Lookin like a Fool with my Spanish on the Ground?

So a little update about what is happening at home!!! :) Brought to you by me, Josie Durfee!! We haven't been up to much lately. Although I can say this, this whole summer has been full of my family, which I have mentioned that before. But I know this, I am so grateful for that because I am heading off to the big big world in September, haha (just a little town in Idaho, really, but still!!) I am going to be on my own. I have had the opportunity to get very close to my mom, dad, and sisters. Usually people say that they are going to go see a movie with their friends over the weekend. Well, let me tell you I saw a movie with my family!! :) We celebrated my dad's birthday this last Saturday. We went to Chile's for dinner, did a little thrift store shopping, and then went to Despicable Me 2!! And can I just say that, that movie was the funniest movie that I have seen in a very long time!! It was very cute!! I recommend that whoever reads this should go see it!! :D Anyways, so I just want you to take this little thought from me before you hear from Shar, it is that family is never to be taken for granted 'cause your friends will come and go, but the one thing that will be forever constant is your family. They will be there for you always. And I know that we all have different kinds of families, but that does not matter!! Anyways enough about me, let's hear from my wonderful sis~

 

 

These pictures are older but I thought that they would add some variety to the blog!! ~ Josie

 

Shar's letter:

 

Okay,

 

So I am going to start this off with the paragraph of the email before so I can finish telling you about my first day and then on to my first week!

After we arrived we then proceeded with a ton of different information stations about driving, service, manners, referrals, etc. I was so tired and I had a hard time staying awake. I also got to eat really food! I was so excited and it tasted so good! around 5ish, I think, I met my companion. Her name is Hermana Espinosa and she is a native Spanish speaker. She lived in Mexico for all her life and about 5 years ago moved to Utah. She's 19 so that's a little weird in fact she'll turn 20 in October and then right after that I'll turn 21. But besides that she's great! The more I get to know her the more I love her. While we do companionship study during we talk in all Spanish  I can understand most but again where I struggle is speaking. I know if I continue to work hard the Lord will help me.

We had more meetings and dinner which lasted a long while. We didn't get home until 9:30 and then we did planning. I wasn't able to unpack hahaha actually I just finished unpacking today. I can now say that I am officially moved in! 

Okay so what I'll do now is tell you about some awesome stories of my first week in Colorado. I was assigned to the Fort Lupton ward. Its a pretty big area and there are a ton of horses and farm land around, reminds me a little be of home. There are quite a bit of Spanish speakers here but not a ward. So I attend an English ward. Now on my companion doesn't really like trackting (sp?) but what we do instead and specially after the Missionary Broadcast is we focus on members and in-actives. However, she wanted me to knock on some doors. My first and second door were pretty normal. Normal meaning the first one talked to us but said he wasn't interested and the second one the parents weren't home but gave us a time to come back. The third door was actually a referral  We knocked and I began to say, "Hi I'm Hermana Durfee and this is Hermana Espinosa. We are missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat....." They shut the door. And the crazy thing was I wasn't devastated. I might have laughed. I honestly hope we do some more door knocking. Though what we are doing right now is super effective. 

I have been able to give away 5 Book of Mormons! 2 Spanish ones and 3 English. Haha one of the spanish ones went like this. Sister Espinosa was talking and then handed me the Book of Mormon. I was so nervous. I turned to the man and said, "Es El Libro de Mormon. Es central a nuestra iglesia. Es por usted." Yep that was pretty much it. Hermana Espinosa was laughing so hard after that and I was because well... I defiantly need to work on my Spanish. (For those who don't know what I said, "This is the Book of Mormon. It is central to our church. Its for you." hahaha oh man. I laugh even now. 

One of my favorite parts is interacting with the kids. One of our investigators, Eve, has two kids, one is 5 and the other 7, and while we were visiting her they just loved us... aka me. ;) During the lesson they wouldn't stay quite so I tried to find something in my bag that would entertain them. Of course all i had in there were journals, a spanish Book of Mormon, my planner and the white bible (the missionary rules). I gave them the Spanish Book of Mormon and the girl asked, "Is this a bible?" I told her it was in a way. After that anything that I pulled out of my bag was a bible. It was so cute! Another time was we were trackting in a poor trailer park where mostly Hispanics live. As we were teaching someone we contacted (The same one I gave the spanish BOM in the story above) he had two little girls. They kept handing me flowers they picked. I loved them. And right after that we ran into another little girl, who was about 8. She said to us, "Who are you?" 

I said, "Well we are missionaries!" 

"Do you want to get my mom." 

"For what?"

"To teach the people!" I think my heart died with happiness right there. Curfew was already upon us, but we quickly walked to her trailer to get her address number and told her we would be back. We went to contact her yesterday but there was a huge baby shower going on so we just walked passed. But we will definitely return.

