A highly irregular look into the life of a couple of returned missionaries and their offspring.
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve Cuddles
I held Ashley tucked in her little blanket while she opened her present. I should note here, Mom and Dad buy the grandkids the same presents every Christmas, new pajamas. Last year, I watched Hannah, Brynne, Logan and Kenna open theirs. When I asked Hannah if she wanted to guess what the presents were, she looked at me like I was an idiot and said, "PJs, Aunt Sarah." So, it made me giggle that as little Ashley slowly and carefully picked off the bow and peeled back the wrapping paper, she kept whispering, "I don't know what it is...I don't know what's inside." Pajamas! Surprise! She was so thrilled. We put them on straightaway and she gave me more kisses. She was quite happy by then and content to sleep in her new, warm pj's from Grandma and Grandpa.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
This is the 2 of us writing letters for my roommate Nicole's club, Stand for the Family. I met Hsin Yao when she was Sister Cho, serving in Ukiah. She started her first semester here at BYU this Fall and has been drowning in school, but did a great job finishing a huge workload. Tonight we had a couple spare minutes to sit down and talk and exchange presents. As poor college students, they weren't much, but they meant a lot.
Last week I found a sweet little nativity set of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus that I picked up and wrapped. I felt that I should give it to Hsin Yao and have been trying to find time in our busy schedules to give it to her. Well, tonight we made the time! When she opened it she got really excited. Like, REALLY excited. I was thinking, the poor girl doesn't realized what an inexpensive little gift that is, when Hsin Yao told me that she had been pondering the purpose of Christmas and had decided to get her very first Nativity set. This afternoon when she was in the bookstore she almost bought the very set that I gave her, but something stopped her, and told her that someone had already gotten it for her. She paused and said, "It wouldn't be Sarah? Nah." But decided not to buy it all the same. I was afraid maybe the surprise of the gift had been a little spoiled, but Hsin Yao kept told me that this present was precious to her and let her know how aware God is of her. She says that she will tell her family about it every year when she puts it out. How awesome is that?
That's not the end, however. It was my turn to open my present, so I'm going to tell you about what I've been learning in Physical Science. I know, totally logical. Anyways, so this last unit we've been learning about the solar system. What especially interested me was the life cycle of stars, how they are born, their progression, etc. Then, reading and hearing about the star that appeared at Christ's birth, I realized that that event was prepared years in advance. The star was actually born hundreds, maybe millions, of years ago, but it took all that time for the light to reach us so far away. It made me think, maybe Christ created that star, and when He did, He said, "You will shine at my birth." Interesting, right?
So, I opened the card that Hsin Yao wrote for me and she wrote this:
About the star that led the shepherds to Bethlehem, Elder Maxwell said, "God had to place that star in a precise solar trajectory in orbit centuries before it shone that night so brightly over Bethlehem...In like manner,...each of us has been placed in precise human orbits, in order to light up the landscape of life for our fellowmen. We must be like that star and do our duty and be where we're supposed to be and do what we are supposed to do...that star shone for the glory for God. When you and I accomplish what we have been sent to do, we shine in glory of God. We light the way."
It is a beautiful message, and it complemented my musings of the past few weeks. God knew the ponderings of my heart and sent me the message He would have me learn. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who is aware of the challenges two of His daughters face and send them to each other prepared with His love. Hsin Yao received what she needed from God through me, and I received what I needed from God through her. It was a true manifestation of God meeting our needs through other mortals. I love my Father and am thankful for the chance to have been an instrument in His hands, and I know that He watches carefully over His beloved children. May we let God guide our lives that we may shine in His glory and guide His children.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Finals!
