HOLA FROM QUEENS NEW YORK!!! :)
Sigh-Life as a missionary = A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I can not even believe the blessings and miracles that I see EVERY day. I am still amazed that Heavenly Father has blessed ME of all people to be able to serve a mission. Every day I see miracles big and small. Humility has been a great theme of my mission. Being a missionary is hard but I can't even discribe how much I feel the hand of the Lord support me in every aspect. The moments I think I'm going to fall to the ground from exhaustion I am supported see miracles.
This last week was one full of many experiences. My spanish is coming little by little. Its is not coming as fast as I would like but I can really see a big difference from where I was to where I am now. I still am not saying a whole lot but I'm doing my best. Yesterday-here's a miracle-I used Subjunctive for the first time! Yeah!!! Hermana Crandell is really helping me out a lot with Spanish. It can be really frustrating but I'm so grateful for her patience and willningness to teach me more.
On Saturday we had a Zone street swep which is when we load up on flyers and pass-along-cards and go out on the street and talk to as many people as we can. That night we had a concert we were putting on at the church in Chinez. We sang in English and the Chinez Elders spoke. It was really neat. Anyway, I LOVED the street sweep. I was able to talk to about....5,000 people and share the message of the Book of Mormon in about 20 seconds as they walked up and down the street. THere were people EVERYWHERE. I felt so much energy from all the people. Afterwards I was exhausted. :)
I absolutly love the people here. They are amazing. My love grows more and more for them. Yesterday we went with a Recent Convert one of his friends home that are not members. There were 3 little old El Savadorian(I don't know how to spell that) that made GLORIUS popusas. They were so good. They were so kind to us.
Its hard to know what to even write about. I see so many miracles everyday. People have so many questions about life, some want to know more and others do not. Regardless bearing testimony is the key a long with strengthening my testimony evey day with personal and companionship study. To be able to help others I need to have something to give them. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a true and living church. It is the Church of Chirst, it is His church Restoried. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. We have an investigator right now that suffers from insomnia but as she reads the BOM everynight she's been able to sleep. She recognises the power that is in it.
I love all of you very much.
Love, Hermana Banaszewski
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
February 15, 2010 #3
Hello All...again :)
My companion needed to go with another missionary to visit a family they use to teach so I'm on exchanges for the first time :) and Hermana Stephens wasn't able to do e-mail earlier so we are doing it now. How fun. I might actually be able to write some of the things I've been wanting to for some time.
OH! Before I forget! Go on to www.newyorksouthmission.blogspot.com Sister Nelson, the mission Presidents wife put together this blog for parents and friends of missionaries in this mission. I think this blog can be linked to mine as well. Rachel would know. I can't get on it but you can! :)
OK, so right after e-mail before I had two really neat experiences. This will give you a glimpse of my life. It sums up a lot of the experiences I've been having. I love LOVE being a missionary. Its incredible. I love LOVE LOVE people. I love being with them, getting to know them, hearing about there lives, there struggles, EVERYTHING. Its...I'm a people person for sure but I LOVE...ahh, its great. Ok, so after e-mail today we go on the bus to head to a combined zone activity (Which has cause me to not really have time to write letters today so...whoever I usually write to, I'm so sorry) So, we finally get on a bus. Hermana Crandell isn't feeling very well but away we went. We never sit next together but when we get on we look for people that might speak Spanish and try to talk to as many people as we can by not sitting together. So I sat down and started talking to this one man, meaning I said hello and how are you and that's about it in Spanish lol. Then I gave him a flier for free English class. Its a GREAT way to help people come into the church plus its a way we are able to serve the people. Its awesome and a lot of people really appreciate it. So he got off the bus the next stop. There were a couple of stops where I wasn't talking to any one and there really wasn't anyone around me. Well the further we got deeper into downtown flushing more and more people got on the bus. A really sweet-kind woman got on the bus and sat next to me. She spoke English. You never really know what language they speak...EVER. Today has been really sunny so I commented on the weather. I asked her if she lived in the area, she said no that she was just visiting her sister here, she was from Long Island. She was about 55ish and from India. We started talking more and she opened up completely to me. I asked her how she liked New York and all the other questions I could. She moved here 10 years ago. Her and her husband had come to New York to visit her sister. It was one of there first vacations after there children were grown up and older. When they were here they were in an accident or something and from what I understood her husband died. I could be wrong about that, I know, important detail but...it was on a loud