Hiya my lovely family!
Here's my letter to President Murphy:
Buenas tardes, Presidente Murphy,
Well, we had a pretty good week, and the time just flew by. We really are trying to find the balance between our studies, finding, teaching, and verifying. We aren't quite there yet, but we are trying to do each one every day. Heavenly Father has really been helping us find great people to teach and is letting us know whether we should keep teaching them or not. Last week, we had an interesting experience. We had an appointment set up with a contact, but she wasn't there, but her daughter was, and so we taught her a really good lesson. However, afterwards we were going down the hill from this tiny neighborhood, and this older woman contacted us! She just said "hello" and asked where we were going, and we got to talking, and we asked if we could come and visit her at that moment. Her daughter just had an operation for thyroid cancer, and she wanted us to talk to her, so we headed up to her house, but her daughter wasn't there, so we asked if we could come back another day, and she heartily agreed. A few days later, we were again heading down that same hill when we again ran into Mariana with her daughter, Dora. They're super funny and sometimes we can hardly get a word in, but this week they let us help move a ton of concrete blocks for them, and they couldn't believe when afterwards, we still wanted to help wash their clothes. But it led to us being able to teach a really sweet lesson with both of them, and Dora's daughter, Allison, on the Restoration. We invited them to be baptized on the second of December, and they accepted. They have such good hearts, and we really hope that all three of them can make it to the 2nd. Our dates for Lilliana and Christian fell through because they weren't able to attend church, so we are going to see if they can really attend church this week, and if they do, we will set another date with them.
Hermana Caceres is just so ready to be a missionary. She has no confidence in herself, and yet she teaches. She doesn't have any fear, and when asked to do something, she does it whole-heartedly. With Mariana, Dora, and Allison, she took the lead on how to begin teaching and on the lesson, and she did just beautifully. She is going to be a force to be reckoned with once she's out of her training.
I'm really very lucky to be training again. When I left after week 8 with Hermana Bustos, I just felt like a failure because I wasn't able to spend the whole 12 weeks with her, and I'm really grateful for a second chance. I promise I'll stay away from any and all slides over the next 12 weeks :-)
Thanks for all that you and Hermana Murphy do for us. I'm so grateful for your examples, and I sure do love being a missionary.
Have a great week,
Hermana Kennedy
Seriously, we must have moved a literal ton of concrete blocks for Mariana. It was awesome.
Okay, so I know that many of you right now are preparing to celebrate Halloween tomorrow. You're preparing costumes, maybe something scary, maybe not so much. Personally, every day I'm scared of going upstairs in the dark because of Diana. Thanks for that, family :-). But let me tell you, nothing anyone will do or see tomorrow on the night of horrors will compare with what I had to endure this past week.
I had to eat guatita.
Guatita, quite simply put, is cow stomach. As in, the innards of a cow. And as some of you may know, I'm not really into weird food textures. It's why I don't eat raisins or shrimp. The other week, we were given octopus which had a weird texture, but it tasted super good, so I just chewed fast and tried not to let it touch my tongue. But when our mamita put a plate in front of us full of rice, avocado, boiled egg, potatoes, and guatita, panic struck my mind. I don't like egg or avacado for texture OR taste. And I thought that maybe it would be okay because maybe guatita wouldn't taste too bad.
WRONGO!
It tastes like NASTY mixed with GROSS. And it is chewy as heck. As in, I almost couldn't chew it, and the taste was so bad that my gag reflex actually kicked in a couple of times. And our mamita was sitting right there, going on and on about how guatita is a delicacy here in Ecuador, and it wouldn't have been so bad eating that big plate except that everything was covered in a sauce made from the guatita juice, so everything tasted like cow stomach.
No joke, the only reason I almost made it through the ordeal was because of the pineapple juice. I was taking a sip after every single bite of the nastiness. Man, after we finally left, I had to head to the nearest bakery to get the taste out of my mouth. And our mamita wouldn't leave, or Hermana Caceres would have eaten mine, because she loved it. She finished it fifteen minutes before I did. Yes, it took me 45 minutes to eat that food...if you can call it food!