I love having dinners with the members. That's mostly where we try to get referrals. That is one thing I want to challenge my family. If the missionaries ask for referrals try to think of some names. Missionary work would move along much faster if members were helping us with finding. I have had some crazy dinners though. One was with the Ramirez family. It wasn't that crazy but she has two goats and she milks them! I was reminded of you, Mom, and Betty, our cow. She also had like a cream cheese that we ate with crackers. (also a reminder of home). If there is anyway you could send me some milk let me know! ;) Another crazy dinner story was with the Greenlands. They are less active and we are trying to get them to come to church but she works and he babysits while the kids take naps. I have actually heard that excuse, "One o'clock church is during our baby's nap." more then once. The only reason why it was weird because she said that when she was investigating the church... demons were attacking her. Now, I believe there is opposition in all things and I also believe that, Satan is real and so are his followers, but she said she was getting burned and scratched during these episodes... I don't know what to think.

Speaking of weird and slightly scary, we were looking for less actives and we knocked on a door that we thought was a member. We heard voices and thought someone was home and waited for them to get the door... nothing... so we knocked again. Then at that moment someone came and looked through the slit of the side window. We could only see her eyes. Hermana Espinosa said she was shaking her head and it looked like she was saying something. Hermana Espinosa thought she wanted us to go to the side window so we do but nothing. Did I mention that the house was completely dark? Then we heard the same voices again but still now one opened the door.... So we left. I hope we never have to go back!

What we do here in my mission is a lot of service. I love it! Wednesday we work at the food bank in Fort Lupton, and then on Friday we work at a lake called Barr Lake. Saturday was Lake Appreciation day, supposedly, and we went back to the lake. They were getting rid of some sort of tree along the canal. It was hard work. As they were cutting down trees our job as missionaries was to drag the large branches up a hill to the wood chipper. It was hard and really hot but totally worth it! I am really glad we do a lot of service. During this service we aren't supposed to preach the gospel but if they ask we can set up another time with them. 

Okay I have one more story before I have to go and it will tie into my spiritual thought. Again we were looking for less actives and we went to the house of Nathaniel Buelo. It was late so we were a little worried but he answered the door. We asked him if we could share a message and he shared with us that he was born in Utah, had grown up Mormon but decided that it wasn't for him. He didn't want us to share a message with him and asked us to not come back. I was so sad and baffled. I wondered how people can loose their testimonies. I wondered how Nathaniel lost his. Now, for the spiritual part. Please for those of you who do have a testimony. Don't loose it. Keep the basic commandments of God and really endure to the end. I can testify that if you continue to do the right thing and follow Jesus Christ the blessing will pour like rain! I have received so much because of this gospel! 

I love you all! Hope everything is going great! Don't do drugs and stay sweet!

Hermana Durfee

Flatter than you expected

Surprise! Another unexpected email from a girl serving a mission. AND nooww... I am actually in the field! Before I tell you who my companion is I'll give you guys an update on what happened my first day in Colorado (serving as a missionary of course!) Oh and I don't know how long this will be because its only been a twoish days in the field.

First, I didn't really think that saying goodbye to my teachers and district would be hard... It was however. I have plenty of pictures however at this library I am not exactly sure where to plug my camera in. Which is weird because you think that they would have some place to plug an Thumb Drive... (And well I left it outside in the car) It was hard but I did however do it without crying. I am going to miss struggling to learn Spanish with my district and using subjunctive wrong in my lesson with my teachers. haha

Now what you all have been waiting for! It was a really REALLY long day! First off, I woke up at 1:45 because my companion was getting ready. Then around 2:15 we headed with her bags to the travel office. And then... you drop them off. I gave her a huge hug, thanking her for being a great first companion and then left. No tears nothing... Is that bad? I mean I feel sad but even now I still haven't cried. I know, I know, I am heartless.... hahaha. We headed back to the residence in hopes of getting an hour and 15 minutes of sleep before it was my turn. To bad that didn't really happen. My head kept spinning and I was getting stressed. I wasn't sure if I had packed everything or if my bags would be over 50 pounds, and of course my stomach was giving me problems but that is normal. 3:45 comes around and its me getting ready this time. The two girls get me to the travel office, I return my key and lock and get on the bus. 

I was super blessed to have two other elders from my district. Elder Deem (he is in my same mission so we were on the same flight) and Elder Hamblin. Especially Elder Hamblin! He's a sweet heart. In fact all of us girls agree that Elder Hamblin was by far our favorite elder in the district. When we got to the airport the truck that had all of our luggage wasnt there yet so now you have a ton of missionaries hanging outside the airport. There was quite a lot of us. Elder Deem and I were assigned to a specific group all flying to Denver but we couldn't find them. When the luggage arrived we (Elder Deem and I) grabbed our stuff and heading to check in our bags. (Its around 6:30 now) We were already given our boarding pass so we just stepped in line for checking our luggage. Both of my bags weighed only 50 pounds so we were all good! We went through security (which seemed to be so much easier as a missionary, don't ask me why.) and went to call our parents! (This whole time wondering where our group was)

We arrived at our gate and immediately saw phone booths! Now at first as my family already knows haha I had some problems with calling. I totally forgot the number my dad's work phone, the one he wanted me to call. So I called Mom thinking she would know. (Every time I call it uses a crap load of minutes on my phone card) She didn't know so then I called my dad. There wasn't a way for him to do multiple calls on his cell. So he gave me his number and I told him I would find buy another calling card. I bought another one and successfully called my dad on is work phone. Technically I had about an hour to talk to my family so that was what I was going to do. The MTC said that as long as we had minutes and didn't miss our flight we could talk as long as we wanted. 

