3/29/2011

Mommy!!!

I lost all the letters on the keyboard again :( I have to relearn them everz time...

Hehe nope I am not surprised that Breanna's engaged.  I would've been surprised if she WASN'T engaged when I got back!!  Tell her congrats for me :D

I sent the letter the day I arrived in Suisse, I believe.  Tuesday.  Well, that's when I gave it to President Murdock.  He might've sent it off right away, but I don't know.

Surprisingly, I have not taught a SINGLE LESSON!!  We have been trying to figure things out since neither of us know the area.  We have set up a few rendez-vous, but most of them have fallen through (tombez-vous).  Then the other ones weren't really interested in our message.  It is sad :(  We had a rendezvous the other day that we were SURE was going to happen... and then she didn't show up!!! I wonder what happened :( I'm pretty sure she was interested.  So we'll see what we can do to help her when we find out what went wrong.

So, getting to know the area has involved beaucoup beaucoup de knocking on doors (porting), and beaucoup de contacting, too.  Most of the time, I will start out with what I have planned to say, and can understand and respond a little.  But then my comp takes over, because I don't understand a whole lot yet.  But yesterday, she left me out on a limb!  I started talking to someone, and when she normally would've taken over, she didn't!! When I looked at her, she looked back as if to say, go for it!! So I tried to continue.  The woman we were talking to was nice, and she wasn't a native french speaker so she was very understanding.  So now, I will have to talk more, and strive to understand more. 

I need to take notes throughout the week too, so I know what to say...

This past weekend was daylight-savings-time. And... most of the missionaries were late for church.  No one knew!  The Elders called us up at 9:30 and told us that church had started a half hour ago.  Apparently, they announced it in church the week before... Well, I couldn't understand.  Don't blame me :P Haha it was funny.  At least we got an extra hour of sleep.

Along with going to explore our  quartier (area. pronounced car-tee-a  -a as in cake-), we have also been visiting with members.  Those are normally mangez-vous.  aka we eat dinner with the family while visiting, and then afterward share a thought or a lesson or something.  Ok so I have been to a few of those, so if you want to count those as lessons, go for it. It is a good experience visiting with the members, though, I like it!!  We visited with the bishop and his family, and his daughter is sharing the gospel with one of her friends.  And there's another lady that we visit who was less active, but she has been coming and I am always excited to see her :)  Unfornately, I can't understand what she says.  I've been noticing who I can understand, and who I can't.  Mostly, I can understand french when: It is spoken by an american or otherwise english speaker, or by italians, or by portugese people.  And I think some other language speakers, too.  I have a hard time understanding it when it is spoken by a native, or by a spanish speaker.  I am anxiously awaiting the day when I can magically understand, though.  That's how it happens, right?

Oh yeah.  Computers.  We don't have computers in our apartment, so we use public computers.  I think the cost for using the computers can be reimbursed... maybe. maybe not. Teehee I'll find out and let you know next week ;)

Transfers here... I'm not sure exactly what that means.  But I think it means not only changing locations, but also changing companions.  I don't think that mz companion has been in 10 different places.  But she is pretty close to leaving.  I think she goes home in...July.  Soon, in any case.

Well I think I am about out of things to say.  My mind is blank-ish.  So until next week.  I hope by then I can tell you that I have taught a lesson or two...  I CAN say that we gave away 2 BoMs, however!!! That was exciting :D :D :D First 2 times I've done that.  Anyways.  Love you!!! Have a great fantastic week!!

Love,
Soeur Bartlomé

P.S.  Random question:  where does the word 'ridonculous' come from?