Today I will be taking my Italian final. It's scheduled from 8 to 10pm. (Yeah, ick is right) Some of the people in my class asked to meet a couple hours before so we can review the vocab. I just hope they were kidding when they said I would be leading the review. To be honest, I'm not really concerned about this test, I've been studying for the class all semester and doing well on the quizzes. The test that I AM concerned about is my Physical Science class. I do not like this class, at ALL. I strongly dislike classes concepts that I don't understand. I think it's called intolerance. I'm working on fixing that...Fortunately my friend Kevin is aware of my dislikes and came over last night for an hour to help me study. As an airplane pilot he loves physics, and I feel like I'm starting to understand it a lot better. Such a good teacher. I got all excited to study, then my friend Israel came over and distracted me for an hour. But I'm not complaining.
I will be home in a week! I fly home on Monday then I get to play with the family for almost 2 weeks! San Francisco for a couple days, ocean, redwoods, RELAXATION! This is going to be amazing, the longest vacation I've had for a long time. I don't have to worry about school or work, just work on recovering from the semester and enjoy my family 100% Yay!
Alright, time to jet over to the class for some review before the exam. woohoo...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Today
Today I was going through some correspondence from one of our favorite veterans, Larry "Lucky" Chesley. I'm going through several boxes that he donated to BYU, stuff that he can't keep anymore and his kids don't want. It's neat to go through all his memorabilia and read letters from people who were changed because of him. One of the programs from a club where he spoke had a funny quote that made me giggle, "Before you fall in love with a pair of bright eyes...make sure it's not the sun shining through the back of her head."
The funniest thing is that I'm sometimes (often) teased for my eye language. Makes me wonder how full my brain is...
Blessings from this week:
I just took a quiz and scored 100%.
I get to take a test tomorrow and hopefully get 100% as well.
I improved 11% on my last Phys Science test. I'm not telling you either score.
Because of my back paralysis I finally got to play with Michelle Scott, one of my favorite people in my ward that I've been able to see at school so far. She gave me a massage and I got to watch Jane Eyre. Yum...
I got a sweet text from a boy across the room during the ward Thanksgiving dinner that made me remember that I'm a girl.
My brother, sister and 6 sobrinos are coming on Friday!!! The anticipation alone is a blessing.
My friends carry my backbag for me. Not because I'm lazy, but because I can't.
I was blessed to start the morning off with service, we gave a lady a ride. Her name is Dora and she's from Mexico City. I'm having a sudden influx of new acquaintances from Mexico City.
I realized that writing two 6 page research papers is no biggie. Totally doable.
Off to take another quiz. YES!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ending 5
We finished and I kept a close eye on Cecilia all day. She brought her youngest daughter with her, she’s about 16 or 17 I think. She enjoyed participating in the last day’s activities as well. Cecilia did great in the interviews and other practices. She and Velvet went for interviews yesterday and she said that while Velvet was received for an interview she, Cecilia, was turned away. However, she assured us, her self-esteem had been strengthened by what she had learned and done in the workshop and she was at peace with it, not devastated like she would have been before. Wow! Gospel principles in action, she is truly making changes in herself and becoming stronger!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Workshop #5
Friday, June 12, 2009
I swear I found a portrait that looks like Mel Gibson so of course we had to take a picture of Katherine kissing him. The kissing thing was her idea. It always is. Katherine agreed that he looks like Mel, but I don’t think it translated well into photographic form. I guess to understand you have to see it person. One of the funniest parts of the museum was seeing the height difference between Katherine and the vintage clothing. I also have an awesome video of her playing a marimba instrument that’s at least 200 years old. We should have been supervised…
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Today we went to the cemetery for a class assignment. To be honest, it kind of creeped me out. I’m used to cemeteries and have visited some gorgeous ones through the years. I love the cemetery in Ukiah because of the big beautiful trees that make a kind of quiet shade for you to be alone. In the cemetery here in Guatemala there were not very many trees. It was all cement and crosses. Very forlorn and the spirit there was not welcoming. There were some elaborate mausoleums and gravesites. Those that can afford to, take very good care of their dead. It was also interesting to see all the different countries represented, we saw names from Korea, Italy, Brazil, and tons from Germany. Guatemala seems to be a popular place to die. Did that sound insensitive? Anyways, it was an interesting experience, but I prefer to visit my brother’s grave with the soft grass, birds, and deer in the shade of the oaks.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Finishing Fourth
