HELLO EVERYONE!!! HOORAYYY FOR THE NEW YEAR!! Holy smokes! Looks like you guys partied it up (and Dad was even awake!?! Gee must have been quite the party) And I'm glad to see that the Martinelli tradition lives on :) I got your package! Perfect! We celebrated a "New York New Year" by pretending that it was midnight at 10:00 haha. Some Sisters on our floor got out orange chocolate balls to pretend like it was the ball dropping in NY and we had a countdown and a toast to the new year before curfew at 10:30) ha! Great times. Other than that, it feels like life just keeps going on...How are the new year's resolutions coming? Gilad here we come? haha (I have to tell you these exercise classes are almost as good as him-- even though the instructor is due next month to have a girl- we're all pretty amazed that she can whip us into such good shape so early in the morning). How about the Year's predictions? Anymore that were made?? Let me know so I can be held accountable. :)
As for the NewYear's goals, I've been trying to set some for myself as well--not necessarily to lose 10 lbs or even anything that has to do with school (STRANGE) actually, I've really been trying to focus on some short-term and long-term things I would like to do...and so far they're coming along. We had a district planning meeting with our new teacher and he set some concrete goals for us to work towards, which will be really good for us. Our "Key indicators" for the week are the number of lessons taught (to pretend investigators) then "practices" of teaching skills (i.e. sharing a scripture, transitions, or asking good questions), then Preach My Gospel Activities that are spread throughout the book, then also hours of Spanish that we talk/day. We set them as a companionship and then we are held accountable for our whole district. I think we might have set our sights a little too high for this week, but it's good to keep us working hard and focused throughout the whole day.
So, my companionship consists of Hna. Rios and Hna Benavides...both of which are actually leaving to go to the Guatemala MTC next Mon & Tues. I guess I'll hook on to another companionship when they leave. Every comp. has a different dynamic when we're put altogther...and this week was the "adjustment" period. At first it was a little hard to get used to everyone and how they "rolled" but since we've all gotten pretty close and have started to understand each other and really work well together. We had a bonding experience when we went to the TRC (on a whim) for the first time this week. It was the second day we had all been together, the first time we'd taught together, and the first time we'd done it officially in Spanish. I have to admit it was definitely not as successful as the time when Mitch went...but it was a LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR SURE :) Gotta love those in life, right? We were matched up with other advanced Spanish speaking missionaries (i.e. Natives) who didn't really understand the situation or the part they were supposed to play. So I don't really know how it happened, but it ended up that my compas were scared to say a word. Since I'm not a huge fan of those awkward silences I started to just "sputter out my mouth" some questions and testimony, and then I put a pause button on the situation, and we all just took a deep breath right there in the lesson, and then we discussed some things that they COULD say, even if they feel frusterated that they can't express themselves completely. But, then, we started again, and they bore the sweetest testimony and invited the spirit immediately. SO we've learned one of our first lessons that the Lord has to have us humbled to use us as instruments. Some people need to learn Spanish, others (me) need to learn how to teach by the power of the spirit...and all of us could use a large pill of companionship unity in teaching. Even though some tears were shed by Hna Benavides, I think we've learned some lessons and moving on with how we can improve. hoooo
We were able to go to the temple today!! It was awesome. Honestly, I was a little nervous not to be able to sit by Mom and have her help me with everything, but it went smoother than usual..and I'm finally feeling like I have somewhat of a grasp on how I can learn and apply what goes on there. The spirit was so strong and it is such a refresher and rejuvinator---it seemed like forever ago since I was able to go last, and I felt like it brought something that I had been missing. There are still so many things I don't understand, or don't quite "get" but there is no doubt that the temple is so important, and I am so very blessed to have a family that can be there with me!! Curt: we're all rooting for you! (..and I can't imagine doing a session in Spanish- God speed Elder Child-- p.s. I shared your emails with your district and they are making all of us pumped! for the work...you are awesome!!- hopefully you get my letter soon)
I still LOVE it here so much. I don't think this firey feeling is ever going to leave. I love learning and growing and experiencing what this opportunity has to offer. My testimony of the restoration and Jesus Christ has grown so much! - and how it can be applied in our lives is amazing. It truly can help us in whatever we're going through...I LOVE IT! There is no other way that can bring us this much peace and this much happiness, no way. I love the way it makes me feel, and the things that it pushes me to do, and the person that it makes me want to become. There is so much deliciousness that I just want inside of me--I just have to remember to take a little piece of the cake at a time.
TELL ME ALL that is going on-- sorry I didn't have time to read the email, but I'll spend time pouring over the Dear Elder, and I love all of the pictures. They are awesome, and I'll ask about Ferry.
Thank you soSO much for the love and support it means the world! Hna Child
I love you and miss you in the best way possible!! xoxox
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