Just some pictures of more visitors who have gotten to see Sister Hulet
Just some pictures of more visitors who have gotten to see Sister Hulet
It's been crazy here! SOO many people! President Holmes predicts that about 900,000 people will come through temple square in the next month!! We have goals again (just like conference) and we're all working hard to achieve it. And just as expected, we got even more weirdos with the crowds.
I talked with a guy named Sean.....Sean Smith.....Sean Fielding Smith (who later told security first that his name was sean and then John and then asked "what difference does it make?"). Haha. I already told Kaycee and Randy but he said his "regalia" (if anyone can shed light on that, be my guest) is the griffin and hence he has the marks of the griffin tatooed on himself. Under his eye he had a teardrop and he had wings on his back and was hoping to get a tail sometime soon. Oh boy. He reminds me of cat-boy at BYU (dressed up in cat ears and a tail, hahaha) but a little more extreme and way into mythology and architecture. The problem with talking to him is that he would turn away while talking and be mumbling all the time so I couldn't understand him. He'd go from talking about how he crawled out of the window during primary because he didn't understand it and then turn his head "mumble mumble mumble" then "....Not that there's anything wrong with bullies" and I was like "WHAT?!?!?!" (in my head of course) and Sister Barona was too busy trying not to laugh. Oh such joy for this season!!
We had a great thanksgiving! All the sisters together not at Chuck-a-rama. We went to an event facility called Noah's and had dinner there. It was great! We all had a great time together and were very thankful for all that we were blessed with.
The lights are beautiful and I realize that while they are on and we are on Temple Square, we don't really get the chance to see or appreciate them because we're busy all the time. It's sad! But we're still feeling the christmas spirit!
I met a wonderful couple yesterday in the Tabernacle. The husband had been catholic and his wife was lutheran but they went to an episcopalian church because they had been divorced and weren't allowed to be catholic. So they said their church was a good in-between because it's basically like the catholic church only the priests can be married. We were talking about what happens after we die and the woman said she had always been worried about people that never had the opportunity to learn about Christ and what would happen to them, that it didn't seem fair that they would go to hell. I was able to share how those who didn't receive the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life would have that opportunity in the Spirit World and be able to accept baptism if they wanted to. It was wonderful to share that truth with them and the woman said that it settled her fears and she had always wondered about that. I shared Alma 40:11 about where the spirits initially go after death and how we all initially return home to God and then find a state of rest or a state of anguish. It was great and they were very lovely people!
We're all ready for another intense week! My feet had to readjust to going all the time; the square had slowed down after General Conference in October and I was glad to be working hard and having so many people to talk with on the square. I hope all of your thanksgivings were wonderful! Thanks for all the love and support! I wish you the best for this next christmas month!
Love, Sister Hulet
P.S. guess who wasn't that brilliant? I remember why I have my mom forward emails: because I'm not allowed to write emails to anyone but immediate family. Sorry! And to clarify: YOU can email ME but I can't email YOU. I write back with snail mail. Happy Christmas!!
It's snowing outside!! I'm so excited!! Anyway, I put up a Christmas Countdown on the White Board in the Sisters' lounge and there are 41 days til christmas!
I feel like a lot happened this week and yet, nothing comes to mind. Oh! First of all, we had a service project on Tuesday where we got to go rake leaves! I've been wanting to do that for a long time so I was really excited for that. To clarify, I've been wanting to rake leaves for a long time, not so much service :)
Also, Happy Birthday to Jen!! I hope you got my letter...sorry it wasn't as cool as it should have been. But just you wait :) Oh! I received my vaccination for the pig flu. So never fear. I'll be alive this winter.
Hmm...on some down time at the Humanitarian Center (I don't go to Welfare Square. it's the Humanitarian Center) some of the sister's discovered the fact that I know the words to pretty much every disney song there is. yep. so that was interesting. We got to show a bunch of youth around the Humanitarian Center and I got to make really lame jokes and get at least a couple chuckles. Oh, and Dad, you'd be proud (although if you saw the picture, maybe not) of me because I showed my skills of drawing a horse just like you did because a kid came and said he liked to draw. It was a pretty awful picture. I think I at least succeeded with the mane...
Hmmm...I'm really trying to think if anything quality happened this week. Oh! Ok so with the training sessions for the Preach My Gospel Marathon we normally receive training from the APs. But we had training from President Holmes on the restoration and the Book of Mormon and it was amazing. He truly helped me appreciate just how much Joseph Smith sacrificed for the organization of the church and how much that means to all of us; with the truth that we know today, nothing would have come to us if it hadn't been for Joseph Smith who was able to restore the message of Jesus Christ. Just as it was necessary in the bible for the prophets to be told God's plan for all of us, it needed to be communicated to another prophet for us in our time and I felt the weight of my responsibility of testifying of this truth and of the true existence of Jesus Christ. It was amazing!!
With training every day, I feel like it adds to our ability as missionaries to help the people we meet here on temple square/beehive house/humanitarian center because we're able to have that constant reminder of our purpose. It's been amazing.
Sister Barona and I had a great experience with a member named Rick and his friend Barry. Rick brought Barry here to temple square because of his zeal for the truth that families can be together forever. He had been a member all of his life, married in the temple, but hadn't felt the true significance of eternal families until he had had some health scares that brought to his attention how fleeting life can be. He then felt like he woke up and truly found his conviction in the gift that we've been given through Christ's sacrifice and how it is possible for us to exist as families and be with our families after we die. Barry's wife had recently passed away and Rick saw how hard it had been for him and wanted him to have the knowledge he had. So we showed him the movie "God's Plan for His Families" where it showed a family and different situations where they spent time together but also as they experienced the death of grandparents and found comfort in the knowledge that they would see those grandparents again. Barry said it was something he wanted to believe but just didn't know how he could know for sure. We invited him to have the missionaries tell him more and Rick told him how much it would mean to him if Barry would receive them. Barry accepted and I just pray that he'll be able to find his faith.
It was incredible.
Now this is too long but I wanted to finish with the crazy I talked with on the phone. It lasted for 30 minutes and he wanted free materials/movies from the church and I realize that this won't be that funny unless I can tell it in person. yep. Anyway, how is everyone doing? Any snow for you? how are your families? What are you doing for thanksgiving? Do you prefer real Christmas trees or fake ones? What's a Christmas tradition you do?
ok, that's enough for another two weeks don't you think? It's all so serious....sorry. I wish I could successfully tell the crazy story and I don't think I met anyone on the square that was too crazy. We've met a ton of just really good people. Last night there was this older chilean man that we had talked with before who always talks to me in spanish and a little english and I'm able to piece some of it together to get an idea of what he's saying. I only know some words and others cross over into english but it's all very entertaining. he's a really cute old man. He came with his wife and son last night and was wearing an ear-flap hat (is there a technical term for that??) and was talking about how cold is was and how he had never noticed the big dipper constellation on the temple (yep, there is one). It's fun.
be good. I hope you all have a happy holiday.
love,
Sister Hulet
P.S. Six months already! Can you believe it? I already have less than a year to go! I hate how fast time goes!!!