Sick. Bleh
Monday, June 8, 2009
Workshop #4!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
La Granja
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Lions and Tigers and Bears...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Trial Test
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Keep on Truckin'
Monday, June 1, 2009
Workshop Threeeee
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Keny's Miracle
We walked into the main building and I saw Sister Johnson, the wife of the Church’s head lawyer in Guatemala City and asked her where we could find Sister Beck and she directed me to Sister Tilley, a senior missionary, who was standing by the restrooms. We approached Sister Tilley and I explained to her (all in English) that Keny had a present for Sister Beck and just then Sister Beck came out of the bathroom and with a huge smile I said, “And we just wanted to make sure she gets it before she leaves.” Sister Beck gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and asked my name. Sister Tilley told me to explain what I’m doing here in Guatemala which I did briefly, but I was more interested in introducing her to Keny and her mission. Sister Beck accepted the beautiful gifts with great thanks and admiration for the craftwork; they are truly delightful pieces. She gave Keny a hug and I had a perfect view of the shock on Keny’s face as Sister Beck hugged her. Her eyes were wide open but Sister Beck held on to her and after a moment she just melted into Sister Beck’s arms. It was beautiful. Then she explained to Sister Beck about her creations and that she wanted her to remember Guatemala and Sister Beck was so appreciative. Keny’s voice and hands were shaking as she presented her sweet gifts. I was standing with Sister Clark, the wife of the Area Authority, and we had our arms around each other as I saw Keny overwhelmed by the presence of women that she respected so deeply. It was so wonderful to see Keny feel how much Sister Beck loves her and how it warmed her heart.
After we said goodbye Keny and I returned to our seats and the impact of our experience took a little while to catch up to us. Keny was still shaking a little so I just held her hand and kept my arm around her while she calmed. She looked at me and we both realized how miraculous the moment was. “Sarita,” she said, “She’s shaken the hand of the Prophet!” What a wonderful perspective! Then we realized if I hadn’t gone with her she wouldn’t have been able to find Sister Beck. She calls me her angel now, but I know anyone listening to the Spirit would have done the same. She cried as she explained to me that it was such a small gift but it meant so much to her to be able to give it to Sister Beck. I told her that that is how life is, our smallest, most humble presents are all we can give, but they are truly a part of us and mean so much, especially when received with love and appreciation. Keny told me that she has been going through some hard times, and while she knows things will work out, she’s hardened her heart a little so it doesn’t hurt as much. I thought about her face and how I saw it soften as she was in Sister Beck’s arms. Keny said that it was like something inside her softened, and I was a witness to that.
I have a testimony of the leaders of the Church; they truly are representatives of Christ. They stand in His place and share His healing love with His followers. Keny’s gift may seem small to many, but I know how much of your soul goes into something that you create and she gave a part of herself in that gift. By giving that gift she opened her heart and in returned felt an outpouring of the Savior’s love from one of His representatives that softened her broken and bruised heart. I have never felt so privileged to help one of God’s children. I pray that I might continue to be worthy to take part in serving others and see many more miracles like Keny’s miracle.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Workshop #2 Begins...
Ok, I owe my dear sister Kelly an explanation and I will explain it today. We teach the Career Workshop, a workshop designed by the Church to help unemployed people find jobs. It focuses on giving them hope in what often seems like a hopeless situation and teaching them to take the initiative. There are 4 different parts to the workshop:
1. My Goals
Here we talk about the different interests and talents the participants have. Then we look into the job they are looking for, the skills, education, training, and experience needed for it, and make long and short term goals based on their needs. We also prepare a statement called “Me in 30 Seconds” that is a way to introduce yourself briefly but powerfully. It’s a great tool to prepare the participants to introduce themselves to strangers and interviewers.
