I can't beleive its P-day again. Seriously, time is FLYING!!! ahhh... can't beleive it. It's a great thing, but kinda sad too. I love it here.

 

Lets just start...

 

Last Friday (dad will like this) I was playing speed/bump with elders in the gym. We played 3 games, I won EVERYONE. And we played one from the 3 point line. I was on fire. I was pretty proud of myself.. not gonna lie, just gotta brag about that a little. The elders are still talking about it... ahhaha!

 

Last sunday was SO GREAT.

So to start out... funny thing. Us sisters always sit by each other in Sacrament meeting, but there were more chairs by us. So two elders (Eaton and Ferrell) come sit on our row, but leave one seat in between me and them. So i was like... "do I smell?" and they were like... no, it's just awkward to initiate sitting by the hermanas. So we gave them a hard time about that. So funny.

 

Then last Sunday night there was a fireside. AMAZING. Guess who was there.... Elder M. Russel Ballard. WHAT UP?? Seriously amazing. I feel so blessed that I have had so many wonderful opprotunities to hear from all these apostles of the Lord. It's amazing. They honestly have such a spirit about them and we all know what that is. They are truly servants of the Lord. He spoke just on our purpose as a missionary and how in 3 nep 11, the commandment to be baptized is mentioned 13 times. Within like 15 verses or so. Its amazing, because it really is our purpose to bring people to bapitsm. That’s why I am here and I love love love it. Then, to top that off, Elder Archuleta sang The Spirit of God. (2nd verse in Spanish) I would venture to say that there were very few dry eyes in that auditorium. He sang with the Spirit of God and even got choked up a little bit. TAN FUERTE el Espiritu that evening. Ah, I wrote like 2 full pages in my journal about it and I hope I never forget the spirit that was there.

 

Also on Sunday, after the Temple walk there were protestors outside the MTC. So funny. All these elders were talking to them, which I think is dumb, but i was like.... you realize you are protesting outside the missionary training center, don't you? So funny.

 

Oh my, on Monday night at 1:30 am the FIRE ALARM went off in my residencia. It went off and I was really confused at first so I put my hand over my ear and tried to go back to sleep, but then I saw my roommate get up to look at the clock and we all decided we should probably leave the buiding because it's 1:30 in the morning. It was no fire, but we didn't know that at the time. Just some electrical issue, but it was super hard falling back to sleep after that because I was thinking the worst case senarios, like "someone pulled the alarm, and the security guards all came to us, and then people snuck into the mtc, yada yada yada" lets just say, not the best night of slumber here. But all is well now. No creepy lurkers around the MTC. Thank goodness.

 

Funny Spanish messup of the week: In our class the other day an other goes "Que es un abrazo?" (what is a hug?) I don't even know why he was saying it but I answer "usted sabe, un abrazo con sus piernas" (you know a hug with your legs) EVERYONE LOST IT. I know the difference between legs and arms is in Spanish, but my brain just switched them up. It was SO funny. Also, my elders found out my least favorite word somehow (the "M" word) and they sometimes tease me about it... no bueno. haha Man, the things we laugh at in the MTC. Classic.

 

I receieved 13 dear elders one day this past week and all the elders that evening were calling me "hermana trece" (sister 13) so funny. I got lots of fun letters though. That weird SLC tribune article, Aunt suzanne, Kenny, Kristin G&G, Dyan, Q, Makenna, robs, dad, mom, lots more.... This week I also got a cinco de mayo package from the Gleaves (THANK YOU) and also paradise bakery cookies from Shauna. (my district/zone loves you, as do I) SO Thank you for the letters and also the support friends and family. I appreciate it. (Tell MADIOSN to send me a wedding invite...please!!!)

 

Robs, I ran into Matt reister, he says Hi. He came up to me and was like “are you related to Robbie Sargent.” Ya, he is my hermanito.

 

Oh, we teach members in the TRC and on Saturday the person we were teaching would NOT stop talking. Pretty sure Hrna Dapper and I said 45 words, together. He just kept going off. At one point I closed my LDM and he goes, "oh, no estoy terminado" (I'm not done) I wanted to say... Who is the missionary??? But I didn't. I was nice!

 

Ok, spiritual thought of the week. I was reading in Moroni 8:28 this week and the first line of that verse is BOMB. You can relate it to anyone of a higher authority telling you to pray for your investigators. Read it. Relate it. It’s amazing!

 

Next week our schedule is changing so I think my p-day is gonna be on Friday until I leave. Heads up. If I don't write, I'm alive!