O.K., I am a little behind on postings -- here is Julie's latest (with a picture of her, Kaycee and Randy)
October 31, 2009
movie quote. but it sums up my performance at zone conference today. We went up to Heritage Park (I went in my first transfer; it's a pioneer village park at the "this is the place" monument where Brigham Young first came over the valley and said "this is the place," duh) and we did service. President had announced earlier that this transfer we would get the opportunity to do service, like other missions do. Our schedule is not the most flexible, though, so we had it for Zone Conference and on our Pday. But it was amazing. My comp and I chose to help outside (other options: sorting clothes, moving stuff out of an office) and we got to haul these ginormous pieces of granite to help build a sidewalk. Most of the pieces were already in the park for us so we just transported them with a wheelbarrow (but remember...BIG pieces of granite) and the rest we took from this huge pile of granite chips that had been leftover from the construction of the Conference center. It was awesome! I was helping to boost a particularly large piece into the truck and my head was almost smashed. yes.
Otherwise, this week was really nice. We talked with a woman from florida and shared about the beliefs of the church and the struggle of the pioneers to arrive here and establish the church. We ended at the Christus statue (large statue of Jesus Christ; replica of Berthel Thorvaldsen's sculpture in Denmark) and she became pretty emotional. She herself was a Christian and just felt very touched by everything and so blessed because she had just found out that someone wanted to hire her ASAP and she felt it was truly from God. She was wonderful and said she was so glad to have shared that moment with us.
I went on exchanges with Sister Sato (a japanese sister who came with me from the MTC) and we had a blast. I learned how to say "Jesus loves you" and "I love you" (that'll come in handy, eh??) in japanese thus adding to what I already knew ("how are you" "good morning" "hello" and I can count! to five!). ta da! I also saw mama koide and emma!!!! Ah! I was so happy!!! thanks for coming to see me!
well that's all. things seem to be busy for y'all (not that I know...it's just what I've concluded from my inbox, haha) and I hope none of you are stressing out too much. take care. let me know if I can help with anything. be good and no more sadness.
love, sister hulet
What's cool is that we were all about helping the members any way that we could.
On the friday before conference we got to meet some of the members coming in for conference and truly try to uplift them/help them with their struggles (we know that we've all got 'em :) ) and that led to us meeting an older single woman named Gina who unloaded on us (she must have liked my dimples too) and also a member named uh..Sister Gysler from Switzerland. Sister Gysler was really really nice and gave us great advice about staying a "pearl of a girl", protecting our virtue (don't waste time with boys who only "want to play") and staying faithful for our children and not giving into peer pressure and staying true to our promises. We shared a message from President Monson about the role of women (I felt like she embodied that which President Monson described) and afterwards she shared some more advice with us (she spoke in this really sweet soft voice with a french accent) and then said that she wished she could give us something (she had brought swiss chocolate for all their friends here in Utah). But no chocolate my friends; she was not sure she had enough for her friends. However, reaching into her purse she found 1) Granola Bars ("they were made in switzerland...they're swiss") 2) Wet wipes ("these are ALWAYS useful") 3) tissues ("you can always use these") 4) Pens ("pens are ALWAYS useful, you can always use a pen"). It was hilarious. No worries, mom and dad, we protested receiving any gifts the ENTIRE time. but we for sure will use the pens, wet wipes and tissues.
Back to conference though...we all made goals for the members that we would invite to have their friends called and we set goals for how many names we would receive. Now, as President put it into perspective for us we did it for "Gethsemane; Calvary; The empty tomb; Spring of 1820". So in total we will be contacting 2,421 names. What's cool is that for each name we received we put up a leaf on a tree and then for each 100 names we had we put up one fruit. It was incredible and we all, after a long weekend of work got to sleep in until 9 am on Monday (which was not as enjoyable for me because I woke up about every 1/2 hour after 6 am).
Life is so good though and I LOVE missionary work. It makes everything better and is the most welcome distraction for ANYTHING that might be going wrong. I got to see Randy, Kaycee, and Ryan Holland which was great!
Ok. sorry it was a long one. I love you all!! Take care! and Keep being good examples and sharing the gospel!!
Love, sister Hulet
Sorry! this will have to be quick! I was wasting time deleting emails. But I wanted to write quickly. This week will be good. We all get to attend the Relief Society meeting on saturday and then the next week will be conference!
Zone conference was great. We got to take a tour of the basement/rehearsal area of the tabernacle and talk about how we can be more accomodating and personal for the guests. It was really good and Sis Yang and I have been striving to get to know the guests better and be willing to adapt to what they need and want to see.
We had some Hutterites come through and that was...interesting. They know about the New Testament and attend church every day twice a day for 30 minutes and then on Sunday for 2 hours. Dedication, my friends. They are all very self-sufficient too in producing their own food and making their own clothes so it reminded me of the Amish. I almost laughed when Sis Yang asked them if they wanted a DVD and they had to tell her that they don't watch TV. oops. I couldn't really save her on that one. oh well. The one guy was interested in phone contact to learn more.
In the RC I listened for about 30 minutes to a guy that was pretty emotionally unstable (as in, his girlfriend left him 3 yrs ago, he's still heartbroken and suffering from bipolar disorder and various health issues, feels weighed down by things he's done in the past) and I did my best to comfort him. He said I was a "nice lady" and that he felt I was "the only one [he] can talk to" after only 20 minutes or so. Oh my girlish charms. Just what I dreamed of: a 51 yr old man who is falling apart. So never fear, I just might get married with guys like that falling into my lap.
It's been a really good week and I've been very blessed with good companions who help challenge me and whom I'm able to work with well. I would tell you the funny things that sis yang does but it's just not as good as it would be in person. Also my old roommate....hehe...sis hezekiah. so funny. :) Anyway, I better wrap this up and attach some pics. We went to the Masonic Temple today and Sis Yang took my camera (classic asian....she went crazy taking pics).
Love you all! Keep up the great work! The gospel is great and we need to share it!
love, sister hulet
p.s. I will get those letters out. I promise. Sis yang keeps us busy and bedtime comes so quickly.
It's getting cold here. just thought you should know. and not half as pretty as PA is in the fall. not even a third as pretty :)
pics: me with Sis Zarate Sis Tandiman (like candyman); Me with Sis Hofmann, Zarate, Javier, Yang, and Tandiman. then..sis Yang. at the Masonic temple. yay. (I think that's right. I don't know the order of the people in the pics so you get to figure it out :) )
Congratulations to becky for finishing Jesus the Christ before me. Perhaps though...it's not about "spehd". :) haha, just kidding.
