life as a missionary is fascinating :)
Random Information I forgot to include in previous emails:
1-I chopped my hair while in the MTC! I'd cut a few inches before I left on my mission, and then a few more the week before leaving the MTC. I mostly just decided I didn't have time to deal with my hair. Those of you who already thought I looked like my mom, will think so even more when you see pictures. Even I can see the resemblance with the new haircut. It will also be nice once it gets hot down here.
2-I wake up on time almost every morning and pretty much never use the snooze button more than once. This will be a shocker to anyone who has ever lived with me. (For stories of my past waking up habits, feel free to ask my parents or any former roommates.) It's been such a blessing and gift from my Heavenly Father to not struggle with that as much as I was expecting to.
I am loving the Lord's work and being a missionary. I face major challenges every day, but am constantly a witness to countless small miracles and tender mercies of the Lord. I know God lives and loves us each so much!
Feel free to ask questions about things I may leave out. It's hard to remember to include everything I want or think you may want to know!
I love you all!! (REALLY I DO!!!)
*~Sister Pilmer~*
First letter from the field
For some reason, her email didn't go through last week, and we were sad. We missed our missionary update! Here's what she had to say last week:
Howdy from Lousiana! I'm currently serving in the Lake Charles South area and loving it :) Wednesday night I met my first companion... but it's actually companions! I have 2 trainers which is pretty rare, but has been a wonderful experience so far in our little trio. Sister Stott and Sister Miller are both teaching me so much with their wonderful examples, and we are working hard and having fun together. Most of that fun, of course, is centered around helping others to come closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.
As always, time is short and there is so much to share. Missionary life is still exhausting and full of trials, but so rewarding. I know my Heavenly Father lives and loves me, and that brings me so much joy. The people here are friendly and many are faithful Christians who are happy to talk about Jesus Christ. My first experiences tracting and contacting have been fascninating. The most amusing ones have been those people who seem genuinely afraid of us. It always makes me wonder what kind of crazy rumors they've heard about "The Mormons".
The members here that I've met are pretty awesome, and very hospitable. I've eaten plenty of food that is no different than what I would eat in Utah, but also some great Southern delights. I've enjoyed Texas BBQ, warm pecan pie, and some legit chicken and sausage gumbo. Our first Sunday here was Stake Conference, so I look forward to getting to know more of the local members at our regular Sunday meetings this weekend.
I've been battling a nasty feverish cold the last few days, but my companions have taken good care of me and it hasn't slowed us down too much. This morning we had to wake up at 3:30 a.m. to travel to the mission home in Kingwood, TX for New Sisters Training. It takes around 2.5 hours to get there. We drove to Vidor and carpooled the rest of the way w/ Sister Singleton and Sister Hurd. We got there 30 minutes early... and being sick, I slept most of the way. The Elders serving as Assistants to the President and Mission Trainers cooked a delicious breakfast for us, and we had a really enriching, spiritual training meeting until noon. Then we got to drive back to Lake Charles. It's been a long day... but then again, most of our days out here are long.
We stopped by the Beaumont chapel on the way back from training, to drop off supplies for the Beaumont Zone Leaders. It was pretty crazy to see that building again after all these years. I haven't had a chance to run into any old Beaumont friends yet, but I hear about some and it's fun just to back in this area of the world.
Quote of the Week from Sister Miller:
"There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone."
******SHAMELESS PLUG FOR MAIL********
I've received one letter (Thanks Cortney!) since I left the MTC. Mail means so much so anything you send my way will be more appreciated than you know! Photos, Crayon Drawings, quick notes, postcards, long letters, ANYTHING would be amazingly awesome :)
CURRENT ADDRESS:
Sister Emily Pilmer
1531 Country Club Dr. #312
lake Charles, LA 70605
(that's direct for at least 5 more weeks (3 weeks now!) )
I love you all!!