bus. We talked about difficulties in life and why life is so hard sometimes. I testified to her about how the Gospel has brought me so much peace and hope in my life during difficult times. She asked me where I was from and what I was doing in New York. I love that :) I said, "I'm here because I'm a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" We then talked about what that means. She asked me what kind of work I do :) So I told her. We teach people that want to know more about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, we serve, we visit members, and so on. We talked about the emptiness she feels in her life and how you have to find purpose in your life to keep going, she said, "Life isn't about working and making money, its about what your doing." Oh, my face had one of the biggest smiles on it while being very humbled that I have been blessed with this opportunity. I can't believe that I of all people have been called by a living Profit to serve and preach the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in New York. Anyway, this woman was so neat! She turned to me again and said, "Thank you for talking with me, our conversation really helped me." I testified to her about why where here-on earth, where where going, and what we need to do to over come our difficult times. I told her we have missionaries in Long Island that could come visit and talk with her more but, like most people, she said she was extremely busy and doesn't have time. She wanted to but just didn't have time. She did say that she would look on Mormon.org though. I told her she would find a lot of answers to her questions on that sight and would feel fuller-less empty from it. It was really neat. Then we said good bye with a smile and off she went. I said a prayer in my heart for her that she will come to know of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and that when she hears it again that her heart will be prepared to receive it. She was so neat. This doesn't happen all of the time, conversations like this but I'll never know if they could happen if I don't talk to people every time I have the opportunity. Life as a missionary is horrible when I become prideful or fearful to talk to others. When such happens is when being here is really hard. I need to continue to have faith and work hard, overcoming my fears knowing Christs name is worn on over my heart, this is HIS work, not mine.
After we got of the bus we got on the #7 train. I love being in New York. We use public transportation like never before. We got on the train and Sister Crandell really wasn't feeling well. So we sat together for the 3rd time ever. The woman sitting next to her spoke Spanish so she tried to give her a pass-along-card to receive The Lamb of God. Usually people take the care even if they are just being nice but she shut her down pretty hard. I felt bad for her because she really didn't feel well but was trying any way and doing her best. She turned to me and said, "Its always hard when people don't even listen to you and just reject you right away." I said, "Yes it is but whats worse is that she didn't reject you, she rejected the message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If it was you she rejected that would be fine but it was the message. Don't feel bad." She shook her head and said, "Your right, hopefully they have another chance." After sitting in silence for one stop more people got on the train. A young man got on that I KNEW spoke Spanish. Another person came and sat next to Sister Crandell because the woman before left. I knew I needed to talk with him. So...I took a deep breath and said. "HOLA!" He smiled and said hi back, I asked how he was doing and he said good. Thats usually my test to know if they really do speak Spanish or not, the only problem is that about all I know how to say too :) jk not really. I told him I'm learning Spanish but its really bad right now :) I then asked if he lived in this area which he did. I gave him a flier for free English class and let him read it because I didn't know what else to say. I then gave him a pass-along-card for the Book of Mormon. I was about to say, its another testament of Jesus Christ but he read it out loud on the card. This whole time Sister Crandell was talking to the person sitting next to her on the other side. I told him to go on the website-mormon.org and that to receive a free copy he just had to call the number on the card. He then looked at it for a while and I stopped talking to him because I didn't know what else to say in Spanish. Some people got off the train and he sat down in front of us. I told Hermana Crandell what I did and she said, "Good job." I told her she could say more because I said all I could in Spanish, lol. We sat there watching him. She was waiting for him to look up to start talking but he never did. He sat here reading the pass-along-card over and over, he flipped the card and then looked at the picture. He kept doing that. As he sat there deeply looking at the card and English Class flier I could see he was feeling the spirit and felt something very strongly. It was amazing. I turned to Hermana Crandell and said, "Wow, he feels it doesn't he?" She agreed. We could see the spirit touch him and he intently looked at the card. He looked up and his eyes were filled with tears. I know the spirit touched his heart. All of us had to change trains and we tried to talk with him again but he got on a different train. It was so neat. I then prayed that he would come in contact with the church again and be able to learn more and that his heart would be prepared and ready when he does.