 

Anywho, I am STOKED to get to Chile and teach people about the Gospel. Seriously the more I study, the more I love. It's amazing. El sacerdocio de Dios es en el tierra hoy. Remember when I challenged all of you to find your one sentence testimony?? I think I have decided that's mine. The priesthood of God is on the earth today. Without it, nothing would run in our church. We wouldn't have one. So thank you priesthood holders in my life to be worthy to hold such a great power and blessing from God! Anywho, love my time here and am SO grateful I made the decision to go on a mission. My life will never be the same!

 

Abrazos a todos (con brazos..no piernas),

 

Hermana Sargent

Hello Family and Friends,

This week has been another great week at the MTC!

First things first: EASTER.

Such a wonderful way to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with Boyd K. Packer here speaking to us. He really just talked lots about what we are going to be teaching people in order for them to be resurrected. So wonderful. The power of the Apostles is just SO strong. Wow. Do you know he has pollio? I just though he was getting old so he always sat. He had it as a kid, and then it came back in his 80's. Crazy huh? But it was SO neat. Ah, it was a huge sacrament meeting with all the MTC and just that spirit was really amazing to feel with all the missionaries and an Apostle taking the sacrament together!

I had a really neat expereience during that though, I was just sitting there in the sacrament and thinking and Grandma and Grandpa Sargent popped into my head and I just got the MOST overwhelming feeling that they were proud of where I was, and what I was doing right that very moment. It almost made me cry. I just thought to myself, they are probably doing the same thing I am in the Spirit world. It was a really neat experience to say the least and definitely made my testimony for the Plan of Salvation grow.

Mom, you asked about Pres Evans (branch pres) he has GROWN on me. We get along well. I actually had an interview with him on Sunday, just like a getting to know you better thing... He was super nice. I like him and everyday I like him more... no worries there :) hopefully he doesn't read the blog... ha!

Ok, funny story of the week... SO at desayuno the whole zone sits together and towards the end of breakfast the seat across from me was empty and this random elder came and sat there and just was like "Hello Hna. Sargent" (very flambouently). I was nice and talked to him and the whole time I was thinking.... Do I know this kid?? No, I didn't. Anyways... he goes on and is talking to me about the most random things... like...

Random elder: My favorite store in Tempe.

Me: What is it?

Him: Some toy store.... but you don't seem too hipster so you probably wouldn't know it.

Me: Ya, I'm not really into toys (like being hipster has ANYTHING to do with it)

 

Anyways then he starts going off at how he is jealous there are Mexicans in my zone because he loves them and he is from Tuscon so he has best friends that are Mexicans.

I was just talking to him normally and then he leaves.
My entire ZONE starts cracking up and I'm like "WHO KNOWS THIS KID? AND WHY WAS NOBODY HELPING ME DURING THAT AWKWARD CONVERSATION?" they were all dying because they were listening the whole time but didn't want to help me out in any way. It's been a joke b/c it was like this elder had a purpose to only talk to me so that's what he did. He was nice, just so weird. I have luckily not seen him since. I think he may have left... really just super random! hahaa

The Tempe YSA 4th ward all sent me letters. They did it for FHE one night. Super nice to receive letters, even if I don't know who they all are.

Also, got a letter from Aunt Lynell. Thank you! I appreciate it lots :)

This past Tuesday for Devo we had Bishop McMullin (former member of the presiding bishopric). He talked lots about just the basic first Article of Faith which is so important as missionaries because so many people have a different understanding of that. It was super good :)

Ok, an elder in our zone has this joke with bananas and it's just kinda a whole zone thing now, you won't get it and no time to explain it all. Maybe in a letter I mail home. Anyways, Hna Hinton (my roommate) had her mom, who lives in Provo, mail a box of ONLY BANANAS to this kid. It was seriously hilarious. I wish you all could have seen it. No return address or anything. Just bananas. We told him it was from the hna's after a while. So great. hahaha.

I love love love getting letters from everyone! I usually get them after dinner and read some, or see who they are from and then either read them again when I go home at night or read them for the first time. My district is still amazed because I have usually 3 a day :) I always tell them, "todos los personas tienen mucho amor para mi" (all the people have lots of love for me) hahaha

Well, time is ticking... most stressful part of the MTC is emailing for only 30 mintues a whole weeks worth of stuff! ahhhhhh. But it makes me SO happy to think of all you reading it.

Shauna, thank you for the muddy buddies!!! :)

Sounds like you're all doing so wonderful and Easter sounded super festive! Kenny and Kayla, GET BETTER. you guys need to be sick free in that household. Sounds like you're on the mend though.

You too Jac.... everyone, NO SICKNESS!! :) as dad would say. Take advil, a glass of agua, and go to bed. haha!

Hope Jac and Skye had good days and felt celebrated!

Well family. I love you all. I'm SO happy here at the MTC. The church is true. I know it and everyday my testimony gets stronger from learning and being here.