*~Sister Pilmer~*
Howdy from Lousiana! I'm currently serving in the Lake Charles South area and loving it :) Wednesday night I met my first companion... but it's actually companions! I have 2 trainers which is pretty rare, but has been a wonderful experience so far in our little trio. Sister Stott and Sister Miller are both teaching me so much with their wonderful examples, and we are working hard and having fun together. Most of that fun, of course, is centered around helping others to come closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.
As always, time is short and there is so much to share. Missionary life is still exhausting and full of trials, but so rewarding. I know my Heavenly Father lives and loves me, and that brings me so much joy. The people here are friendly and many are faithful Christians who are happy to talk about Jesus Christ. My first experiences tracting and contacting have been fascninating. The most amusing ones have been those people who seem genuinely afraid of us. It always makes me wonder what kind of crazy rumors they've heard about "The Mormons".
The members here that I've met are pretty awesome, and very hospitable. I've eaten plenty of food that is no different than what I would eat in Utah, but also some great Southern delights. I've enjoyed Texas BBQ, warm pecan pie, and some legit chicken and sausage gumbo. Our first Sunday here was Stake Conference, so I look forward to getting to know more of the local members at our regular Sunday meetings this weekend.
I've been battling a nasty feverish cold the last few days, but my companions have taken good care of me and it hasn't slowed us down too much. This morning we had to wake up at 3:30 a.m. to travel to the mission home in Kingwood, TX for New Sisters Training. It takes around 2.5 hours to get there. We drove to Vidor and carpooled the rest of the way w/ Sister Singleton and Sister Hurd. We got there 30 minutes early... and being sick, I slept most of the way. The Elders serving as Assistants to the President and Mission Trainers cooked a delicious breakfast for us, and we had a really enriching, spiritual training meeting until noon. Then we got to drive back to Lake Charles. It's been a long day... but then again, most of our days out here are long.
We stopped by the Beaumont chapel on the way back from training, to drop off supplies for the Beaumont Zone Leaders. It was pretty crazy to see that building again after all these years. I haven't had a chance to run into any old Beaumont friends yet, but I hear about some and it's fun just to back in this area of the world.
Quote of the Week from Sister Miller:
"There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone."
******SHAMELESS PLUG FOR MAIL********
I've received one letter (Thanks Cortney!) since I left the MTC. Mail means so much so anything you send my way will be more appreciated than you know! Photos, Crayon Drawings, quick notes, postcards, long letters, ANYTHING would be amazingly awesome :)
CURRENT ADDRESS:
Sister Emily Pilmer
1531 Country Club Dr. #312
lake Charles, LA 70605
(that's direct for at least 5 more weeks (3 weeks now!) )
I love you all!!
*~Sister Pilmer~*
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The final MTC letter
Sorry I'm a few days late in posting this. Sister Pilmer is in Texas now! She was able to call her immediate family Wednesday morning and sounded so happy and excited! She also bore her testimony that she knows that she is just an instrument in the hands of the Lord, and she couldn't do any of this without Him.
Here's what she sent us last Monday:
Another Fabulous week in the MTC has flown by! I've been up since 4:50 this morning. Sister Jungblut had to check in at the travel office by 5 to begin her journey to Guam. So... now I miss her already and am pretty darn sleepy! For the next two days I'll be in a tri-panionship with Sis. Singleton and Sis. Wallace. They're wonderful :)
This has been a more eventful week for Sis. Jungblut and I than most missionaries at the MTC. Tuesday, Sister Jungblut began having back pains after breakfast and by 10 a.m. they were bad enough that I convinced her we should go to the health clinic. 15 minutes later the nurse rolled her out in a wheelchair and informed me that she was sending us the the E.R.
They thought it was most likely muscle issues, but because of the location and severity of the pain, could possibly kidney stones or something else serious. Several hours, a urine analysis, chest x-rays, CT scan, and lots of meds pumped into an I.V. later.... they couldn't find anything abnormal. They finally gave her effective pain meds, but they caused a vast amount of nausea for her and she was very very groggy for the rest of the day.