04/05/2011

Hello again :)

 

Conference was great!! I always kinda wondered when people watched conference when they live halfway across the world.  Well, now I know.  The Sat morning session was broadcast on Saturday at 6pm, and all the other sessions were broadcast on Sunday! The priesthood session at...2, I believe. Jk. That was the Sat afternoon session.  The priesthood session was before that, probably at 10.  Then the Sunday morning at 6pm, and the Sunday afternoon at 10pm.  We didn't watch the last one, it was too late.  But yeah, I did notice there seemed to be a theme among the talks.  Guess the Lord has something to say to His children, huh? :)

Forgot to say last week: I went to FRANCE!! One of the members lives there, ...the Bishop, actually... and several of the other members, too.  But I was excited :D I realized two things:  One, I have now been in 4 different countries.  Two, when I return home, that will be the second time that I have been to the USA (Cuz the first time I stayed there for 21 years ^^)  Along the lines of visiting the members, though, we decided it would be easier if we could use a car... So can you send me one??  Haha jk.  No we asked President Murdock if it would be possible to drive a car when we need to, and he said YES!! So when we need to, we will be able to drive.  And they have all sorts of funny rules in France and Switzerland, like one is that on some streets, you have to park on the side with odd number houses the first half of the month, and the side with even number houses the last half.  It was bizarre.  And they have multilane roundabouts!! I haven't seen one in person, but it makes me a little nervous...

We taught some lessons!! I was so happy ^^  The rendezvous I told you about last time, turns out she lost her phone and I think her wallet too.  And she had to sort things out.  But we met with her yesterday.  She is awesome, and so ready to learn!! She loves people and cares about them so much :)  And we've met with some other people who used to meet with the missionaries, too. 

I decided to send some pictures for your enjoyment.  I included some pictures of our apartment (the kitchen is TINY), a view from the window, the jet d'eau (that is pronounced Jay doe, only the J is pronounced like the second G in garage.  Make sense?) which is the big jet of water, and a road we walked down and... hmmm... yeah.  We had quite the adventure 2 weeks ago :)  You should look up the jet d'eau, it is interesting and really awesome!!  I will send more pictures later, maybe next week. 

I heard from some of the missionaries in my district!! Soeur Echols called last night, and we talked for about a half hour or so.  Unfortunately, all the others are in other missions :(  But she emailed everyone, and some of them answered! It was good to hear from them and to know that they are safe and doing well :)

 

Well gotta go. Today's adventure before getting back to work is to go to a Medieval town of sorts. Yay ^^

Oh yeah about the random question: ridonculous is a word that I have only heard Americans use.  I was just wondering where it started.  It's not French, it is a made-up english word.

 

Wishing you the best!!  Glad you are having a good time with puzzles and such.  Tell Cyndi and Bonnie thank you for the letters they sent!! I would send one back, but I have yet to figure out how and where to buy stamps and send the letters.  I'll send a letter as soon as I can, and as soon as I have time :)  Wish Jazmine happy birthday for me when you see her!  Love you all!!

1st Week in Geneva

Hi Mom!

 

Ha I found the exclamation mark! The keyboard is a little different here.  So if I type a z I might mean y and if i type < that means the letter right after it should be capitalized.  <o and if I type a y it might be a z.  So yeah.  Fun Fun keyboard.  I wont be able to type when i get back home.

 

I didnt get pictures, but I can get pictures when I get back.  Right now, I donàt (the à is where the apostrophe should be!!! :p) know how to print them off or get them developed, and I dont think Im going to, either.  Ill just concentrate on other stuff and get pictures when I get back :)

My companion, Sister Thacker, has already been in this mission for quite a while.  This is her 10th transfer. (I found the apostrophe!! yay :D)  She was serving in Lyon, and Dijon, and I forget where else.  I am the second person she has trained.  She can understand french, and she can also understand the gist of what Spanish and Portuguese people say.  Yeah, we come across all sorts of people here in Switzerland.  It's about all I can do to realize that they are speaking french, let alone understand what they are saying.  But I am definitely understanding more than the first day.  It's interesting, because from what people say (people in general, not just in Suisse), understanding a language comes before speaking it.  But at the present time, I can speak and get someone to understand what I'm saying.  The problem is understanding.  So I am a bit backwards.  That's ok, though :)

 

I think I am finally getting over jetlag.  I might not have had it, I don't know.  What I know is that I've had a headache since I got here.  We have been riding the trams and buses alot, and those give me headaches.  And alot of cigarette smoke around, and that gives me headaches, too.  Then speaking and trying to understand a new language, I'm told that can give headaches, too.  So all of that, plus jetlag...  yeah i was surprised yesterday when I realized I didn't have the headache that has been my constant companion since I've arrived. 