2. My Resources
This section opens with the scripture from D&C 104:14-15, 17. We concentrate on the promise from the Lord that “there is enough and to spare.” In this section we talk about the most effective way to get jobs: 36% of jobs are found through networking, 30% by contacting employers directly, the rest is split between want ads, employment agencies and others. We look at our current networks, ways to contact employers, and resources that the Church offers. We set up some rules, including the 10-2-2 Rule: Contact at least 10 people per day, get 2 referrals from each contact, set up at least 2 face-to-face interviews each day.
3. My Interactions with Resources
The focus of this section is “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30) The participants learn about Power Statements, a statement that focuses on a skill or talent and a specific example of that skill and the result of that example. I had a hard time when I first learned about Power Statements, but now I see every success in my life as an opportunity to create a new Power Statement. Pretty encouraging! This is pure practice; the participants practice their statements, contacting employers, networking, calling referrals, making great first impressions, opening and closing interviews, and we close with full mock interviews. It’s a great chance for everyone to start losing their fear and know what to expect.
4. My Continued Success
After obtaining the job we want the participants to keep it so this section is dedicated to helping them be prepared for emergencies, know how to interact and negotiate with managers and set new goals for continued progression.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Temple!
After the temple we had a party at the Church with the other young single adults in the ward. Katherine couldn’t make it because she’s still recovering. But she has leftover pizza to keep her happy. It was pretty fun, Hermano Durán and Sebastian are tons of fun and everyone brought a ton of food. It was a real feast. I’m falling in love with tortillas, I can’t deny it.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sick Companion
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Together again!!
Things are amazing here; we finished our first workshop with mock interviews and had a graduation and everything. Katherine and I joined our classes because they had shrunk, I loved teaching with her again. It was awesome! I wish you could have seen their faces, there is so much light in their countenances. I know they will have success in their endeavors, I just hope they come back to share their success stories with us.
What an honor to see them progress. I love this work! One sweet lady, Elvira, who worked so hard to gain more confidence in front of people was crying as we said goodbye and thanked me. They are each so special, I already love the people here so much.
I LOVE teaching, it is so hard but so rewarding. Seeing their progression is the most marvelous thing in the world, I can’t believe how much they’ve blossomed in just 3 short days. It is so amazing to be here and be involved in this work. I’m super happy and relieved to be done with the first workshop, it should be less stressful from here on out.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day 2 at it alone...
Another participant shared with us that she just left her husband after 10 years of domestic abuse and not being permitted to associate with anyone. She is now a single mother for her 4 children and trying to find a job to take care of them. The best part is seeing how she helps Rigoberto who is illiterate. She is very quiet but soaks up the compliments and validation that we share with her like a dry sponge. I've seen a light born in her eyes in these last 2 days, she's letting her sweet personality show more and more as she grows in confidence.
Monday, May 18, 2009
First Workshop!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Funny note, When Patty was introducing us to the missionaries (21 of them!! Only 2 sisters) she explained that we would be teaching the workshop from now on. Then she said to the Elders, “If you want to come visit them they will be here in the Center until July 25th. But remember; right now you’re still missionaries. Give it another day.” I was bright red and Katherine was giggling nervously, but it was pretty funny. Too bad she forgot to tell them that we don’t date while we’re here; there may some disappointed RM’s.
Last night Katherine and I stayed up until 1am just talking. We had the most amazing conversation about everything, mostly how the gospel has shaped us and blessed our lives. I really can’t imagine my life without the gospel. It was so amazing to spend 4 straight hours just talking with her; we have just clicked from day one. I’m amazed everyday at how well we work together and what great friends we are becoming. I have been blessed with the best companion ever, how is it that I get so many blessings? I am working hard to be worthy of them.
Hoy enseñamos un par de las secciones en el taller, fue muy divertido. Los misioneros son increíbles, ellos asisten el taller para ayudarles a ser motivados en conseguir trabajo y enseñarles cómo conseguir trabajos y seguir su educación. Muchos de los administradores del Fondo Perpetuo de Educación requieren que los solicitantes tomen el TAL entonces estos misioneros ya están adelantados un poco. Fue increíble estar en un cuarto con 21 misioneros durante 2 días. Sólo escucharlos cantar trajo lágrimas a mis ojos. Me hace falta ser misionera, pero soy bendecida poder servir aquí en Guatemala.
