May 17, 2011 Part 2

Hi Mom!!

 

Here are some of the things we did today for p-day.  We found a zoo, and went to look at the animals there.  It didn't cost anything!! I was surprised.  Ha ha we took pictures next to the statue instead of the real animals XD.  And there were some peackocks wandering around. It made me think of the ones that were there on our paper route.

 

After that, we found a playground, and had some fun there.  I sure had alot of fun!! 

 

Sister Bartlomé

May 17, 2011 Part 1

Hi Mom!

I didn't get a chance to look for an explanation for the chair being there.  If I ever go back, I will look for it :)

Here is a little of the missionary work that is going on here:

We met with Denise, an investigator we have.  Her husband supposedly does not know that we meet with her, so we can only come over when he is not there.  We went over Alma chapter 32, and talked about humility and increasing faith.  We also invited her to go to church, but she didn't come.

We also met with Natacha (a less-active member) and invited her to come back to church.  She said she would come on fast Sunday, so we're looking forward to seeing here there the first Sunday in June :)  And her boyfriend is not a member, so we will see if we can teach him.  Maybe we can get both of them to church!

We have a new amie (that means investigator), Ines, who came to the production The Lion King a couple of weeks ago.  She had read most of the Book of Mormon already, and had alot of questions.  We were like, 'wait, before we start, can we say a prayer??!?'  She understood everything, too!  It was pretty amazing. 

We visited with Claire, one of our amis, again.  We invited her to be baptized, but she said she wouldn't because she was already baptized in another church. Then we invited her to come to church, but she said no, she wasn't interested in changing religions.  But there is another lady, in our ward, actually, who was in the same sort of situation.  So maybe if we could invite her along, that would help Claire out.  Unfortunately, this lady is on vacation for the next... 3 or 4 weeks :(

We were able to go see Hayda, too.  We watched the Restoration film, and invited her to pray about it.  She said she will.  We also invited her to church, and she said next week.  Here's hoping!

As for member effort:  We visited Josie, and taught her the 2nd lesson.  Then, she committed to setting a date to find someone to share the gospel with.  And we also visited with 4 awesome Mongolians!! One of them has already served a mission.  She served in Mongolia.  Then another one is actually preparing to serve a mission.  They are such a good example, so willing to study and do the Lord's will :) 

Also, they are doing something pretty neat here for the month of June.  The Stake is encouraging the members to really try to invite their friends to church (or other people, for that matter). So we'll see how it goes with all the members working on it this upcoming month :)

That is it for now.  Have a good week! Love you lots!!

Sister Bartlomé

May 10, 2011

Mommy!!!

 

Yes you answered the riddle!! I do believe I might've even heard it from you... But oh well.  I asked my companion, and she didn't know.  The one I talked to on the bus, he said he didn't like puzzles.  Well, if he understood what I was trying to say.  I'm not even sure if I said the right word.  I don't like language dictionaries, they don't tell me what people really say sometimes. :P 

 

I attached some pictures.  We went to visit the UN.  It was actually not very interesting, not even for my companion who loves history and that sort of stuff.  But I got some good pictures, anyways.  And there was a cool clock there that showed all of the different time zones.  I need one like that!  Hehe  Also, we found a giant's chair.  I just hope that the owner won't come by looking for it anytime soon...

 

My MTC teacher came here to Suisse!! She is actually engaged to someone here, and the wedding is in July.  She told us that if we want her to come with us to any of our RDVs, all we need to do is ask her and she'd be happy to come.  She was actually a convert to the church herself, so it'd be awesome to have her come with sometime.

 

Yesterday, we had a RDV with a woman named Denise.  Before we headed out, my companion had the impression that she needed to ask Denise if she knew anyone else who would benefit from learning about the restored gospel.  So during the RDV, she asked just that.  And as it turned out, Denise's sister was interested in learning more, and so we will be calling her up and teaching her, too!! I'm so glad that the spirit can direct us what to say and when to say it. 

 

I saw the pictures, of Bonnie and Robert and your puzzle and your skype with Diane and her kids.  Nikki got her hair cut!!! Wow it looks so different!  And how did it sound when she played the flute?  Is she getting better than Cyndi and Bonnie? 

