THE NEWS, Funny, and Magic

Everyone!

 

So many happenings everyday! Where to begin? I will only share the most exciting and basic, and even then, I must place limits.

 

First of all, let's talk about THE NEWS, shall we? And by "THE NEWS," I am of course referring to the announcement that 18-yr-old boys and 19-yr-old girls can become 18 and 19-year-old MISSIONARIES. Do you even realize how exciting it is to be a missionary right now??? I haven't talked about this before with ya'll, but we talk about it all of the time here--for obvious reasons.  Richard Heaton, one of the MTC administrators, (and my roomie, Audrey's, unce), spoke at a devotional a few weeks back and explained that starting in mid-Feb, most of us will be TRAINING for the remainder of our missions.  I don't know if that's going to be 100% the case for me, but the point is:  we will be at the forefront of this movement of missionaries--leaders in the beginning of the days of  "hastening the Lord's work". I feel SO blessed to be in this place at this time with these people.  It's been and up-and-down road getting here, as many of you know, but I know I am exactly where I belong.  This thought was magnified after reading my patriarchal blessing the other day.  How could I have EVER questioned that a mission was right for me??? Ah! I just love this.  I'm already sort of sad that it's going to end in just 17-ish short months, and I'm determined to make the most of it.

 

On this note, I wanted to congratulate all of you (in a blanketed sort of way) who have decided to go on missions! I'm SO EXCITED for you! For those of you still deciding/considering, maintain the knowledge that this is just an option. Entonces, if you're a 19-yr-old girl and have the opportunity but don't feel like you want or need it or like it's maybe not the right time for you...don't feel pressure. Just a disclaimer.  For those of you going, whether or not your MTC arrival date is in the near future, you best be preparing with all of you mighty heart.  With the shortened time in the MTC, you'll no longer have time to "figure it out" once you get here.  You have to be better prepared than I was two weeks ago.  That being said, here's my humble, 2-weeks-in-the-MTC advice for ya:

 

1. STUDY PREACH MY GOSPEL LIKE THE ETERNAL FATE OF THE WORLD DEPENDS ON IT. Because it basically does. But really, it's completely inspired and wonderful.  It will bless your life in and out of the mission. (Aka read it even if you're not on a mission!)  Be familiar with all the of chapters, doctrines, principles, etc. Study, memorize, and strive to understand your purpose as a missionary and as a disciple of Christ. 

 

2. Study the Book of Mormon. For obvious reasons.  Know it and love it to a point that you a bursting with the desire and ability to share it with the entire world.

 

3. Practice teaching and sharing the doctrines and principles of the Gospel. (Take mission prep classes and opportunities seriously)

 

4. Be aware of what you're commiting to, and then COMMIT.  Gain a testimony of obedience now so you don't waste a minute of those 18-24 precious months of the Lord's time.

 

...And...that's all. Hope it didn't sound self-righteous. I know I've only been here a few weeks. I'm definitely no expert, but I can promise that in doing at least some of these things, the MTC experience will be more effective for you. Don't stress, but definitely take your preparations seriously.

 

And onto my normal letter:

 

This Sunday was a beautiful day. Autumn wins in all things. We heard a devotional from Bro and Sis Roach, who actually presented the devotional together, as a couple.  It was super cute and super powerful all at once--definitely one of those head-tilting-Aw,-I-so-want-to-do-that-with-my-husband-someday sort of moments for all of us hermanas. Right after the devo, we went a watched a video of an MTC Devotional given by Elder Bednar about how to recognize revelation. It changed my life.  The jist of it:  Quit worrying about it! Be a good boy. Be a good girl. Move forward with faith. We won't always know when the spirit is guiding us in the moment that it's guiding us. But it IS guiding us. And that's all that matters. ...Yeah, I needed that.  Gotta love Elder Bednar.

 

So, now onto funny and magical things...

 

Funny: 

 

One one of my first few days here, I definitely ran into a pole. And I say "definitely" because there is absolutely NO DENYING that I ran into that thing.  We're talkin' full-body, forehead-to-chest-to stomach-to legs contact with a very metal pole. My limbs went a-sprawling to either side of it, and there was a plentitud of witnesses to testify the fact--including my 2 elders who like to bring it every 2 seconds. ...yeah...I'm going to be a great missionary.