I was able to talk to everyone expect Alison (my sister-in-law). It was so nice! It was then that the tears came. I didn't shed that much but I really wanted to. I miss you guys so much! I am not exactly sure how much into the call we were in at least 15 - 20 minutes when another sister missionary taps me on the shoulder and says really rudely, "I really need to talk to my parents too so can you get off." I was shocked but being the better missionary ;) that I am I wasn't willing to create contention. I told my family that I had to go and said goodbye to them. The next time being Christmas. It seems o very far away!): Elder Deem who was talking still to his parents didn't join me for at least 10 minutes. While I was looking around me I saw a group of missionaries at the same gate. My guess was that they were my group (which I was right by the way). What drove me up the wall was that the rude girl happened to be on the same plane and in the same mission. I had to keep reminding myself, "What would Jesus do?" "What would Jesus do?" He would forgive her. So I did, but I still secretly hoped that I would have to sit next to her. 

Luckily I didn't(: and I was happy. I sat by another elder.... Elder Lafaluente??? not really sure... I made good conversation, because I would be the one asking him questions he would answer and then never ask me. I should have just read my scriptures because now... well... he wont leave me alone. -sigh- Story of my life I suppose. We arrive at the airport and met the Mission President and his wife. I love them already. we pack our bags and head to the Mission Home in Broomfield, which by the way is technically out of my mission because of how the mission boundaries changed. 

After we arrived we then proceeded with a ton of different information stations about driving, service, manners, referrals, etc. I was so tired and I had a hard time staying awake. I also got to eat really food! I was so excited and it tasted so good! around 5ish, I think, I met my companion. Her name is Hermana Espinosa and she is a native Spanish speaker. She lived in Mexico for all her life and about 5 years ago moved to Utah. She's great! 

Gahh... we have to go. I'll finish giving you the update next week's email(: We have some lessons planned today, all in english.

I love you so much! 

 

Charlee is officially in Denver!

 

 

Posted by Alex Durfee

 

A little about what has been happening at home, and 'The End... of the MTC'

Josie here:
So, this summer has been family, family, family!! It has been amazing!! In honor of Independence Day, I would like to share a few thoughts. These thoughts consist of what I have thought about since that eventful day, which was Thursday. I have been thinking about how blessed I am, we are as a nation to be able to menial things like post updates on a blog, or get on facebook. We are able to do this because of the country that we live in. We live in the land of the free. This country is truly blessed, in the scriptures, it is called the Promised Land. This land is truly promised. We have been blessed to have the rights stated in the Declaration of Independence, and the rights stated in the Constitution. I read the Gettysburgh address on Thursday for a program that my family does every year, and I saw that we also have rights that are stated in that. I just want to leave with the thought that the country we live in is truly blessed! We have the opportunity to do amazing things because of those who were before us. With this I am going to turn the time over to my amazing sister, with her last e mail from the MTC.

Shar's e mail:

Well! Here is my last e-mail before I email you in Denver Colorado! I really only have 2 and a half days left here. I am so excited! Even though my Spanish isn't perfect and I probably have a ton to learn I am ready to leave this "Wonderful Paradise" they call the MTC. Though there were a few things that I didn't enjoy really, I want to let you all to know that I really did enjoy the MTC. I have/had a great district, a great companion, and amazing spiritual experiences while I have been here. Its not so much as a prison because I did have fun. However, I am so ready (as ready as I can be) to serve the people in Colorado. On Monday, all four of us will wake up around 2:15 am in the morning to drop my companion who needs to be at the travel office at 2:30. The other girls have to come with me because I can't be alone walking back. Then in a hour I need to start getting ready then at 4:15 they will drop me off at the travel office. My flight leaves at 8:30 am and I'll get in CO around 9:30 where I will be taken to the Mission home and have new missionary orintation and stay the night. Tuesday I will be given my new companion and will go out to work! I am slightly nervous. haha Though I hate to admit, it has gone by fast. I now only have 17 months left on mission. Crazy thought.

 

This week was pretty uneventful until Wednesday. However, on Sunday I ran into Daniel Myers with his sister. It was so nice to see him. I gave him a handshake but wanted to give him a hug. There are a few girls here who actually have boyfriends in the MTC with them. I can't imagine how hard it would be to just give them a handshake if I had a hard time with one of my friends. On Wednesday I did what is called Hosting. If you remember when you dropped me off a sister was there to help me with my bags and take care of me for a little bit. Well I did that for a sister today as well! Though, I don't remember her name. She had these huge bags and you know me and my incredible strength! It was so easy! ;) Totally kidding. When I first saw them I knew I was done for. haha. But it was good. She's heading for the Philippiens. I told her about Grandpa and Grandma's missions there. I also have sympathy for those who have to learn a language harder then Spanish. I took her to her classroom and there was the teacher imedietly tallking in tagolog (Sp). If I was overwelmed with Spanish then I don't know how they feel. I was only able to host one girl because there was so many other hostestess that were big on getting a ton of girls. I wasn't going to break their streak.