So one of the first nights that sister yang and I were working together we greeted a couple that walked in pretty casually. We asked if they wanted a tour and they said they would prefer to just walk around. Sister Yang grabbed a map for them and then we started to walk with them. We were heading towards the Assembly Hall (first permanent chapel on T square) and they were talking about Tai Chi. Eventually it bridged to talking about the religion and how there are so many, etc. and we got to share with them all about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and then the Temple. It was great! We kind of tricked them into taking a short tour with us and we got to teach them! So great! Best of all, they will be having the missionaries come visit them when they return to england. So that was pretty much the highlight of my week.
Otherwise, I learned (finally) how to say Pennsylvania in Mandarin. "Been-Joh!" and while Sister Yang would go around saying "Mah Chong!" all the time when she was happy or as a victory shout, she has switched to "Been-Joh!" Crazy asian. Her goal is to gain 10 pounds before conference to make her trainer (Mah Chong, who is coming for Gen. Conf.) happy. I would try and describe what she's like but it's hard when it's not in person.
Also, Mandarin is "Johng-wehn" in mandarin and everytime Sis Yang calls for the mandarin speakers I think of Shanghai Noon. "John wayne? That's a horrible cowboy name!" Alas, who in the world has seen Shanghai Noon?
Anyway, love to all of you! It's been a good week. And I hope school and work and play goes well! Oh and happy labor day! I was told why we celebrate labor day and it's not really the best reason for a holiday, but why complain about a day off in the normal world?
Everyone loves a good disney movie, am I right? Ok, so my mom proposed that maybe I do a monthly letter to friends/family. That way it can be super-long only once a month, I won't run out of things to say, you can write me letters and I won't mind replying by normal mail and we all go home happy. It will be a weeding out of those pretend friends I have (i.e.those who haven't written/sent out their letters that I've been told have been written...chelsea...). Kind of kidding about that, kind of not. I think it's an idea. If there is strong protest, I may be persuaded to keep this up but, really, do you want this email to appear every single week?
Moving on...we had transfer conference today and I know you are all excited to find out the new assignment. My comp is going out! She's headed to Chicago, IL. So I'm really excited for her. My new comp is "Sister Yang (YAHNG) from Taiwan!" (said with a high pitched asian voice). She's adorable. I'm almost fluent in mandarin (or will be) haha. Anyway, I'm excited. I'll be in North Zone and my specific assignment is programs so we'll be involved in "Called To Serve" musical/testimonial programs to motivate youth to do missionary work, go on missions, etc. So yay me. I get to sing. In spite of my lack of enthusiasm, I'm actually really excited. And sister yang will be awesome. I wonder if I'll get paired with tiny asians the rest of my mission...
Moving on again...this last week was cool because I was on some exchanges (Kwok is District Leader) and I got to learn a lot from the different sisters here. We met some amazing people and (I think this was from the past week) there was one man who had been reading the Book of Mormon for a while and was interested in the church. He's recently divorced and we took him around Temple Square showing him the visitor's centers and the church history museum, trying to help him realize what the Book of Mormon means to us and what it meant to the people at the time and seeing if he wanted to meet with missionaries. I hope it turns out.
This week we've been focusing on really trying to get to know the needs of people as they come here on temple square and focusing our time on those that actuallly want to talk to us as opposed to those who we continue talking to even though they show clear signs of uninterest.
My brilliant moment of the week? There was a man that sis kwok and I saw getting a drink from the warmest-temperature outside water fountain here at the square. I decided to be helpful and walked up to him as he finished his swig of water and said "That's not my favorit-" and he nodded "-water fountain" and he walked away. Kwok burst out laughing the instant he walked away and I couldn't help but laugh. wow. in the words of jen "rude!" but funny.
Oh! and I wish I could have recorded it, but Sis Kwok took a cantonese tour with some people here in SLC for a USANA Convention (health supplements,etc) one of the guests was a man that sounded like a chinese bear. Every single time he spoke it was a growl and it was in cantonese. Haha, I tried really hard not to laugh every single time he spoke. He spoke with such passion too. It reminded me of the russian bear from "Brother Bear" (yes. another disney movie. surprised? you shouldn't be...)
It's slowing down here and I can already tell that fall is going to be interesting. It's hard to stay busy when there is no one to talk with. But we press forward with the work. The members we've met have been wonderful (I'm sorry I complained so much before) and most of the people have been great.
Good experience I had: Sis Kwok and I had a tour and we took four people around. In the tabernacle we shared about what we do in church and I asked what their church services were like. They were all methodist and one explained, extensively, the various services that could be seen at a methodist church. so confusing. but we moved to the Assembly hall and talked more about the book of mormon being a record of people in the Americas who knew of Christ and finally saw him after he was resurrected. Kwok asked the man if he thought that God would manifest himself to another people and the man at first was ready to say no, but he thought about it and said that he knew God was great and couldn't say that He wouldn't share that same love for the people in the Middle East with others throughout the world. Point made. :) He was open to learning more and I was ecstatic.
We also had a wonderful family from Armenia request to have more information and I was happy!! I love missionary work!
Something I have wanted to better identify is how, specifically, the book of mormon and the knowledge we have in the church has helped me so if you write me, I'd love to hear how the gospel has helped you and your lives and families.
Thanks for all the love and prayers! I need them!! Be good!!
Sister Hulet
The thing that sticks out from this past week is that I met different clergy/ministers/pastors. Four to be exact, but compared to how many aren't of that persuasion, it was a lot. It's interesting sharing the information about Temple Square and the beliefs of the church to them because when people are devout in their faith (as evangelical leaders are) they close their mind to hearing about the beliefs of the church as more than just some other religion.
It's nice though because we all share the faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, but from there it gets a little messy. I especially like how they will dismiss Joseph Smith and his experience and conspicuously look around to show their uninterest. soo nice. But they're always so nice and I have had some great discussions with them in which we've been able to clear up misconceptions about the beliefs of the church and things that they hear.
I did speak with a really nice and interesting man the other day who is Muslim but has investigated many beliefs of different churches and I got the impression that he practiced Islam but believed that we all need to find our own path, that faith that best fits with us, to lead us to God. I had previously known that there were similarities between Islam and the LDS church, but we pin-pointed those beliefs as we were talking. I offered to have missionaries visit him to discuss more of the church's beliefs but he declined and said that he felt that he was at the age where it was more about finding "intensity" of life; in remember God in everything he does.
My sister-in-law and her family (along with my nieces) came to visit me (bytheway, thanks for stopping by Elo; it was great to see you and the girls). No worries Hulet family, I am still annika's favorite (I know you were all concerned but I win yet again!).
I've hit my 3 month mark and I can't believe time has passed so quickly.
Good luck to those of you who are starting/in school. I hope you kick all the other kids' butts ("but I don't want to kick the other kids' butts"--movie anyone?) and for those who haven't written me: my love for you is waning.
Be good! If you want me to talk about something specific I'd love to know. I never have any idea what to talk about and I feel kind of bored saying much of the same thing every week.