Anoche Katherine y yo no se acostaron hasta 1am porque estábamos hablando. La conversación fue asombrosa, hablamos sobre todo, en su mayor parte cómo el evangelio nos ha formado y ha bendecido nuestras vidas. Yo realmente no puedo imaginar mi vida sin el evangelio. Fue tan increíble pasar 4 horas hablando con ella, nosotras nos hemos llevado bien desde el primer día. Me sorprende cada día en cuán bien trabajamos juntas y qué gran amigos somos ¿He sido bendecido con la mejor compañera, cómo así que consigo tantas bendiciones? Estoy trabajando duro para ser digna de ellas.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
¡Conocimos el grupo de misioneros, había bastante, 21 en total! La mayoría de ellos son de la capital pero hay algunos de Huehuetenango, Chichicastenango, y de uno de Quetzaltenango. Wow, me gusta decir los nombres. Pasamos 6 horas en el taller y estos jóvenes adultos son pilas! Patty incluyó Katherine y yo un pequeño en la enseñanza, pero la mayoría del tiempo nosotros nos sentamos como participantes. Fue impresionante ver cuán fácilmente ellos comprendieron cómo compartir sus talentos y habilidades y ejemplos de sus destrezas. En un momento ellos se pararon para compartir con su vecino algunos de las habilidades que ellos tienen. Anduve alrededor y escuché cuán seguro y bien hablado ellos son y el Espíritu llenó mi corazón con el amor yo sentía del Padre Celestial para Sus niños. Estos misioneros son impresionantes.
Monday, May 11, 2009
We're HERE!! Estamos AQUI!!
We got to the Center this morning bright and early! We spoke with Patty and Hermano Gomez a little and worked on hammering out a schedule for the coming month. It looks like we’ll work Monday through Wednesday teaching the career workshop. Fortunately we get to see Patty teach the workshop to a group of missionaries finishing their missions. Every 3 weeks missionaries from Guatemala who are finishing their missions are given the opportunity to come to the Career Workshop to help orientate them so they’ll be better equipped for finding a job, completing their education, even applying for the Perpetual Education Fund. It’ll be great to watch Patty teach so we can learn more about applying the workshop principles in the Guatemalan culture. It’ll be a good icebreaker instead of just diving into teaching when we’re unfamiliar with the people and customs here.
¡Llegamos al Centro esta mañana tempranito! Hablamos con Patty y Hermano Gomez un pequeño e hicimos un horario para el mes que viene. Parece que vamos a trabajar el lunes por el miércoles enseñando el Taller de Autosuficiencia Laboral (TAL). Afortunadamente tenemos la oportunidad de ver la Patty enseñar el taller a un grupo de misioneros que ya terminan sus misiones. Cada 3 semanas misioneros de Guatemala que terminan sus misiones tienen la oportunidad de venir al TAL para ayudarles a orientarse para que estarán más preparados para encontrar un trabajo, seguir con su educación, o solicitando al Fondo de la Educación Perpetuo. Será buenísimo ver la Patty enseñar para que podamos aprender más acerca de aplicar los principios de taller en la cultura guatemalteca.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Graduation!
We had our graduation ceremony and Katherine’s grandfather, Elder Carmack, came to speak. He’s the director of the Perpetual Education Fund and has been involved with the program from the beginning. It was an honor to listen to him, he knows so much about the program and the people involved in it. It is an amazing program and it’s exciting to be involved in a small part of it. Many perpetual education fund applicants are required or recommended to take the career workshop so we’ll probably see a few.
