Hola my Loved Ones,
How is everyone doing? I love hearing from everyone. It brings great happiness to my alma-soul when I hear from you.
Well, this week has been one filled with great gozo-joy y-and many tears. It has been an amazing week. I can testify that Heavenly Father knows exactly what you and need and when you need it. He can be in ever aspect of our life if we allow Him to be.
Spanish Update- :) This is good. So...yesterday as a district we ONLY spoke Spanish ALL DAY. I was not looking forward to it the night before but...it was amazing. I can not tell the conversations that were in Spanish or if I had any in English. My two companions and I contacted Grandpa Allen in Spanish. I loved it and he gave us some great feedback. There were moments where speaking Spanish all day was a struggle but it was really good, I loved it actually and thought I wasn't going to say much but I said more that I thought I would. I'm not saying it was easy but rather I could feel the hand of the Lord life and support me during a difficult time. We had one appointment to teach an investigator based on his needs that I didn't say a word in except for the closing prayer. At the end of the day during planning Hermana Chartrand said something that really struck me and meant a lot. She said, "Everything you said had to be worth something." And it was. If I spoke any Spanish it had to be important and there was a strong desire behind it.
On a funny note :) Last night we had a sub for a teacher. Our teachers are off either getting married or asking parents for permission to marry someone :) The sub-teacher asked us where we were from, where we were going and then he introduced himself. He is going to BYU and majoring in business. I asked him a question about business school and then attempted to say IN SPANISH because it was an English "fast" ALL SPANISH DAY, My brother is going to the business school getting his MBA. Well...it came out My man-hombre instead of Hermano-is going to BYU to get his MBA. He then said in response, "Su hombre?" My mind was burnt out from Spanish and I didn't recognize the difference even though they don't even sound the same. My response, "Si, my hombre" I knew right then and there that something wasn't right. This was during class and in front of my entire district. I turned to Hermana Bergin and she said, "Your man?!" Right then and there I had a very importance choice to make. Do I start balling my head off and let tears stream down my face or do I laugh uncontrollably? Well, I chose the better route and laughed so hard I cried. :) I hope you enjoyed that story.
Being a missionary is one of the most amazing things that I will every be able to do with my life. I will forever cherish this time called to serve. A lot of the speakers who have come recently have spoken about the similarities of our calling as missionaries with the 12 Apostles. As Elder Holland, Perry, Anderson, and Oaks have come they have all said, my fellow servants and mentioned how our calling is similar to theirs. I'm not trying to boast with the sacred calling of a missionary but instead share with you that I recognize that I have a very sacred stewardship. Every day I wake-up the first thing I do is put my name tag on. I am honored to be able to wear Christ name on my chest.
I absolutely LOVE being companions with Hermana Bergin and Hermana Chartand. We are seeing countless miracles each and every day together. They are two of the sweetest people I know. You should send them a DearElder. That would be SO GREAT! They are going to San Jose, CA leaving the same time I am which should be Jan 19th. They have completely taken me into there companionship and wrapped there arms around me. On Tuesday we got to leave the MTC! :) I love being here but it was sure an adventure. Hermana Bergin has had pain from one of her toenails. I won't go into detail :) but she needed to see a doctor to get it looked at. I feel bad for her. The doctor numbed up her toe which was very painful and then started hacking at her nail. I have never seen someones face have so much horror on it ever before. Hermana Chartand...she...she almost pasted out. I didn't know which companion to help. I said a lot of prayers and laughed a lot :)
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the message there of is the only thing that can save the world. Allow it to take part in EVERY aspect of your life. Is there a part of your life that does not have the Gospel, the spirit in it? Figure out how to be COMPLETELY immersed and surrounded by it. I know that as you do so your life will become better. It will not necessarily become easier just sweeter and filled with TRUE joy.
I know that God is our Father in Heaven. He loves us and greatly desires for us to return to Him. Christ is our Savior. Let Him enter your heart. As you do you will feel your pains relieved and life will be Sweeter. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Much Love, Hermana Banaszewski
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
December 29, 2009
HOLA!!!
I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas. I can't wait to hear how all of you are doing. I just got your DearElders yesterday and loved every word. Thank you so much.
This week has been full of joy, pain, sorrow, and...every other emotion possible. I am so honorred to be a missionary and feel that my cup runneth over with blessings. This week one of my goals is to have a joyful smile on my face at every moment or be balling. AKA-If I'm not smiling it better be for a really good reason. Life has been wonderful...wonderfully hard.
Christmas was a special treat and I wear being at the MTC on such a sacred day as a badge of honor. There were so many people that volunteered there time to be here so us as the Missionaries could be happy. Most of the people who made the food were volunteer and it touched my heart so much that they would be here for US. What a sign of there love for Christ by being here. L. Tom Perry came in the morning on Christmas day and brought his family. Then we had a missionary tallent show. Elder Anderson from my district performed and played "The Hand Song" from Nickle Creak I think on the gatar and sang. He is very tallented and actually just became our district leader as well. Then after some persoanl time-when I wrote home-we had another fireside with Greg Olsen. He spoke about painting Christ and how worried he had been to do so. He met with President Packer one day and he told Greg Olsen to not be worried about painting Christ and gave him some tips. Paint Christ as a manly man. He was a carpenders son and understoon manual labor, paint Him with humility as well. It was neat and I felt the Spirit the entire day. For me Christmas Eve was AMAZING. I wrote home about it so you will read about it then. :)
Spanish-Tomorrow we are having an "English Fast" and...I don't think I'll be saying much but I have such a desire to do my very best. Last night was one of great dolor-pain in the area of spanish. My companion, Hermana Hinton, got sick on Sunday, we spent the day in our casa, our room. She slept and I studied like crazy. I learned a lot. Monday morning we brought her to the health clinic and she was sent to corunteen. They think she has the flu but not sure. She had a temp. so she has to be there for at least 5 days. I am not in a WONDERFUL threesome with Hermana Bergin and Chartrand. I love them very much and consider it an honor to be with them. I wasn't expecting to have diffrent companions so its been a bit of a mind shift for me. They speak spanish REALLY well and I am hoping to learn a lot from them. It has been very humbling though. More and more I see how much I truely am struggling with spanish. HOWEVER, my desires and love for the language have not changed. I realized how great a desire I have and that is what I need to hold on to. We went to our Spanish tutor last night and my brain was fried. We went back to our class room to plan and were asked to teach a lesson to some missionaries leaving today in Spanish. I was spent. Instead of saying anything, like no :), I just picked up my Book of Mormon in Spanish and went. Hermana Bergin said some really amazing things in Spanish, if I understood them I would tell you what she said :), Hermana Chartrand then sharred a scripture and then...me...it was my turn. I had had it when Spanish. Tears flowed from my face. I wanted so badly for these Elders to feel the spirit but couldn't convy anything to them. I said two or three sentences and bore my testimony. It took a long time to come out because I was crying the whole time wanted them to feel the Love that God has for them and to know how much God is happy with them. The hand of the Lord wrapped around me. I felt His love for me as I testified of His love for others. I am not discouraged, just brought closer to our Heavenly Father and my desire to learn is great.