Love Sister Hulet
(ten points to those who know the movie quote I put in the subject line)
August 3, 2009
“Aw c’mon diane, I ain’t gonna hurt it!”
Ok, back to business. So the last week from what I can remember was good. I still think that I can step it up a bit to be a little bolder, a little nicer, a little patient-er. Anyway, I wanted to share about my dumb day and then I'll think of the good things I've learned this week.
So Sis Kwok and I exchanged with another companionship (Kwok is District leader and it's part of her responsibility to exchange and see how the sisters are doing). I was with Sis Santana from
Ok, otherwise, this week I've been studying more about Jesus Christ and His atonement; it's what the church is centered around being that it is through the atonement that we're able to achieve happiness in this life and in the next. So I've continued to read Jesus the Christ and have gained a lot of perspective on who Jesus was from better understanding the bible. I'm out of time though, so I'll wrap this up. It's been great this week, I've learned a lot. We had a good break and went to Little Cottonwood Canyon for a bbq last week and it was amazing just having fun with all the sisters here. I've continuously reset myself to be a better missionary here on temple square and I hope you are all praying for me, I need it. :) So take care, be good, and no more sadness!
Love, Sister Hulet
WHEN I UP, DOWN, TOUCH THE GROUND PUTS ME IN THE MOOD
Ok subject line=line from winnie the pooh's song for those you that were cool enough to see those cartoons. It continues and says "up down touch the ground in the mood....[smacks lips twice] for food."
It's delightful. In case you were wondering, that's what I do for exercises in the morning. Up-downs :) (and that will only be funny for Hulet progeny and parents, so sorry you missed that one).
Actually, we do exercising at the nearby church gym, the field or running up and down the hall or around the parking garage. It's...kind of the same thing everyday. Which, now that I mention it, is a lot like the work here. I generally have a hard time thinking of what to type because I meet such different people each and every day and it all sort of blends into one continuous time period. Hmmm but let me think...oh! I know!
I told you all about the native american cursing man and I heard, although possibly just a rumor, that he comes every single day to the square and stares at the temple. He does so, because something happened to his wife and child a while ago and he believes that they're being held hostage in the temple. Oh yes. For those of you out there, his wife and child are in no way being held hostage there. poor man.
What else can I tell you? I met a woman from Italy who walked in and said "I want to know more about this religion". Golden!
Actually there was also a woman from Sweden who did that. It was amazing! So hopefully they'll have missionaries that will visit them and tell them all they want to know. It's truly truly amazing to me the people that come with a sincere desire to know more about the church. Of course we have had our share of the people against the church that show up. It makes it interesting because they all ask the same questions, use the same arguments, and still don't listen to the answer. The frustrating part is that they're blinding themselves to something that could be really great for them if they'd only try and see the truth in it rather than immediately come to SLC wanting only to prove us wrong. A lot of them come up as church camps.
I think I had another good member story but...nothing comes to mind and heaven forbid I should repeat a story (that's for you becky).
hmmmm....it has been a really good week, I just don't know why. I did get to present a tour to a large motorcoach for the first time this past week. It was English and at the end we gave everyone a guest card to fill out and said "We'll give you some time to fill out the guest card and then give you this pamphlet". Response? Blank stares. I had no idea what it was that didn't make sense to them. Try again: "You're welcome to fill out the cards with any comments or request any information if you'd like...." Blank stares and no movement. "You're all welcome to leave" ta da! that worked to get everyone moving but no one filled out the card except lovely lady #47 who told us she couldn't hear most of the time and our words ran together and she missed the history but it was otherwise enlightening. That's ok though. I can take it :)
Hmmm....I would like to say that I made my comp Sis Kwok some Muddy Buddies and guess who didn't like them? So I don't bother cooking for her. We'd rather cook together and eat sushi. So great! It's my favorite now.
Ok down to the real business. So last transfer ended and I recognized on my part that I wasn't doing the best that I could. I felt it was ok to go with a "Hi, how are you?" and let people go with a smile, but I have a new determination to teach these people. I know and you know that they come here for a reason, but they don't know that. So we gently ease ourselves into their little hearts with a joke and start teaching them. I've seen as I've prayed for greater faith and greater boldness that it's been easier to get to know the person and identify what it is they are looking for in life and then apply it to something in the gospel of Jesus Christ, something in the bible, some part of the church that relates to them to spark some interest in the church. It's been amazing. And I've decided that it doesn't matter who the member is, I'm going to give them that opportunity to share the gospel, albeit indirectly, through myself and Sis Kwok.
I've also been reading more of Jesus the Christ and a friend (who recently came back from his mission) had told me (while on his mission) that it just changed the whole way he thought about Christ. It's so true though. As I've read, I've gained a better appreciation for who Christ was and how He got to be that way. It's made me think more about how I need to be more patient with myself as I improve little by little and how as long as I do my best with what I have now, it's good enough.
So keep working hard with what you have, keep praying for me, and keep finding opportunities to lift up and serve one another.
This week I saw Kurt and Helena (now married!!) and Amy and Colby Peck. That was cool.
That's all. Sorry it's soo scattered-brained. I'll be prepared next week (maybe...).
Love, Sister Hulet
PS!! PS!! I saw (two days in a row!!) this lady walking AND breast-feeding a baby at the same time! So more advice: Don't do that!
July 20, 2009
So exciting news for today is that it was.......dun dun dun dun! Transfer day! And guess who....wasn't transferred? No sir. I am still with Sister Kwok (whom, as some people have found out, is affectionately called "Kwoky" or "Kwokidile"). She's the new district leader of south zone. Yay! So more responsibility for her and I get a pager and get to tag along for the fun. But no more newbie status.
So I had a really good week! Extremely exhausting at times (in that we were often really late getting home and getting dinner) but the sacrifice was worth it as our tours were received well and we seemed to have better contacts with people around the square.
I feel like there was a funny story during the week but I can't think of anything. Some good stories though are that we talked with a wonderful member who was from
After a while, she wanted to be baptized but, at that time, needed to have her husband sign a card allowing her to be baptized (we don't want to break families up over religion...) but that was the first letter he received. He was curious and asked around the military base about the "Mormon" church but no one knew. He finally talked with an archbishop from the town who asked "Do you trust your wife? Does she love your children?" Both answers were yes and the archbishop said "Well, if feels right then it's right. Your wife wouldn't do anything to hurt you or your family." and she was baptized and her husband and sister and mother joined the church. It was amazing! She was amazing!! It just made me so happy!
There were some people from
There is a regular comer-to-temple-square that likes to tell jokes to all the sisters to "brighten your day as you brighten mine". I got to share the cinderblock joke and he deemed it worthy of learning and sharing with others :) So he likes to exchange jokes everytime I see him. He's nice. I feel like I already told you about him though.
Oh to answer some questions, church here is held on sunday early in the morning for us sister missionaries. That way we can all be on the square by 9 am.