 

Yesterday, the 4th of July, AND In-Field Orintation for me! Probably the coolest thing during In-Field was that Daniel happened to be in my group. I was even able to take a picture with him! (look below). It was a really long day. First off, I'll admit I wanted to be with my family. I really wanted BBQ but all is well and I knew what I was sacrificing to serve the Lord. There was one point where we were given a scenario. We were in the airport and we were to go up to someone and give them a short message and a pass-along card. Daniel decided to come up to me. I was the "investigator" and he was the missionary. He asked where I was heading, I said, "To KC to spend the 4th with my family." He mentioned he was heading to Idaho for a mission. He then was unsure what to say next. He look at me for help and I gave him some pointers. That experience was the very first time I was ever grateful to be at the MTC for six weeks. Not that Daniel isn't ready to go out into the field but because I have been here longer I feel more experienced. After the scenario, I said a small prayer to my Heavenly Father thanking him for my time here.

 

Now on to last night. It was crazy. First off, at the BYU football stadium there was a concert going on (Kelly Clarkson and Carli Rae Jepson). So that we wouldn't be outside during that time they had a Fourth of July devotional. The speaker was really short but after we watched 17 Miracles. I don't know how much I like that movie. Its so amazing and powerful but I cry through the whole thing! Then they did let us go watch the fireworks and gave us icecream. Its not as great as it would have been to be with my family but I did enjoy it. As missionaries we are really entertained easily, which makes it more entertaining that we know we are easily entertained.

 

Now about letters. You CAN still use DearElder. However they charge you the amount of the stamp. It still makes letters easy, because typing is so much faster then writing. So keep that in mind. I believe my new address is 1250 Main St. Broomfield CO 80020. That is technically the mission home but so I don't have to give you guys a new address each time I am transfered, they just send letters to me from there. (Mom or sisters, please post this new address on my Facebook!) Oh! Mommy, I did get all your letters. It was just bad timing when it came to my handwritten one.(: And just another reminder. Don't use DearElder tonight, Saturday, and Sunday. They don't print dearelders after 12 pm on Friday and then don't print until after 12 pm on Monday. I won't receive any of them since I'll be in the field at that time. I want to say thanks to all those who did write me and also apologize for those who haven't received a response. I am so busy! And I try my hardest to reply to those who do!

 

Before I leave I do want to leave with you my testimony... IN SPANISH! Yeah!

 

Yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador. Estoy agradecido por Jesucristo. Yo se que Ël surfrió por mis pecados pues puedo ser limpio. Yo se que José Smith es la profeta de la Restoracion y Thomas S Monson es la profeta hoy. Yo se que la iglasia es verdadero. Estoy agradecido por el Libro de Mormón y la direción da en mi vida. Yo se que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amén.  

 

(To those who know my mistakes I realize I there are some.)

 

Sorry for the short email. Like I said before, It was pretty uneventful until Wednesday. I love you all so much! And the next time you will hear from me will be after I have spent a few weeks in wonderful Colorado!

 

Don't Do Drugs and Stay Sweet!

 

Hermana Durfee

 

PS.

Picture 1: Daniel is so dorky! I was so grateful to see him though while I was here.

Picture 2: One of the last pictures with my companion.

Picture 3: Us, four girls, watching the fireworks!(:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its a small world after all!

Its a small world after all!

 

I am not kidding! I have like 30 examples of how small this world is, mostly how small the Mormon world is! (And yes 30 is an exaggeration) The first one is I see Karen Rose all the time! For those who don't know her, she was in the singles ward back in Missouri, we also hung out some while both of us attended BYU. She's heading to Brazil but is learning Portuguese on the same building and floor as me! I love seeing her! Its so nice to see a familiar face often. Another missionary that I have seen a few times was Sister Myers. Pretty sure she forgot my name because when I first saw her (The day she came into the MTC) she had to look at my tag hahaha but since then we've ran into each other two other times. I haven't seen Daniel yet! I keep looking for him. He came this Wednesday correct? I hope to see him before I leave! Another small world moment was this Thursday. My zone received another district of just elders. One of the elders name is Elder Brimley. During the summers in Missouri a girl in my ward Layne Williams would have her cousins visit for like a month. There were two boys Jory Brimley and his younger brother. Now, Jory is the one I knew best because he is my ageish. The Elder Brimley that is in my zone is his younger brother. I saw his face during breakfast and knew I had seen him somewhere. While I was eating it came to me and then later in the day I asked him and I was correct! YESSS! Win for Me! The last moment was while I was at the broadcast this Sunday. I totally ran into Sam King (another person from the singles ward in Missouri). I've always had a small crush on him (tiny bit) and I shook his hand and he was so surprised that I was Hermana Durfee! It is always so nice to see a familiar face even when you don't know the person very well. Again I hope to see Daniel before I leave. He'll be leaving the MTC the same week that I do. I'll keep my eyes peeled!(:

 