 

Also Funny: 

 

Sunday morn began with a 6:15am firedrill...except that it was a less of a "drill" and more of a dustmite that got into the alarm system...which meant that we had to spend an hour or so sprawled around the big gym area, which was all set up for church that day, which meant that there was a piano accessible, which meant that all of us super-righteous sister missionaries began to sing hymns in the midst of this little 6:30am emergency situation.  My companions and I escaped to the back room where the gen authorities hang out before devotionals.  They slept on the floor in the corner while ALISSE FRANDSEN (who was also against the concept of pre-7am hymn-singing) and I giggled on a coach nearby. So, while I didn't get a desperately-needed shower that day (p.s. I'm going to be buying dry-shampoo someday soon. Great stuff, I hear), the whole ordeal turned out to be a tender mercy and a beautiful experience with my dear roommate who I won't get to see for a very long time after November 7th (which, fyi, is when I leave the MTC for LA). We also go to see the stars.  Which was nice.

 

Magic:

 

FIRST SNOW!!! Ah! My companeras and I gave ourselves a Lorelai Gilmore moment of joyous splendor upon its arrival here. 'Twas beautiful.  And then I forced my elders to go outside with me and take  pictures in it later that day. Hopefuly someday I'll learn how to attach pics to this thing.

 

So...that's all of everything.  I love you people tremendously. Thanks for the love, support, sacrifice, and prayers.  I feel bolstered and lifted by them everyday. Remember that Heavenly Father loves you and is blessing you everyday. You're in mis oraciones y mi corazon.

 

Love ya'll,

 

Hermana Wells

"Elderes y Hermana..."

Friends! Family! How I love you! Thank you to those of you have written me! There was once a point when I wasn''t sure if I wanted a lot of letters b/c I worried about staying focused. I have since changed my mindset COMPLETELY. Letters have been a great source of strength for me here, and I now feel guilty for not making more of an effort with all of my friends and family members who have served before me. Blanket apology. :/ 

 

SO...I''m still pretty in love w/ this place. There have been very few downs and moments of stress, but also a lot of glorious rebounds and spiritual highs. The Lord is walking me along. It''s pretty amazing, actually. We started teaching, which has been a HOLY COW sort of process--and the main source of the greatest joys and stresses I have experienced here. Being in advanced spanish district means we get a lot less of the training wheels in everything--not just the language. In the beginning of this week, we had to figure out a lot on our own and there seemed to be very little time and a very big expectations, which was frustrating for all of us--but an incredible process. And we are IMPROVING. That''s what we''re trying to focus on. So so so incredibly far from perfect...but improved from 9 days ago. I''m praying the improvements will double themselves as some of my elders only have another 10 days or so before we hit the field. Ain''t that CRAZY????

 

So, if you missed it in the last e-mail, I am what they call a SOLO SISTER here or '""HERMANA SOLA""...which means that I am the only hermana in a district of native spanish-speaking elders. It's an interesting and unique spot to be in for a variety of reasons. In sum:

 

UPS to being an HERMANA SOLA:

 

1. Lots o'' wonderful companions 

 

 Hermana Dopp and Hermana Eberle from another district:  So incredible wonderful! Hermana Dopp is the cousin of my friend, Cade Dopp, and reminds me a great deal of my dear friend, Hermana Madison Moffat.  She''s also a lot like my friend, Alisse Frandsen, who I have run into several times on campus--each time being a joyful experience.  All of these things, in and of themselves, have been tender mercies. Hermana Dopp is an amazing friend and incredible missionary. And Hermana Eberle! They are the perfect balance for me.  Hermana Eberle is from the east coast and all of the good that that entails. She knows who she is, she knows the gospel and the scriptures, and shes STRONG.  And I mean that in all of the best connatations and absolutely NONE of the negative. She''s wonderful.]  [Elder Lopez and Daboin are my teaching companions from my actual district. Born in Mexico (Aguas Calientes! So close to Irapuato!) and Venezuela, respectively, but both moved to Utah 10+ years ago, so they speak both alnguages incredibly well.  This has been a blessing in all ways. They help me chill out and be myself. It''s a great companionship. :) 

 

DOWNS to being an HERMANA SOLA

 

1. Lots o'' feelin'' like a 2-year-old and a cranky old woman

 

""Elder, you stand in the hallway so you can see me studying in the room and Elder Daboin''s foot as it sticks out around the corner where the drinking fountain is""

 

""Elders, I have to go to the bathroom....""  [groans...]

 

""Elderes! Study time! Vamos!"" 

 

""Elderes, stop drawing on the white board! We''re teaching in like 10 minutes!"" (said as lovingly as possible...)

 

 

 

...Okay, time is up. Ay. Someday I''ll get better at this. I love you all dearly.  Know that I am happy and loving every minute of this--yes, even the stressful minutes.  I''m learning and improving so much in all aspects, and I am loving the individuals who surround me.  Heavenly Father loves us. He is aware of us. And He places us where we need to be when we need to be there.  I love Him, I love His Gospel and I love you!