Also, super funny story from a bus this week. So, we take busses everywhere, and we see some weird things on busses. People with chickens in bags, dogs, drunks. The usual. But this week, we were on a bus, and every bus has a money collector. And every once in a while, the money collector has to jump off the bus to stamp a time card. So, this bus collector, probably mid-twenties, jumps out, and I think he's going to stamp a card. But he comes back with a big bag, and he starts pulling out clothes--a jacket, socks, and a shirt. I'm just think that's kind of weird, but okay. Then, he does that kind of backward glance and starts unbuttoning his shirt, and I'm just like, "No, he has a shirt on underneath" or something, but NOPE! He just strips off his shirt, and I turn to Hermana Careers, and we just start laughing, and she says, "Look down, Hermana. Look down." We get off the bus and just keep laughing. Good times here in Ecuador. Nothing ghetto at all :-)
Also, this week was the week of colada morada and guaguas de pan. So, there's a holiday here on November 2 where they make something called colada morada, and they shape bread like children with filling inside. So, everyone this past week was making it, so we had it at the house of an investigator, at the house of a random person, and we had a ward and stake activity with colada morada, and a bunch of people eating children. It's sooooo good, and I'm going to be super sad when it disappears after the 2nd!
You know, I think I'm having a hard time being a Latina. I know that sounds silly because I've been here for almost eight months, but I've had three North American companions, and one other Latina companion who was very chill and introverted, but man, Hermana Caceres is just a full blown EXTROVERT! Daddy used to tell us about "Spanish people" and how friendly and outgoing they are, but he hasn't met Hermana Caceres! She puts everyone, especially my introverted self, to shame. She's been explaining to me that with other Latina people, especially other missionaries, I need to smile more and be a little friendlier. So, this week has been a bit of a learning curve. It's not a problem with people in general or investigators, but with other missionaries. I just don't feel this burning need to make them like me, because they aren't why I'm here. But I am trying, if for no other reason than I think Hermana Caceres needs me to try and seem happier when it's just the two of us.
It was interesting picking her up from the airport. I was picked up from my district meeting a little early by a member and his wife in one of those short yellow busses, and they drove me to the airport where we waited for Hermana Caceres to arrive. We didn't know where she was coming from or her flight number or anything, so we were just waiting, and then she came out! I was like..."Hermana! Hermana! A picture!" And then we met, and I told her that I was her trainer, and she was like, "Oh, okay." She then looked at the member's wife and asked if she was the mission mom or something. We then drove an hour and a half back to our apartment to drop off her stuff, and then headed back to Quito to have the new missionary dinner and testimony meeting, so I got to do all of that again. That was kind of fun. We then went back to our apartment, only to return the next morning to go to the training meeting where I was once again the only hermana present. It was just me with 13 other elders who were also training. I'm starting to see a pattern here :-). After the meeting, we then went BACK to our sector to work a little, then headed home at the end of the day. We went to bed super fast because the next day (Thursday), we AGAIN had to head back to Quito for the meeting with Elder Fallabella and Sister McConkie, and we had to get there an hour early so I could practice my musical number with an elder. Of course, this is Ecuador so there wasn't a music stand in sight, so I had to use the podium...which doesn't move....so in order to see my music all the way down there on the Ecuadorian heighted podium, I had to be super ghetto and use hymn books to bring it a little closer to my level :-). Needless to say, it was a little exciting! My number was pretty good, but I was SUPER nervous, and I couldn't get my legs or hands to stop shaking. But Elder Fallabella and Sister McConkie did actually change their talks a little to talk about the restoration, because my musical number was a medley of Joseph Smith's First Prayer, a Poor Wayfaring Man, and Praise to the Man. It was super cool to see them do that.
Anyway, lots of fun stuff. I love you all lots, and I love hearing from you guys each week! I pray for you every day, and I hope you have a fabulous week!
Love,
Hermana Kennedy
And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!! I keep thinking that the Brooklyn Nine Nine Halloween episode must have come out! ARGH!!!!!!
And dang Mommy, you sure are a good photographer! Those engagement pictures of Mark and Allison are so beautiful. Also, their eyes look SUPER BLUE!! None of their babies will be sleeping in the basement ;-)
Monday, October 30, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Hermana Kennedy and Wir Machen Training
Hi family!