Then we arrived at the church building and had our zone activity and now I'm e-mailing you :) So that's about how my days are but today has seemed to be extra good. I hope all of you know how much I truly love you. I think about people back home and my friends buts is a good thing. It hasn't been distracting but instead I appreciate everyone more. I love getting letters and am so grateful for all those that write me. In the MTC I took for granted DearElder.com and didn't write everyone back that has written me but now I am, I will and I jump for joy with every letter I receive. I hope those I didn't write back to in the MTC will forgive me.
This week I have really realized that I need to have greater faith. I do not trust myself as much as I need to. As a missionary when I do not trust what I need to do I am not trusting the guidance of the Spirit. This week I am working on ACTING. Acting and trusting the spirit and myself more. I am also working on loving more. I love the people here so much. The branch is amazing. We are trying to work more with the members to help them support the recent converts more and get excited about missionary work. As evil as New York can be there are some REALLY good people here. I have found that overall most people have good intentions and are nice. There are many people that don't want to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ignore us, yell at us and so forth but over all people are kind and genuine. Again, how blessed I am and feel for the blessing of being called on a mission and to New York of all places. I love all the people. I love all of you so very much. Does my heart ache for those I miss and love? Of course, it should I think because it shows real love but at the same time I know KNOW this exactly where I need to be, where the Lord needs me to be.
I love all of you so very much. I hope all is well. Please let me know how everything is going and how everyone is. Again, I really will not be able to write much or any letters this week but know of my love.
Love,
Hermana Banaszewski
My companion needed to go with another missionary to visit a family they use to teach so I'm on exchanges for the first time :) and Hermana Stephens wasn't able to do e-mail earlier so we are doing it now. How fun. I might actually be able to write some of the things I've been wanting to for some time.
OH! Before I forget! Go on to www.newyorksouthmission.blogspot.com Sister Nelson, the mission Presidents wife put together this blog for parents and friends of missionaries in this mission. I think this blog can be linked to mine as well. Rachel would know. I can't get on it but you can! :)
OK, so right after e-mail before I had two really neat experiences. This will give you a glimpse of my life. It sums up a lot of the experiences I've been having. I love LOVE being a missionary. Its incredible. I love LOVE LOVE people. I love being with them, getting to know them, hearing about there lives, there struggles, EVERYTHING. Its...I'm a people person for sure but I LOVE...ahh, its great. Ok, so after e-mail today we go on the bus to head to a combined zone activity (Which has cause me to not really have time to write letters today so...whoever I usually write to, I'm so sorry) So, we finally get on a bus. Hermana Crandell isn't feeling very well but away we went. We never sit next together but when we get on we look for people that might speak Spanish and try to talk to as many people as we can by not sitting together. So I sat down and started talking to this one man, meaning I said hello and how are you and that's about it in Spanish lol. Then I gave him a flier for free English class. Its a GREAT way to help people come into the church plus its a way we are able to serve the people. Its awesome and a lot of people really appreciate it. So he got off the bus the next stop. There were a couple of stops where I wasn't talking to any one and there really wasn't anyone around me. Well the further we got deeper into downtown flushing more and more people got on the bus. A really sweet-kind woman got on the bus and sat next to me. She spoke English. You never really know what language they speak...EVER. Today has been really sunny so I commented on the weather. I asked her if she lived in the area, she said no that she was just visiting her sister here, she was from Long Island. She was about 55ish and from India. We started talking more and she opened up completely to me. I asked her how she liked New York and all the other questions I could. She moved here 10 years ago. Her and her husband had come to New York to visit her sister. It was one of there first vacations after there children were grown up and older. When they were here they were in an accident or something and from what I understood her husband died. I could be wrong about that, I know, important detail but...it was on a loud bus. We talked about difficulties in life and why life is so hard sometimes. I testified to her about how the Gospel has brought me so much peace and hope in my life during difficult times. She asked me where I was from and what I was doing in New York. I love that :) I said, "I'm here because I'm a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" We then talked about what that