 

Keep writing me! It brings me the greatest of joys!

 

Love,

 

Hermana Wells

 

 

P.S.  Relief Society on Sunday: Sister Burton! Aka the new RS gen president.   NBD.  She was wonderful--so humble and yet so powerful. I really love her as a person and as a leader. Next time, I''ll try to write more about specific lessons and things I am learning. 

Fall. In Love.

First of all, I love love LOVE being a missionary.  The day I came into the MTC was an amazing rush of all sorts of emotion.  A few hours before the 1pm due date, I drove up to Squaw Peak with my grandfather.  It was an INCREDIBLE experience.  For those of you who know me and my adoration of Fall colors and mountains and spectacular views and all things Autumn and outside, you will know how ideal and healing this was for me.  It was perfecto.  We got to the top and had a great conversation all along the way.  I love that man, and the more that I get to know him, the more he astounds me and the more inspired I feel to continue his legacy.  I am so blessed. We said a prayer and he reminded me about Moses and other prophets who began their mission with the ascension of a mountain.  I love this.  Obviously.  I mean, who doesn't wanna be like Moses???

 

Ah! Time is flying! How do people do this??? 

 

So now begins the list.

 

Get to the MTC. 2 missionaries come and steal your bags, which I was not expecting, but was obviously incredibly grateful for as a notorious overpacker.  Get in line with a whole bunch of other sister missionaries (who are also overpackers. Solidarity), and feel CRAZY with excitement and joy and all emotions that swirl together to become what I call TWITTERPATION. Yes, hermanos, I was in love.  Literally, I feel the same way after a really great date or when I like a boy a lot.  So, I was confused for a bit until I remembered that I LOVE THIS.  Missionary work makes me twitterpated. 

 

Entonces, first day=twitterpation. Overwhelming, uncontrollable, confused excitement as I shuffled from identical building to identical building with a whole bunch of other dazed and starry-eyed newbie missionaries.

 

Meet the district!  I'm a solo sister in an advanced Spanish district (entonces, 4 native spanish-speaking elders...and me), which was TERRIFYING at first , but has been ideal for me in so many ways.  There are lots of interesting rules for us solo sisters that generally make me feel like a small child being traded off from parent to parent all the time, but basically it means I either ahve to be w/ 2 elders from my district (which my branch pres reminded them was a BLESSING), or with my two fabulous companeras from another district, Hermana Dopp and Eberle. I want to tell you all about these WONDERFUL people, and it literally kills me that I cannot...the numbers in the top right hand corner are screaming at me to stop.

 

So, real fast:  2nd day=excitement and spiritual energy turns to focus. We meet more teachers, we learn our purpose, we STUDY.

 

3rd day: meet the teachers. Also amazing. Wish I had more time share.Started teaching...it was a challenge, but I'm SO excited to practice more.

 

 Long story short:  It's been intense, and full and lifted.  I adore this work.  I live for this work.  I am EXACTLY WHERE I BELONG, and I LOVE IT.

 

And I LOVE YOU.

 

Write me, please. Use dearelder. It's fastest

 

Love,

 

Hermana Wells

The Call

I have wanted to serve a mission for as long as I can remember.  In fact, I distinctly remember at the age of 6-ish telling my older sister's friend, Lindsey, that a mission was what I wanted to do "when I grew up."  I didn't understand then that being a missionary is not a career, but part of your identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Whether or not I am a full-time volunteer missionary, I should be striving to live my beliefs and my Faith in such a way that I am inviting others to Christ on a daily basis by loving word and/or example.

That being said, the idea of a full-time mission has been in the back of my mind for a very long time. I knew that I would need to prayerfully consider it when the appropriate time came.  About a year ago, I began to realize that I had arrived at the "appropriate time." I prayerfully began to prepare for and plan on leaving on a mission when I reached the then-designated age of 21 in July 2012.  Other opportunities presented themselves (an internship in Mexico this past summer and other research and job opportunities for the coming Fall), and I decided to postpone my mission until December.  But THEN...the April 2012 General Conference happened. And I realized I couldn't wait.  So, I started and submitted my papers in a matter of 3 weeks (which is pretty fast for those of you who don't know) before I left for my internship in Mexico.

Getting the call proved another complicated challenge. But lo and behold, it came to my possession sometime in late May at the Hotel Flamingo in Irapuato, MX (easily one of my favorite and most significant places in Mexico).

That's it. And me. Smiling.  Really big. 