Also, I didn't SEE them but I heard about some protestors...something something rainbow umbrella. My informant named them as kiss-ins. Sorry to have missed that haha.
Also, has anyone heard of Tyler Wilkinson? We were privileged to have a mission movie night where we watched his documentary and now, on occasion, you'll hear sisters say "for tyler!" as they: run up a large hill back from gym time; rush off to be on the square in spite of their lack of energy; shove someone down the stairs...oh! no. not really.
What else is new??
Oh! I know! here's some free publicity for a guy named Ren. We met him yesterday. He was in town recording an album for his band
Oh! i have another great (as in not great) member story. It goes like this:
Kwok: Hi! how joo doing?
Person: Fine.
Kwok: Is this your first time here?
Person: No, no. I've been here many times.
Kwok: Oh! Do you live nearby.
Person (oh wait! he's a member....): I'm a stake president in
conversation killer and he moves on as Kwok and I stand there unable to say anything. Thus, we move on.
But, we have met some wonderful members, don't get me wrong. I just think these stories are funny. And it's like the "What NOT to do...."
I'm just rambling now, but I have learned some cantonese: how to say "Hi I'm Sister Hulet. I am from
what has been cool is I've been able to identify more and more things about the church that has truly made my life better and happier. It makes it easier to tell people about why I am on a mission and why I want people to know about the church. How it's helped me be a better person as I interact with both family and friends. How it increased the unity of my family as we read scriptures together, prayed together, and spent time with each other; keeping in mind that we would always be together if we lived as Heavenly Father would have us live and thus strengthening that relationship knowing we would be putting up with everyone for eternity. Better to let go of the little things now before they become eternal grudges. And the fact that I know there is always someone to turn to when I need help and when I realize that I can't do anything by myself I can receive the help from Christ to make up the difference for my weaknesses.
That reminds me of one last experience (I can't believe you read these emails....). We met a group of two couples. One man was Jewish, his wife was Christian but not practicing in any religion. The man had good friends who were members and felt that "If every person in the world were members of the LDS church, it would be a better and more peaceful place." He had originally come from an Eastern European country that had been under communist rule for a while. He had managed to escape, ended up in
He was crying towards the end because i don't think any of us like to admit to weakness. I left him with Ether 12:27. It made me sad because he knew it was true, he just didn't have the hope and the faith to work through his weakness. He was great to talk with though and truly amazing.
that's that. I better go. sorry it was a long one this week. I'll work on more abridged versions in the future.
Love, sister hulet
Whew. ok, I have to type double time. I have ten minutes to write this and, as always, so much to say.
Ok so we're coming up on the end of the transfer (but still, as far as you know, I've been here "under a year"). It's been quick and yet not so quick. It's funny trying to imagine what another year and 3 months of this will be like. I'm excited though.
Every night it's hard to remember exactly what I did that day. It's even harder to imagine the days before. We meet SOOO many people. So, highlights....hmm. First of all, we went to Welfare Square for P-day today and it was really cool how much work the church does for people that are less-advantaged and for humanitarian purposes. If you ever get the chance to go, do it.
I'm trying to think of people i met....some weird people as always. There is a guy that comes pretty much everyday (we can't decide if he's homeless or not) whose wife died a while ago. He walks around and likes to tell jokes to the sisters to "help brighten [our] day because [we] brighten [his]". I shared with him the cinderblock joke and he really liked it (he asked me multiple times to repeat it so he could tell other people). Success! Someone thinks I'm funny!
Also, we met this really amazing kid today who is from PA. His family are all JW's and are trying to really force him to be one as well. He's a member though and up until this summer, it's been 6 years since he's been able to go to church. He was soo so happy to be here in SLC and was just taking everything in that he could so that he could take it with him as he returned to PA. He's 15 and he wants to go to BYU and he just wants so much to go to church and be active but can't because of his grandmother and father. It made me sad and I felt so useless because we couldn't help him. He'll be good though. He's pretty strong.
It's been interesting this week as I'm trying to learn to be better about being able to teach right off. Often people will say things that will tip me off about something that relates to the gospel and I want soo much for them to want to learn more so that they can truly have the blessing of the gospel in their lives. For instance, a woman who was very much into meditation and very spiritual but didn't want to learn more about the church although I was able to relate with her with regards to the peace that one can find in the temple and reasons why only members of the church who have been able to prepare themselves are able to go in. But, she wasn't interested. Even after all we can do, people will still have their free agency.
A lot of the people will come and they'll be Christian and understand more that we, as members, are also Christian but they don't see the differences between our church and their church and feel content where they are. The problem I have is in asking people to change (by learning more) because people don't like change.
Anyway, I'll have to tell you about the antis that came later because I'm out of time. I love you all and am off to write letters to all of you that wrote. Thanks so much btw!! I love mail!!
Be good!
Sister Hulet
Dear Friends and Family,
Wow! I was kind of overwhelmed with the emails, haha. Sad thing is that today was the day my comp and I decided to try and better follow mission rules and keep it to a half hour long. Sorry! but I will send forth letters to those of you whose address I have. to the rest! I still love you and if you will send your mailing address to my mom I can send you off a nice handwritten letter that is unlikely to be readable. I try though!
So I'll keep this quick and good (not that anyone was in doubt that it would be good...). First of all, the story that sticks out most in my head is this:
Yesterday we were talking (contacting) to people outside of the Tabernacle. There was a chinese man standing there in a blue baseball cap. We sauntered over to him, in the most inconspicuous way (so that he wouldn't think we actually WANTED to talk to him, but rather bumped into him), and asked him how he was. He said he was good. We asked him if he had been inside the tabernacle before...it was open if he wanted to see. He kind of started muttering at us and yet TO us that "first she wants me in then she tells me to come out...now back in again...." Sister Kwok and I just kind of looked at him and each other, not really knowing what to say. He turned to us and said "Sometimes you need to learn to ignore orders."
I kind of snickered but both Sis Kwok and I kept our composures. Then an asian woman popped her head out of the tabernacle door and motioned to her husband to come in. We, naturally, looked at him smiled and walked away. We had a good laugh once he was inside the tabernacle. So so good (which is Temple Square lingo for basically Everything! Everything is "soooo good!" it's insane and, try as I might, I've started to say it!!).
Besides that we've had some good days and some slow days; some hot days and some rainy days. Oh! I know! Well, I missed having fireworks and barbecues for the fourth but it was still a great day. Who knows if there were fireworks?
But I did meet an amazing person named Evan who actually graduated from PSU! What's so amazing is that he came onto the square and just seemed to want to know EVERYTHING! We were able to take him over to the sisters that were giving a tour but we told him about the book of mormon and he just seemed so prepared to hear what we had to say. He said that at PSU he had been a part of the Christan Crusaders and I was able to talk to the sisters after their tour and they said that he knew he had come to Temple Square for a reason; he had been put on 24 hr layover and he knew it wasn't a coincidence that he came. It was awesome! I love to see people like that!