This last Saturday was probably the hardest day on mission so far. It was late in the night (on Friday) and I began to doubt my decision to come on a mission. I cried a lot... Then I started praying. I prayed and prayed for a good solid 30 minutes. I prayed for everything. For comfort, for a confirmation that I was where I was supposed to be, my family, to not to be homesick, for everything that came into mind. I didn't receive much comfort during the night besides the wonderful gift of sleep. When I woke up the next morning (Saturday) I decided I should fast. I studied my scriptures hardcore that day and still wasn't receiving much of an answer. Then during class when my favorite teacher, Hermano Barfuss, was teaching I got a confirmation. He was doing a demonstration of the first vision to one of the elders in my district. It was so wonderful, so spiritual. I could see Hermano Barfuss tearing up and I let a tear or two fall down my cheeks. I knew that, that experience was an answer. However, Heavenly Father, being as wonderful as he is, gave me another confirmation. My companion and I had to teach Eric that night. We weren't really getting to Eric and we were on our fourth lesson. This lesson was totally opposite. He said along the lines that he knew God was listening, that God loves him and wants to help him. I about cried in that lesson! It was so amazing! I then officially knew I was doing what I was supposed to be doing! Isn't the Lord amazing? Our other investigator, Israel, is also progressing really well. He finally agreed to be baptized in our last lesson. I knew he was so close and so ready! He really amazing person! He is also played by Hermano Barfuss so that might be one of the reasons I love him so much! So even though I had one hard day I've had several amazing days that make up for all the negative feelings, moments, days etc.

 

Okay! -claps hands- The Broadcast! Before the Broadcast the choir director let us know that most likely not all of us would be able to sing because of how many of us there were. He asked us to come to terms with it and understand that he wanted all of us but had prayed and prayed and that was the answer he got. There were so many people at the gate waiting for it to open so they could get a seat at the broadcast to sing. It was kind of sad. I mean I did walk to the marriot a little fast then usual but there were missionaries pushing and running. I didn't we were representing Christ very well at that moment. My companion and I were able to sing but just barely. We were in the alto section the second row to the back more near the isle. During the first song there's a part where they actually show the back of the choir and they zoom in a little and I can see myself. You might be able to see me if you review the clip which is already up on lds.org. But more likely you wont notice me unless I was able to point me out(: Some people (like my companion) were upset about not getting on camera but it really wasn't a big deal to me. I just wanted to be able to sing and the Lord gave me that.

 

During this week because the Mission President Training we've had so many apostles on campus. (campus meaning the MTC) I tried and tried looking for President Ames and his wife but I didn't see them and now everyone is gone. It was a little sad but again not really a big deal. Anyways, a lot of the missionaries thought we would have an apostle speak at our Tuesday devotional but were disappointed.... only for a little bit though. The speaker was Janice Kapp Perry. She wrote As Sisters In Zion and a ton of primary songs! It was pretty awesome! The best part was when she was talking about the first thing her husband said to her. She was warming up her clarinet in the HFAC building at BYU, he came up to and said something like this, "Those lips look like they could be used  for something better than playing the clarinet." Right after she shared that with us and while we were chuckling her husband got up from his seat and grabbed her face and kissed her! We were all shocked and laughed and laughed. Elders actually stood up and gave him a standing ovation! It was so great!

 

Alright its time for me to leave, but there are two other things before I go. One, this coming Monday, the 1st of July I will only have a week left! It finally feels like its going fast! And I think my companion and I are getting it down, language and teaching!

 

Two, I'll leave you with a spiritual thought. Hermano Litznberger, one of my teachers, said this, "You.." (meaning missionaries and members) "...appropriately and properly represent Jesus Christ." I was reminded of the kid saying, "What would Jesus do?" We take that saying so lightly, but I realized how appropriate that saying really is. Really think to yourself, what would Jesus do... It could change a decision in your life. Jesus Christ is the perfect example and the purpose of this life is to TRY to become perfect like him. He has made the path for us laying down brick by brick and all we have to do is follow Him. Keep that question in your heart and seriously contemplate it.

 

I love you guys so much! Keep your heads up! I pray for all of you!

 

Hermana Durfee!

 

Alex here, Charlee leaves the MTC soon so if anyone wants her new address please just comment and we will make sure that is clarified.

FTF (Free the Fish)

My district has three teachers: Hermano Litznberger, Hermano Monroe, and Hermano Barfuss. Each teach at a different time during the day. We usually have Hermano Litznberger on Monday and Wednesday mornings. He is like a breath of fresh air. The reason for this is because he'll tell personal stories about himself in ENGLISH! It nice sometimes to actually understand everything he says. However, he still teaches in Spanish. Well on Wednesday we were discussing fishing and Hermana Snow (my companion) is very opinionated especially when it comes to feminism, the earth and animals. (You could call her a hipster/hippie because we do ;)) She made a comment that she liked fishing because most fish live in a nice pond and are free most of their lives. Then an Elder made a comment saying there are places where they are kept in a big tank all squished together. So her and Hermana Felt who kinda has the same opinions decided that they would be Free The Fish. Thus FTF came to be. They plan on making big once they get off their missions! Hahaha We have some fun times in the MTC.