We were able to call Anthony last night. He had met with the missionaires and things seemed to have gone really well. He is an amazing man. We've tried to call three other times and he hasn't picked up. I was worried that his meeting with the missionaires hadn't gone well and he just wasn't picking up. What really happened was he had minor sugery. Fewww. I testified about the priesthood power the missionaries have and that he could recieve a blessing if he'd like. He wanted to go to church on the 3rd but might not be able to with his surgry BUT THE DESIRE IS THERE :) YEAH!
All of the Hermanas from our Casa have left BUT Hermana Bergin and Chartand have FINALLY moved in. I'm so excited to have them around more. Hermana Bergin is an amazing missionary. She reminds me a lot of Jennie. She is has become a much needed friend durring some really hard times. Hermana Friesto was suppose to leave this morning with Hermana Staply to West Virginia however she had some medical problems Half of her body went numb it was all symptoms of a stoke and a BAD migrane. They brought her to the hospital and now say its because of stress. They are making her stay here two extra weeks. She could really use some prayers.
Life is going great. It is really good and really hard. Its is a sweet hard work.
Family-I love you so very much. Keep working hard, be giving of yourself, and love our Heavenly Father and His Son with everything you have. Express you love for all those around you. Show them how much you love them.
Much Love,
Hermana Banaszewski
(Any insights on Tamaflu? The health clinic is having me take it as preventitive care from getting sick because of Hermana Hinton)
I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas. I can't wait to hear how all of you are doing. I just got your DearElders yesterday and loved every word. Thank you so much.
This week has been full of joy, pain, sorrow, and...every other emotion possible. I am so honorred to be a missionary and feel that my cup runneth over with blessings. This week one of my goals is to have a joyful smile on my face at every moment or be balling. AKA-If I'm not smiling it better be for a really good reason. Life has been wonderful...wonderfully hard.
Christmas was a special treat and I wear being at the MTC on such a sacred day as a badge of honor. There were so many people that volunteered there time to be here so us as the Missionaries could be happy. Most of the people who made the food were volunteer and it touched my heart so much that they would be here for US. What a sign of there love for Christ by being here. L. Tom Perry came in the morning on Christmas day and brought his family. Then we had a missionary tallent show. Elder Anderson from my district performed and played "The Hand Song" from Nickle Creak I think on the gatar and sang. He is very tallented and actually just became our district leader as well. Then after some persoanl time-when I wrote home-we had another fireside with Greg Olsen. He spoke about painting Christ and how worried he had been to do so. He met with President Packer one day and he told Greg Olsen to not be worried about painting Christ and gave him some tips. Paint Christ as a manly man. He was a carpenders son and understoon manual labor, paint Him with humility as well. It was neat and I felt the Spirit the entire day. For me Christmas Eve was AMAZING. I wrote home about it so you will read about it then. :)
Spanish-Tomorrow we are having an "English Fast" and...I don't think I'll be saying much but I have such a desire to do my very best. Last night was one of great dolor-pain in the area of spanish. My companion, Hermana Hinton, got sick on Sunday, we spent the day in our casa, our room. She slept and I studied like crazy. I learned a lot. Monday morning we brought her to the health clinic and she was sent to corunteen. They think she has the flu but not sure. She had a temp. so she has to be there for at least 5 days. I am not in a WONDERFUL threesome with Hermana Bergin and Chartrand. I love them very much and consider it an honor to be with them. I wasn't expecting to have diffrent companions so its been a bit of a mind shift for me. They speak spanish REALLY well and I am hoping to learn a lot from them. It has been very humbling though. More and more I see how much I truely am struggling with spanish. HOWEVER, my desires and love for the language have not changed. I realized how great a desire I have and that is what I need to hold on to. We went to our Spanish tutor last night and my brain was fried. We went back to our class room to plan and were asked to teach a lesson to some missionaries leaving today in Spanish. I was spent. Instead of saying anything, like no :), I just picked up my Book of Mormon in Spanish and went. Hermana Bergin said some really amazing things in Spanish, if I understood them I would tell you what she said :), Hermana Chartrand then sharred a scripture and then...me...it was my turn. I had had it when Spanish. Tears flowed from my face. I wanted so badly for these Elders to feel the spirit but couldn't convy anything to them. I said two or three sentences and bore my testimony. It took a long time to come out because I was crying the whole time wanted them to feel the Love that God has for them and to know how much God is happy with them. The hand of the Lord wrapped around me. I felt His love for me as I testified of His love for others. I am not discouraged, just brought closer to our Heavenly Father and my desire to learn is great.
We were able to call Anthony last night. He had met with the missionaires and things seemed to have gone really well. He is an amazing man. We've tried to call three other times and he hasn't picked up. I was worried that his meeting with the missionaires hadn't gone well and he just wasn't picking up. What really happened was he had minor sugery. Fewww. I testified about the priesthood power the missionaries have and that he could recieve a blessing if he'd like. He wanted to go to church on the 3rd but might not be able to with his surgry BUT THE DESIRE IS THERE :) YEAH!
All of the Hermanas from our Casa have left BUT Hermana Bergin and Chartand have FINALLY moved in. I'm so excited to have them around more. Hermana Bergin is an amazing missionary. She reminds me a lot of Jennie. She is has become a much needed friend durring some really hard times. Hermana Friesto was suppose to leave this morning with Hermana Staply to West Virginia however she had some medical problems Half of her body went numb it was all symptoms of a stoke and a BAD migrane. They brought her to the hospital and now say its because of stress. They are making her stay here two extra weeks. She could really use some prayers.
Life is going great. It is really good and really hard. Its is a sweet hard work.
Family-I love you so very much. Keep working hard, be giving of yourself, and love our Heavenly Father and His Son with everything you have. Express you love for all those around you. Show them how much you love them.
Much Love,
Hermana Banaszewski
(Any insights on Tamaflu? The health clinic is having me take it as preventitive care from getting sick because of Hermana Hinton)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
December 22, 2009
Wow I had just written an amazing e-mail and it closed on me. I feel like balling. I only have 7 min but will do my best.
Most importantly Know that the Lord loves you very much. He is very much a part of your daily life. (Wow, I'm so sad about my email disappearing)
I have really felt much more like myself lately. Thank you for your prayers and Concern. Thank you so much for keeping up on the blog. People have written me from reading it.
I have seen so many miracles while on my mission. I can't even describe them to you. They have been simple and sweet. You have to look for them in your life. As you do you will be amazed at the love God has for you. As you look for them, share them with others as appropriate. I would love to hear of them as well.
Spanish is great. I am learning a lot. Yesterday Herman Hinton and I were able to teach lesson 1 in Spanish. It was interesting to say the least. Our Spanish is very broken but the message is there :) After we were able to relax a little while teaching the spirit came in was wonderful. I have a lot I still need to learn but most importantly I can pray and testify in Spanish.
Merry Christmas Family! I will be able to write letters on Christmas day but I want all of you to know I love you very much. I am excited and so blessed to be able to be at the MTC on Christmas. I have been asked to give the Closing Pray at the Christmas Eve Fireside. Remember what Christmas is all about. Forget yourself and serve. It will be the best Christmas ever if you do so.
I have been so filled with gozo, joy this last week. Oh how grateful I am for the Lords love in my life. I know He loves me and is VERY aware of exactly what I need.
Mi Testifcar:
You testifico que Jesucristo vive y es mi Salvador y ama a usted. Yo se que Jesucristo es nuestro Redento y es mi personal Redento y Salvador. Jesucristo es el Hijo de Dios. En el nobre de Jesucristo, Aman.