 

That's good that the ward is caring about you while Robert and I are gone.  I am glad that you are not alone.  Of course, you are never alone because you have Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  But it is always good to have your ward family there, too.  :)

 

Love you, Mom!!  Thank you for everything you do and have done and will do for me! Thank you for your example, and all that you teach me.  Happy mother's day!!  Go eat some chocolate. Ha ha just kidding, I know that it is really tofu that you want ;) I'll write to you next week!

 

Love,

Sister Bartlomé

May 3, 2011

Mommy!!!

 

Yay Mother's Day is coming up!! We haven't yet figured out about when we are going to call and/or skype.  That is what my companion wants to do.  But we need to find a member whose computer we can use, and so far we haven't done much to figure that out.  Do you have an account at skype? Do you have a webcam?  I forget... I know at one point you did, but I don't think you do now.  I think we will be calling closer to the evening though, after 5.  Because church goes from 2-5.  I will email you if I can with more information.  But can you let me know if you can skype?  And if you can, and if you don't have an account, set one up, and then let me know your username.  Or whatever I'm supposed to know to connect with you.  I don't know, I've never used skype.  But let me know by Friday, so that I can try to get back to you and let you know what is going on.

 

I AM getting better at understanding the language.  Haha sometimes it makes me laugh when I talk to kids, and they know what I'm saying... In my head, little kids understand english, and not other languages.  Of course, I ALSO know that they DON'T know english.  So it's a nice little conflict in my head :D

 

They had a performance of the Lion King here! The youth in the Saleve ward put it together this past Christmas, and they redid it this past week.  It was pretty awesome!  They invited their nonmember friends to come see it, so it was a good opportunity for missionary work.  We got a RDV out of it :)  Maybe 2... I forget. 

 

Ahhh that is so weird to think that Bonnie will have a 1-year-old when I get back home!! And you know what else I thought of, is that Cyndi could also get pregnant and have a baby before I get back.  Not saying she will, I'm just saying it's possible.  Weird.

 

I wish it would snow here.  It's just hot, and gets me sunburned :(  of course, anyone else would say the weather is really nice XD That's me for ya, I like my cold.  But today is a bit colder.  We brought our umbrellas just in case it rains.

 

I made my first phone call the other day!! Well, besides to other missionaries.  There is a member who is learning a little bit of English.  She does not know very much yet, but I have been helping her every time I see her.  So I called her up to see if we could meet with her.  Did I tell you about the member effort we do here?  We have lessons that we give to the members, and help them to build the faith and courage necessary to do missionary work with their friends and acquaintances.  It is always a joy.  The members here always want to share the gospel with others, they just need a little push.

 

I am working on getting the courage to talk to people while I am on the bus.  The problem is, I don't know how to start off the conversation without being EXTREMELY awkward.  But yesterday, I had some success.  I remembered a riddle, and decided that I wanted to share that with someone.  (Just in case you're curious, here's the riddle: A man comes home from work each day to his appartment (In french, you spell 'apartment' with 2 p's).  On the nice, sunny days, he takes the elevator to the 12th floor, and then walks up the stairs to his place on the 15th floor.  When it rains, though, he takes the elevator all the way to the 15th floor, without taking the stairs at all.  Why?) So I started talking to someone.  As it turned out, he was from Spain, and didn't speak much french.  But he spoke enough that we could have a conversation.  He was nice.  Then I talked to someone else when I got on the next train.  Ironically, she didn't speak french, either.  But she did speak english.  Anyways.  I shall continue working on that.  And when I get better, I might even even share the gospel!! XD

 

Bishop Sproul asked me to put in a line or 2 for the ward.  So here goes:

Hello Hunter 17th Ward!  I am doing great here in Switzerland.  When I got here, we started out with close to nothing, because my companion and I were both new to the area.  But the Lord has truly blessed us, and continues to bless us as we strive to do His work and as we follow the counsel of our Mission President.  One thing I have really learned, though, is that missionary work is most effective when the members help.  Because then, the investigators have someone there to answer their questions, to be their friend, to be a support system, and all that good stuff, even when the missionaries aren't around.  I encourage you to share the good news of the gospel with people around you who are in need of the blessings that you enjoy.  If you sincerely try, the Lord with bless you.  The Gospel is true!!  -Sister Bartlome

 

There.  Tell them they got a bargain, cuz that's alot more than 2 lines.  Okay well the time is up.  I will talk to you this weekend!! :D :D :D

 

Love,

Sister Bartlomé

April 26, 2011

Hi Mom!