Love you all SO much. Thanks for the support and letter and prayers. I feel them and pray for all of you daily :)

Keep smiling,

Hermana Sargent

p.s. Yes, Elder Archuleta and I are still friends. Just got through eating lunch with him!!

Holy fast does the time go!! I can't beleive I am on my 5th week now. So crazy.

I have lots to write so lets just jump right in it!!

 

1. Mom, thank you thank you thank you for the package for Easter!! I LOVE everything. It was so cute too I even took a picture with it. Seriously, you are the BEST! I love you.

 

2. I miss giving/getting hugs here... so I have started with my roommates everynight after prayer to give them all hugs. Never really thought I was a huggy person until I came here and don't get any! It's a fun tradition I've started. Think I'll continue it my whole mission if I can.

 

3. April Fools.....yes, us hermanas did something to the elders in our zone! We moved alll there PMG's and Scriptures around so they had to go find them.... it was pretty funny. Some elders are too serious and didn't appreciate it, but all the elders in my district liked it. And they got us back by completely moving our whole desk out of the room :) It was pretty fun. And Robs, I completely fell for your broken foot joke. hahahaha. Glad it's not true.

 

4. Elder Archuleta, mom you can keep it on here now since everyone knows he is here after Conference! Yes, he is in my zone and we are becoming friends. Seriously. The other day at lunch we were talking and he was asking what I study and such and then he's like, oh, so that's why you eat SO healthy (mostly salads and wraps) and now if I am by him by meals he asks what’s healhty and stuff... yesterday was Cottage Cheese. hahah! Also, at the gym we are friends as well. We always are stretching in the same place so he always just asking what good things are to do to be warmed up and stuff, and then jogging around the track yesterday we were talking about sports in High School and stuff. It's just funny, he is totally normal to me. Really shy, but he is opening up with me. I do feel bad for him though because people always stop him, I just wanna say... let him be! haha. Really though, tell Suzanne things won’t work out... he is only 5'5 and about half my size and too shy. But friends are GREAT. And he sure does have talent... man, that elder can sing! ha! basically, we're gonna become besties. And he is going to Chile.

 

5. GENERAL CONFERENCE! I'm so glad that they showed me for you guys. I was trying to Milk my face up a little so they'd show me just for you guys! :) It was an INCREDIBLE expereince. Seriously, words just can't describe it. They Spirit was strong, our songs turned out great, we were only like 50 yds from President Monson and the apostles.... really, amazing. I wish I could describe it better but I don't know what else to say. Really, incredible. I hope you could feel the Spirit through the music... that was our goal. The rest of conference was so great too. I felt like they talked a ton about teaching the gospel in your home. I feel like I've been so blessed by that and hearing how people don't have that, I’ve learned how it is just so important. One of my favs off the top of my head was Uchtdorf. I can't wait for the Liahona to come out to really read/study them .I just love conference and how now I am really appreciating that these men have true inspiration from God and we need to listen to EVERYTHING they say b/c it's what God wants us to do. And how lucky we are to have a prophet on the earth today to guide us. Oh, it just makes sense! Love.

 

And seeing SHAUNA. Holy cow. BEST THING EVVVVVVVVVVVVVVERRRRRRRRRR!!!!! This is how i felt about it:

 

So the whole conferenece and after and before I was TOTALLY looking for her. I was like, it'd be So great to at least wave and blow her a kiss or something. But I didn't ever see her so I just figured she couldn't scalp tickets. So I left and honestly I was a little sad and was like, I thought I'd for sure see her after because I knew she'd get as close as possible to see me!

But I was fine and by the time we got to the door outside I had forgotten about it, and I turned the door and BAM!!!! There she WAS. Seriously. I was in mid conversation with another sister and just said "my sister" left and was dogging people to get to her ASAP. We just hugged, hugged, cried with smiles on our faces, hugged more, laughed, talked. I'm so glad she felt like it was SO great. Because for me it was like AMAZING. I just had NO clue that I would even be able to actually touch her, really, I thought maybe a wave and a yell of "I love you" I still think about it and just think it was such a TM. Seriously, no other words to describe it, and if anything it just made me want to do better and work harder. She knows exactly how I feel being in the MTC too so it was just awesome. I can't wait to see the pics she took! Really, so great. God is Kind and really does bless us. Really, it was AMAZING to see her.

 

6. Keep sending Q's emails. I LOVE them. She is just great. Gives me such inspiration to get to Chile and work :)

 

7. Is my mission plaque up yet in church? How does it look? ha

 

8. Each Sunday our district has a companionship talk about our families. It's really great to get to know everyone better but, last Sunday was my turn and I took the picture in from my farewell and passed it around and the first elder goes "how long ago was this taken?" I said "5 weeks or something" and he was like... "what, where are you?" so I pointed to myself and he was like.... "OHHHH, I thought this was you (pointing to Makenna) and it was when you were younger!" it was really funny. But I am so blessed to have a family like you all. So thank you!!