I joyfully opened it next to the hotel pool.  It said something like this:

May 1, 2012

Dear Sister Wells,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the California Los Angeles Mission. In addition to your calling to share the gospel, you will be assigned to serve in the Los Angeles Visitors' Center.  It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012. While at the Missionary Training Center, you will receive special training in conducting tours.  You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president. 

The LA Temple in all its glorious beauty. Apparently it's HUGE. I can't wait to see it!

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel.  You will be an official representative of the Church.  As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living mission rules, and following the counsel of your visitors' center director and your mission president.  As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with the increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement., repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.  As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life.  Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children.  We place our confidence in you and pray that the Lord will help you become an effective missionary.

You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president.  Please send your written acceptance promptly, endorsed by your bishop.

Sincerely,

Thomas S. Monson, 
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I have since returned from Mexico, and ended up postponing my MTC report date by 6 weeks so that I could have sufficient time to finish my internship research report and prepare for my mission mentally, financially, and emotionally.  This has also proved to be a complicated process, but now...it's HERE. I report to the MTC in 3 days' time, and I could not be more excited. 

I want to take a second to thank all of you for making this possible. My parents, siblings, church leaders, teachers, and friends have lifted me and taught me through word, example, and sacrifice over the course of my life. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and for helping me to live the principles of the gospel.  I have a testimony that you were each in my life at very distinct times for a reason and a purpose. I hope you have felt my love and gratitude for you.

I know that God lives and that He loves us more than we can possibly comprehend.  I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the Truth of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that we can become like our Heavenly Father by obedience to its principles and laws.  I love this Gospel and the joy it brings me as I live it.  I love my Savior Jesus Christ.  I know He atoned for my sins and my weaknesses, and that through His Atonement, I am enabled and lifted to love and serve more deeply.

I cannot wait to share these truths with my fellow brothers and sisters in the beautiful and diverse Los Angeles, California.

Love ya'll muchisimo,

Abbs

(Soon-to-be "Hermana Wells")

P.S. General Conference could not be a more perfect missionary send-off!  I hope you all got a chance to enjoy it. If not, check out lds.org for a repeat.

The Beaches of Santander: Viewer discretion advised.

You know what they say about European beaches…

Okay, so this is about as much of a nude beach as I got.  What is it about naked babies and why are they so dang cute???

Our adventures in Santander began with a glorious afternoon at the beach with beyond-salty, rip-curling waves and ended with an hour-long trek from downtown back to our hotel at 1:30am with 2 older couples from Madrid (who taught me dirty words in Spanish) and a few rather gorgeous Santanderian guys as our guides...because don’t you know the buses stop working after 22:00???

…Fill those bookends with a breathtakingly gorgeous hike to the semi-famous lighthouse for sunset, a hilarious bus ride with a group of 13 and 14-year old chicas who agreed to show us our way to the downtown, a mildly intimidating rendevouz with 5 of the most beautiful drunk Germans I have ever seen, tasty tapas at a jam-packed bar, and the best Dulce de Leche ice cream of my life, and you have a shelf full of my epic Santanderian adventures.   With an epilogue of skinny-dipping in the Atlantic later that night and a fabulous ocean sunrise from my hotel window, I literally could not have dreamed it better. 

And luckily for you, it was well-documented:

This awesome wall that, despite being almost completely submerged in water every night with the high tide, somehow manages to exist.  Hence my triumphant, life-embracing pose.  

Beautiful discovery numero dos.  Random, perfectly landscaped  parque. 

Michelle and Jessie walking, unawares of my stalker photography tendencies.

Yup, this was once my reality. I'm jealous of my past self right now.  You should be too.

Just chilling at the top of a mountain with a lighthouse, watching a sunset that we hadn't really planned to see.

In Santander, Spain.

NBD.

Hungry faces awaiting their fantastic tapas. 

Me, after the first bite of the best helado I've ever had in my entire life.  The Flave:  Dulce de Leche.  As you can see, it was entirely unexpected.

Ocean sunrise from my hotel window.  Aka:  God really REALLY loves me, and He knows this is all He's gotta do to remind me. 

You should be sighing right about now. 

And telling yourself you WILL travel to Spain someday, if only to eat an ice cream cone and stare at a perfectly divine sunset.

Go ahead, buy your ticket now:  http://www.expedia.es/?rfrr=Redirect.From.www.expedia.com%2FHome.htm.  

But maybe you should check this one first:  https://www.wellsfargo.com/

Anywho, life here is lovely.  Thanks for checking in, mom. 

Sincerely, 

Abbs

P.S.  I was just kidding about the skinny-dipping thing.  But regardless, Freedom is Nudity.  (Please note the caps.)

Segovia: Aqua, Ducks, and Sleeping Beauty Castles.