means. She asked me what kind of work I do :) So I told her. We teach people that want to know more about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, we serve, we visit members, and so on. We talked about the emptiness she feels in her life and how you have to find purpose in your life to keep going, she said, "Life isn't about working and making money, its about what your doing." Oh, my face had one of the biggest smiles on it while being very humbled that I have been blessed with this opportunity. I can't believe that I of all people have been called by a living Profit to serve and preach the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in New York. Anyway, this woman was so neat! She turned to me again and said, "Thank you for talking with me, our conversation really helped me." I testified to her about why where here-on earth, where where going, and what we need to do to over come our difficult times. I told her we have missionaries in Long Island that could come visit and talk with her more but, like most people, she said she was extremely busy and doesn't have time. She wanted to but just didn't have time. She did say that she would look on Mormon.org though. I told her she would find a lot of answers to her questions on that sight and would feel fuller-less empty from it. It was really neat. Then we said good bye with a smile and off she went. I said a prayer in my heart for her that she will come to know of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and that when she hears it again that her heart will be prepared to receive it. She was so neat. This doesn't happen all of the time, conversations like this but I'll never know if they could happen if I don't talk to people every time I have the opportunity. Life as a missionary is horrible when I become prideful or fearful to talk to others. When such happens is when being here is really hard. I need to continue to have faith and work hard, overcoming my fears knowing Christs name is worn on over my heart, this is HIS work, not mine.
After we got of the bus we got on the #7 train. I love being in New York. We use public transportation like never before. We got on the train and Sister Crandell really wasn't feeling well. So we sat together for the 3rd time ever. The woman sitting next to her spoke Spanish so she tried to give her a pass-along-card to receive The Lamb of God. Usually people take the care even if they are just being nice but she shut her down pretty hard. I felt bad for her because she really didn't feel well but was trying any way and doing her best. She turned to me and said, "Its always hard when people don't even listen to you and just reject you right away." I said, "Yes it is but whats worse is that she didn't reject you, she rejected the message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If it was you she rejected that would be fine but it was the message. Don't feel bad." She shook her head and said, "Your right, hopefully they have another chance." After sitting in silence for one stop more people got on the train. A young man got on that I KNEW spoke Spanish. Another person came and sat next to Sister Crandell because the woman before left. I knew I needed to talk with him. So...I took a deep breath and said. "HOLA!" He smiled and said hi back, I asked how he was doing and he said good. Thats usually my test to know if they really do speak Spanish or not, the only problem is that about all I know how to say too :) jk not really. I told him I'm learning Spanish but its really bad right now :) I then asked if he lived in this area which he did. I gave him a flier for free English class and let him read it because I didn't know what else to say. I then gave him a pass-along-card for the Book of Mormon. I was about to say, its another testament of Jesus Christ but he read it out loud on the card. This whole time Sister Crandell was talking to the person sitting next to her on the other side. I told him to go on the website-mormon.org and that to receive a free copy he just had to call the number on the card. He then looked at it for a while and I stopped talking to him because I didn't know what else to say in Spanish. Some people got off the train and he sat down in front of us. I told Hermana Crandell what I did and she said, "Good job." I told her she could say more because I said all I could in Spanish, lol. We sat there watching him. She was waiting for him to look up to start talking but he never did. He sat here reading the pass-along-card over and over, he flipped the card and then looked at the picture. He kept doing that. As he sat there deeply looking at the card and English Class flier I could see he was feeling the spirit and felt something very strongly. It was amazing. I turned to Hermana Crandell and said, "Wow, he feels it doesn't he?" She agreed. We could see the spirit touch him and he intently looked at the card. He looked up and his eyes were filled with tears. I know the spirit touched his heart. All of us had to change trains and we tried to talk with him again but he got on a different train. It was so neat. I then prayed that he would come in contact with the church again and be able to learn more and that his heart would be prepared and ready when he does.