Herman Banaszewski
(Julie-Thank you so much for the Box, that tree was AWESOME)
Most importantly Know that the Lord loves you very much. He is very much a part of your daily life. (Wow, I'm so sad about my email disappearing)
I have really felt much more like myself lately. Thank you for your prayers and Concern. Thank you so much for keeping up on the blog. People have written me from reading it.
I have seen so many miracles while on my mission. I can't even describe them to you. They have been simple and sweet. You have to look for them in your life. As you do you will be amazed at the love God has for you. As you look for them, share them with others as appropriate. I would love to hear of them as well.
Spanish is great. I am learning a lot. Yesterday Herman Hinton and I were able to teach lesson 1 in Spanish. It was interesting to say the least. Our Spanish is very broken but the message is there :) After we were able to relax a little while teaching the spirit came in was wonderful. I have a lot I still need to learn but most importantly I can pray and testify in Spanish.
Merry Christmas Family! I will be able to write letters on Christmas day but I want all of you to know I love you very much. I am excited and so blessed to be able to be at the MTC on Christmas. I have been asked to give the Closing Pray at the Christmas Eve Fireside. Remember what Christmas is all about. Forget yourself and serve. It will be the best Christmas ever if you do so.
I have been so filled with gozo, joy this last week. Oh how grateful I am for the Lords love in my life. I know He loves me and is VERY aware of exactly what I need.
Mi Testifcar:
You testifico que Jesucristo vive y es mi Salvador y ama a usted. Yo se que Jesucristo es nuestro Redento y es mi personal Redento y Salvador. Jesucristo es el Hijo de Dios. En el nobre de Jesucristo, Aman.
Herman Banaszewski
(Julie-Thank you so much for the Box, that tree was AWESOME)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December 15, 2009
Hello Loved Ones!
How is everyone? I hope the Christmas season is booming in everyones hearts. Feel the love of Christ and share that love with someone else.
Honestly though, How is everyone doing? I can't tell you how much my love for people has grown. God loves His children so much. He has given all of us everything we need to be happy, have joy, and return to live with Him. It is so easy to get distracted from such knowledge or to be happy in the mists of trials but our trials make us stronger, give us knowledge, shape us, and bless our lives.
Ok, I am going to do my best to answer some of the questions people have aske me this week.
Spanish-Spanish is...I'm wearing my knee's out that's for sure. I always feel like I can do more, study more, and understand it better but...its coming. Its not coming as fast as I would like it but its coming. Hermana Hinton and I go to a Spanish tutor about twice a week which is really helping. We've been working on teaching lesson one in Spanish which has been fun and very frustrating all at the same time. I want to say more things than I can. Most of the time I say things like, "Gods loves us, the Gospels blesses families, I love my family, Christ was crucified, prophets no good, need prophets, they are very important..." and so forth. The other day I accidentally said, "My family is very evil all of the time." :) Oops! It was super funny though and I needed the laugh.
My departure days has been going back and forth. At first it was the 12th of Jan but now I think it is the 19th. I'm not sure but when I find out I'll let everyone know.
I haven't been able to follow up with Anthony, the man I spoke with on the phone about reading the Book of Mormon. I should be able to do that tomorrow. Pray that he will feel the spirit and that I will say what I should. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to say to him but have been working on it all week.
My new roommates are great. Two of them are going to West Virginia and the other two are going to CO SPRINGS! Woot! They are great, they leave the MTC in two weeks because they are English Speaking.
Thank you so much for keeping the blog up to date. A lot of people comment that they have read it. Thank you. I'm hoping to send pictures soon. I've been trying for 3 1/2 weeks to be able to but the machine isn't working or the line is too long.
OH! so officially I've been in the MTC 1 month! Ahh!!! I only have 17 more months left! :( Sniff Sniff. Its been an eternity and really fast all at the same time.
Today I was able to go to the Temple. It was wonderful. We did family names and...I love being able to go to the Temple. Next week it will be closed for Christmas.
Sunday Sister Dalton spoke in Relief Society. She was great but it really doesn't matter who speaks it is if they speak with the spirit.
If you can look up 6 Billion People. Google it. We watch clips of these people and pretend they are our investigators. I love hearing they're stories.
I love all of you very much. I pray for you every day. Remember the real meaning of Christmas and soak it in! God loves each of you very much and is very away of your own personal life.
Much Love, Hermana Banaszewski
(Mom Patty-Thank you very much for the package)
(Jennie- I NEED to see pictures of the baby!!! ASAP! PS. Thank you so much for the letter, I loved it. I have some ideas for names for you)
How is everyone? I hope the Christmas season is booming in everyones hearts. Feel the love of Christ and share that love with someone else.
Honestly though, How is everyone doing? I can't tell you how much my love for people has grown. God loves His children so much. He has given all of us everything we need to be happy, have joy, and return to live with Him. It is so easy to get distracted from such knowledge or to be happy in the mists of trials but our trials make us stronger, give us knowledge, shape us, and bless our lives.
Ok, I am going to do my best to answer some of the questions people have aske me this week.
Spanish-Spanish is...I'm wearing my knee's out that's for sure. I always feel like I can do more, study more, and understand it better but...its coming. Its not coming as fast as I would like it but its coming. Hermana Hinton and I go to a Spanish tutor about twice a week which is really helping. We've been working on teaching lesson one in Spanish which has been fun and very frustrating all at the same time. I want to say more things than I can. Most of the time I say things like, "Gods loves us, the Gospels blesses families, I love my family, Christ was crucified, prophets no good, need prophets, they are very important..." and so forth. The other day I accidentally said, "My family is very evil all of the time." :) Oops! It was super funny though and I needed the laugh.
My departure days has been going back and forth. At first it was the 12th of Jan but now I think it is the 19th. I'm not sure but when I find out I'll let everyone know.
I haven't been able to follow up with Anthony, the man I spoke with on the phone about reading the Book of Mormon. I should be able to do that tomorrow. Pray that he will feel the spirit and that I will say what I should. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to say to him but have been working on it all week.
My new roommates are great. Two of them are going to West Virginia and the other two are going to CO SPRINGS! Woot! They are great, they leave the MTC in two weeks because they are English Speaking.
Thank you so much for keeping the blog up to date. A lot of people comment that they have read it. Thank you. I'm hoping to send pictures soon. I've been trying for 3 1/2 weeks to be able to but the machine isn't working or the line is too long.
OH! so officially I've been in the MTC 1 month! Ahh!!! I only have 17 more months left! :( Sniff Sniff. Its been an eternity and really fast all at the same time.
Today I was able to go to the Temple. It was wonderful. We did family names and...I love being able to go to the Temple. Next week it will be closed for Christmas.
Sunday Sister Dalton spoke in Relief Society. She was great but it really doesn't matter who speaks it is if they speak with the spirit.
If you can look up 6 Billion People. Google it. We watch clips of these people and pretend they are our investigators. I love hearing they're stories.
I love all of you very much. I pray for you every day. Remember the real meaning of Christmas and soak it in! God loves each of you very much and is very away of your own personal life.