 

You tell that brother of mine that he is crazy for training someone his first (second?) transfer!!  Perfectly insane!  But that is awesome.  Way to go, Robert :)

 

I am serving in Spanish Geneva, which I thought was pretty funny when I first heard it considering I learned a little bit of spanish at the MTC! On Sunday, we went to both the Spanish ward and the French ward.  Spanish first.  They had us missionaries introduce ourselves.  By the way.  We are both new to this area!  So we both had no idea who lived where, where to go, who to talk to, etc.  I still have no idea where to go.  I follow my companion.  She is pretty smart. But yeah.  So Sister Thacker introduced us, and I got up and bore my testimony in Spanish.  It was awesome!  But just the fact that I went to the Spanish ward first, and then the french ward later that afternoon, it showed me how much I really understand in french.  Because in the spanish ward, I understood... not much.  But I got most of the lesson in the french ward.  At least, it sounded like a lesson, complete with a beginning, middle, and end.  Haha yeah it was good.  I'm excited to go back for church next week, and see how much my understand improves in a week. 

 

It is so interesting being here in a new country!!  There are so many things that are different, besides just what it looks like.  First I noticed was the smell.  Everything smelled different.  The buildings, outside, people, rooms,... it was interesting to make that realization.  Then of course the currency.  Haha I have always had comfort from having a few bucks in my wallet, because then I can use it when I need it.  It doesn't work like that here, though!!  Because they don't use dollars :P But now I have a few francs in my wallet, so it's all better now ^_^  Let's see... Oh yeah!! at church for the spanish ward, I went to Primary.  Oddly enough, they spoke in french.  Those kids know both languages.  I'm jealous.  They called up the kids for birthdays this month.  And my comp's birthday is March 25th, same day as Cyndi's!  By the way:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CYNDI!!!!!!!!  But the kids sang happy birthday, and then one of them said "en anglais! en anglais!"  Which means, in english.  AHH!! I was even more jealous.  I wish I had known more languages back in primary :(

 

Another difference is they don't have any public restrooms.  So before I go out for the day, I need to make sure that I go or that I will stop by the institute or the church, because I can't just stop at a gas station anymore!!  It is a new experience.

 

Well I think I am out of things to say at the moment.  I need to make lists of what I want to say during the week so my mind doesn't go blank...  There is a joke I have heard, before I got here: What do you call people who know 3 languages? Trilingual.  What do you call people who know 2 languages? Bilingual.  What do you call people who know 1 language? American.  It's so true!!! Or maybe I am just running into all the people who speak multiple languages.  But as soon as someone figures out that my native language is english, a lot of times they start speaking in english.  It is so awesome, I think :)  I hope that I will soon be able to understand and speak french really well... Patience is a virtue, Tiffany!! 

 

Love you, Mom!!! And everyone else at home in the United States!!  If you're not at home, I don't love you.  Haha jk.  Love you all!!

 

Love,

Sister Bartlome

Arrived in Switzerland! 1st Address

3/15/2011

Dear Parents,

We are happy to let you know your daughter arrived safely in Geneva today.  She was met at the airport by Pres. and Sister Murdock and then had lunch at the Mission Home.  The attachments to this email will show her at the mission with President and Sister Murdock.  After lunch she has had the opportunity to go out and make contact with people on the street.  She will have an individual interview with President Murdock after she returns.  Tonight she will have dinner with Pres. and Sister Murdock and the other missionaries that arrived today.  She will stay at the mission home tonight.  Tomorrow she will have training with Pres. Murdock and the Assistants to the President, then she will meet her new companion who will be her Trainer.  In the afternoon she will leave with her companion to go to her first area.  We will send you her address and companion's name in the next day or two.

Please see today's photo in the attachments.

Thank you for sending us such a fine young woman.

