Hello hello!
Man, this week sure has been interesting, and quite a roller coaster. So, I got into Euless on Wednesday, and we hit the ground running. I'm experiencing a lot of the same emotions I did last transfer that originate from having a companion already know the area, and trying to figure out where I fall in the chain, so to speak. That's been a humbling experience, but not necessarily a negative one. Though, it's been hard, I'll admit, sometimes. I'm just so use to being the senior companion, and knowing what going on, that it's been very hard to put myself in the role of junior comp. Heavenly Father always knows what to do to help stretch us, and help us grow.
Okay, pity party over! I LOVE these people! I mean, it's been hard, and stressful to come in and try to understand their culture and language (at least a little) but it's been amazing! Also, now I wish I followed rugby, because no one talks about football here... and if they do they're a fourty-winers fan. 😒 Seriously though, I've never heard hymns sung as beautifully as I have by the Tongan people. They just sing with such love and intensity. The spirit is so strong in the
room. I do try to sing along with them (I'm actually not to shabby!) but I'll admit that sometimes I love to just listen as they sing. It's beautiful. Luckily, the actual sacrament and the talks are in English, along with the classes, so the only thing I really miss at church are the announcements and stuff.
I gave a short talk on the motivation for missionary work yesterday in one of the wards, and in the other one was the primary program. It was so powerful! I love the primary program so much. The people are very loving and welcoming.
Also, they love to see me try their new, weird foods. I can always tell when I'm eating something they think I'll find gross, because they stare at me intently as I try it. Lol. For example, yesterday, the members that had us over gave me some meat, and wouldn't tell me what it was, calling it "Tongan beef". After I tried it they said it was horse! It's not everyday you eat horse. Honestly, it didn't taste too bad. It's more of a mental thing. They said next time I have to try dog. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that. But I probably will... kinda gotta.
As far as what I do as an STL, not much different yet. There are four sister companionships I'm over. I'll go on exchange at least once with each of them each transfer, starting next week. We also help them set goals and make sure they're staying on the right track with their teaching and stuff like that. We'll also have to help them emotionally if anything happens, like what happened with me and some of my past companions. I'm excited to be able to help and serve in any way I can. I'll also attend the mission leadership council every month, which sets goals and stuff for the mission and helps us move onward an upward. Should be good!
I hope y'all have an amazing thanksgiving! We're planning in visiting as many members as possible on Thursday, and dropping off a little something and saying hi. We're mainly trying to kickstart #lighttheworld which starts the 24th. I'm excited for it! But it probably won't be a turkey dinner, I just hope it's not horse!
I love you so much! I hope you have a great week!❤
'Ofa atu,
Sister Erika Marks ☀❤☀❤
Man, this week sure has been interesting, and quite a roller coaster. So, I got into Euless on Wednesday, and we hit the ground running. I'm experiencing a lot of the same emotions I did last transfer that originate from having a companion already know the area, and trying to figure out where I fall in the chain, so to speak. That's been a humbling experience, but not necessarily a negative one. Though, it's been hard, I'll admit, sometimes. I'm just so use to being the senior companion, and knowing what going on, that it's been very hard to put myself in the role of junior comp. Heavenly Father always knows what to do to help stretch us, and help us grow.
Okay, pity party over! I LOVE these people! I mean, it's been hard, and stressful to come in and try to understand their culture and language (at least a little) but it's been amazing! Also, now I wish I followed rugby, because no one talks about football here... and if they do they're a fourty-winers fan. 😒 Seriously though, I've never heard hymns sung as beautifully as I have by the Tongan people. They just sing with such love and intensity. The spirit is so strong in the
room. I do try to sing along with them (I'm actually not to shabby!) but I'll admit that sometimes I love to just listen as they sing. It's beautiful. Luckily, the actual sacrament and the talks are in English, along with the classes, so the only thing I really miss at church are the announcements and stuff.
I gave a short talk on the motivation for missionary work yesterday in one of the wards, and in the other one was the primary program. It was so powerful! I love the primary program so much. The people are very loving and welcoming.
Also, they love to see me try their new, weird foods. I can always tell when I'm eating something they think I'll find gross, because they stare at me intently as I try it. Lol. For example, yesterday, the members that had us over gave me some meat, and wouldn't tell me what it was, calling it "Tongan beef". After I tried it they said it was horse! It's not everyday you eat horse. Honestly, it didn't taste too bad. It's more of a mental thing. They said next time I have to try dog. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that. But I probably will... kinda gotta.
As far as what I do as an STL, not much different yet. There are four sister companionships I'm over. I'll go on exchange at least once with each of them each transfer, starting next week. We also help them set goals and make sure they're staying on the right track with their teaching and stuff like that. We'll also have to help them emotionally if anything happens, like what happened with me and some of my past companions. I'm excited to be able to help and serve in any way I can. I'll also attend the mission leadership council every month, which sets goals and stuff for the mission and helps us move onward an upward. Should be good!
I hope y'all have an amazing thanksgiving! We're planning in visiting as many members as possible on Thursday, and dropping off a little something and saying hi. We're mainly trying to kickstart #lighttheworld which starts the 24th. I'm excited for it! But it probably won't be a turkey dinner, I just hope it's not horse!
I love you so much! I hope you have a great week!❤
'Ofa atu,
Sister Erika Marks ☀❤☀❤