Tuvimos nuestro último día, fue increíble! Visitamos la Plaza de Bienestar y también visitamos el Centro Humanitario, o algo así. Estaba un poco distraída porque estaba en contacto telefónico con la agencia de viajes de BYU tratando de transferir nuestros boletos de Mexico a Guatemala. Era un poco caótico por un tiempo, pero todo salió perfectamente!
Tuvimos nuestra ceremonia de graduación y el abuelo de Katherine, Elder Carmack, vino a hablar. Él es el director del Fondo Perpetuo de Educación y ha participado con el programa desde el principio. Fue un honor escucharle, él sabe mucho sobre el programa y las personas involucradas en ella. Es un programa increíble y es emocionante estar involucrado en una pequeña parte de ella. Se recomienda que los solicitantes del fondo perpetuo tomen el taller que enseñamos, así que probablemente va a ver algunos.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Elder RUDD!!
Today we had the immense honor of listening to Elder Rudd. He is an emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and managed Welfare Square for many years. He has been involved in the Church’s welfare program for decades and was commissioned by the Church to write the history of the Church’s welfare program, a book called Pure Religion. If you’re wondering what to get me for Christmas, that’s on my list. I started reading it in the mission and loved it but had to leave it behind in one of my areas because I just didn’t have room for it.
Elder Rudd spoke to us about service in the Lord’s kingdom. He told of his life and worldwide travel. He said a while ago he heard a speaker in New Zealand say that time of great men had passed and there are no more great men in the world today. Elder Rudd disputed that statement and said that he has traveled the world with great men and met many very wonderful and accomplished people. The world is full of great people. We are not all born rich or brilliant, but every day we choose to develop our mind and become a great person. Elder Rudd has a true understanding of the potential of every person and faith in their ability to become an accomplished child of God. He understands that we are all beloved children of God and He wants us to have success. Like President Hinckley said, “The Lord would want you to be successful. He would. You are His sons and His daughters. He has the same kind of love and ambition for you that your earthly parents have. They want you to do well and you can do it.” Elder Rudd went on to say, “When you live the life of a true Latter-day Saint you live a life of adventure.”
Por fin nos han dicho que vamos a la Ciudad de Guatemala! Estamos bien emocionadas. Tenemos que esperar una semana más para que puedan conseguirnos un apartamento. Nos dijeron que Costa Rica nos habrían aceptado con brazos abiertos pero Guatemala realmente nos necesita. ESO!
Hoy tuvimos el honor de escuchar al Élder Rudd. Él es un miembro emérito del Primer Quórum de los Setenta y dirigía la plaza de Bienestar por muchos años. Ha participado en el programa de bienestar de la Iglesia durante décadas y fue encargado por la Iglesia a escribir la historia del programa de bienestar de la Iglesia, un libro llamado La Religión Pura.
Élder Rudd nos habló sobre el servicio en el reino del Señor. Le dijo de su vida y de viaje en todo el mundo. Dijo hace un momento oyó un orador en Nueva Zelanda momento de decir que han pasado grandes hombres y no hay más grandes hombres en el mundo de hoy. Rudd discute que los ancianos declaración y dice que ha viajado el mundo con los grandes hombres y se reunió con muchas personas maravillosas y realizada. El mundo está lleno de grandes personas. No todos somos ricos o brillante nacido, pero cada día elegimos para desarrollar nuestra mente y convertirse en una gran persona. Élder Rudd tiene una verdadera comprensión del potencial de cada persona y la fe en su capacidad para convertirse en un cumplido hijo de Dios. Se entiende que todos somos hijos amados de Dios y Él quiere que tengamos éxito. Al igual que el Presidente Hinckley dijo: "El Señor desea que usted sea exitoso. El orador. Usted se encuentra sus hijos y sus hijas. Él tiene el mismo tipo de amor y ambición para que los padres tienen su tierra. Quieren que les va bien y puede hacerlo ". Élder Rudd continuó diciendo," Cuando uno vive la vida de un verdadero Santo de los Últimos Días se vive una vida de aventura ".
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
No more Mexico!!