 

Wow, too many letters to keep track of!!  I figured out about the time thing, though.  Ummm... Well, my companion reminded me.  When it is 10 here, I think it is 10 there, too.  But she reminded me that you were still fast asleep.  Oh well, worth a shot, eh? You stay up pretty late sometimes...

 

It took a long time to get back because the prices were cheaper.  And, since this is the most expensive mission, it is necessary to save money where they can.  Wow, I was about to type in Franglais (French & English)... if I randomly type <il faut>, that means 'it is necessary'.  But on the way back, we were actually in a bus, not on a train.  I wasn't too happy.  I think I might've even died... if I did, I'm resurrected now.

 

The legal stuff was basically a medical examination type a deal.  It went great.  I will soon be legal in both Suisse AND France.  Yay!!  We stayed with the missionaries in Dijon.  One of my companions from the MTC was there!  I was so excited to see her again! 

 

I saw her later in the week too, and all the other missionaries who came with me from the MTC.  Because we had a training.  There are 8 lessons they are integrating into the missionary work, and so we went over the 8 lessons.  Apparently, the missionaries coming from the MTC will all have learned those 8 lessons, as well.  So I'll need to know them inside and out.

 

With all of that stuff going on, we haven't had much time to have very many RDVs (rendezvous).  Remember I mentioned Zayda? She is in France at the moment, for work.  So we are emailing her to keep in contact and check up on commitments and such.  We're hoping she's not too far away, because we might be able to go see her since we have a car.  It'll be alot easier.  Teaching through email is difficult.

 

Transfer calls were this morning.  We were pretty sure that neither me nor my companion would be transfered, and we were right.  But I can't wait to hear who moved where!  And the new missionaries are coming in from the MTC.  My comp and I are going to meet up with them and do some contacting.  My comp told me I had better not get lost!  Hehe we'll see...  I'm more worried about if the Suiss people actually start talking to us, because I won't have my companion with me.  I will have a new missionary with me.  So.  I will pray for the gift of tongues.  And when you get this, you should pray for me too.  Because we are going contacting at 3ish, so you will probably be up.

 

Have a great week!!  Love you, Mom!!

 

Sister Bartlomé

 

P.S. I put an accent on my last name on my nametag!! Now people can pronounce my name right :D

April 18, 2011

Hi Mommy!!

 

This will be short.  As long as I can make it, though.  I have legality stuff to go to in Dijon, France, and we are leaving at 4:30 this afternoon and won't be back until 5 tomorrow afternoon.  And train ride for 9 ish hours!! 3ish hours one way, 6ish the other way.  Grrrr... :(

 

One thing I have really learned here is not to judge who will be interested in the gospel, and who won't, based on how they are, the things they do, and other things.  We got 2 references from some Elders, and they told us that 1 would most likely be interested, and the other, maybe not.  In reality, it was quite the opposite!  They didn't think Claire would be interested, but she really liked the Plan of Salvation, and she said that she was even going to share it with her prayer group.  That should be interesting.  But we have another rendezvous with her tomorrow evening, and we will be teaching her about the Restoration.  I pray that she will be open to that, too. 

 

I am understanding more and more of the language.  Sometimes if I don't understand a whole bunch, I find myself zoning out and not even trying to pay attention.  Then when I catch myself, it's always hard to get back into the conversation.  It gets frustrating at times.  But I can do it, with the Lord's help.

 

There is a girl here, Zayda.  I think I have mentioned her before.  She speaks spanish and english, and is learning french.  She came to Suisse with a friend, and is trying to make a living here.  Not knowing anything, just coming for the experience.  I decided I want to do that sometime.  Only it wouldn't work in a french environment anymore, because after my mission, I will be able to get by.  So... maybe I will try it in Italy.  That'd be fun :)  Difficult, yes.  But, an experience.

 

Zayda is a good example to me, though.  She is really embracing the gospel and it's teachings.  She already loves people, and she loves helping others, too.  And now when times get difficult for her, she can turn to the Lord. 