Then we arrived at the church building and had our zone activity and now I'm e-mailing you :) So that's about how my days are but today has seemed to be extra good. I hope all of you know how much I truly love you. I think about people back home and my friends buts is a good thing. It hasn't been distracting but instead I appreciate everyone more. I love getting letters and am so grateful for all those that write me. In the MTC I took for granted DearElder.com and didn't write everyone back that has written me but now I am, I will and I jump for joy with every letter I receive. I hope those I didn't write back to in the MTC will forgive me.
This week I have really realized that I need to have greater faith. I do not trust myself as much as I need to. As a missionary when I do not trust what I need to do I am not trusting the guidance of the Spirit. This week I am working on ACTING. Acting and trusting the spirit and myself more. I am also working on loving more. I love the people here so much. The branch is amazing. We are trying to work more with the members to help them support the recent converts more and get excited about missionary work. As evil as New York can be there are some REALLY good people here. I have found that overall most people have good intentions and are nice. There are many people that don't want to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ignore us, yell at us and so forth but over all people are kind and genuine. Again, how blessed I am and feel for the blessing of being called on a mission and to New York of all places. I love all the people. I love all of you so very much. Does my heart ache for those I miss and love? Of course, it should I think because it shows real love but at the same time I know KNOW this exactly where I need to be, where the Lord needs me to be.
I love all of you so very much. I hope all is well. Please let me know how everything is going and how everyone is. Again, I really will not be able to write much or any letters this week but know of my love.
Love,
Hermana Banaszewski
February 15, 2010 #2
OK! I have so much I want to write and say and so little time. First I am going to try to answer some questions I've gotten. My Companion, Hermana Crandell-She is amazing. She reminds me a lot of Amy in some ways. She is from Herber, AZ, 23 Graduated from ASU in teaching as is applying for grad school right now actually.
New York-Queens is awesome. It is SO divers. The other day I met someone from EGYPT! It was really neat. People here are from EVERYWHERE. I really think by the time I leave NY that I will have met someone from every part of the world.
Last week we had an extremely bad blizzard. I thought it was so much fun. We were outside bus contacting but there really were not that many people out. Our Mission President asked us to spend the night inside planning for the next week because the weather was so bad. It snowed about 18+ inches in one day. :) I have no boots either. I could have bought some but I don't want to until I have to. I don't want to carry them around with me for the summer but my KEEN shoes are awesome! I haven't really had any problems with my feet getting wet. I just let me companion walk in front of me and its great. New York is just as everyone says it is. There is graffiti everywhere, more people than you could imagine and its awesome. I absolutely love it. LOVE NEW YORK!
Being a missionary is amazing. I can not believe that I am blessed with this opportunity. I'm not going to lie though, its been hard. Spanish is a beast but I am ready to slay the beast these next two months. I HAVE to learn Spanish and be able to speak it fluently. I don't know why but I have a deep feeling that I NEED to be able to do so NOW. I've recognized that I can and need to work much harder though. My companion is helping me a lot and very patient.
I've learned a lot of lessons about really giving up everything I have and going to work. As hard we are working I need to work smarter and harder.
We have some amazing people we are teaching right now. So many of them are close to baptism but the advisary is working hard to keep them from the blessings that await them. I don't see them as "investigators" but as children of our Heavenly Father that so desperately wants them to return to Him.
I know that this is not mans work but Gods. If it was mans...oh...it would be bad. I have seen so many miracles here, simple but sweet.
I love all of you so very much but know that Heavenly Father Loves you more :)
Hermana Banaszewski
Do any of you have an good, easy object lessons?
- Show quoted text -
New York-Queens is awesome. It is SO divers. The other day I met someone from EGYPT! It was really neat. People here are from EVERYWHERE. I really think by the time I leave NY that I will have met someone from every part of the world.