The remainder of our week was spent trying to participate in classes and activities as much as possible. We had to play it by ear though, depending on her pain and the effects of her pain killers and muscle relaxants. Lots of our time was spent in the residence hall so she could rest. We learned so much together as we exercised faith and trusted in the Lord's will for us. We had some INCREDIBLY spiritual, strengthening experiences as well. It has been such a pleasure to love and serve Sis. Jungblut in our time together as companions.
I thought the dentist office experience was weird last week, but this week was even weirder! Thurs. and Fri. Sis. J and I went to physical therapy for her back and the office was in the same complex as my mom's office! I was 30 sec. away from her TWICE!! It took a great deal of self-discipline to be obedient to the mission rules and not run over to give her a hug!
I fly to TX Wed. morning and am so excited!!!!
Things I will miss about the MTC:
-The people! : my first companion, district, and zone, and especially my instructors and leaders! They're people I'll always love and remember!
-Gym time: The elliptical w/ a view of the temple, and dominating in 4 square
-Attending the temple on prep. day.
Things I won't miss:
-The food: it's not terrible.... but it's time to move on...
-Sitting in desks so much!
I LOVE being "Sister Pilmer" and being a representative of Jesus Christ! I have learned and grown so much here and have so much more learning and growing to do!
I love you all! I am so happy to be here and coming closer to God every day! I know that Christ is my Savior and I love Him with all my heart! Make good choices :)
Here's what she sent us last Monday:
Another Fabulous week in the MTC has flown by! I've been up since 4:50 this morning. Sister Jungblut had to check in at the travel office by 5 to begin her journey to Guam. So... now I miss her already and am pretty darn sleepy! For the next two days I'll be in a tri-panionship with Sis. Singleton and Sis. Wallace. They're wonderful :)
This has been a more eventful week for Sis. Jungblut and I than most missionaries at the MTC. Tuesday, Sister Jungblut began having back pains after breakfast and by 10 a.m. they were bad enough that I convinced her we should go to the health clinic. 15 minutes later the nurse rolled her out in a wheelchair and informed me that she was sending us the the E.R.
They thought it was most likely muscle issues, but because of the location and severity of the pain, could possibly kidney stones or something else serious. Several hours, a urine analysis, chest x-rays, CT scan, and lots of meds pumped into an I.V. later.... they couldn't find anything abnormal. They finally gave her effective pain meds, but they caused a vast amount of nausea for her and she was very very groggy for the rest of the day.
The remainder of our week was spent trying to participate in classes and activities as much as possible. We had to play it by ear though, depending on her pain and the effects of her pain killers and muscle relaxants. Lots of our time was spent in the residence hall so she could rest. We learned so much together as we exercised faith and trusted in the Lord's will for us. We had some INCREDIBLY spiritual, strengthening experiences as well. It has been such a pleasure to love and serve Sis. Jungblut in our time together as companions.
I thought the dentist office experience was weird last week, but this week was even weirder! Thurs. and Fri. Sis. J and I went to physical therapy for her back and the office was in the same complex as my mom's office! I was 30 sec. away from her TWICE!! It took a great deal of self-discipline to be obedient to the mission rules and not run over to give her a hug!
I fly to TX Wed. morning and am so excited!!!!
Things I will miss about the MTC:
-The people! : my first companion, district, and zone, and especially my instructors and leaders! They're people I'll always love and remember!
-Gym time: The elliptical w/ a view of the temple, and dominating in 4 square
-Attending the temple on prep. day.
Things I won't miss:
-The food: it's not terrible.... but it's time to move on...
-Sitting in desks so much!
I LOVE being "Sister Pilmer" and being a representative of Jesus Christ! I have learned and grown so much here and have so much more learning and growing to do!
I love you all! I am so happy to be here and coming closer to God every day! I know that Christ is my Savior and I love Him with all my heart! Make good choices :)
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