Here's my letter to President Murphy:
Dear President Murphy,
We currently have two investigators with a fecha bautismal--Liliana and Christian Rosado--for the 18th of November. Liliana really is progressing well, but she's having a little bit of a hard time reading the Book of Mormon. Apparently, she's never liked reading the Bible very much, because it can be a little hard to read, so when she told us that she had read a whole eight verses of the Book of Mormon, we were very happy. And her son, Christian, apparently reminds her that they need to read, so I think they'll be fine. Right now, their biggest challenge is attending church, but this week, we are going to their house in the morning to bring them ourselves. I feel like for everyone, attending church is the hardest part, but once they get there and see how it is, they're much more inclined to come. Although sometimes we worry about the ward. They have been described in the past by many less-active members as cold and unwelcoming, but recently, a lot of people have been coming up and welcoming our investigators at church, so there is hope! Alicia couldn't attend church this past week, because she was away visiting her mom, but this past week, we stopped by her restaurant to make an appointment, and she comes up with a cup of coffee, and says, "Hermanas, I heard that your church prohibits drinking coffee. I always drink one cup a day at 6 p.m. to help me get through the rest of work." So, we briefly explained about the Word of Wisdom, and afterwards, she told us that she would start to stop drinking coffee, and that when she is at her mom's house, she would tell her "no" when she offers her a cup. She's such a sweetie, and we are so excited to keep teaching her and help her to baptism. We haven't officially set the date yet, but this week, we are hoping to make it for the 11th of November.
I have to admit, President, I was really rather surprised to be called to train again. I'm so excited to try again, and I hope I can do a better job this time around, but boy was I not expecting that at all! Thanks for trusting me with this responsibility.
I'm so grateful for you and Hermana Murphy and all of your hard work in helping us find, teach and baptize more. I'll see you tomorrow!
Have a wonderful week,
Hermana Kennedy
So, I'M TRAINING AGAIN!!!!! Not only am I training again, but I am also, once again, the only hermana training. Yep, only one hermana is coming to the mission, and I'll be her trainer. I'm not really sure why, but it was definitely unexpected news. I thought President Murphy would give someone else a chance, but maybe because I didn't get to finish last time, he's giving me another chance. I just hope I don't go and break my ankle again, and abandon another hermana! :-) But it's actually really interesting, because she's coming from another mission. She was only there for a day, and then was changed to our mission, but it's cool because tomorrow I'm going to the airport to pick her up. We will then head back to our sector, she can unpack, and then we head back to Quito to eat dinner with President and Hermana Murphy and with all of the other new missionaries. So, I get a second first dinner with President and Hermana Murphy. Isn't that fun?!?!? :-). Then, on Wednesday, we will head up to Quito AGAIN for the training meeting. I am just so hoping that I don't get lost. Metros and buses here stress me out a little, especially in Quito, because I just don't know Quito at all. And then, Thursday, a member of the Area Seventy and two leaders in the General Women's auxiliaries are coming for a conference with all of the Sierra and Cam missionaries with some of the Ecuador Quito missionaries. So last Thursday, knowing all of this was going to happen, I received a text from Hermana Murphy, asking if I would play a special musical number at the conference, so I get to play my viola!!!!!! How fun is that?!?!?!? I'm a little nervous though. It's been so long since I played in front of so many people, and I'm worried about my viola not sounding out over the whole conference (poor little $400 student viola), but I have faith in Javi. He will do his best! :-)
We also had a fun ward activity this past week. It was supposed to be a mission work activity, but no one brought anybody. However, it was a Masterchef competition, and so we, the five missionaries, were the judges, so we got to try all of this delicious food. In the end, a guy from the coast won. His food was so good, and it's cool because last week, his wife gave us a rice mixture of clams, shrimp and octopus. And it was really good. The texture was a little hard for me, but man, aren't missions just the coolest thing ever?!
This morning I said goodbye to Hermana Franco and Hermana Hartzog. I was sad to see them go. I love them, but this past six weeks has been really hard on me, trying to adjust back to the mission life. I felt emotionally and mentally drained every day. I never imagined it would be so hard to return to my mission. When I said goodbye to them, I just felt super tired all of a sudden, and while I was in the bathroom at the hermana lideres' house, I just started praying, and I started crying because I just felt so tired, and I didn't realize it until now. It's just been so hard. I'm glad that now, with my ankle all healed and a new trainee, I can have a fresh start and just have fun in Mitad del Mundo. And yep, that's right, I'm staying in Mitad del Mundo! WOOHOO!! My trainee's name is Hermana Caceres, and she's from Bolivia. Gosh, I'm excited for tomorrow.
So, there are these bread things called guaguas de pan. They're children made of bread, and they're how Ecuadorians basically celebrate Halloween. Children go from house to house, collecting bread on the 2nd of November, but every bakery has them now.