Last week we had an extremely bad blizzard. I thought it was so much fun. We were outside bus contacting but there really were not that many people out. Our Mission President asked us to spend the night inside planning for the next week because the weather was so bad. It snowed about 18+ inches in one day. :) I have no boots either. I could have bought some but I don't want to until I have to. I don't want to carry them around with me for the summer but my KEEN shoes are awesome! I haven't really had any problems with my feet getting wet. I just let me companion walk in front of me and its great. New York is just as everyone says it is. There is graffiti everywhere, more people than you could imagine and its awesome. I absolutely love it. LOVE NEW YORK!
Being a missionary is amazing. I can not believe that I am blessed with this opportunity. I'm not going to lie though, its been hard. Spanish is a beast but I am ready to slay the beast these next two months. I HAVE to learn Spanish and be able to speak it fluently. I don't know why but I have a deep feeling that I NEED to be able to do so NOW. I've recognized that I can and need to work much harder though. My companion is helping me a lot and very patient.
I've learned a lot of lessons about really giving up everything I have and going to work. As hard we are working I need to work smarter and harder.
We have some amazing people we are teaching right now. So many of them are close to baptism but the advisary is working hard to keep them from the blessings that await them. I don't see them as "investigators" but as children of our Heavenly Father that so desperately wants them to return to Him.
I know that this is not mans work but Gods. If it was mans...oh...it would be bad. I have seen so many miracles here, simple but sweet.
I love all of you so very much but know that Heavenly Father Loves you more :)
Hermana Banaszewski
Do any of you have an good, easy object lessons?
- Show quoted text -
February 15, 2010 #1
OK, I have one min to try and write a story.
The other day we were on the bus as we usually are looking for people to talk to. Sister Crandell was sitting next to me and said, I think I've already talked to him but I'll talk to him again. Found out she hadn't and he had gone to church 25 years ago. She gave him a BOM and he was really greatful the Elders are going to start teaching HIM :) MIRACLES
The other day we were on the bus as we usually are looking for people to talk to. Sister Crandell was sitting next to me and said, I think I've already talked to him but I'll talk to him again. Found out she hadn't and he had gone to church 25 years ago. She gave him a BOM and he was really greatful the Elders are going to start teaching HIM :) MIRACLES
February 15, 2010 #1
OK, I have one min to try and write a story.
The other day we were on the bus as we usually are looking for people to talk to. Sister Crandell was sitting next to me and said, I think I've already talked to him but I'll talk to him again. Found out she hadn't and he had gone to church 25 years ago. She gave him a BOM and he was really greatful the Elders are going to start teaching HIM :) MIRACLES
The other day we were on the bus as we usually are looking for people to talk to. Sister Crandell was sitting next to me and said, I think I've already talked to him but I'll talk to him again. Found out she hadn't and he had gone to church 25 years ago. She gave him a BOM and he was really greatful the Elders are going to start teaching HIM :) MIRACLES
Monday, February 8, 2010
February 8, 2010
Hello HELLO!!!
How is everyone??? OK, the update. Its been an interesting week to say the least. Its had many highs and many lows and I've sure learned a lot. My companion, Hermana Crandell is amazing. We love being together and working hard. She is a really hard working and pushes me along. Oh before I go any further I realize my spelling has gone to the wayside. I thought about how I spelled Hong Kong last week...hongchong. I was on the bus and realized it, I just laughed.
The work here is really good. Missionary work is sweet in many ways. It tastes sweet, like the tree of life sweet :) We have some really good investigaters right now that we are working with. One thing I'm learning a lot about is love. There are many times that I don't feel that I love the people as I should. I want to love more and unlock my heart more to the people. I love the people here but I want to love them more. New York is amazing. There are people from EVERYWHERE here and there are SO many people. New York is pretty much just as everyone thinks it is but really fun and the people are a lot nicer than everyone says they are. I love the people here. There is so much culture*.