 

9. Funny thing of this week, there is this teacher who ALWAYS talks to hrn. Dapper and I and he is definitely a "SOG"... anywho, he made us late to class one day this week so I told him he had to come vouch for us that it was his fault, so he did. it was SO funny. I think our teacher was like.... oh hermano. you and the sister missionaries. hahaha... we didn't get in trouble though :) not that we would anyways, just funny.

 

10. I am still loving the MTC, I am learning a TON. I am really excited though to go to Chile, 05/07/12 is my date I think. I love it here, but I know once I am in Chile my language will just FLY and I'll learn how to teach better and such. I am taking full advantage of the MTC though.... it's special here for sure! I think the biggest challenge for me right now is knowing how to best study the language that will help me teach and communicate with people. Anyone have any suggestions, let me know! But it's not like I can't speak or understand at all, I can do those pretty well... but I just want to keep getting better and not coast, so that's the hardest thing to figure out right now! but I love it.

 

Well, time is running low, so I best be going, but love you all SO much. Thanks for all the letters and packages and prayers and support. I feel it everyday!! This church is true. Read your scriptures and pray always. Try to become more like Christ and learn about Him. Love the work I am doing. (DC 112:28...look it up)

 

Love you all,

Hermana Sargent

Family--

I feel like I was just here emailing you like 4 hours ago. Man, these weeks are getting faster. Too much to learn, too little time! haha!

We decided to email before we go to the temple today so our day will be more organized. Gotta take advantage of P-days, right?? Seriously though. Best days ever. We can just kinda relax!!

Well, lets see... I have a big list of things to write this week (thanks to Dyans post it notes) so I'm just gonna go down the list. Sorry if it's randomly in order!

First off, my district and zone is BOMB! Last week 2 elders in my district bought everyones favorite treats and had them under our desk when we got back from P-day. SO NICE. Obviously, mine were Hot Tamales :)

And then everyday at meals the elders in our zone always take our trays for us so we don't have to go in the "gag room!"

Love them all to pieces. I just want to give them hugs but I can't!

Isn't it crazy how the lady I was teaching has a son in the Halls mission! She's so kind and fun to teach. Glad she sent the picture to the Halls and they passed it along. Small world us mormons live!

Last sunday was so random. I just felt like I had so much attention on ME! So, weekly everyone has to wrtite a 5 minute talk in Spanish and then we get to sacrament meeting and they just ask us to give our talk when we get there... so everyone has to be prepared. Last week I was supposed to say the prayer but I still wrote my talk. Good thing because they called on me to give mine. It was fine, on the Atonement which is always good to study. So I had to do that. Then in choir I was asked to say the prayer, and then at the fireside that night, Hrn. Dapper and I were just sitting there and an usher came us to us and asked if we wanted to sit in the front row, uh, DUH!! So we got moved up to the front row.... right smack in the middle. So great. Too bad it wasn't an apostle or something, but it was still wonderful.

Ok, I was reading in Matt 14 this past week and I Love this... ok so it's right after John the Baptist gets be-headed and the 12 Disciples tell Christ about it and in verse 14, go look to see what Christ does... (shows compassion to others) He is amazing! Everytime I see/read something about Him I am just amazed. Really, go read that chapter and think how you would react if your friend/family was dead... would you want to help other people. Talk about Charity?!

General Conference in THIS WEEKEND!!! Wooooo-hooo. Unfortunetly, we don't get to listen/watch the 1st session on Saturday because we'll be driving but we'll be there for the afternoon one. Singing in it!! Look for me. I will be wearing yellow. Everyone just has to wear Spring colors so I'm in yellow. I'm one of the taller girls so I'll probably be in the back. I will try my best to get on camera through smiling :) I'm so excitied for this expierence I get to have! Once in a life time, seriously. Uh, so great!

So they have these suggestion boxes and I put a suggestion in that they need to give better instructions to the "solo sisters" and this week while in choir, one of the counselors in the MTC presidency came up to me and told me that they are going to be in contact with me to meet with the presidency wives to put together a new outline of what they need to do! Pretty cool right? People were surprised I'd actually put a suggestion in the box... but it probably doesn't really surprise you guys. They just don't know me well enough to know that stuff doesn't scare me! ha! But it'll be good. I have some suggestions for them, so hopefully it'll make things more organized.

Earthquakes in Chile??? eeeeekkks. Not in Vina I hope!