Much Love, Hermana Banaszewski
(Mom Patty-Thank you very much for the package)
(Jennie- I NEED to see pictures of the baby!!! ASAP! PS. Thank you so much for the letter, I loved it. I have some ideas for names for you)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
December 10, 2009
Hello!
First, I'm not sure Patty got my e-mail from Tues. She wrote me from dearelder and said she was sad she didn't hear from me. I have her e-mail address correct but I'm not sure whats going on.
Ok, after writing on Tuesday I felt really bad. I realized I talked all about me and what I'm doing but I really want to know how everyone else's life is going. This work isn't about me, its about everyone else.
There are so many people supporting me on my mission. I have felt very humbled with all the support and love. Thank you, thank you so much for what you do for me and for this work. I am humbled EVERY day. My heart is full with thanks and words can not express how I truly feel.
Yesterday I went to the RC, where you call people that have ordered a DVD or Book of Mormon and such. It can be a little nerve racking at times but I loved it. I called one man who happened to grow up on the South Side of Chicago :) that had ordered a Family Forever DVD. I asked him if I could send a Book of Mormon as well and he said no and was about done. I kept talking to him though and pretty soon he was telling me all about his life and how he use to be an alcoholic and drug attic and now he goes to his church and feels he has been saved. To make a long story short together him and I spoke about how much we love God and know that He is real along with our Savior and the Holy Ghost. I read a scrip in Alma about Christ and the Atonement. When I was done he said, "That's true, that's so right." WHOOO! Yep, he's right, it is true. Then I asked him if I could send a BOM again, he said only by mail. We talked some more, I gave him some more verses to read when he gets his copy and then asked again if the missionaries could bring the BOM he said YES! Woot! He's going to read and pray about it! SWEET!
I was so excited! I'm not sure how he is going to receive it but that is not my place to judge. I have a return appointment to call him back next week and we are going to talk about what he read and how he felt. There are many ways to do missionary work, even on the phone or through chatting. At the same time Hermana Hinton had an AMAZING conversation on chat with a wonam.
I know that this work is great. You can share the message of the gospel even with just a smile. I know the Church is true and that God lives and loves us.
We got new sisters in our room last night. My heart was eased when I say they are all pretty much normal :) The Sister that sleeps above me when to BYU-I for three years and recognized Amy from a picture. Shes a Elementary ED major.
How is Christmas plans coming along? Getting any shopping done? Just remember what the real meaning of Christmas is. Its about Christ and serving. There is where you will find the greatest happiness.
I can't express my love and gratitude enough. I love you all so very much and think about you often. I pray for you every day and as a District we pray for our families and loved ones...in SPANISH too :)
Much Much MUCH LOVE,
Hermana Banaszewski
(Rachel- I got your package! Thank you so much! I love it all so much and...Thank Mel too. Thank you WOOT).
(PS Will some one tell Pres. Milner about the blog so he can keep up if he'd like, thanks)
First, I'm not sure Patty got my e-mail from Tues. She wrote me from dearelder and said she was sad she didn't hear from me. I have her e-mail address correct but I'm not sure whats going on.
Ok, after writing on Tuesday I felt really bad. I realized I talked all about me and what I'm doing but I really want to know how everyone else's life is going. This work isn't about me, its about everyone else.
There are so many people supporting me on my mission. I have felt very humbled with all the support and love. Thank you, thank you so much for what you do for me and for this work. I am humbled EVERY day. My heart is full with thanks and words can not express how I truly feel.
Yesterday I went to the RC, where you call people that have ordered a DVD or Book of Mormon and such. It can be a little nerve racking at times but I loved it. I called one man who happened to grow up on the South Side of Chicago :) that had ordered a Family Forever DVD. I asked him if I could send a Book of Mormon as well and he said no and was about done. I kept talking to him though and pretty soon he was telling me all about his life and how he use to be an alcoholic and drug attic and now he goes to his church and feels he has been saved. To make a long story short together him and I spoke about how much we love God and know that He is real along with our Savior and the Holy Ghost. I read a scrip in Alma about Christ and the Atonement. When I was done he said, "That's true, that's so right." WHOOO! Yep, he's right, it is true. Then I asked him if I could send a BOM again, he said only by mail. We talked some more, I gave him some more verses to read when he gets his copy and then asked again if the missionaries could bring the BOM he said YES! Woot! He's going to read and pray about it! SWEET!
I was so excited! I'm not sure how he is going to receive it but that is not my place to judge. I have a return appointment to call him back next week and we are going to talk about what he read and how he felt. There are many ways to do missionary work, even on the phone or through chatting. At the same time Hermana Hinton had an AMAZING conversation on chat with a wonam.
I know that this work is great. You can share the message of the gospel even with just a smile. I know the Church is true and that God lives and loves us.
We got new sisters in our room last night. My heart was eased when I say they are all pretty much normal :) The Sister that sleeps above me when to BYU-I for three years and recognized Amy from a picture. Shes a Elementary ED major.
How is Christmas plans coming along? Getting any shopping done? Just remember what the real meaning of Christmas is. Its about Christ and serving. There is where you will find the greatest happiness.
I can't express my love and gratitude enough. I love you all so very much and think about you often. I pray for you every day and as a District we pray for our families and loved ones...in SPANISH too :)
Much Much MUCH LOVE,
Hermana Banaszewski
(Rachel- I got your package! Thank you so much! I love it all so much and...Thank Mel too. Thank you WOOT).
(PS Will some one tell Pres. Milner about the blog so he can keep up if he'd like, thanks)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
December 8, 2009
Holá!
I am SO HAPPY to be able to e-mail. This week I wasn't able to write all the letters I usually do so I apologize right now.
First off I hope and pray that all of you know how much I love you. I pray and think about you daily. I can't tell you how much your letters mean to me and they always come right when I need them. Thank you very very much for them. DearElder.com is working like a charm! I love being able to read your letters so soon after you have written them.
The MTC is AWESOME! I love it. The first 10 days were...I learned a lot :) but now things are going great which means I'm gearing up for another humbling time to come soon. That will probably happen next week or so we our teachers start only speaking to us in Spanish.
Speaking of Spanish...is it going much better than I thought. It is still super hard and I always feel behind but I have never felt the that I have been taught by the Spirit this much in my life. Its is increadable. The other day I was working on the computer and I had a LIGHT BULB moment with Spanish. I literally clapped my hands and shouted hallelujah!!! I've been going to a Spanish tutor and doing all I can to work smarter and hard. On Monday I went to the TEC, where we practice what we learn with investigators, and My companion and I "picked up an investigator and brought them to church on the bus" it was neat. I realized I know more Spanish than I thought. I am having half Spanish dreams too! So over all it is coming but I still realize I have TONS to learn and NEED the prayers. I can see how the Atonement is even having a part in me learning Spanish. (thank you Julie for that insight)
Thank you for keeping the blog going. Some of my friends have written me and told me the keep up on it. I really appreciate the work that is going on for me. I recognize the sacrifice.
On Monday I was also able to teach lesson two with Herman Hinton. It is on the plan of salvation. This lesson was AWESOME! I really felt the spirit there strongly and words just flowed. The woman we taught was young and had her 1 year old there. We spoke about families at the end of the lesson and how you can live forever with your family. I asked her how bad she wanted to live with her family forever and she said very much. Then with the guidance of the Spirit I asked her how much would she do for that. She said a lot. I said, would you be willing to be baptized to life with your family forever? :) Woot! mind you she's already a member but she said YES! It was a great experience.