The people in my Branch are amazing as well. I'm really starting to love them more and more as I get to know them, as they serve me and I seek to serve them. The other day we went to a members home for breakfast. It was snowing really hard on the way there. When we walked in she got a towel and wiped us off, gave us little slippers to wear and fed us some of the most glorious food. I have been so impressed with how some people treat the missionary's and very VERY humbled as well. Even though we walk about 10 miles a day I don't think I'm going to lose any weight :) We don't get feed all of the time but the times we do...wow...its a lot of food and you can't turn them down. Yesterday I got to eat, I don't know how to spell it, papusas! :) A Sister in our ward from El Salvador made them.
I'm learning a lot from being called to speak Spanish. One is that I can not do it on my own. I don't cry a lot but when I do its usually about Spanish. I've learned that one of my greatest talents is talking and being social however...Heavenly Father has made one of my greatest strengths my greatest weakness. I know I have many things to work on being a missionary but as of right now to do those things and be the best I can be I NEED to learn and be able to speak Spanish. Heavenly Father know exactly what I needed and has given it to me. He knows how to humble His children.
The work is so good here. The people are amazing. Even with the hard moments which are many the work is so good.
I love all of you so very much. I think about you so often and pray for your well fare. Keep working hard and feel the joy that Heavenly Father has to offer you...then go out and share it :)
Much Love,
Hermana Banaszewski
How is everyone??? OK, the update. Its been an interesting week to say the least. Its had many highs and many lows and I've sure learned a lot. My companion, Hermana Crandell is amazing. We love being together and working hard. She is a really hard working and pushes me along. Oh before I go any further I realize my spelling has gone to the wayside. I thought about how I spelled Hong Kong last week...hongchong. I was on the bus and realized it, I just laughed.
The work here is really good. Missionary work is sweet in many ways. It tastes sweet, like the tree of life sweet :) We have some really good investigaters right now that we are working with. One thing I'm learning a lot about is love. There are many times that I don't feel that I love the people as I should. I want to love more and unlock my heart more to the people. I love the people here but I want to love them more. New York is amazing. There are people from EVERYWHERE here and there are SO many people. New York is pretty much just as everyone thinks it is but really fun and the people are a lot nicer than everyone says they are. I love the people here. There is so much culture*.
The people in my Branch are amazing as well. I'm really starting to love them more and more as I get to know them, as they serve me and I seek to serve them. The other day we went to a members home for breakfast. It was snowing really hard on the way there. When we walked in she got a towel and wiped us off, gave us little slippers to wear and fed us some of the most glorious food. I have been so impressed with how some people treat the missionary's and very VERY humbled as well. Even though we walk about 10 miles a day I don't think I'm going to lose any weight :) We don't get feed all of the time but the times we do...wow...its a lot of food and you can't turn them down. Yesterday I got to eat, I don't know how to spell it, papusas! :) A Sister in our ward from El Salvador made them.
I'm learning a lot from being called to speak Spanish. One is that I can not do it on my own. I don't cry a lot but when I do its usually about Spanish. I've learned that one of my greatest talents is talking and being social however...Heavenly Father has made one of my greatest strengths my greatest weakness. I know I have many things to work on being a missionary but as of right now to do those things and be the best I can be I NEED to learn and be able to speak Spanish. Heavenly Father know exactly what I needed and has given it to me. He knows how to humble His children.
The work is so good here. The people are amazing. Even with the hard moments which are many the work is so good.