I know what you're thinking. But here, I'll save you the trouble:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A&ob=av2e

Please note that, as exhibited in the above picture, I have finally learned how to create both a caption and a link to another internet site.

So, we went on a little day trip to Segovia a few weeks ago and as you can imagine, this beautiful hunk of stones was the star of the show.  Sin cement, it's one of the oldest standing Roman structures in the world and they just stopped using it a few years ago.  Incredible, no?  If you really want to learn more about the Roman Aqueduct, you should click on this fancy link that I just learned how to make.

Yes, we all know Belle is better, but only the blondes get the castles.  

Except me. Ha.

                                             

And this is the Alcázar of Segovia or in other words, Sleeping Beauty's Castle.  Every Spanish tourist and their dog has this exact same picture. I apologize for my unoriginality.

And this is our uber European tour guide in Segovia.  He didn't like us very much.  

This is el Palacio Cristal in El Parque Retiro en Madrid and me with my home girl, Jessie. It's beautiful and it changed my life...both the palace and the home girl.

These are some of my cute SA friends posing by some columns in the park.

And this is the cool protest we saw one day when we were in Madrid.  We couldn't get close enough to tell if they were for or against the recent change in the Spanish Constitution.


Anyway, sorry for the scatter-brained post.  It only took me like a month to write.  But I promise there's more to come soon!  I'm trying to do a quick catch-up so I can get back on track.

Love you all mucho,

Abbs

Spanish Firsts

I am reviving this old thing once and for all. My reasoning: My life is actually worth reading about now. To the point of what I'm sure will be disbelief from all of my readers (aka my parents and the 3 of my friends who actually follow these sorts of things). 'Cause you see, I'm in Spain now. Which somehow makes me 20x cooler than I once was...but still 20x less cool than e

veryone else here. Which is okay. Europeans are entitled.

Anyway, we'll see how this blog renovation actually goes down; because, determined as I am in this moment, I have never been very good at this life-documenting thing outside of the intimate, you-don't-wanna-hear-about-it details that I record in m

y journal. And I'm even worse with technology. But who knows? I am 20x cooler now, after all. Just don't 'spect too much out of poor little me, a'ight?

Alright, my ever-present disclaimer has ended. Now:

I am here! After fumbling through three different airports with two norm-ginous suitcases and all of my obese Americaness, I am here. En EspaNa. Un poca enferma, but alive and happy to be in this fabulous city of mine. En serio, Alcalá is exactly as pictured in all of my Spanish fantasies...though slightly bigger and more complicated to navigate. I anxiously await the day in which I glide through these streets with ease, wearing a fedora and smoking one of those long Cruella deVille cigarettes. But seeing as we found ourselves walking in a circle 2 or 3 different times on our way home from the train station the other night, somethi

ng tells me we have a while before the word of wisdom-breaking can begin. We have to break up with our huge, ugly tourist maps first.

First day in Madrid. Love my group already.

Annika Huish es mi beautiful, stylish, talented, very fluent and therefore incredibly helpful roommate. She's probably one of the nicest people I've ever met. Ever-patient with her terribly American roommate and quick as a fox with this whole Spanish thing. And she's just great w

ith people in general, you know? Love her. I have a ton to learn from esta chica. Other fun facts: She served a mini-mission in Argentina this summer. Also, those of you from Mesa may recognize her as she gradumadated from Mountain View (gag) in 2010. She turned out alright though.

And sitting at the table with her in this picture is my host family. They're fantastic. Juana es our mama and Guillerno es one of our brothers (age 22), who was kind enough to show us around the city our first day. Funny, funny boy.

This is our room and all of our American stuff. Except my cute sunglasses that I bought at H&M. Why this store has not moved to Utah yet I cannot say, 'cause we girls go a little crazy in that place. Correction: Annika goes a little crazy in that place. I managed to escape with just a pair of cheap sunglasses, and I only bought them because my friend Alli told me I would get wrinkles from squinting if I didn't buy some immediately.

And somewhere in this picture is my straightener that was destroyed in the great Abby and Annika vs. European Electricity War. (Christmas list, mama?)

Our first day of school. I understood nothing in my Iberian Civilization class. Might I say that it's one thing to have a Spanish class taught in Spanish, but it's algo muy diferente to have a history class taught to you in Spanish. Pray for me, yes?

Anyway, aside from being sick (which is rather disgusting) and not knowing the language well enough (which is rather discouraging), I can feel myself stretching in all sorts of directions and with this satisfying sort of pain, I am incredibly happy to be in this beautiful place.

Love you all more than ever. And as always, you're in my prayers.

Querida,

Abby

My first Spanish sunrise (and all that it entails).