One thing I miss is things being clean. The MTC is great when in comes to spiritually learning however I wish they would understand that, "Cleanliness is close to Godliness." There is hair everywhere in the showers, and the place we dump our trays at in the cafeteria makes me sick because of how awfull it smells. I find myself taking a big breath before I enter. In fact it is so gross I have a crazy story to tell. I believe it was Tuesday night. A girl had thrown up in the sink. Now that itself isn't bad. Most of us understand if you can't make it to the toilet then the sink is the second best place... HOWEVER, she didn't clean up... in fact no one did. Then Hermana Moore became the hero. She cleaned the sink herself! She's amazing at Spanish and amazing at kindness. In fact she reminds me a lot like Britt.

Speaking about puking... There was epidemic on Tuesday - Wednesday. The MTC said it was the flu but all of us (even the victims) think differently. It was right after the devotional on Tuesday night. (The speaker was amazing by the way) The zone gathered together with the branch presidency to discuss their thoughts. We all went around sharing. We were almost done when Elder Cockriel (an elder from my district) rushed out of the room and never came back. No one knew why. My guess it was that he had to throw up because it made the most sense. It turned out I was right. When we were all back in our dorm we were discussing how bad we felt for him. Then Hermana Moore made a comment. She was apologizing in advance if she left the room a lot during the night because she had terrible diarrhea. We all said that it wasn't a big deal and go to bed. around 1 in the morning I woke up to Hermana Moore going out of the room and didn't think twice about it. We wake up and find out that she had been puking during the night. My companion and I went to breakfast (to get the other two some as well) and find out that 3 elders and another sister in our zone also were puking during the night. I was/am convinced it was food poisoning and I'll tell you why. If you have the flu you feel sick even before you puke. None of the victims even felt sick they all felt fine right up to the time they knew they were going to vomit. AND they all got sick the same night. And it wasn't just my zone. I heard of at least 40 other cases of sickness and the MTC had fed the staff as well and some of the staff got sick. The MTC told all those who went to the health clinic that it was the flu. Flu my butt! However, the only reason I would doubt my theory would be because I would hope the MTC is honest. But I am still not really convinced. All of the "flu" victims were better by the next day and have been able to function properly. You don't have to worry about me. I am now all healthy and I didn't get whatever they had(:

Another crazy thing! Hermana Snow ran into her boyfriend last Friday (after I had already written you)! We walked into the cafeteria and a teacher stands up and calls out, "Alison?!" (that is Hermana Snow's real name) and she turns and puts both of her hands to her face in shock. I felt so awkward so I just walked away leaving her to deal with the problem. (You can separate while in the cafeteria) It was a while and I had already started eating my food when I felt like I should go find her and make sure she's okay. So I headed towards the wrap bar where she was headed for before the encounter. I found her almost in tears. She never did cry (not until bed time) and the whole zone had to be very sensitive while around her. She was ready to break at any time. As we headed out of the cafeteria and headed for class we ran into him again! Again I felt awkward so I kinda just back off. I don't know how she is handling this and I am so grateful that I don't have a distraction like that! Heavenly Father really blessed me!

One sad thing that happen this week is that the old district left. It is crazy to think that my district is now the oldest and that we are going on our fourth week here. I am going to miss them so much. Though, my district might be able to study better now that our main distraction has left. Since the old district is gone that means all the branch responsibilities fall on my district. However, my companion and I got lucky. Some how we missed getting a calling! hahaha. I am so grateful that I don't have more responsibility on my shoulders, it is already hard without a calling.

Since I've kinda shared some negative stuff I think I should share some fun and happy stuff. I hope it doesn't look like I am having a horrible time here in the MTC, in fact that is totally false. I am having a great time and learning so much!

Okay so few funny things. #1. Grant decided to send me pictures of his dream bike (bike meaning crotch rocket). So now I have two pictures of crotch rockets in my photo album and I already have an explanation if people ask why those are there. "OH! Well those are pictures of my friend's dream bike. I am not sure why he sent them but I figured I would keep them." It so funny that he would send those to me only because that morning my teacher, Hermano Monroe showed us a picture of HIS new crotch rocket. I like his better only because Hermano Monroe's bike is blue and Grant's dream bike is yellow. >.< I hate yellow. hahaha #2. On Sunday the whole zone is suppose to write a talk. The reason for this is because we don't know who will be picked to talk and it has to be in Spanish. Its a surprise. It's kinda scary but its also hilarious to hear the sighs of relief when you know that you don't have to talk. I have been lucky, I haven't been picked yet!

My Spanish is improving, though slowly, it is defiantly getting better. In fact I'll end with a story about our investigator Israel (who really is Hermano Barfuss, one of my teachers). Now Israel is a complicated situation. He has been attend the Church for SIX YEARS. His wife is a member and he has had several sets of missionaries. On Saturday we were preparing for our second lesson with him when... I wouldn't call it a vision but I closed my eyes to say a prayer and I saw, my companion and I teaching Israel and I saw and heard someone baring testimony and the spirit was so strong that there was tears. It happened just like that! Hermana Snow bore her testimony and it was so powerful! She was crying, I was tearing up and so was Israel! The amazing progress that we had in that lesson didn't stop there. The next lesson was just as powerful! And my Spanish came so easily to me! So it is definitely getting better.