We finally heard that we are NOT going to Puebla because of the swine flu epidemic. Our directors pulled Katherine and I aside and explained that BYU has closed all internships and study abroad programs in Mexico. Then they asked us if we could pick anywhere to go, what country would we pick? We pretty much said wherever they need us, and Katherine added that she just wanted a warm place. That’s my southern California girl. They threw out some places, like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Lima, or even Quito. At the end of the day it sounded like Costa Rica was preferable.
Por fin nos han dicho que NO vamos a Puebla por la epidemia de la influenza. Nuestros directores hablaron con la Katherine y yo para explicarnos que BYU ha cancelado todos los programas en México. Nos preguntaron que país queríamos escoger y les dijimos que queremos ir donde nos necesite, y Katherine añadió que quiere estar en un lugar caliente, no le gusta el frío. Ellos sugirieron algunos lugares como Costa Rica, Guatemala, Lima o aún Quito. Al fin pareció que Costa Rica era preferible.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday Monday. Bwa da, bwa da da da
A week or so after speaking the Stake President returned and disclosed to Jeff that he had been without a job for the last 6 months and felt that the ERS wouldn’t help but came back humbly to ask for help. Jeff listened to all his efforts and realized that this man was doing everything right. So they discussed other employment options and the man left.
Several weeks later Jeff saw him again and he had the strangest look on his face. He asked him how he was doing and the Stake President explained that he had found employment as a professor at a Church university, an old dream of his. When Jeff asked about the strange look on his face the man explained that he had been thinking about his impending move and leaving the ward and stake. When he thought of his counselors and the men he had served with the only thing that came to his mind was Jeff’s talk. He said, “These men who I served with side by side never, in all those months of unemployment and struggle asked how I was, if I needed help or even if I had enough food. They watched my crucifixion complacently.”
This makes me think of Elder Holland’s talk this last General Conference; we cannot allow our Savior to stand alone again in His Gethsemane. I believe that we can stand by Him by serving our brothers and sisters as they pass through their own Gethsemanes and crucifixion. It is the way that I want to stand by my Savior. I will never complacently stand by; I hope to always offer my love and whatever else my brother or sister may need.
Así que empezamos la capacitación hoy y es muy emocionante! Tuvimos una mañana muy interesante y Jeff Foy nos habló y relató la historia de un presidente que le pidió que viniera a discursar en una reunión con el liderazgo del sacerdocio. Pidió que Jeff no hablara de lo que hace los Servicios de Recursos de Empleo. Jeff compartió con él una cita del Presidente Hinckley que dice: "La Iglesia no puede esperar para salvar a un hombre el domingo si durante la semana se trata de un testigo complaciente a la crucifixión de su alma." El presidente le pidió que centrara sus observaciones en eso.
Una semana después de hablar el presidente regresó y divulgada a Jeff que había sido sin trabajo durante los últimos 6 meses y consideró que el ERS no ayudaría, pero regresó humildemente a pedir ayuda. Jeff escuchó a todos sus esfuerzos y se dio cuenta de que este hombre estaba haciendo todo lo posible. Por lo que discutieron otras opciones de empleo y el hombre se fue.
Varias semanas más tarde, Jeff lo vio de nuevo y vio que él tuvo la más extraña mirada en su rostro. Él le preguntó cómo se estaba haciendo y el presidente explicó que había encontrado empleo como profesor en una universidad de la Iglesia, un viejo sueño suyo. Jeff preguntó por la extraña mirada en su rostro y el hombre explicó que había estado pensando acerca de su inminente traslado y salida del barrio y de la estaca. Cuando pensaba de sus consejeros y los hombres con quien había servido, la única cosa que vino a su mente fue el discurso de Jeff. Él dijo, "Estos hombres quienes servía, nunca, en todos esos meses de desempleo y de lucha, me preguntaron cómo estaba, si necesitaba ayuda o incluso si tenía suficiente para comer. Ellos vieron mi crucifixión con complacencia. "
Esto me hace pensar en el discurso del Élder Holland de esta última Conferencia General; no podemos permitir que nuestro Salvador pase solo por su Getsemaní de nuevo. Creo que podemos estar con él al servir a nuestros hermanos y hermanas que pasan a través de sus propios Getsemanís y crucifixiones. Es la forma en que quiero estar al lado de mi Salvador. Nunca veré con complacencia el sufrimiento de mis hermanos, espero siempre ofrecer mi amor y todo lo que mi hermano necesite.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Almost ready... Casi listo....