 

2 days ago was my one-month mark being in Suisse!! My comp and I celebrated by going out for ice cream.  I have 3 months on my mission in general, and she has 3 months left for her mission.  It's hard to believe that I'll be where she is someday...

 

Well, gotta go.  Love you!!

 

Soeur Bartlomé

 

P.S. Pâcques (Pronounced 'Pack'), or Easter, is on a FRIDAY here.  Weird, huh?

04/12/2011

Mommy!! :)

 

Yes mail in Suisse is alot more reliable than in Mexico.  We get mail 3 times a day Monday through Saturday, and once on Sunday.  They like to be efficient. 

 

I am glad you got to have a good time with Jazmine and going to Chuckecheeses and the rest of the family too.  Did you tell her happy birthday for me??

 

I wish that Mother Nature would forget the month here... :P  I am not a big fan of the heat.  It's actually not too hot, but I like the cold :)  My companion wonders what I will do when summer comes and it gets even hotter.  Meh.  I think I will survive.  If not, expect a funeral announcement within the next couple of months ok? ;)

 

I remember that time at the MTC!!  I remember they told us that if we wanted our parents to see us and be on camera, we couldn't do anything silly when the camera was looking at us.  It was interesting, because the camera guy was walking around during the ... I think it was a fireside... either that or a devotional.  Either way, it was good :)

 

This past week has been pretty interesting.  I have found out since I got here that it is more than a little difficult to talk with Jehovah's Witnesses, because most of the times they just like to argue and debate, but they won't take anything or do anything more to find out the truth.  But we met one this past week and spoke to him.  My companion and I both bore our testimonies to him, and he was touched!  He actually took a passalong card that we gave him.  This was an evening when we had planned on visiting a member, and then going to an investigator's home and teaching a lesson.  The investigator wasn't there, though! But if she had been there, we wouldn't have found that Jehovah's Witness.  I hope that he someday sincerely ponders about the message we shared that day.

 

My companion received her 'dying letter'.  AKA the letter that tells her she is almost finished with her mission and to plan on what she is going to do after!  She has... less than 100 days, I believe.  Yes, I DID figure it out.  Hey, I have to brush up on my math skills or I'll lose them all!

 

I lost my companion the other day!! We were on the tram, and she got off and I didn't.  I was thinking about something and not really paying attention, so I didn't see her get off.  She always makes sure that I see her before she gets off.  Apparently, I was looking but not seeing.  Laugh.  I went 5 or 6 stops before I realized she wasn't there!  Oh yeah, that might sound weird if I don't mention that:  We don't sit next to each other on the trams or buses.  Actually, we split up so we have more opportunity to talk to people.  Which is not always a good thing if I don't know where we're going... haha

 

One thing I really like here is there are people who play music on the trams!  They play a couple of songs, then go around and ask the passengers for money.  They play some good ones sometimes.  The other day, there was a boy (I swear, he was barely a teenager!) who played Rondo Alla Turka (Lemmings ;D ).  He wasn't looking at the keyboard for most of the time!! He was looking around, behind him to see who was outside... like it was nothing to play that song.  It was amazing!

 

I continue to be intrigued with the language.  Sometimes I understand what people are saying, and sometimes I don't.  Not quite sure if it varies from person to person, with what we're talking about, with what time of day it is, with what mood I'm in, or a combination of all those. 

The Bishop can speak some English.  And he speaks it with an American accent, too!!  It surprised me, because he is French.  No not Suiss.  French.  But we were in a meeting one time, and he said a few English words, and it threw me off! He said it just makes sense to him.  And he said he learned it from having American companions during his own mission.  Interesting...

 

The town of Yvoire was the Medieval town of sorts that I mentioned.  It was pretty there.  I will bring my camera next time and send pictures.  We looked in all the different stores to see what they had.  And we went with Sister Murdock, the mission president's wife.  She bought us ice cream.  mmmmmmmmmm.....  There was a store there that had cuckoo clocks.  Which reminded me that I was going to buy one.  But for some reason I still have the inclination to ask permission...  So.  Is there any reason I can't use my debit card within the next week or so to buy a cuckoo clock?  I want to get one from Geneva, not France, so I need to buy it before I leave Geneva. 

 

Love you, Mom!! Stay happy!! Keep smiling!!

 

Love, Sister Bartlome