I love all of you so very much. I think about you so often and pray for your well fare. Keep working hard and feel the joy that Heavenly Father has to offer you...then go out and share it :)
Much Love,
Hermana Banaszewski
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 1, 2010
OK, I'm not sure how much time i have but I'll do my best. I have so much I want to say! Ahh! Ok, first note that I have a different e-mail address. The church updated our site and made us get different addresses. mine is Rachel.Banaszewski@myLDSmail.net
Ok, New York is amazing. I love every bit of it. The smell, the filth the...its been an adventure for sure and I know there is more to come. The people have been amazing though. They are not the "typical" New Yorkers that every one thinks they are. Actually no one is really from here. THey come from EVERY WHERE. I've only met a hand full of people that are born and raised from this area. Oh, I forgot to mention, I am in the Flushing Area, in the Flushing Spanish Branch, Queens Stake. I love it. Its...lots of people all of the time. THere are only two areas that the Chines Elders serve in and Flushing is one of them. There are chines people EVERYWHERE! Its great. Sometimes I feel like I'm in Hongchong or something. I just say Hola to everyone I meet and if they say it back then I try to talk with them. Its kinda fun and I've had some people stop me and say they don't speak spanish and then I laugh and say I don't either. Its kind of fun. My Companion is Hermana Crandell. She is AWESOME!!! She has been out for one year. SHe speaks spanish really well. THey last week everyone has been asking her where she's from thinking she's from spain or columbia because she speaks like a native. :) Lately its been SUPER cold here. THe other day I littlerally could NOT feel my feet because they were so cold.
We have some really great people we are teaching. On woman has been investigating the church for two years now. SHe is an amazing person though. On Thursday we met with her. We invited our mission Presidents wife to come with us, SIster Neilson. She speaks spanish as well but the neatest thing...we taught her in english so I knew what was going on and what was being said! Yeah! The spirit was so strong. Ahh, it was so good. I knew she felt the spirit. Her Husband was a less active member but now he's on fire. I asked her if she would be baptized and she said yes! We feel though that she still needs time to gain a greater testimony of the Book of Mormon and know when she's ready she will let us know and tell us when.
Being here I see how weak I am and how good I have it. I am so very blessed. I can't even discribe how blessed I am.
Right now we are really trying to focus more on the members and using them as member missionaries. If anyone has any ideas of how to involved the members more that would be great. OK, 1 min left. I love all of you so much. Take care of the missionaries in your area.
I know that this work is the work of God. God lives and is our Father in Heaven. Christ is our Savior.
I love you all SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! Read ALma 58:37
Hermana Banaszewski
Ok, New York is amazing. I love every bit of it. The smell, the filth the...its been an adventure for sure and I know there is more to come. The people have been amazing though. They are not the "typical" New Yorkers that every one thinks they are. Actually no one is really from here. THey come from EVERY WHERE. I've only met a hand full of people that are born and raised from this area. Oh, I forgot to mention, I am in the Flushing Area, in the Flushing Spanish Branch, Queens Stake. I love it. Its...lots of people all of the time. THere are only two areas that the Chines Elders serve in and Flushing is one of them. There are chines people EVERYWHERE! Its great. Sometimes I feel like I'm in Hongchong or something. I just say Hola to everyone I meet and if they say it back then I try to talk with them. Its kinda fun and I've had some people stop me and say they don't speak spanish and then I laugh and say I don't either. Its kind of fun. My Companion is Hermana Crandell. She is AWESOME!!! She has been out for one year. SHe speaks spanish really well. THey last week everyone has been asking her where she's from thinking she's from spain or columbia because she speaks like a native. :) Lately its been SUPER cold here. THe other day I littlerally could NOT feel my feet because they were so cold.
We have some really great people we are teaching. On woman has been investigating the church for two years now. SHe is an amazing person though. On Thursday we met with her. We invited our mission Presidents wife to come with us, SIster Neilson. She speaks spanish as well but the neatest thing...we taught her in english so I knew what was going on and what was being said! Yeah! The spirit was so strong. Ahh, it was so good. I knew she felt the spirit. Her Husband was a less active member but now he's on fire. I asked her if she would be baptized and she said yes! We feel though that she still needs time to gain a greater testimony of the Book of Mormon and know when she's ready she will let us know and tell us when.
Being here I see how weak I am and how good I have it. I am so very blessed. I can't even discribe how blessed I am.
Right now we are really trying to focus more on the members and using them as member missionaries. If anyone has any ideas of how to involved the members more that would be great. OK, 1 min left. I love all of you so much. Take care of the missionaries in your area.
I know that this work is the work of God. God lives and is our Father in Heaven. Christ is our Savior.
I love you all SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! Read ALma 58:37
Hermana Banaszewski
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