Muchismo amor,
Hermana Kennedy
Here's my letter to President Murphy:
Dear President Murphy,
We currently have two investigators with a fecha bautismal--Liliana and Christian Rosado--for the 18th of November. Liliana really is progressing well, but she's having a little bit of a hard time reading the Book of Mormon. Apparently, she's never liked reading the Bible very much, because it can be a little hard to read, so when she told us that she had read a whole eight verses of the Book of Mormon, we were very happy. And her son, Christian, apparently reminds her that they need to read, so I think they'll be fine. Right now, their biggest challenge is attending church, but this week, we are going to their house in the morning to bring them ourselves. I feel like for everyone, attending church is the hardest part, but once they get there and see how it is, they're much more inclined to come. Although sometimes we worry about the ward. They have been described in the past by many less-active members as cold and unwelcoming, but recently, a lot of people have been coming up and welcoming our investigators at church, so there is hope! Alicia couldn't attend church this past week, because she was away visiting her mom, but this past week, we stopped by her restaurant to make an appointment, and she comes up with a cup of coffee, and says, "Hermanas, I heard that your church prohibits drinking coffee. I always drink one cup a day at 6 p.m. to help me get through the rest of work." So, we briefly explained about the Word of Wisdom, and afterwards, she told us that she would start to stop drinking coffee, and that when she is at her mom's house, she would tell her "no" when she offers her a cup. She's such a sweetie, and we are so excited to keep teaching her and help her to baptism. We haven't officially set the date yet, but this week, we are hoping to make it for the 11th of November.
I have to admit, President, I was really rather surprised to be called to train again. I'm so excited to try again, and I hope I can do a better job this time around, but boy was I not expecting that at all! Thanks for trusting me with this responsibility.
I'm so grateful for you and Hermana Murphy and all of your hard work in helping us find, teach and baptize more. I'll see you tomorrow!
Have a wonderful week,
Hermana Kennedy
So, I'M TRAINING AGAIN!!!!! Not only am I training again, but I am also, once again, the only hermana training. Yep, only one hermana is coming to the mission, and I'll be her trainer. I'm not really sure why, but it was definitely unexpected news. I thought President Murphy would give someone else a chance, but maybe because I didn't get to finish last time, he's giving me another chance. I just hope I don't go and break my ankle again, and abandon another hermana! :-) But it's actually really interesting, because she's coming from another mission. She was only there for a day, and then was changed to our mission, but it's cool because tomorrow I'm going to the airport to pick her up. We will then head back to our sector, she can unpack, and then we head back to Quito to eat dinner with President and Hermana Murphy and with all of the other new missionaries. So, I get a second first dinner with President and Hermana Murphy. Isn't that fun?!?!? :-). Then, on Wednesday, we will head up to Quito AGAIN for the training meeting. I am just so hoping that I don't get lost. Metros and buses here stress me out a little, especially in Quito, because I just don't know Quito at all. And then, Thursday, a member of the Area Seventy and two leaders in the General Women's auxiliaries are coming for a conference with all of the Sierra and Cam missionaries with some of the Ecuador Quito missionaries. So last Thursday, knowing all of this was going to happen, I received a text from Hermana Murphy, asking if I would play a special musical number at the conference, so I get to play my viola!!!!!! How fun is that?!?!?!? I'm a little nervous though. It's been so long since I played in front of so many people, and I'm worried about my viola not sounding out over the whole conference (poor little $400 student viola), but I have faith in Javi. He will do his best! :-)
We also had a fun ward activity this past week. It was supposed to be a mission work activity, but no one brought anybody. However, it was a Masterchef competition, and so we, the five missionaries, were the judges, so we got to try all of this delicious food. In the end, a guy from the coast won. His food was so good, and it's cool because last week, his wife gave us a rice mixture of clams, shrimp and octopus. And it was really good. The texture was a little hard for me, but man, aren't missions just the coolest thing ever?!This morning I said goodbye to Hermana Franco and Hermana Hartzog. I was sad to see them go. I love them, but this past six weeks has been really hard on me, trying to adjust back to the mission life. I felt emotionally and mentally drained every day. I never imagined it would be so hard to return to my mission. When I said goodbye to them, I just felt super tired all of a sudden, and while I was in the bathroom at the hermana lideres' house, I just started praying, and I started crying because I just felt so tired, and I didn't realize it until now. It's just been so hard. I'm glad that now, with my ankle all healed and a new trainee, I can have a fresh start and just have fun in Mitad del Mundo. And yep, that's right, I'm staying in Mitad del Mundo! WOOHOO!! My trainee's name is Hermana Caceres, and she's from Bolivia. Gosh, I'm excited for tomorrow.
