Hark All Ye Nations

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.

June 15, 2009

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 Hollands....childhood stuff. I'm not THAT strange.

Second of all (yes, I know there wasn't a first...it was implied though): I go to Temple Square TOMORROW!! So I don't know how that works for DearElder.com but don't send anything to the Provo Address anymore. I'm out! (or will be...).

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 Sister Bridge being stuck here until next monday. She's headed to the Honolulu, HI mission. So cool.

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

sorry to bother your busy weeks with another email but I have two p-days this week on account of the change of schedule from normal missionary training to visitor's center training. It's cool with me because I got to go to the temple twice this week.

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??

June 2, 2009

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.

Hey Family et al!

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!