I'm still working on being better as a missionary. It's so easy to just talk to people about their hometowns, about yellowstone, and just life in general but being able to talk about the gospel in a way that truly relates to them and communicates how important it is for each and everyone is difficult and it hurts when they don't want anything more. You kind of pour your soul out and become attached to the people here really easily and then see them walk away not knowing the joy that is to be had, that's just within reach. It hurts and I think we all can relate to that. But we move on and really embrace moments when people like Evan or the tour that we were able to take with 5 guys from India who all wanted to learn more. It feels good :)
Anyway, I better go. Time's up. The pictures attached are of my district at the MTC (minus the district leader) and of me and my comp with a worker at the This is The Place park (our Zone conference).
Love you all!!!
Sister Hulet
Yay for another preparation day!! Sis Kwok and I went to the planetarium and watched a movie about sea creatures. It was sweet! And in 3D! It's always nice to have some form of entertainment besides myself and the people around.
Speaking of which, there was this crazy native american guy one day as we were walking home. He was standing on the corner of the crosswalk with his arms stretched out in Jesus-fashion (as in, the Christus) and he was glaring at something. Sis Kwok said he was cursing something.
Crazy number two was this guy that had a referral for us but then went off about hippies and the war and comparing that to the vietnam war and something about hypocrites. Insane. But that same day we met this guy from CA who was amazing and had a great spirit about him; he was telling us about how he thought Americans' lives were not as full because they didn't make it about families and that's where the real happiness is found in life.
We agreed and he went off on a tour of Temple Square but it was really just amazing to talk with him. I also got to chat with a guy that believed in a higher power, an energy if you will, but not necessarily a being. I didn't get the chance to talk with him too long (he seemed like he was headed somewhere) but he was searching for something and I think that's the case with a lot of people. Many times they just don't know what it is they are looking for.
There was a large unitarian universalist conference here and we got to talk with a lot of the people that were attending that. A big thing I noticed is that they believe that people all just need to find a religion that fits for them; it doesn't have to be one religion. I respect that belief and it's cool that they are kind of a pseudo-religion/social organization that accepts all faiths believing that they're all headed in the same direction. That each faith has truths...sound familiar?
I wanted so much to help them realize that there is a church with all of those truths united into one, but one is afraid of offending people and most people give me a knowing smile glad that I have my faith but feeling pretty confident that they know better. Ah well. At least they're not afraid of us missionaries like the members are.
Favorite member situation so far [hands up in warning] "I'm a member, I'm active, I go to the temple," [walks away]. Lovely! I'm glad that I can't help him today. psh. Members make me laugh sometimes.
I got to go to the This is the Place park for Zone conference and we got to talk more about invitations and giving better tours. Invitations, in that we ask people if they're interested in receiving more info on the church, having missionaries come over to answer any questions or to bring them a DVD or the Book of Mormon. I have found that difficult as I've gone around on temple square because we're not there to be tour guides; we're there to tell people about the church and give them that opportunity. So we were able to talk about trying to meet people's needs and make it less "preachy". So great conference and great park. It's like a reenactment park. I saw a baby lamb and the gross stuff that comes out of the ewe...eww. that wasn't intended and maybe is not so missionary-inspiring. sorry. but true!
Anyway, I hope you are all doing well. For my friend who I think got married this past week but never received an announcement or picture regarding the date, etc...I would say congratulations but who knows if it happened or not. Also you are all able to email me ( I know that snail mail is not much fun) at sisterhulet@myldsmail.net. Write me! I'll send you a letter!
Take care and be good!
Love, sister hulet
P.s. Kaycee! did you get my letter? I saw Sis Matos' sister this past week!
A boy from the University Branch here in State College is out in Utah for the summer. He posted some pictures on facebook from his visit to Temple Square -- where he ran into "Sister Hulet". Julie's companion/trainer is Sister Kwok from Hong Kong.
So I'm here! I've been here a little bit less than a week (but for all you visitors, as far as you're concerned, "under a year" haha). It's been quite cool and stressful and different and tiring and awesome. I got here on Wednesday, met with the mission president and his wife, had orientation with the assistants to the presidents, and had an opportunity to talk to people on "the square" for about 2 hours that day to introduce us to the work.
I got my trainer whose name is Sister Kwok. She's from hong kong and is this little asian who is awesome. She's been out for 6 transfers now (a mission is 12 transfers) and she's great. She's not subtle in correcting me, which I appreciate; a good slap on the wrist is much better than little hints or sugar coating it. It's cool working with her because she speaks both cantonese and mandarin so I get to go with her when she does tours in either languages. I follow behind and stand there to smile sincerely as I hope that she's telling them something good about the buildings and such. I also get the opportunity to testify about what I know is true at the end and it's just a great opportunity. I can see that she's very effective in her teaching/guiding.
Here on temple square I occupy the south zone which includes the tabernacle, the assembly hall, and the south visitor's center. So for all of you familiar with the square, I do get to do the pin drop demonstration. I get up in front of the tabernacle every fifteen minutes for an hour and introduce myself, rip a piece of newspaper and
"drop three straight pins and, in contrast, a small nail". haha, it's cool. The rest of the time I get to talk with the people in the tabernacle, answer any questions they have and try to see if they are interested at all in learning more about our church. Our mission here is to find people. It's hard. It seems like it's 1 out of every hundred people we talk to are interested in learning more.
Often we'll walk around trying to talk to people walking around; we don't like to pester people and it's common that people don't want to talk to us. Most people come wanting to just walk around. But we chat with them and find out more about them. Most seem to be afraid that we'll try and pressure them to be baptized, but we're just there telling people about what we know and have and how it's affected our lives so positively. Kind of like cake, right? Ah well. I do go home about every night sore from having to stand and walk around literally all day. It's a good sore though; the feeling that you did something.
Yesterday President Monson (the prophet and leader of our church) was at the Music and the Spoken Word (the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance that is broadcast every sunday) and I saw him through the window. It was pretty cool!
I'm very happy to be here though. I've met some really awesome people and I'm excited to be able to continue doing so. No really awkward people yet but I was walking back to the apartment and a guy on the street told me "you dropped you pocket". I whipped around trying to look for whatever I dropped and he repeated himself. I looked at him confusedly and he was like "You can't drop a pocket" duh! yeah. not my best moment.
anyway, I hope all is well. life is good here.
sister Hulet
Hi Nandytots!! I sent you a letter! I hope you got it today or will get it tomorrow!!!
Dear Fam and Friends and others,
Oh, FYI: the subjects probably only make sense to the Hulets and
Second of all (yes, I know there wasn't a first...it was implied though): I go to
In spite of the grand time I've had here, I'm pretty psyched to get out. There are about 20 of us headed up to SLC and we'll see how it goes from there.