I love being able to see Grandma and Grandpa Allen here. On Sunday I saw them in the cafeteria getting dinner. That was fun. I see them every couple of days and I love seeing there smiling faces.
We had our first snow since I've been in the MTC. I love it and dread it all at the same time. Its really beautiful but the other day I had the sudden realization that I'm going to be out in this for many hours a day when I get to NY. I'll be blessed...I might be cold but I'll be blessed. Christmas is coming up and I'm actually really excited to be in the MTC for it. I'm really going to miss being home and with my loved ones but...it will be great here as well. This is were I'm suppose to be so it will be great. The MTC had decorated some trees with lights and has a little nativity up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the pretty colors when walking back to my casa, (home).
OH! So sometimes its hard to remember or think about the people in NY that I am preparing to teach. I would love any pictures of NY to help remind me of the place I am already falling in love with.
OH!!! Bad news if you didn't know already, I can't call on Christmas in the MTC but I can call from the airport when I leave for NY :)
Today I was able to go to the Temple. I LOVE being able to go. I had a really neat experience with my family names. I was able to watch the baptisms be done and then be confermed for the names. Afterwords I was SO happy. Being able to learn more about how important missionary work really is brought so much joy to me know that such work continues on after we leave this earth.
I know the Lord loves each one of us. I am doing great and loving this work. Honestly this week was pretty hard but it has been the best week so far. God has a plan for each one of us and knows us by name. He is aware of ever detail of our life and wants us to have joy. Go out and exclaim such joy. The world is falling apart but we do not have to. We can have joy in the darkest moments. Our prayers will be answered, they may not be how or when we want them but He hears us.
I love all of you very much. Again, thank you so much for your love, letters, prayers, and for ALL you do for me. I thank God everday for the loved ones in my life.
Its amazing to see how good this work is. I see the hand of the Lord in EVERYTHING I do. This work sure isn't easy but is so sweet.
Love, Hermana Banaszewski
JENNIE-please dearelder.com me right away when you hear more about the baby! Woot Woot
I am SO HAPPY to be able to e-mail. This week I wasn't able to write all the letters I usually do so I apologize right now.
First off I hope and pray that all of you know how much I love you. I pray and think about you daily. I can't tell you how much your letters mean to me and they always come right when I need them. Thank you very very much for them. DearElder.com is working like a charm! I love being able to read your letters so soon after you have written them.
The MTC is AWESOME! I love it. The first 10 days were...I learned a lot :) but now things are going great which means I'm gearing up for another humbling time to come soon. That will probably happen next week or so we our teachers start only speaking to us in Spanish.
Speaking of Spanish...is it going much better than I thought. It is still super hard and I always feel behind but I have never felt the that I have been taught by the Spirit this much in my life. Its is increadable. The other day I was working on the computer and I had a LIGHT BULB moment with Spanish. I literally clapped my hands and shouted hallelujah!!! I've been going to a Spanish tutor and doing all I can to work smarter and hard. On Monday I went to the TEC, where we practice what we learn with investigators, and My companion and I "picked up an investigator and brought them to church on the bus" it was neat. I realized I know more Spanish than I thought. I am having half Spanish dreams too! So over all it is coming but I still realize I have TONS to learn and NEED the prayers. I can see how the Atonement is even having a part in me learning Spanish. (thank you Julie for that insight)
Thank you for keeping the blog going. Some of my friends have written me and told me the keep up on it. I really appreciate the work that is going on for me. I recognize the sacrifice.
On Monday I was also able to teach lesson two with Herman Hinton. It is on the plan of salvation. This lesson was AWESOME! I really felt the spirit there strongly and words just flowed. The woman we taught was young and had her 1 year old there. We spoke about families at the end of the lesson and how you can live forever with your family. I asked her how bad she wanted to live with her family forever and she said very much. Then with the guidance of the Spirit I asked her how much would she do for that. She said a lot. I said, would you be willing to be baptized to life with your family forever? :) Woot! mind you she's already a member but she said YES! It was a great experience.
I love being able to see Grandma and Grandpa Allen here. On Sunday I saw them in the cafeteria getting dinner. That was fun. I see them every couple of days and I love seeing there smiling faces.
We had our first snow since I've been in the MTC. I love it and dread it all at the same time. Its really beautiful but the other day I had the sudden realization that I'm going to be out in this for many hours a day when I get to NY. I'll be blessed...I might be cold but I'll be blessed. Christmas is coming up and I'm actually really excited to be in the MTC for it. I'm really going to miss being home and with my loved ones but...it will be great here as well. This is were I'm suppose to be so it will be great. The MTC had decorated some trees with lights and has a little nativity up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the pretty colors when walking back to my casa, (home).
OH! So sometimes its hard to remember or think about the people in NY that I am preparing to teach. I would love any pictures of NY to help remind me of the place I am already falling in love with.
OH!!! Bad news if you didn't know already, I can't call on Christmas in the MTC but I can call from the airport when I leave for NY :)
Today I was able to go to the Temple. I LOVE being able to go. I had a really neat experience with my family names. I was able to watch the baptisms be done and then be confermed for the names. Afterwords I was SO happy. Being able to learn more about how important missionary work really is brought so much joy to me know that such work continues on after we leave this earth.
I know the Lord loves each one of us. I am doing great and loving this work. Honestly this week was pretty hard but it has been the best week so far. God has a plan for each one of us and knows us by name. He is aware of ever detail of our life and wants us to have joy. Go out and exclaim such joy. The world is falling apart but we do not have to. We can have joy in the darkest moments. Our prayers will be answered, they may not be how or when we want them but He hears us.
I love all of you very much. Again, thank you so much for your love, letters, prayers, and for ALL you do for me. I thank God everday for the loved ones in my life.
Its amazing to see how good this work is. I see the hand of the Lord in EVERYTHING I do. This work sure isn't easy but is so sweet.
Love, Hermana Banaszewski
JENNIE-please dearelder.com me right away when you hear more about the baby! Woot Woot
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Surprise letter 12/3/09
Hello All!!!
Not expecting an email from me today? Me nither! The Elders in my district have to do service on our p-day so they get 1 hour of e-mail time, 30 min on tues and 30 on thur and for some reason the sisters do too! We just have to cram the time some how to be able to do it.
Any way. I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a missionary! It is AWESOME! Really. I've had some really neat experiences. Last night in class we were going over how to help our investigaters feast upon the words of the scriptures and not our words. There are five steps when teaching. 1. prime the pump and explain the history of the scripture you are going to read 2. read the passage 3. apply the scripture to them 4. testify 5. leave with a commitment. Our teacher Hermano Clark deminstrated this for us and felt like he should teach Elder Washburn. After the teaching Elder Washburn was in tears saying that was exactly what he needed to hear and the very scripture is the one he has on his plaque at home. Hermano Clark then had us pray with our companinon and listen to the spirit at to whom we should teach in our district. We all did not knowing if we would match up right and then prepare a message for them. Lets just say the spirit was really stong and mighty. It all worked out perfectly. The Elders we felt we should teach felt they should teach us and when we taught the spirit was very strong. Its hard to discribe but just know this work is REAL. It is amazing how much our Father in Heaven loves us and wants us to feast on the words of Chirst.