Dad, yesterday at gym I convinced one of the Hemanas to play basketball with me because I just can't play with the elders solo... I wish I could. But the elders were SO impressed. ha. You would have been proud. They were like.... woah, this hermana is better than the elders! ha. So funny. Also dad... the PEDRO bracelet. Oh my, I laughed so hard. hahahahaha love it! I'm gonna find a Pedro. Just for you!

Funny moment of the week..... So we were explaining to Elder Ferrell about March Madness because he doesn't know what it was.... so we were telling him that you fill our a bracket and such you know... and how it's HUGE and everyone should watch it... and he sits there for a second and then goes "I'd rather build a rocket" We LAUGHED SO HARD. This kid straight up comes up with the best one liners. I wish I could share them all with you guys... but after my mission when I have time because I write them all down. Seriously, so funny. and then another... A teacher was sitting really close to him and his comp and after we were all talking about it and he goes "He was sitting so close I was counting the pores on his face." Seriously, who thinks of that! I LOVE IT.

Did you know Parley Pratt lived in the forest for a while just studying scriptures before he found out about the LDS church?? Crazy how things come around... and he turned into a huge person in our church.

Shauna sent me a package I got yesterday! THANK YOU. Choc. covered cinnamon bears, Jolly Ranchers, pics from Cabo (looks like you guys had SO much fun) and a cute note. Love you na, thanks a ton!  Also, thanks everyone for the letters! I love them :) yes, my district, and now zone, make fun of me still, but I don't care!

Spanish is coming along great. I love learning it. I definitely have been blessed with the gift of tongues and gift of interpretation (DC 46) It's amazing, I pray for them every day and God is answering to them.

Robbie.... MISSION PAPERS!!! WHAT????  So happy for you. :) Keep me updated on them.  And  loved the letter. I told my roommate what you said about her.... had to, sorry :)

Well, the church is true! I seriously come to find more and more things about it that just make sense! It would be crazy to deny it now after I know this all.

Jesus Christ is our Hermano. He is a perfect example to all that we should all strive to be like more and more. God hears us. Every prayer we say, he hears and he answers. He loves us. Joseph Smith... need I say more? Man, he was AMAZING.  Love learning about him.  Families are eternal. I will see you guys again and this is just a short amount of time I get to help other families be eternal.

Love you all, think of you often!

Keep Smiling,

Hermana Sargent

Ok, so let’s see here... too little time for so much in one week, but I'll try my BEST! I just sent some pictures in the mail so be looking for those the next few days!

 

So, here the MTC presidencies wives are obsessed with downeast/shade shirts. Like when to wear them and when not too... so yesterday my roommates were talking about it and Hrn. Alhmann goes... "I swear, they talk more about Shade shirts here than they do about Jesus Christ!" hahahahha. We laughed SO hard. Obviously she was joking, and kinda felt bad after saying it but it was just TOO good to not share with you guys. Oh, the things that are funny at the MTC.

 

Mom asked me in a dear elder: What have you learned Gospelwise.... Ok, Mom, I can't answer that question fully because I think it would take me 5 hours. I've seriously LEARNED SOOOO much here. I felt like I had a decent understanding of the gospel before I came but seriously, It's amazing how everything just works. It just is true. That's all!

 

We've had some pretty neat experiences this week that will explain some things I've learned:

1. Last Sunday night, they played a old devo from Elder Bednar on Christmas day: He talked about the characteristics of Christ (answer to a prayer because I've been wanting to learn more about His life) and Holy COW. Seriously, probably one of the best talks I've ever listened to. They NEED to make it public. He just talked about how in every story of Christ he is ALWAYS turning himself "out" to help other people when usually we turn ourself "in" to the natural man in us. He shared so many examples I was just in heaven. It was truly amazing. It definitely got me wanting to know more about characteristics I can develop that Christ had, and not just the ones in PMG. After this I had made it part of my personal study time to read the Bible to learn more so I started that!

 

2. Elder Oaks was the DEVO on Tuesday. Man, it was so neat. Just the fact that he was here only to talk to the missionaries was so incredible. He talked about getting the Spirit with us ALWAYS and also preparing for the Sacrament. Both super important things. His wife also spoke a little and she reminds me of Aunt Janet, but anyways something that she said I loved was "BE BOLD, you only have one chance at THIS mission" So true, what's the harm in inviting someone to something that is just SO great. NONE. New goal...BE BOLD.

 

3. I made the choir for GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!! Wwhhooooooooooooo-who! So stoked. We've started practices and it's truly just amazing. The choir directors are just so good and always know so much about the songs we are singing. Real quick, we were talking about the Atonement and when Christ was in the garden He came out to his disciples 3 times for support because it was SUCH a burdensome thing. And each time they were asleep. Then he applied it to Sacrament Meeting and how so often we doze off or scratch backs or whatever it is... and how WE can't give ONE HOUR to Christ just like his disciples. Just made me think and realize that I need to be better in Sacrament Meeting and really get everything I can out of it. It's one hour in a week. I can do it. But the Choir.... how awesome is that?! We'll be singing Saturday Afternoon Session and we have practice every morning until then from 7-8 and that takes presidence over anything else scheduled. Hopefully you'll see me on TV!