I report to the Church Sunday the 26th and will undergo the week-long training with my companion, Katherine, and the rest of the interns. Katherine told me on Monday that her grandpa, the director of the Perpetual Education Fund Program, will be speaking at our graduation at the end of training. I know, right? We have a graduation? Crazy. Oh, and it's pretty cool that Katherine's abuelo is the director.
I leave on Wednesday with my friend John to drive my car back to California to leave it my parents for the summer. I'm excited to have a few days home of fun, sun and kids before I dive headfirst into the career workshop intensive training. Phew! I'm getting more and more nervous!
I'm also not having much luck with contacts for Sean's project. I know things will fall into place, but I'm having a hard time finding people to meet with and interview down in Mexico. It's a short time, 3 months will FLY by so I wanted to get it all prepared before I left. I'm putting my trust in the Lord to help me find these people, there is a story waiting to be told.
Bueno, he sentido mal por no haber escrito nada en estas semanas. Pero cuando me siento mal me recuerdo que estoy en medio de los exámenes finales, empacando, y preparando para salir del país por 4 meses. Entonces trato de relajar un poco. A veces este método funciona.
Me presento a la Iglesia el domingo para empezar la capacitación con mi compañera Katherine y los otros internos. Katherine me dijo el lunes pasado que su abuelo, el director del programa del Fondo Perpetuo para la Educación, va a discursar en nuestra graduación al terminar la capacitación. Qué chévere, no? Tener una graduación? También es bacán que el abuelo de la Katherine sea el director.
Voy el miércoles con mi amigo John a California porque voy a dejar mi carro con mis padres durante mi viaje. Estoy emocionada para tener algunos días para divertirme con el sol y los sobrinos antes de comenzar con la capacitación intensa. Ay! Me estoy haciendo más nerviosa!
Tampoco tengo mucha suerte buscando conocidos de Sean en México. Sé que todo irá bien, pero es difícil encontrar personas para conocer y entrevistar. Tres meses es poco tiempo e irá rápido y por eso quería arreglar todo antes de irme. Estoy poniendo mi confianza en el Señor para encontrar estas personas, hay una historia que contar.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Beginning
I had to fill out a student intern profile for the church and this is the picture I submitted. The beginning of my internship!
I am more than a little excited about the chance I have to go to Puebla Mexico and work as an intern in the LDS Employment Center. I will also be taking 12 credits, 4 of which will be a research project on the Mexican culture reaction to death. This is a very special opportunity for me to meet and interview the people Sean taught on his mission.
I fly out with my companion, Katherine Kinnison, from Southern California, on May 2nd. We will be teaching workshops to members and non-members of the Church alike and also training leaders to give the workshops as well. The workshops are about 16 hours in total and we will be giving them over the course of 3 or 4 days. We might be required travel to different stakes and wards and give condensed versions of the workshops to members of the Church there.
In my group there are 16 interns, about half are going to Brazil. To give us a taste of what we will be doing the director arranged to have us attend a condensed version of the employment workshop. I had to work and missed more than half of the workshop, but what I was able to see was amazing! Basically this is a chance to teach people confidence and skills in their search for a job. We, as teachers, will only spend 20% of the time teaching/talking, the students will spend 80% of the time practicing the skills. For instance, we teach them how to present themselves in 30 seconds. They practice 4 or 5 times alone then a few times with other classmates. It's really a confidence booster to realize that you CAN do something.
I'm excited to learn more about this and get to work. I'll report to the Church Sunday evening, April 26th for a week of training. Yay!