I also want to apologize if you have wrote me a letter and I haven't responded. I am getting better at it now that I don't have to sleep during my free time. Also during the broadcast look for a girl wearing a blue shirt with gold buttons and straight hair(: that's me!

Love you guys so much!

Hermana Durfee

PS. Picture 1: Is the first walk back from the Marriot Center

Picture 2: That is my zone. It's not a perfect picture of all of us but pretty much as good as you're going to get haha

Picture 3: That is me and Elder Wyckoff. He was my favorite Elder in the old district and I am going to miss them so much!

Missionaries Find Everything Funny!! :D

It might be because we are stuck in a place that could almost resemble a prison (besides all the spiritual experiences though I know Joseph Smith recieved revelation in Liberty Jail so the MTC could be a prison) but missionaries are dying for any sort of entertainment. I have a few examples; One: Two Sundays ago we watched Legacy and when there was that romatic drama we changed into a bunch of elementary kids and when they kissed... YEP! We all went EEEWWW or the other response OOOHHHHH! Another Example: One of the elders in my distirct got a bouncy glowing ball in a package and we find so much entertainment in tossing it around and hitting it against the wall. We are in a classroom all day except that one hour of gym and so we find ourselves laughing at the stupidest things! I know I have mentioned before that the MTC is trying to get me fat right? Well one of the hermanas in my district Hermana Moore said this yesterday, "I think the MTC is the witch in Hansel and Gretel. We're locked up, eat food all day, sit all day and get fat and then at the end.... They'll eat us!" Its an interesting analgy. Pretty accurate I think. :D

 

Wednesday the 5th (Last week) and Wednesday the 12th we got three new districts in our zone. The first two have four hermanas and four elders each. The newest district that came this Wednesday have NINE elders and NO sisters. And the Oldest district is leaving this next week so even though we have only been here a little over 2 weeks we are now the oldest. I can't believe that we are going into our third week!

There has been some major events lately here at the MTC. The first one is last Wednesday (the 5th) they had 900 missionaries enter the MTC! The most ever! Another crazy event is that we are now having Tuesday Devotionals in the Marriot Center! and just the choir at the devotionals (which I am in by the way) has over 1800 missionaries! So this Tuesday we made the short walk out of the MTC to the Marriot Center! My first thought when I was out was "RUN! YOU'RE FREE!" Kidding... Well I mean it did come to my mind but it was just in jest. The Devotional was so good! Elder Arnold spoke! and AAHHH his testimony shook my heart! It was so strong! If I have time at the end I'll share a few thoughts when I give my spiritual thought. The last major event! It hasn't happened yet but on the 23rd there is a huge Missionary Training Broadcast. I have no doubt that you have heard about it because Dad is in High Counsel. The First Presidency and most of the 12 apostles will be there! AND! Well I'll be singing in the choir there! :D EEEEEEE so! look for me okay? I'll be in the Alto section! They also mentioned it will be made into a video so that the world can see it! I am kinda excited!

 

Callie (my cousin for those who don't know) left this Monday. She lived in the same building I did so I took her a airplane snack for all the goodies my companion and other hermana had received. It was so hard to say goodbye to her. I might have cried... So she is now in Kentucky serving the Lord. I am kinda jealous I wish I could be out there right now. However, the Lord wants me here so I will work my hardest to learn spanish.

I am so grateful that I am not attached to a boy while I am on my mission. My companion, Hermana Snow, has a novio (a boyfriend) and it probably would be that bad but here is the catch! Her boy has a job here, IN THE MTC, teaching Japanese. She's always worried (or I believe excited) to run into him while she is here. She hasn't yet but every time we are outside walking to another building she looks out for those white name tags (the teachers wear white name tags, missionaries wear black). It gets better... worse... He actually SAW HER! He was in a building and saw us walking! He knocked on the glass trying to get our attention but was unsucessful. I will be honest with you, I hope she doesn't see him. I think it would distract her even more! I don't know how she handles it and I am glad I don't have to.

 

Last Saturday Hermana Moore got the stomach flu. So she slept all day in our room to get better. Luckily none of us got the flu from her HOWEVER.... I am sick. I got an AWFUL cold this last Tuesday. It was so bad that it sucked all the energy and color from my face. I was shaky and weak all day. We had to teach on Tuesday also! So I slept and hoped and prayed that I would be better before we had to go teaching. It didn't happen. So I slept all day until 5 and by then I had gotten enough rest and enough food that I could go to the devotional. I felt bad for my companion who had to stay in the room because I was sick but I am also grateful for her because she was willing to help me in any way she could.  I still have my cold but it is not nearly as bad. I will be excited when I can breathe out of both my nostrels! haha

I have run into a few people I knew from BYU but the best person to run into was Sister KAREN ROSE! Not sure if you guys remember her but she is from our stake. She came into the MTC last wednesday but the best part is that she's learning portugese in the same building and same floor so I now see her all the time! So Callie leaves but I now have Karen so its all good(:

 

I am still struggling with spanish! I am so grateful I am not learning some crazy language like Russian or Chinese! If I am struggling with español then I would be a mess if it was something else! Haha. Even though its hard I have the best teachers in the world! I have three main teachers. Hermano Litznberger (sp?), Hermano Monroe and Hermano Barfuss. Each teacher has their own way of teaching. Hermano Litznberger is a breath of frest air from all the spanish. When it comes to personal topics he'll talk english and we talk and talk (we meaning my district). Hermano Monroe has shared some crazy spiritual experiences however he is so intimidating. I have no idea why but he is. When I am speaking spanish to my companion he'll come over and listen and all of the sudden I wont know how to speak at all, in english or in spanish. He is one of our investigators so that is kinda hard but it's helping me get over how intimidating he is. And then there is Hermano Barfuss! HE IS SO AMAZING! (and cute but that has nothing to do with anything).  He was our investigator at the very beginning and then became our teacher. He is so sincere and positive! I am so grateful for him! We were doing individual coaching and it was my turn and he really boosted my  self-esteem. The Lord really does send the right people into your life when you are struggling.

Alright! I think I made up for my short e-mail last week! Before I go I do want to leave you with a spiritual message. Deuteromy 31:8 "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." The underline part. He will not fail us! No matter what we are going through he will be there for us and direct us! 

Okay I love you all! Work Hard, Don't Do Drugs!

Hermana Durfee

 

PS:
Picture 3: I drew a picture of my district! :D
Picture 1: Callie's last night here in the MTC!
Picture 2:  On our way to the Marriot Center

A little about what is happening at home... and let's hear from Sharlee "Make it to Sunday"

Hello everyone,

My name is Josie Durfee. I am Sharlee's sister. I am very excited to say that I will report next year for a mission. I have been able to go on mini missions that the church has every year. They are kind of like a real mission, but only for three days, and you are not a real missionary. You just help out the missionaries, and kind of get a feel for what it is like in the mission field. I have been able to go an two mini missions and they were what really made me want to go on a mission. I was able to serve and think about others, and was able to be the most like Jesus Christ during those times that I went. I really hope that I will be able to go this year, however with all the changes that are being made due to age, and boundary changes in missions I may not. If that happens that is okay... because I have been able to go for two years. Anyways, enough about me let us hear from Sharlee about her wonderful mission!!!

Sharlee's letter:

 

"Make It To Sunday" That's what everyone says here! And I can tell you that it is so true! AND I've made it passed that! I'm going on my second week! Another thing they say is, "The days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days!" That too, is a true statement! Now I only have 5 weeks here instead of 6(:

The first thing that is on my mind is the food. I am not a fan. My companion knows me well enough to know that I probably will just say, "Meh" if she asks me how the food is. I just don't enjoy it very much. We eat so close together. Breakfast at 7 a.m., Lunch at 11:40 a.m and Dinner at 4:40 and we are in class all day, sitting all day! I get the feeling that they want me to get fat. O.o hahaha There is gym scheduled into our day about everyday of the week but being who I am and never liking exercising I find myself just playing volleyball each time. Actually I really love it!
I find myself struggling at the language and often times I feel like I should just be put into the beginners class. I have to constantly remind myself that I am where the Lord wants me to be. He knew that it was going to be hard for me to pick up the language. It will strengthen me. The same day that I wrote my last email, My companion and I taught our first lesson to an investigator (an actor) IN SPANISH! It was so nerve racking and like I already said the language isn't coming as fast as I would like. We have taught four lessons since and slowly but surely I improve. One thing we (my companion and I) need to focus on is to not get nervous! Another is to stop giving so much background information. My companion likes to explain every detail in our lesson before we get to the main points. Eventually I told her if we are to get our points across we need to be more precise. We practiced with one of our teachers last night and she commented how good it was that we kept to the basics.

My companion, Hermana Snow, is wonderful. Our personalities really fit well together and we are able to strengthen each other's weaknesses. There have been times where she makes me a little frustrated but that's in every relationship.

 The best thing about the MTC is my Branch President, President Tyler. (I am pretty sure I mentioned him in the last email). I have learned so much from him! Whenever he talks, and I really mean whenever, I always get a paper and a pen out to take notes. Another thing I learned is from one of my teachers, Hermano Monroe, If we love our investigators we WILL invite them to be baptized the first lesson. That concept seemed so foreign to me. I thought we should help them and teach most of the lessons before we ask them to get baptized. It was a real eye opener. We don't teach another investigator till next Monday (it will be a first lesson) but when we do we will start off with the invitation to be baptized.

This email is kinda short and I apologize. Next week will be better I promise! Don't forget to write letters! It is so nice and helps so much! Use dearelder.com! It's free while I am here at the MTC!

Much Love and hugs!

Hermana Durfee

Picture 1: Those are the other sisters in my District! and they room with us also!

 

Picture 2: My companion and I(:

 

 Picture 3: That is my district! I have to say its the best district here! We all love singing! And now we are singing on Sunday for sacrament meeting!