 

Those are just a few things that stuck out to me this week.... obviously I learn SO much EVERYDAY!!

 

Another question of mom's "Is there anything that’s harder than you thought it would be?"

Not really, I kinda imagined it like this. Sometimes I wish I could plan my own schedule because you have either tons of time to do stuff or too little. But it's all good. Really, nothing is really HARD. Teaching is difficult at times... but mostly cause of Spanish. But Spanish is coming along nicely! I just LOVE Spanish, ah, can't wait to be fluent :)

 

Got a litttle package from Dyan this week! SO nice. Thanks Dee. Definitely comes in handy :)

 

 

Also, I got 12 dearelders in one day! My district was going CRAZY! Lots were from family and then a couple others from friends. Kendall Barrett wrote me: please tell her thank you and I appreciate it a ton! She is so great. Also tell her she'd make a GREAT missionary one day. Usually I get like 5 or so a day... from Mom and Shauna mostly... ha! But it's fun! I like it... my district gets jealous, but honesly, I guess you guys just love me more! hahaa

 

Is my mission plaque (sp?) up yet in the Church? How does it look?

 

Robbie..... they sell Sprees here. You will survive! I saw them in the bookstore and just chuckled to myself about it!

 

Oh my word.... Monday night we have class and this past week it was OUT OF CONTROL. So we were practicing something... don't even remember what, but one of the elders said something so random and everything in the MTC is hilarious so we started laughing so hard and one of the elders ripped one. It was so gross, but uncontroable laughing obviously took place. Our poor teacher. Luckily it was a guy that night. I wasn't even laughing at the fact that he ripped one, because honestly, that's gross. We all know how I feel about that, but everyone was laughing SO hard forever it made it hard not to laugh. And then our teacher later on goes on to like "talk about it" saying like, it happens. But I was thinking to myself. Come on! We don’t need to have a discussion about it. It's past now and we're all grown ups. To make it worse he was talking in Spanish. hahhahaa It may be inappropriate to share, but I had to beacuse I was laughing SO hard.

 

There is an elder in our zone who went home for health problems this week. He was bi-polar but still sad to see him go. And a whole district left to the field. SO exciting.

 

My comp is the best. I seriously love her. We just get along well. We both want to do good. I wrote a little more in a letter i just sent home mom, but all is well with her. So grateful to have a comp!

 

Oh my, rumor has it David Archuleta is going to Chile???! Is this true? Also, I've heard he is coming to the MTC next week... but also heard he is going straight down to South America! Anyone have details on this??

 

Well, time is ticking, but know I love you all SOOOO much, I love being here. I just know it is right. It feels so good and my testimony is strenghtened every day. I know God loves each one of us and He has blessed us SO much in our lives. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Everything revolves back to that right there! I just love the church.

 

Love you all, miss you lots.

Keep Smiling,

 

Nat

 

Thursday March 15, 2012

Hello Family!

You're all probably wondering why I'm emailing now, but Thursdays are my Pdays. Saturday was just for new people. It's been SO nice for a break from the norm. We went to the temple this morning (and by we, I mean my new comp) and then I've spent a lot of the afternoon with letters, laundry, doing random things! I want to send you guys pictures, but they are taking forever to get back to me so bare with me! Once I get them I will send them!

Ok, first off...MOM! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PACKAGE! Seriously, so thoughtful to send one before you left for Cabo! What? 3 loaves of Banana Bread. My district loved you!! I still have a loaf for me in my room I will nibble at over the days. They all told me.... "your mom is the best, tell her thank you" (duh she's the best)

Ok. I have gotten so many letters this week my district has started to call me "Hermana Popular" when I get them... haha! But don't stop them I love hearing all about what you're up to! Sound like you guys are enjoying Cabo so much, honestly, I thought I would be jealous all the time when you were there and I was here... but I haven't been at all. So happy you guys could go and enjoy the week. Plus, the weather here has been AMAZING so I can't complain. Shauna, will you dear elder me the weekly forecast of Provo over the weeks. No joke, I like knowing the weather to know what to wear??? Thanks.

Ok, so my new companion. I got one! Yay, and I decided to stay in the intermediate class, I just felt better about it and it's honestly great! We've been teaching a lot more so that stretches my vocab big time! It's not perfect by anymeans, but it's great. My companion: Hermana Dapper. (like draper without the r) She is from Southern Cal Mission Viejo area. She reminds me lots of Meredith Wiscombe with style, personality, so it's no wonder we get along great!! It's seriously so fun to have a companion, I feel more free than I did before just having the elders take me everywhere! And she goes to the morning workout classes so it gives me motivation to go with her! They are awesome. I love them. Makes me so much more energized since we sit a lot here. She's going to Dallas TX, Spanish!