In the last week I've been doing Visitor's Center training and it's been interesting having to incorporate historical information and gospel principles into our "tours". It's cool though because there's a huge focus on meeting the needs of people that come to temple square to make it more than just a tour and visit to see the temple. We've also had chances to ask for referrals from the missionaries here to call friends and family with whom the missionaries wanted to share our religion. It's been cool. It's a lot easier talking to people who are friends with someone in our church and have had exposure to it.
I've had a pseudo-companion this week because there was a sister who was "solo" due to her comp leaving a couple weeks ago and
Anyway, I better go. Time's up. I'm great, all is well and I miss you all. Letters have been sent off and I hope to hear from you at your leisure I guess :) Be good!
Love, Sister Hulet
So never fear, the swine flu hasn't beaten us (at least not the Temple Square sisters) yet and we're out of the MTC on time (which just as a side note sometimes people refer to the MTC as just "MTC" and reminds me of buster from arrested development and "Army"...kind of makes me smile a little bit each time someone says it. "they're my awards...from MTC" [becky, I hope that at least you get it and sorry to everyone else that doesn't....])
It's become a little harsher ruled here regarding handshakes and physical contact as in, there is none. And the Everett, WA missionaries from my district might be here for a good while because those elders keep getting sick. And the poor missionaries don't really have much scheduled for them to do because the teachers have new districts that keep coming in and not as many leaving. It's pretty interesting. I'm hoping they'll gain a little more focus and keep studying.
We had our first teaching appointment as VC sisters last night. I was paired up with a sister that's going to Honolulu VC and was delayed because of the swine flu so she's basically pro. We worked well together. And it wasn't to rough having to transition from exhibit to exhibit. I did my normal smooth segue from FHE (family night, essentially) and the blessing of the gospel to families right to Joseph smith, the First vision and missionary work. Oh yes.
I got to go to the RC again and I had a really good conversation with the guy I had spoke to before. I felt good when I talked to him so Ithink it went well. I realized as I was studying with him in mind and thinking of the other people whom I contact in the RC and I realized that I tried to explain the blessing of the gospel apart from the blessing of the atonement and leaving out the main part of the message that it's in our works that we receive blessings not just in learning. It's our desire to learn and act on commandments from the Lord that lifts us higher in the gospel.
Anyway, needless to say, I'm still learning a lot and still need to learn a lot. I'm trying to be better about just being the best that I can right now and accepting that it won't be perfect. We've talked about the principle of grace and how God makes up the difference in our shortcomings and weaknesses with regard to His work with sharing the gospel or in church service or in marriages or in relationships or in everything. It's just a matter of giving it up to Him. Chalk it up to Faith and reliance on the Lord. that's what it is. So yeah, I'm trying to be better.
I hope all is well with everyone. I have letters being sent out to all of you who have written. I still need addresses for becky/buddy and ryan holland. Thanks for everything!! It's great to hear from you all and I wish you all the best!
Love, Sister Hulet (or droolet for the fam)
P.S. Jen I need you to add a guy on facebook for me : albertobob@yahoo.com I think. His name is Jeff Taylor (he's the one from the RC). Also can I get Brad's address? I feel bad because I didn't give him my address or anything and I want to see how he's doing.
P.P.S. Chelsea, so...I saw Reid the other day and angela and his wedding is post-poned?? What? Also your wedding pic? How are plans going? When is the official date??
to begin I would like to share an answering machine I got while working in the Referral Center:
"It's me!! Ah know it's you! So leave me a message!!"
It might be because we've been in the MTC so long and because I do an AMAZING southern accent, but my district laughed at it and probably gave me false confidence in the humor of it. So....yeah.
Ok, another week at the MTC. I would first like to address the swine flu. Yes there was a break out of flu here at the MTC where 3(?) case were actual swine flu and the other 11 were flu flu and all those missionaries are currently quarantined. No missionaries flew (haha, flu) out yesterday ( I had a friend that has been here twelve weeks and almost had her ticket in hand when they told them they weren't allowed to leave). It wasn't me.
Anyway, we're all to be here until June 15th ( I was supposed to leave on the 10th so I don't know what will happen, exactly). That's pretty much all I know besides the fact that we're not allowed to touch anyone; no handshakes, hugs, fist pounds, elbow bumps, high fives, etc.
ok, next: I start visitors center training this week and I'm pretty psyched. It's sad because I go from my awesome district to a bunch of girls (who I am sure are very nice...), but the training rooms and stuff look pretty sweet. Saturday we get to go to Temple Square for four hours and tag along with one of the sister missionaries there.
Oh, btw. Just in case you were concerned, my cough is just about gone and I feel fine so I'm in no danger.
We had some great speakers this past week talking about bearing out testimonies about Christ and the power it gives to us. One quote that really stuck out to me was that Elder Callister said that if we wanted to be more like our Father in Heaven we need to bear testimony of Christ and His atonement because, in the scriptures, everytime Heavenly Father appears it is testifying of His Son.
Also RC experience. I've talked to this guy named Jeff a couple times. It's really interesting because he's an aesthetic humanist and believes in "goodness for goodness' sake" and doesn't believe in God and is not a fan of religion. However, I've had some really good talks about religion in general. What's sad is that I can't really emphasize the importance of the Atonement and the blessing of the gospel in lives because he doesn't believe in God and is pretty content with life at the moment. He believes that after this life we just go to nothingness and he's ok with that. So...because the gospel is such an individual thing and it's really all dependant one's desire to know truth, I think I'm going to challenge him to read the book of mormon and pray about it. Otherwise, it's cool to talk to him about life,etc. but as a missionary I need to focus on those that actually want to come unto Christ. It makes me sad because I enjoy talking with him and sharing views yet knowing that he's not going to find the gospel until he wants to. Ah well.
I don't really know what else to write. I'm great. having fun but trying to work hard. Thanks for all the letters!! they seriously are a blessing. It's funny to see that the world goes on outside of the MTC. I'll see about sending pictures next time; I forgot my cord today.
Anyway, be good! the world needs good people and also, think of those around you with whom you might share the gospel with. People need the truth, they just don't know where to find it (that's a scripture. not my own wisdom unfortunately, haha). Feed the missionaries and help them out. We need it.
Love
Sister Hulet
P.S. Family? I still haven't heard from jen and kent.
First of all, to those who wrote me, yes, I love you the best. :) To those of you who didn't, I don't have your address and therefore cannot write you even if I did have any desire to. Just a little reminder.
This week was another great one! I'm fully recovered and have successfully passed on my cold to the elders in my district; they were very grateful for that. Last week we had a lot of opportunities to practice teaching and it was extremely helpful. I'm getting better at working with my companion (who is leaving in a week for Everett, WA) and I think we're both improving in our abilities to identify the needs of the people whom we are teaching.