On Monday I forgot to mention that not only did my Companion, Herman Hinton and I do door approaches in Spanish we also taught the first lesson in English for the second time. I LOVE this work. I LOVE IT! Its hard but I live LIVE and THRIVE for the moments when I can testify and endure through the hard times. Hermana Hinton and I taugh much better our second time around. We taught an elderly man that was very sweet to us. Everytime I testify of this great work or a principle of the gospel I am overcome with the spirit.
I am doing my best, working as hard as I possibly can and not wasting anytime.
I wanted to tell you a little bit about my district. I spend about 500 hours out of the 24 in a day spent with them. OK, not really but I spend most of my time with them and in our class room. Picture should be comeing soon. Hopefully. Elder Curtis is our District leader. He is from WA going to TX with my Companion. Elder Allen, Hermana Bergin, and Hermana Chartrand are going to CA, Elder Anderson (From REXBURG) is going to PITT, Pensil. with Elder Burnham and Elder Glover. Elder Washburn is going with me to NY. They are all amazing young men. I have loved watching them grow in the gospel. All of us are SPA speaking.
As of right now Hermana Hinton and I are STILL the only ones in our room. There are suppose to be six of us but :) Its just the two of us and I LOVE it. Its a huge blessing. Hermana Hinton wants other Sisters in there but...I like the retreat. We have two wonderful teachers. Hermano Clark and Hermano Chaves.
My Branch President is wonderful as well. He served his first mission in Guatimala and El Savador.
Live is great. Its sure hard and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE getting dearElders and hearing from you. If you want to send anything fun I would love that as well.
MUCH LOVE: Hermana Banaszewski
Not expecting an email from me today? Me nither! The Elders in my district have to do service on our p-day so they get 1 hour of e-mail time, 30 min on tues and 30 on thur and for some reason the sisters do too! We just have to cram the time some how to be able to do it.
Any way. I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a missionary! It is AWESOME! Really. I've had some really neat experiences. Last night in class we were going over how to help our investigaters feast upon the words of the scriptures and not our words. There are five steps when teaching. 1. prime the pump and explain the history of the scripture you are going to read 2. read the passage 3. apply the scripture to them 4. testify 5. leave with a commitment. Our teacher Hermano Clark deminstrated this for us and felt like he should teach Elder Washburn. After the teaching Elder Washburn was in tears saying that was exactly what he needed to hear and the very scripture is the one he has on his plaque at home. Hermano Clark then had us pray with our companinon and listen to the spirit at to whom we should teach in our district. We all did not knowing if we would match up right and then prepare a message for them. Lets just say the spirit was really stong and mighty. It all worked out perfectly. The Elders we felt we should teach felt they should teach us and when we taught the spirit was very strong. Its hard to discribe but just know this work is REAL. It is amazing how much our Father in Heaven loves us and wants us to feast on the words of Chirst.
On Monday I forgot to mention that not only did my Companion, Herman Hinton and I do door approaches in Spanish we also taught the first lesson in English for the second time. I LOVE this work. I LOVE IT! Its hard but I live LIVE and THRIVE for the moments when I can testify and endure through the hard times. Hermana Hinton and I taugh much better our second time around. We taught an elderly man that was very sweet to us. Everytime I testify of this great work or a principle of the gospel I am overcome with the spirit.
I am doing my best, working as hard as I possibly can and not wasting anytime.
I wanted to tell you a little bit about my district. I spend about 500 hours out of the 24 in a day spent with them. OK, not really but I spend most of my time with them and in our class room. Picture should be comeing soon. Hopefully. Elder Curtis is our District leader. He is from WA going to TX with my Companion. Elder Allen, Hermana Bergin, and Hermana Chartrand are going to CA, Elder Anderson (From REXBURG) is going to PITT, Pensil. with Elder Burnham and Elder Glover. Elder Washburn is going with me to NY. They are all amazing young men. I have loved watching them grow in the gospel. All of us are SPA speaking.
As of right now Hermana Hinton and I are STILL the only ones in our room. There are suppose to be six of us but :) Its just the two of us and I LOVE it. Its a huge blessing. Hermana Hinton wants other Sisters in there but...I like the retreat. We have two wonderful teachers. Hermano Clark and Hermano Chaves.
My Branch President is wonderful as well. He served his first mission in Guatimala and El Savador.
Live is great. Its sure hard and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE getting dearElders and hearing from you. If you want to send anything fun I would love that as well.
MUCH LOVE: Hermana Banaszewski
Rachel's letter12/1/09
Hello Loved ones! How are all of you. I only have a 30 min to be on the internet thus the quick email.
First off, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE DearElder.com When you write me from there I get them either that day or the day after and I love feeling like I am part of your life and not on dely with the US mail.
I LOVE being a missionary. The first 10 days were rough, really rought but life is so much better. It is true when people say the MTC rips you apart and builds you back up. I can't even pin piont what was so hard but I do know it was a blessing and brought me closer to Heavenly Father and wore my knee's out. Please send knee pads :) lol.
I truely do love this work. Yesterday I went to the TRC, a place were you can practice teaching, door approaches and so forth. People come in to volunteer and pretend they are investigaters. Some people actaully are. Its really neat but also really stressful. Yesterday my companion, Sister Hinton, and I had to knock on a door, intoduce ourselfs, talk about the message we have regarding families, testify, and make a return appiontment ALL IN SPANISH!!! AHHH To say the least Hermana Hinton spoke the most :) lol. I bore my testimony about the the truethfulness of the Gospel and that the Gospel blesses families. Before going to the TRC we practiced like crazy. After practicing Hermana Hinton needed to use the bathroom. I was waiting outside the door like a good little companion does and just started crying. I am very humbled to be learning spanish and that is EXACTLY why I am. One of the teachers, all of the teachers are RM that are going to BYU so they are my age, anyway, the teacher has been one of our subs and she asked me how I was doing. I just started crying. I said I was ok, which I was, just humbled about this whole spanish thing. I love spanish and what I can say I say really well but its not much.
OH!!! EVERYONE SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RACHEL TOMORROW! Its her birthday, she's going to be 23! Woot Woot!!!
Thanksgiving was wonderful. Elder Holland came and spoke. I was still having a really rough time then. As I sat waiting for the morning fireside to start I prayed that Sister and Elder Holland would say what I needed to hear. I've never done that before having this much faith KNOWING that I would get an answer. I did hear exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not ever sure what exactly that was but my prayers were answered. The food was great. The MTC put a LOT of work into making our Thanksgiving so wonderful. People volunteered in the kitchen to serve us. I would love to be able to do that some day. THey had turkey and all the food requirements for such a day. One of the other Hermana's from my districted called the kitchen in the MTC a Turkey killing machein. It was really funny. Overall it was a great day but I sure did miss my family. Elder Holland said we should, that is how our Heavely Father feels ever day for His children and how our investigators feel as well, a longing for home.
I love being her for many reasons. One is when all are gathered for a fireside or meeting I LOVE hearing the great booming voices of the Elders. Its heaven on earth. Just being here is a evidence enough for me that the church is true. I have been watching miricals happen every day. Seeing little 19 yr old boys be mature, respectful, WANT to study and pray is AMAZING. I can hardly believe that some of them are only 19. However at times I have to remind myself that they are 19 and sometimes I find myseft saying, "What were you thinking?" or, "Elder, your probably shouldn't do that." I love being a Sister Missionary. We are WELL taken care of.