Funny story: Last week, one day after gym, my roommates and I were showering real quick and we ALL got locked out of our rooms. It was really funny because we just had wet hair and all, one was just in her towel, luckily though, another girl in our zone went down and got another key so we could get ready. It's pretty good. Very humorous.

Ok, the elders in my zone are AWESOME! I love them all. Seriously. There are like 2 of them who always "salute" me when I walk by! It just makes me laugh. And, the elders in our zone have started taking our trays after meals so I don't have to go into the nasty gag room. That room is like smelling, hot, and my least favorite word.... moist. EWWWWWWWWWW.

So, I have met two elders that served with Shauna in Paraguay. One stopped me and we were talking, I think it was Evans?? Not sure. But then yesterday this random person stuck his head into my room and looked right at me so I was like "hi" and he was like, Yup, looks just like Hermana Sargent (Shauna) it was funny. I forgot his name though. I'll try to find him and talk to him more. They probably are like, Why is Hermana Sargent back here... 2 missions?? hahahaa

Last Sunday was SO great. Ah, so we have normal meetings in the morning, Relief Society was awesome, we were challenged to work on a one sentecne testimony. Something that you will never falter in. I'm still trying to pick what’s best for me because there are SO many things. But sometimes you only have 30 seconds to share something, so we were challenged to do that. You should all do the same.

Then we had a temple walk. SO nice outside. Way great to be "in the real world" ha. Then I went to Choir that night and they handed out these slips for a "special choir" and you had to write your experience with choirs, awards received, voice lessons ect. Of course I filled one out,.... it has to be conference, don't you think??? I'll keep you updated. I hope I get chosen. I feel like I have a pretty good background in music so I think I have a good chance! I'm hoping if it is conference we get to eat lunch with the Apostles and stuff...long shot. But come on! When does my mind not dream up stuff??

When is Easter???

Ok, questions about my teacher, She is awesome! Hermana Santa Cruz and she's from Colombia. She’s the cutest, tinniest little thing. Served her mission in Mesa, AZ. We have a AZ flag in our room. I need to take a pic with it. She is just super helpful and you can tell she likes the sisters because she's one! Then we have other teachers come in while we're rotating teaching our investigators and they help us with lesson plans which is great. All the teachers here are SO impressive! I just want to be able to speak Spanish like them so Ii can teach like them. But tengo pacencia y fe so it'll come!

My branch President, he was out of town that first Sunday but he came into our district meeting after the devo to meet all of us. In my head I imagined this super friendly, teddy bear type guy, but I was wrong! He is kinda stern. Definitely good for the elders, but us sisters want someone loving and kind. He is, but he is intimidating! He teaches linguistics at BYU and hates hates hates the word "Awesome" He told us not to say it EVER. He says it has no meaning, so we've been working on that. He also doesn't like sweet, cool, good...I think he just likes more expresive words. But you can tell he is a great guy. He has high expectations for us while we're here which I like because it'll be good to learn from him that way! Sounds like I don't like him, but seriously, I do! I just need to interact with him more....

Here is a good quote from him "change is inevitable, growth is optional" So good huh! We all change, everyday, but is it growth or not?? something to think about and how we can grow more.

The food here is good. Obviously it's not my favorite, but it's not bad either! Some people really don't like it. But I eat wraps/salads lots, and they usually have good stuff they make. I'm surviving. Plus with the banana bread I'm gonna be fine. ha! I am not gaining weight... after that last loaf of bread though mom I might be a gordita! haha! Just kidding, I won't let myself, I just eat how I do at home... don't eat like 3 plates of something like some people! ha!

Oh, we got another elder in my district too this past week. He moved up from beginner as well. Elder Farris. From Illinois going to Santiago North. Hermana Dapper has good spanish! She knows alot, just is kinda afraid to speak it so we're working on it! Speaking it is not my problem... it's speaking it correctly. ha! But oh well.

K, well minutes up! Let me know how Cabo was! Send PIcs! Maybe not to an email though.... these computers are temperamental and have tons of pop up blockers. Print some off maybe and send them :)

Love you ALL. Miss you, think and pray for you always!

Keep writing.

Keep smililng,

Hermana Sargent

Saturday March 10, 2012

HOLLLA!!!

I don't even know what to say, it feeels like you guys should just know what I do all day here but you don't.