We had a speaker on sunday that was awesome!! He talked to us about being obedient to the rules on our missions and told us of some unfortunate situations involving the elders (one of them concerned bombs....) that could have easily been avoided if they had followed the rules. So I'm trying to be better about being obedient in general (not that I was that bad to begin with).
I was happy to hear that you are all doing so well. Sounds like life just chugs on even without me. It's funny being in provo and seeing all the cars of people that are "normal", if you will. The MTC is just so wholly cut off from the outside.
We get the opportunity to work in the Referral Center (where people call in for free DVDs about Christ and free Bibles or Book of Mormons--no, not Books of mormon--and we call back to confirm that they received them) and this last time kind of shot my confidence. I got to call a bunch of southern people (GA, MI) who had requested free bibles. I tried talking to them and one of the conversations was as follows:
SisterHulet: Hi this is Julie (we use our first names). I was just calling to confirm that you received the Book of Mormon.
Woman: Oh...yes..see the thing is, ah didn't know that y'all were mormon. And ah'm baptist. so... I just am not into all of that.
SH: If you don't mind my asking, what is all of that? I mean. we both believe in Christ, right?
W: Yeah, but there's a lot that y'all believe that I just don't want to get into. so I think we should just end it here.
Yep. We ended it there. I called a man after that and he told me that he was also baptist and that "Don't call back!" Sweet. Anyway, I blame myself. I don't think I approached it in the right way. Oh well. Another day, another time. I have had some good experiences there. I called a number and the person we were trying to contact had moved, but the woman who answered was interested in receiving the DVD Finding Faith in Christ and going back to church. She had grown up in our church but had been inactive for about two years. So I gave her the address and sent off the DVD. It was pretty cool. God works in mysterious ways.
I have fifteen minutes left. I'm trying to think what else to tell you. Hmm....Oh! I know! We had a health and safety meeting last night with Dr. Rigby. It was awesome! I knew I was going to love Dr. Rigby after he drew a bunch of drawings on the chalk board of unsafe situations one of which was a rather tall dog behind a fence with a beware sign. He then got up and said he used to be a practicing Urologist and told them that he was to circumcise a five-year old who, after having it explained to him, was really nervous. He talked with a 6 year-old who said that his circumcision was bad. The 5 year-old asked what it was like and the 6 yr-old responded "I don't really remember. I had it when I was a baby. But what I do know is that after I had it done, I couldn't walk for a year." Haha. And his delivery was all with a straight face. I was dying :)
Anyway, I've been enjoying the time I have to study. Each time we teach I realize how much I don't know. But we're also told that it's ok. There is something to be said for preparation but oftentimes, the message still gets through to the people we are teaching. I feel like love is really important. As long as people know that you love them, they don't feel as threatened. I think one of my misgivings about going on a mission was that I didn't want people to feel I was forcing them to receive the gospel. But it's all in our purpose (as outlined in Preach My Gospel): "INVITE others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel...."
Anyway, I'm learning a ton and I love my district. We're like a little family. It's awesome here and I wish the best to you all! Write me!!
Also, rando! what are you doing?? I want to hear from my little bro, yo! :) I'll try and get a letter off to you today cause my email time is out! LOVE YOU!! I wish we could sing together!
Sorry first to mom: I couldn't remember your gmail name so I defaulted to dad's work address knowing that he would be able to forward anything I send to you. If you give me your address, I can send it to both of you :)
So I hope you guys got my first letter. haha, I have to admit, I'm still on an MTC high! It's AWESOME here!! the teachers are great, my companion...well, I'll tell you about her soon enough...and the other elders and sisters in my district are great. The first couple of days were extremely long, but sunday was amazing and it's pretty much been smooth sailing ever since we started getting a gym period.
My companion is named Sister Cicon. She's from Columbia, Missouri; she's the oldest of four kids, she's going to Everett, WA on her mission, and she's very quirky. Quirky in the sense that she LOVES birds (heh heh...she watches them while we're studying and tells me what she sees, I try to smile as sincerely as possible and move on with my study cause I don't actually care that the birds over there are having a scream-out and need to beat their wings against their lungs to make a sound that big....haha). She's WAAAY into Sci Fi and fantasy and we get along well but, yeah; we get along well. :) She also fancies herself an amateur photographer, likes to sing, likes to draw and do artsy things (becky, chelsea, ryan H. and jill: she's good friends with amanda). But I'll stop there. She's a delightful girl and very serious about learning the gospel and getting better.
So I got back from class last Thursday and just seriously wondered what on earth I was doing with my life before I came to the MTC. haha, like just opening my mouth and sharing something from the gospel. People are interested and if prepared, will want to know more. I think I was just thinking that it would have to be in order to get someone to convert to the gospel, but all we need to do is "invite others to come unto Christ".
Other girls in my district: Sister Thornton and Sister Maka. They're both from CA and Thornton is our cheerleader-esque sister although a bit more down-to-earth than some I've seen. maka is our token black girl, although she is Tongan/Samoan. They're both awesome though. The elders, haha, are...let's just say, special in the very best possible sense.
I died laughing on Sunday (I needed a good laugh, these people are great...just not very funny, you know?) because one of the sisters in my branch let me listen to a call she received in the Referral Center from this woman/man named Charmaine. He/she had this really gravelly smoker voice and at one point grunted with displeasure on the phone. It was hilarious! Then at the fireside that night, the speaker was talking about focusing our studies and starting fires in people and casually threw out that Abinadi is the greatest example of focus although his fire didn't start quite where he wanted it. hahaha, I swear that the only people who laughed at that in the room I was in was me and the sister next to me. We asked the other sisters and elders if they got it, and they did; they just didn't think it was funny. Nice.
I think I'm getting better about being more of who I am. I got into full missionary mode and felt too serious all the time and I didn't like it. But all is well. I'm getting better. I feel very driven here and I think school helped me prepare a little bit for this kind of schedule because I can go pretty strong throughout the day but I feel like I'm pushing my companion too hard. So, I have to find a healthy balance; haha. that's a funny joke. seems like that's what I'm always trying to do. oh well.
Mom, don't be mad...my bronchitis flared up again. yay me. So I've been blowing my nose every 30-45 minutes. I finally went to the doctor today and hopefully this will be gone by the end of the week. I'm slightly bitter because he took away my gym time. something something "let your body heal" something something...anyway. I'm not happy about it. but I suppose it's my own fault.
We got to teach our first lesson yesterday to a fake investigator volunteer. She was great. It was really cool because I saw how my strengths and weaknesses balanced well with Cicon's strengths and weaknesses. It was really really good. Sad to say, I brought my pen in with me and clicked it the entire time. oh well. We live and learn. Anyway, I better go. Time is running out. I think the best way to contact me here at the MTC is DearElder.com because that way, you send an email and it's printed off here as a letter and I can read it any day whereas email I can only check once a week. Much love to all!
Sister Hulet
P.S. I will reply with letters those of you who love me most and already sent me mail!! :)
Sister Hulet
...........................