I've meet a lot of people I know here as well. (Rachel, please tell Sister Spaulding I saw Shea Mount here) I've seen Elder Holloway, a friend from the 1st ward and a whole bunch of other great people. One of my teachers is Brother Clark. He is Jessie Clark Funks brother. I love her music and then Bam, he's my teacher. Fun stuff like that happens all the time.
OK, There are two pictures I'd love to have. Julie, could you send them to me, the Gentel Healer if you can find it in a small form and then the picture that is distributed from the church that is Christ washing the feet of the disciples. If you could send those to me I'd love that. They are not a need but a great want.
Julie, I know you will be in Provo soon. You are allowed to drop off things that resemble medication AKA vitamens. I am already half way through my V. C. and I don't see the sun very much...ever and V. D might be helpful. You just drop them off at the front desk or if you want you could just send them. You don't even have to do that but if you'd like to it would be much appriciated.
So...something else with spanish. Some how...I have no idea how...I speak English, spanish, and then poof French starts coming out as well. Its been fun learning a language. Its hards hard to speak anything any more and I find myself mostly making sounds and waving my hads around.
I spend most of my time in my class room with my districted. They are great missionaries. There are two other sisters besides Hermana Hinton and I. The rest, out of 10, are Elders. One night I walked in the class room and the Elders had the light off and were looking out the window. They were watching the sunset. :) they're softening. If the lights were on you would only be able to see darkness. Then I said, "You can see some of the brightest beauty in the darkest moments." Its very true. More and more I am greatful for the trials and test I go through.
I love this work and the Gospel. It sure is exausting but I love it. I live for moments to testify and feel the spirit.
Please send this to Rachel.
I love all of you VERY much.
Hermana Banaszewski
First off, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE DearElder.com When you write me from there I get them either that day or the day after and I love feeling like I am part of your life and not on dely with the US mail.
I LOVE being a missionary. The first 10 days were rough, really rought but life is so much better. It is true when people say the MTC rips you apart and builds you back up. I can't even pin piont what was so hard but I do know it was a blessing and brought me closer to Heavenly Father and wore my knee's out. Please send knee pads :) lol.
I truely do love this work. Yesterday I went to the TRC, a place were you can practice teaching, door approaches and so forth. People come in to volunteer and pretend they are investigaters. Some people actaully are. Its really neat but also really stressful. Yesterday my companion, Sister Hinton, and I had to knock on a door, intoduce ourselfs, talk about the message we have regarding families, testify, and make a return appiontment ALL IN SPANISH!!! AHHH To say the least Hermana Hinton spoke the most :) lol. I bore my testimony about the the truethfulness of the Gospel and that the Gospel blesses families. Before going to the TRC we practiced like crazy. After practicing Hermana Hinton needed to use the bathroom. I was waiting outside the door like a good little companion does and just started crying. I am very humbled to be learning spanish and that is EXACTLY why I am. One of the teachers, all of the teachers are RM that are going to BYU so they are my age, anyway, the teacher has been one of our subs and she asked me how I was doing. I just started crying. I said I was ok, which I was, just humbled about this whole spanish thing. I love spanish and what I can say I say really well but its not much.
OH!!! EVERYONE SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RACHEL TOMORROW! Its her birthday, she's going to be 23! Woot Woot!!!
Thanksgiving was wonderful. Elder Holland came and spoke. I was still having a really rough time then. As I sat waiting for the morning fireside to start I prayed that Sister and Elder Holland would say what I needed to hear. I've never done that before having this much faith KNOWING that I would get an answer. I did hear exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not ever sure what exactly that was but my prayers were answered. The food was great. The MTC put a LOT of work into making our Thanksgiving so wonderful. People volunteered in the kitchen to serve us. I would love to be able to do that some day. THey had turkey and all the food requirements for such a day. One of the other Hermana's from my districted called the kitchen in the MTC a Turkey killing machein. It was really funny. Overall it was a great day but I sure did miss my family. Elder Holland said we should, that is how our Heavely Father feels ever day for His children and how our investigators feel as well, a longing for home.
I love being her for many reasons. One is when all are gathered for a fireside or meeting I LOVE hearing the great booming voices of the Elders. Its heaven on earth. Just being here is a evidence enough for me that the church is true. I have been watching miricals happen every day. Seeing little 19 yr old boys be mature, respectful, WANT to study and pray is AMAZING. I can hardly believe that some of them are only 19. However at times I have to remind myself that they are 19 and sometimes I find myseft saying, "What were you thinking?" or, "Elder, your probably shouldn't do that." I love being a Sister Missionary. We are WELL taken care of.
I've meet a lot of people I know here as well. (Rachel, please tell Sister Spaulding I saw Shea Mount here) I've seen Elder Holloway, a friend from the 1st ward and a whole bunch of other great people. One of my teachers is Brother Clark. He is Jessie Clark Funks brother. I love her music and then Bam, he's my teacher. Fun stuff like that happens all the time.
OK, There are two pictures I'd love to have. Julie, could you send them to me, the Gentel Healer if you can find it in a small form and then the picture that is distributed from the church that is Christ washing the feet of the disciples. If you could send those to me I'd love that. They are not a need but a great want.
Julie, I know you will be in Provo soon. You are allowed to drop off things that resemble medication AKA vitamens. I am already half way through my V. C. and I don't see the sun very much...ever and V. D might be helpful. You just drop them off at the front desk or if you want you could just send them. You don't even have to do that but if you'd like to it would be much appriciated.
So...something else with spanish. Some how...I have no idea how...I speak English, spanish, and then poof French starts coming out as well. Its been fun learning a language. Its hards hard to speak anything any more and I find myself mostly making sounds and waving my hads around.
I spend most of my time in my class room with my districted. They are great missionaries. There are two other sisters besides Hermana Hinton and I. The rest, out of 10, are Elders. One night I walked in the class room and the Elders had the light off and were looking out the window. They were watching the sunset. :) they're softening. If the lights were on you would only be able to see darkness. Then I said, "You can see some of the brightest beauty in the darkest moments." Its very true. More and more I am greatful for the trials and test I go through.
I love this work and the Gospel. It sure is exausting but I love it. I live for moments to testify and feel the spirit.
Please send this to Rachel.
I love all of you VERY much.
Hermana Banaszewski
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Rachel's 1st Letter dated 11/24/09
Hmm. OK. The e-mail I just wrote was deleted. OK, time to start over. I only have 20 minutes.
Most of all I want all of you to know how much I love you. I can't tell you how much the letters and DearElder.com have helped me. The MTC has been hard. Or rather I've had a hard time. But when I reach my breaking point the lord has given me much needed tender mercies. God lives and I am so grateful for that. With out heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ I would be so lost right now.