So, there are these bread things called guaguas de pan. They're children made of bread, and they're how Ecuadorians basically celebrate Halloween. Children go from house to house, collecting bread on the 2nd of November, but every bakery has them now.
Anyway, I love you all lots. Thanks for your emails and love. Be kind, loving and supportive of one another. Don't lose faith in your trials--just know that God always has a plan.
Muchismo amor,
Hermana Kennedy
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Hermana Kennedy and Winter Isn't Just Coming--Winter is Here
Hiya fam! Here's my email to President Murphy:
Buenas tardes, Presidente!
Well, Paco was baptized and confirmed this past week! Yay! More than anything, I'm just so happy for his family. His wife has been a member since she was young, and she said that it was hard marrying a nonmember, but she always had faith that he would be baptized. At the service, his friend of many years (who is now serving as stake president) spoke about how happy he was to finally see Paco baptized. He didn't know himself when he was baptized how his life would change for the better, and he's glad that Paco can now experience that too. Paco's wife spoke at the baptism, as did Hermana Franco. You know, Hermana Franco is really interesting. She so often puts on this face of not caring and not having feelings, but really, deep down, she loves people for who they really are. She doesn't like showing it, but she does love people, and I'm grateful that in this transfer, I've had the opportunity not only to be her companion, but her friend as well. I hope that maybe she trusts me a little bit too.
Alicia Mosquera finally came to church. She hasn't been able to do so since we started asking her, but this past week, we stopped by her house, and she came out, all ready, and she really enjoyed it. She especially loved the hymns. I'm so grateful to see people accepting invitations to change their lives for the better.
We have two investigators with a baptismal date. We are planning on making one with Alicia this week, but currently we have Lilliana Rosado and her son, Christian. We contacted them, and they love having us come over. Lilliana has been church-hopping for a while, and she's really interested in the church, especially in the Plan of Salvation. After we taught that lesson, we went back, and it turns out that her eight-month-old niece passed away the day before. It was beautiful to be able to testify of the plan of salvation, and tell her that yes, we do miss the people we love when they die, and it's okay to be sad, but we can always have hope. We were able to share how little children live in Christ, and that her niece was going to be okay.
I love seeing the beauty of each sector. Though I've only had two sectors to this point, I love seeing how though each place is different, the yearning that people have for the truth is the same. This is the true church of Jesus Christ, restored on the earth today for our benefit. The Book of Mormon truly can bring us closer to God if we abide by its precepts, and I know that Joseph Smith was called by God to help restore the church as a prophet in this last dispensation. I love being a missionary, and though sometimes it's still hard being back, I know that it was the right decision. I love these people, and I love this Gospel, and what a wonderful privilege it is to preach about it every day. Thank you for all of your hard work. I love you and Hermana Murphy, and I'm so grateful for your examples.
Have a fantastic week!
Hermana Kennedy
Yep, Paco was baptized! Woohoo!!
So for all of you peeps up there in North America (Pennsylvania, Michigan, Utah), fall has begun, and you're preparing for Halloween and enjoying the changing leaves, apple cider, and cool brisk breeze. Well, here in Ecuador, there really are only two seasons. Dry and wet. And winter is wet. It has rained every day this past week, but it's so deceptive, because when we leave in the morning, it looks super hot and sunny, but by three or four in the afternoon, it is pouring rain. Like, streets are flooded everyday raining. Now, I love the rain, so I don't mind. In fact, last Tuesday, it started pouring for the first time at the end of district meeting, so everyone else starts complaining about how they didn't bring their jacket, while I just run out in mine and stand in the gorgeous rain. I mean, it was really so beautiful. They all thought it was crazy, but hey, why live life if you don't enjoy it? Rain makes me so happy. And Hermana Smith decided to join me, so we went out and stood there without our jackets.