Sister Todd, Mission Secretary

Switzerland Geneva Mission

3/16/2011

 

Dear Sister Bartlome,

Sister Bartlome has been assigned a wonderful trainer/companion Sister Thacker.  They are serving in Geneva, Switzrland.  Their address is:

Les Missionnaires

Sister Bartlome

17, rue de la Prairie

CH-1202 Geneva

Switzerland

Please address letters or packages in this format.

Please see the attachments for a picture of her with her companion.  We are grateful to have your daughter in our mission!

With Warmest Regards,

Sister Todd, Mission Secretary

Switzerland Geneva Mission

Mar 11, 2011

Hi Mom,

 

I'm leaving in less than 3 days!! Wow I'm so excited :D :D :D

 

Last Sunday, Elder Dick (he is from Oxford, England!!) sang in the fireside.  A song called "He Healed Me".  And I accompanied!! It was so nervewracking.  While something is going on (A fireside, a devotional, etc) the media people have a recording of what is happening going on.  Like in General Conference.  The camera will be on the speakers.  When there is a musical number, it will be on the performers.  While I was playing the piano, I could see the screen, and what was going on.  So I was trying to decide which would be more nervewracking:  Being the singer and seeing the whole audience of missionaries, or being the pianist and seeing yourself on camera.  Needless to say, I tried not to watch what was going on, or else I'd get way too distracted.

 

The foreign missionaries had the opportunity today to go to the Salt Lake Temple!  Elder Dick is gone.  He is in Salt Lake right now.  And I think I told you about the Elder from Switzerland, Elder Aubin (Don't think I mentioned his name).  He is there, too.  It is awesome that they give them the opportunity to go there while they are in the country and nearby.

 

My companions and I met a couple of guys from Switzerland yesterday! One of them was taking pictures.  He was working on a project for his diploma.  He and his family were Catholic, but he found the Mormon community interesting.  He noticed that at our church meetings, there were families and kids and babies, which was different from what he was used to.  In Switzerland, Mormons are often viewed as a sect, and kind of weird, because they are always wearing suits and walking around knocking on doors.  He wanted to see how it was when Mormons were a majority.  He said he'd learned a little bit about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and he wasn't interested so much in whether or not it was true.  What he was focusing on was on the Mormon community.  He took a picture of my companions and I, and then some more later (I don't like pictures... :P).  He said maybe he will see us in Switzerland or France. Which would be awesome for his project, having pictures of us here in Provo and then again in Europe.  The most awesome part for me, though, was that he explained most of that in French.  And I understood most of it!! Unless I completely misunderstood, and it was nothing like that... Just kidding XD

 

I bought a cool new watch that has 2 times on it!! So the top one has the time here, and the bottom one has the time in Switzerland.  It'll help a bunch when I'm trying to figure out what time it is there.  Not that I'll have to do that often, but...

 

Some people here know Elder Matt Smith!! Elder Howden is a missionary here at the referral center, and he knew Matt.  Also, Elder Fitch in my district is from Kaysville, and he knows Matt, too!!

 

Ok I will write again after I get to Switzerland!  Look forward to calling!! Bye

 

Sister Bartlome

Mar 3, 2011-Almost gone!

Dear Mommy,

 

I got my travel plans!!! Oh I am so excited!! And everyone else is, too :) :)  It just makes it so much more real to know what time we will be leaving, and that we will be leaving in a week and 3 days!! gaah! I'm so excited!! :) yay

 

That woman I mentioned, from Italy, she said she was converted to the gospel about 40ish years ago in Italy.  So I mentioned your name and asked if she knew of you, but she didn't :( But it is still cool, cuz that was about the time you were there :)

Tell Deane thanks for the suggestion!! One of the problems I always have is how to get a conversation started, and that seems like a really good way to do that! I will definitely use it :)

 

I have been getting everything I need.  I am going to put a bunch of the stuff I don't need into one of my suitcases, and send it home.  Then they will give me a bigger suitcase to... use or to have, I'm not sure which.  And then I think they are also going to send some stuff via mail, so I don't have to pack it all.  So.  Be expecting a package from me sometime.