OK, to answer some of your questions: The food: It's great because I'm not making it and I'm not cleaning up :) Enough said :) Actually its better than I thought it would be. My companion is Hermana Hinton. She is from Orem, UT. She went to BYU-I for three years before serving a mission. She came in the same day I did. We are very blessed because as of right now we are the only two in our room that is supposed to have 6. I'm kinda hoping it stays like that for a little bit but I think tomorrow we'll get more Hermana's
My schedule is SUPER packed! I've hardly had time to even think which is a good and bad thing. The first week is the hardest and things are getting better. I love my district. We spend most of our time in our class room studying and such. I'm very grateful for each missionary in there. We have two other Hermana's in our district as well. There is another Elder that is going to NY with me but the rest are going to PA, CA, and TX. My companion is going to Fort Worth, TX. WE are all SPA speaking. I love speaking Spanish. I really can't say much but we are learning how to pray, bear testimony and meet people. Honestly I am struggling with the language but I can feel it coming. I have learned so much with the Spirit. It is incredible.
But... what I do know is this: :) Mi Testimonio (sorry if stuff is wrong, I'm learning) Yo testifico que la inglasia de Jesucristo es verdad. Jesucristo vive Jesucristo es nuestro Redentor. El libro de Mormon contiene I plentud del Evangelio. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Ame :) So when I first learned how to bare my testimony in SPA I was reading it from a paper. then my teacher said we had to do it by memory and contact other missionaries on our floor. (PS we are on the forth floor... we go up and down the stairs a lot. My legs are getting ready for NY to say the least) Anyway, I went out into the hall and practiced as hard as I could. I cut my testimony short so I had hopes of being able to do it. All I said was I testify that I know Jesus Christ lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. As short as it was, in a VERY busy hallway flooded with noise and craziness, I felt the spirit so strongly as I repeated those soft and humble words to myself. I know that Jesus is the Christ. He lives. He is as real as you and I. How grateful I am for the knowledge of the Atonement and to feel it in my life.
To be honest, its been hard being here. But right when I needed it I was blessed with exactly what I needed. I would see someone I knew or feel a swelling of the sirit or be able to understand something in SPA that I never could before.
It's been GREAT seeing Grandma and Grandpa Allen here as well. I Wish I could give them a hug but . . . not allowed.
Please send this to Jennie. I saw a friend of hers here that I met at BYU-I. Right after... a really hard time she came up to me and said that during Relief Society when Sister Cook, from the YW general pres was speaking on Virtue and asked for examples of women of virtue she thought of Jennie. She started crying and said she is on a mission because of Jennie's example as a missionary. Neat story.
OK only a few more minutes. Thank you so much for all you do for me.
I love my family. I'm so grateful for all of you. This is the Lord's work. I think about you often as I study and am learning more about the Gospel.
With much love,
Hermana Banaszewski :)
Most of all I want all of you to know how much I love you. I can't tell you how much the letters and DearElder.com have helped me. The MTC has been hard. Or rather I've had a hard time. But when I reach my breaking point the lord has given me much needed tender mercies. God lives and I am so grateful for that. With out heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ I would be so lost right now.
OK, to answer some of your questions: The food: It's great because I'm not making it and I'm not cleaning up :) Enough said :) Actually its better than I thought it would be. My companion is Hermana Hinton. She is from Orem, UT. She went to BYU-I for three years before serving a mission. She came in the same day I did. We are very blessed because as of right now we are the only two in our room that is supposed to have 6. I'm kinda hoping it stays like that for a little bit but I think tomorrow we'll get more Hermana's
My schedule is SUPER packed! I've hardly had time to even think which is a good and bad thing. The first week is the hardest and things are getting better. I love my district. We spend most of our time in our class room studying and such. I'm very grateful for each missionary in there. We have two other Hermana's in our district as well. There is another Elder that is going to NY with me but the rest are going to PA, CA, and TX. My companion is going to Fort Worth, TX. WE are all SPA speaking. I love speaking Spanish. I really can't say much but we are learning how to pray, bear testimony and meet people. Honestly I am struggling with the language but I can feel it coming. I have learned so much with the Spirit. It is incredible.
But... what I do know is this: :) Mi Testimonio (sorry if stuff is wrong, I'm learning) Yo testifico que la inglasia de Jesucristo es verdad. Jesucristo vive Jesucristo es nuestro Redentor. El libro de Mormon contiene I plentud del Evangelio. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Ame :) So when I first learned how to bare my testimony in SPA I was reading it from a paper. then my teacher said we had to do it by memory and contact other missionaries on our floor. (PS we are on the forth floor... we go up and down the stairs a lot. My legs are getting ready for NY to say the least) Anyway, I went out into the hall and practiced as hard as I could. I cut my testimony short so I had hopes of being able to do it. All I said was I testify that I know Jesus Christ lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. As short as it was, in a VERY busy hallway flooded with noise and craziness, I felt the spirit so strongly as I repeated those soft and humble words to myself. I know that Jesus is the Christ. He lives. He is as real as you and I. How grateful I am for the knowledge of the Atonement and to feel it in my life.
To be honest, its been hard being here. But right when I needed it I was blessed with exactly what I needed. I would see someone I knew or feel a swelling of the sirit or be able to understand something in SPA that I never could before.
It's been GREAT seeing Grandma and Grandpa Allen here as well. I Wish I could give them a hug but . . . not allowed.
Please send this to Jennie. I saw a friend of hers here that I met at BYU-I. Right after... a really hard time she came up to me and said that during Relief Society when Sister Cook, from the YW general pres was speaking on Virtue and asked for examples of women of virtue she thought of Jennie. She started crying and said she is on a mission because of Jennie's example as a missionary. Neat story.
OK only a few more minutes. Thank you so much for all you do for me.
I love my family. I'm so grateful for all of you. This is the Lord's work. I think about you often as I study and am learning more about the Gospel.
With much love,
Hermana Banaszewski :)
Rachel's 2nd letter dated 11/24/09
Here is a letter from Hermana Banaszewski dated 11/24/09.
Dear loved ones,
After writing my e-mail tonight I really feel the need to write again. I have been humbled once again.
Most importantly I want all to know that I feel so very humbled and greatful to be a full-time missionary. It has been difficult for me to see the blessings and feel of the missionary spirit with the difficult time which I have been having. My life feels so much better after today and I am really looking forward to serving and being and doing my best.
I have been learning a lot. I have been remembering a lot as well. Truly, my life is blessed. I am honored to be a missionary and a Sister/Hermana missionary at that.
Today Elder Oaks spoke to all the missionaries serving at all the MTC's of the world. His wife and he said many great things but when he walked into the room I felt the great spirit which was brought. I realized how blessed I was to have one of the 12 standing in front of me. I have so much work a head of me. I truly feel like I am doing my best. There is so much work to do.
I love all of you very much
Hermana Banaszewski
Dear loved ones,
After writing my e-mail tonight I really feel the need to write again. I have been humbled once again.
Most importantly I want all to know that I feel so very humbled and greatful to be a full-time missionary. It has been difficult for me to see the blessings and feel of the missionary spirit with the difficult time which I have been having. My life feels so much better after today and I am really looking forward to serving and being and doing my best.
I have been learning a lot. I have been remembering a lot as well. Truly, my life is blessed. I am honored to be a missionary and a Sister/Hermana missionary at that.
Today Elder Oaks spoke to all the missionaries serving at all the MTC's of the world. His wife and he said many great things but when he walked into the room I felt the great spirit which was brought. I realized how blessed I was to have one of the 12 standing in front of me. I have so much work a head of me. I truly feel like I am doing my best. There is so much work to do.
I love all of you very much
Hermana Banaszewski
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