Also, I discovered the secret to tea this week. I've never liked tea very much, because it's just water with a good smell, but tastes like watered-down water when I drink it. But man, if I add a ton of sugar, it enhances the flavor a TON, and it's so good! Now, this is all herbal tea, of course :-)
So, our investigator, Lilliana, has a son and a daughter. The son is 10, and the daughter is 6. They also happen to have chickens--like ten of them--and one giant rooster named Marc Antony. Yes, I know. Ecuadorians are strange sometimes. When it rains, they bring the chickens inside. So, over time we have gone over, it has started raining, so they bring the chickens in. Well Christian has discovered that I like his rooster. Marc Antony is seriously like a dog. He'll just sit there in your arms and let you pet him. So they love bringing their chickens to us and letting us hold them, and they love to put them on Hermana Franco's head :-)
It's the last week as a trio, so today we made the most of our free day in the tourist central. We went up the mountain to the read middle of the earth, called Catequilla. It was super cool, and I'll send pics. Too, we went to one of three inhabited craters on earth called Pululahua. It's actually pretty famous, and it started raining while we were there. We also ate good food and stopped by the offices in Quito to drop off Paco's baptismal record.
Changes are happening this Monday, so next week you all get to find out what happens to me next. President told us that there won't be a trio in this sector anymore, and we know that 30 new elders are coming in, so Hermana Franco thinks that they'll give our sector to the elders. She also thinks she's going to the Orient which is the jungle part of our sector. I actually wouldn't mind staying here, but I think I might be leaving. But we will find out on Saturday night, so oh boy!
I love you all and thanks for your emails!
Have a great week!
Love,
Hermana Kennedy
Buenas tardes, Presidente!
Well, Paco was baptized and confirmed this past week! Yay! More than anything, I'm just so happy for his family. His wife has been a member since she was young, and she said that it was hard marrying a nonmember, but she always had faith that he would be baptized. At the service, his friend of many years (who is now serving as stake president) spoke about how happy he was to finally see Paco baptized. He didn't know himself when he was baptized how his life would change for the better, and he's glad that Paco can now experience that too. Paco's wife spoke at the baptism, as did Hermana Franco. You know, Hermana Franco is really interesting. She so often puts on this face of not caring and not having feelings, but really, deep down, she loves people for who they really are. She doesn't like showing it, but she does love people, and I'm grateful that in this transfer, I've had the opportunity not only to be her companion, but her friend as well. I hope that maybe she trusts me a little bit too.Alicia Mosquera finally came to church. She hasn't been able to do so since we started asking her, but this past week, we stopped by her house, and she came out, all ready, and she really enjoyed it. She especially loved the hymns. I'm so grateful to see people accepting invitations to change their lives for the better.
We have two investigators with a baptismal date. We are planning on making one with Alicia this week, but currently we have Lilliana Rosado and her son, Christian. We contacted them, and they love having us come over. Lilliana has been church-hopping for a while, and she's really interested in the church, especially in the Plan of Salvation. After we taught that lesson, we went back, and it turns out that her eight-month-old niece passed away the day before. It was beautiful to be able to testify of the plan of salvation, and tell her that yes, we do miss the people we love when they die, and it's okay to be sad, but we can always have hope. We were able to share how little children live in Christ, and that her niece was going to be okay.
I love seeing the beauty of each sector. Though I've only had two sectors to this point, I love seeing how though each place is different, the yearning that people have for the truth is the same. This is the true church of Jesus Christ, restored on the earth today for our benefit. The Book of Mormon truly can bring us closer to God if we abide by its precepts, and I know that Joseph Smith was called by God to help restore the church as a prophet in this last dispensation. I love being a missionary, and though sometimes it's still hard being back, I know that it was the right decision. I love these people, and I love this Gospel, and what a wonderful privilege it is to preach about it every day. Thank you for all of your hard work. I love you and Hermana Murphy, and I'm so grateful for your examples.
Have a fantastic week!
Hermana Kennedy
Yep, Paco was baptized! Woohoo!!
So for all of you peeps up there in North America (Pennsylvania, Michigan, Utah), fall has begun, and you're preparing for Halloween and enjoying the changing leaves, apple cider, and cool brisk breeze. Well, here in Ecuador, there really are only two seasons. Dry and wet. And winter is wet. It has rained every day this past week, but it's so deceptive, because when we leave in the morning, it looks super hot and sunny, but by three or four in the afternoon, it is pouring rain. Like, streets are flooded everyday raining. Now, I love the rain, so I don't mind. In fact, last Tuesday, it started pouring for the first time at the end of district meeting, so everyone else starts complaining about how they didn't bring their jacket, while I just run out in mine and stand in the gorgeous rain. I mean, it was really so beautiful. They all thought it was crazy, but hey, why live life if you don't enjoy it? Rain makes me so happy. And Hermana Smith decided to join me, so we went out and stood there without our jackets.