 

Speaking of travel plans.  I will be able to call you while I'm traveling between the MTC and France.  So that's the 14th and ... maybe the 15th.  I don't know the time difference, but I know that when I arrive, it'll be Tuesday.  But yeah.  Give me some times I can call you, and make some time.  Yay I excited ^.^  I'll keep my watch at Utah time until after I call, so that I can keep track of what time it is for you without doing math.  I know I like math, but it's not quite as fun when I have to know time differences, too. And I don't have a calculator.  So :P

 

You know, I am getting more confidence in being able to follow promptings of the spirit.  In a few of the lessons we have been teaching in the past week, I have found myself having really good ideas that I normally wouldn't think of; when I follow them, they have a good effect on whoever I am teaching.  It is really exciting :)

 

Anyways.  Gotta go.  Love you!  Save that voice so I can hear you when I call!  Here, how about you do this: just don't talk for the next week and 3 days.  That's not too hard ;) ok.  Bye!

 

Soeur Bartlome

Feb 24, 2011--2 more weeks!

Hi Mom!!

 

Yes we got the pie :D  My comps and I enjoyed it.  Unfortunately, I am too much like you and we left it sitting there and it got moldy :(  But what I did eat was delicious!! Thank you! I also got the fruit from Tammy.  It was good, and I sent a thank you letter to her.  ummm... tried to.  Not sure if I got the address right...

 

I have seen a few sisters going to Italy, and seen that their tags say "Sorella".  I also met someone (she was older, a worker here, not a missionary) who was from Italy.  She helped us out with purchasing some clothes, so when we were finished, I said to her "Grazie" or however you spell that.  She looked delighted, and said "Prego"! Lol it makes me laugh.  Made me happy too

 

The accompanying on the piano went really well, I have really got a hang of playing that song!  With the Lord's help, of course... I really can't take much credit for it.  But I am glad I get to help the Elder in my district.

 

They are really cracking down on the dress code for sisters! And things are changing a bit.  Like they are allowing more colors and variety, and the length of the skirt can't be too short OR too long.  It needs to be between just below the knee and mid-calf.  And they are helping me out so that I have all the stuff I need, and won't be in want when I get to Switzerland.  You know, all that stuff that we didn't buy ;)  And by "they" I mean the wives of the zone leaders.

 

I'm so excited!! Just two weeks from Monday, and then I'm gone!! Can't wait can't wait... Unfortunately I shall have to wait.

 

So they did this really awesome song at one of the firesides!  It was the speaker who is really musically inclined, and she said she was going to make us into a 2000 (more or less) voice choir.  She accompanied us on the piano.  It was "Called to Serve".  She started out playing a note repeatedly, like a steady drum beat.  Then she played some fanfares.  That was when we (The choir) came in, singing the first verse very quietly, imagining that we were a huge army (like the stripling warriors) just over the hill in the distance.  She did more fanfares between the chorus and the second verse, and changed keys and got a bit louder. We sang louder.  The chorus was loud this time, and at "King" we all stood up and repeated the chorus at full voice. At the end of that, we repeated this, slowing down a bit: "God our strength will be, press forward ever called - to - serve - our - King ---------------------!

 

I hope you can imagine that a bit, it was so amazingly fantastic!!  We sang it twice, once on Sunday, and again on Tuesday.  Laugh my district wanted to show our teachers, so we did a mini version for each of them.  Not quite the same, but still awesome!

 

We got snow this morning!! I love it!! Wish I could shovel... After gym this morning, Soeur Echols and I went up to a tree, and she kicked the trunk hard. Snow fell on us! A lot!  We went to another tree, and she did the same thing.  I love the snow!!  It makes me happy.

 

Anyways.  I had better get going.  Love you lots!!

 

Soeur Bartlome

 

P.S.  6 sisters going to France or Switzerland arrived this week!  Yay more sisters :D One of them is Marissa Worshim.  I say the name for those of you who will know her.  She recognized me, though.  Said she played the cello with me in Granite Youth Symphony!  Wish I could recognize people better... As it is, I randomly say hi to people and talk to them ONCE, then they remember me every time they see me after that!! And I don't remember them... Makes me feel bad :( Wish I could remember people better.  Ok I'm finished :)