I guess to start off you're all probably wondering about my companion, verdad? Well, I don't really have one. Enserio. It's weird. I am what they call a "solo sister" What this means is no other sister was placed into the intermediate class coming in the same week I did. But it's ok! I have in-room companions and we're in the same zone and have everything at the same time but we are in different classes. So I just have to pair up with the elders in class for companionship things. It definitely is different and I have had moments when i think.... uhhhh, HELLO? why don't I have a companion, but it's ok, really. My in- room comps are great. Hermana Ahlmann (Corona California going to Argentina) and Hermana Hinton from (UT--south of Provo somewhere going to Uruguay!) Next week it'll be better too because we'll be on even more of a normal schedule, same P-day (because today we only have 3 hours of a P-day) same time to be to classes and lunches and stuff. And I think a sister I met the first day who is ADORABLE is going to move up to intermediate so she'll probably be my comp. YAY!!

It's kinda fun being a solo sister because los elderes in my districo escort me to my room and lunch and just about everywhere so I'm not alone. SO cute. They have to it's a rule, but still, they are like my older brothers protecting me.

There are only 7 people in my district...not sure if that is normal but it's great. We have

Elder Vallance from New Hampshire (going to Antofagota Chile)

Elder Estiva from CA (Santiago North Chie)

Elder Pittam from SLC (Costa Rica)

Elder Espinoza from Pennsylvania (Santiago West, Chile)

Elder Ferret from Colorado (Tuscon, AZ)

Elder Eaton from Sandy (Santa rosa, CA)

and me.

We have a good time, we have good goals as a district and it's so cool to see these 19 year old boys step up and do SO well, it's amazes me. Really, Robbie is going to be SUCH a good missionary, companion, and everything else. One goal we have as a district is to Read Alma 17-42 in the next few weeks. It's all about missionary work and we're making lists of things we find to be better missionaries. It's awesome, go read Alma 19-20. So wonderful.

So I had to get a shot this week. I guess the MTC likes a new tetanus shot every 5 years and not 10. but oh well. I put this on my card $43, want me to send home the insurance thing to see if our insurance will reimburse us for it? You guys have to do it though. Let me know in a dearelder.

The language, it's good. I feel like I am a better one in the class, but not perfect by ANY means. It's hard. Not just to talk, but we had to teach our first investigator ayer and it seriously was SO hard to do in Spanish. But it'll come and the elders I paired up with weren't talking all that much so it was definitely a learning experience. For sure! So this morning though my teacher told me to go to the advanced Spanish class and see how I do. She wants me to think about it and see if I think it's the best or staying in intermediate. So I went, it was hard for sure. Much more advanced. I think though, for me to become the best teacher I can to investigators, intermediate is best. It means I have to stay at the MTC for longer, but it's ok. I like it here. It's totally an EFY on steroids. Straight up.

I'm still gonna think about it but I think it would benefit me to learn and really get it that rushing off to Chile lost the whole time I'm with my companion!

One thing I have noticed here is my prayers are MUCH more sincere. and it's because they are in Spanish. I really have to think about what I want to say and then translate it the best that I can! It's dificil a orar en espanol but it is definitely coming! I actually really like it. I just need more vocabulary, that's all. Robbie, if you get your call to a foreign language, learn to the best you can how to pray before you come here in that language! It'll help, Melissa told me that so I tried and I am ahead of others with it!

The food...all of you want to know. It's good. I eat wraps and salads alot, because I never feel hungry here. Its' because we eat, go to class and sit, then eat, then sit, and then dinner... but we finally have gym that started yesterday so that'll make me more hungry. Yes, I love the gym. I feel right at home, and they have exercise classes the sisters can go to at 6:00am but my companions don't want to go, but I found out today, I can go solo! and some girls in my hall go so I'm gonna start doing those for sure! Keep me in shape.

Everynight my "companions" and I go around and say a Tender Mercy from the day. Makes me think of our family and "TM's".

This week I have received dear elders from Shauna, Dyan, Jac, Kenny, Robbie, G&G, Mom, got a nice email from dad he sent before I left. Meredith Cozzens and Jose Olv... (de paraguay) Shauna please write him and tell him THANKS SO MUCH. I really do appreciate it a ton, and tell Meredith.

Questions for previous missionaries:

How did you do personal and language study? I feel like it's getting better but sometimes i just need recommendations?? Switch things up a bit.

I love my Toms here, I probably have too many clothes, but oh well. I'll wear them and then send them home. ha!

Dyan---yes there have been HP refrences. Makes me SO happy.

Mom-can you send me Q's address? I forgot to write it down-it's on her blog.

Well, fam, I really love it here. It's fun, I am already progressing so much in the gospel I feel like and I love it! The language will come and is coming which is GREAT!

Only one minute left.... AHHHH!

I love you all. SO much. I think about you often, but never am too sad which is a good thing!!

Hermana Sargent