Also, I discovered the secret to tea this week. I've never liked tea very much, because it's just water with a good smell, but tastes like watered-down water when I drink it. But man, if I add a ton of sugar, it enhances the flavor a TON, and it's so good! Now, this is all herbal tea, of course :-)
So, our investigator, Lilliana, has a son and a daughter. The son is 10, and the daughter is 6. They also happen to have chickens--like ten of them--and one giant rooster named Marc Antony. Yes, I know. Ecuadorians are strange sometimes. When it rains, they bring the chickens inside. So, over time we have gone over, it has started raining, so they bring the chickens in. Well Christian has discovered that I like his rooster. Marc Antony is seriously like a dog. He'll just sit there in your arms and let you pet him. So they love bringing their chickens to us and letting us hold them, and they love to put them on Hermana Franco's head :-)
It's the last week as a trio, so today we made the most of our free day in the tourist central. We went up the mountain to the read middle of the earth, called Catequilla. It was super cool, and I'll send pics. Too, we went to one of three inhabited craters on earth called Pululahua. It's actually pretty famous, and it started raining while we were there. We also ate good food and stopped by the offices in Quito to drop off Paco's baptismal record.
I love you all and thanks for your emails!
Have a great week!
Love,
Hermana Kennedy
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| I saved these snails from being stepped on. They reminded me of the ones in Germany! |
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Hermana Kennedy and the Mandarin Monster
Hi family. So we got to the internet place a little late today which is why this may be shorter.
President,
We currently have one investigator with a baptismal date. Paco has his interview tonight, and if he passes, he will be baptized on Saturday! We are so excited for him. His wife and sons have been waiting a very long time for this, and they will be an amazing source of love and support for him. Too, he is already participating in Gospel Principles, and he has found some friends in Priesthood meeting, so we aren't worried about his long term conversion. He was really touched by his younger son's recent baptism which is why he finally decided to start listening to the missionaries. I'm happy to be here to help him continue.
We had a great experience this past week with Power Hour. It isn't something I've ever done before, but Hermana Smith suggested it last week during exchanges, so we decided to implement it into our week. From it, we found not only six nuevos, but also a lot of potential investigators. It was amazing the difference between just regular contacting, and actually contacting with a goal and purpose in mind. I loved seeing the Lord's hand in that time, and I'm excited to continue it this week.
Thanks for all that you do. Have a great week.
Hermana Kennedy
We are so excited for Paco, and I'm especially excited for Hermana Franco, because if he passes his interview, this will be her first baptism in her whole five months on the mission. I know that that doesn't sound like anything for Ethan and Mark, but here that's pretty rough. She's always been transferred before baptisms of people she's taught, so this will be really exciting for her.
So right now, it's mandarin season in Ecuador. No, I don't mean that there are a lot of Chinese people here in Ecuador. I mean the oranges. On almost every bus, men and women come on holding huge bags of mandarin oranges, yelling "Mandarinas! Mandarinas! Un dollar! Un dollar!" Well, it's like twelve mandarins for a dollar, and who can pass up that deal? I love the mandarins here, so I've bought two of those twelve orange bags in two weeks. And, we have investigators and members giving us each at least one each day. My companions sometimes don't want theirs, so I eat them. Needless to say, I don't think I'm lacking in Vitamin C right now. I have eaten, and will continue to eat, many mandarin oranges.
Also, today was my first day without my boot! Yay! My ankle is actually doing great. I don't have
any pain or anything. I can tell though that my body is a little stressed without the support of the boot. I guess I'll have to adjust once more to a new situation :-) But it's so nice not to have it. Because it's so dang hot here, I was sweating all the time, and my boot had a very interesting smell to it. I am very glad to be rid of it.
And our zone headed into Quito today to go bowling! It was super fun, and my trio got to be in a lane with three hilarious elders. One is having a very hard time with his companion, another had a companion who didn't want to bowl, and the other's companion was more interested in hanging with the other native Spanish speakers. So, those of us who were bowling REALLY WANTED to bowl! I'm afraid I did not win, although I came in a close second, which I would say isn't bad for a recently unbooted hermana.
And how great was this General Conference? We got to have an English room with the other English speaking missionaries, so I listened in my native tongue. Two of my favorite talks were from Elder Donald L. Hallstrom and Elder Neil L. Andersen. I loved Elder Hallstrom's talk because it made me think about my own situation. The ankle thing has been horribly hard on me, and I think when I received a priesthood blessing the day after my first doctor's appointment, I didn't have the faith to NOT be healed. I sort of hoped that my ankle would miraculously heal, and I wouldn't even need the boot for six weeks. But then came the news that I would be going home, and I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that God would send me away from the work I loved so much. But God has His mysteries, and who are we to expect anything from Him? He has given us this beautiful life, and what more should we ask from Him? As it was, my ankle (though I was walking on it for two weeks in a less than great boot on the rocky roads of San Pablo) was, as Dr. Moore put it, healing perfectly. And God has helped me in these last four weeks to not tire out as fast, and to be able to keep walking.
Too, I loved Elder Andersen's talk. I'm not one of those people who can take notes during General Conference, because I know that I'll get the Ensign later, and I like to just focus on how I feel. I know that he talked about President Nelson which was beautiful, especially since it was like an introduction to our next prophet. That's just what I believe; it's not doctrine. But I just remember that I had this beautiful feeling all through his talk, and something he said at the end brought me to tears. It's so silly that I can't remember it, but I know it made me feel the Spirit. If you didn't have the chance to watch conference, or if you would like to do so, you can do it at lds.org. It's a chance to listen to living apostles of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and it will touch your heart.
I love you all,
Hermana Kennedy
President,
We currently have one investigator with a baptismal date. Paco has his interview tonight, and if he passes, he will be baptized on Saturday! We are so excited for him. His wife and sons have been waiting a very long time for this, and they will be an amazing source of love and support for him. Too, he is already participating in Gospel Principles, and he has found some friends in Priesthood meeting, so we aren't worried about his long term conversion. He was really touched by his younger son's recent baptism which is why he finally decided to start listening to the missionaries. I'm happy to be here to help him continue.
We had a great experience this past week with Power Hour. It isn't something I've ever done before, but Hermana Smith suggested it last week during exchanges, so we decided to implement it into our week. From it, we found not only six nuevos, but also a lot of potential investigators. It was amazing the difference between just regular contacting, and actually contacting with a goal and purpose in mind. I loved seeing the Lord's hand in that time, and I'm excited to continue it this week.
Thanks for all that you do. Have a great week.
Hermana Kennedy
We are so excited for Paco, and I'm especially excited for Hermana Franco, because if he passes his interview, this will be her first baptism in her whole five months on the mission. I know that that doesn't sound like anything for Ethan and Mark, but here that's pretty rough. She's always been transferred before baptisms of people she's taught, so this will be really exciting for her.
 |
| A zone activity |
Also, today was my first day without my boot! Yay! My ankle is actually doing great. I don't have
any pain or anything. I can tell though that my body is a little stressed without the support of the boot. I guess I'll have to adjust once more to a new situation :-) But it's so nice not to have it. Because it's so dang hot here, I was sweating all the time, and my boot had a very interesting smell to it. I am very glad to be rid of it.
 |
| My first day without my official boot. But I still wore my mission boots to bowl :-) |
And how great was this General Conference? We got to have an English room with the other English speaking missionaries, so I listened in my native tongue. Two of my favorite talks were from Elder Donald L. Hallstrom and Elder Neil L. Andersen. I loved Elder Hallstrom's talk because it made me think about my own situation. The ankle thing has been horribly hard on me, and I think when I received a priesthood blessing the day after my first doctor's appointment, I didn't have the faith to NOT be healed. I sort of hoped that my ankle would miraculously heal, and I wouldn't even need the boot for six weeks. But then came the news that I would be going home, and I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that God would send me away from the work I loved so much. But God has His mysteries, and who are we to expect anything from Him? He has given us this beautiful life, and what more should we ask from Him? As it was, my ankle (though I was walking on it for two weeks in a less than great boot on the rocky roads of San Pablo) was, as Dr. Moore put it, healing perfectly. And God has helped me in these last four weeks to not tire out as fast, and to be able to keep walking.
Too, I loved Elder Andersen's talk. I'm not one of those people who can take notes during General Conference, because I know that I'll get the Ensign later, and I like to just focus on how I feel. I know that he talked about President Nelson which was beautiful, especially since it was like an introduction to our next prophet. That's just what I believe; it's not doctrine. But I just remember that I had this beautiful feeling all through his talk, and something he said at the end brought me to tears. It's so silly that I can't remember it, but I know it made me feel the Spirit. If you didn't have the chance to watch conference, or if you would like to do so, you can do it at lds.org. It's a chance to listen to living apostles of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and it will touch your heart.
I love you all,
Hermana Kennedy
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