Well, I don't much know what to write as I only just spoke to you a few short days ago. I'm missing watching silly & soulful videos on youtube. Sister Kartchner is complaining about all the lotion she received ("being on a mission is certainly making me girlier" - not the first time I've heard this observation.) But, I'm enjoying all my Christmas presents: we just put the magnets on the fridge; I'm wearing tights, knee-highs, and boots which keeps me pretty warm (from the knees down :O); and I finally put the concert cd (Editors note: Our stake and the Catholic church from across the street have been doing a joint choir Christmas concert for 16 years. It's a pretty amazing event, well known locally. Katie participated in 07 & 08.) in the player - the choir they put together for 6th ward helped me to not feel quite so homesick about missing that, it wasn't as big, but the music was certainly of the same caliber - two songs from the Messiah - it was so much fun! I recorded all the songs, I can maybe send them as soon as I get a connector for the camera.
Any way you could supply me with some Yogi Tea Breathe Deep, they don't carry it at the Walmart up here, and keep an eye out for a good deal on MK Eye Makeup Remover, I'm starting to get low. Can't think of much else to say...I'm considering making myself a felt board - that will be cool. I could also use some ideas on good, effective exercise that I'd actually be willing to make myself do at 6:30 in the morning, I've ruined all that good work I did during the summer before I left - if only we could do water-aerobics!
-Sisty-ugler Cloward
P.S. When did Celestia dye her hair?
P.P.S. Oh, did I tell you about the necklace? I opened the pretty necklace and earring set and joked that I couldn't wear it because then everyone would know that my first name must begin with a K, so I said I'd give it to Sis Kartchner cuz her first and last name begin with K. Well, as we continued to unwrap gifts she picked up a similar looking box and said "Hey, our parents shop at the same store!" Upon opening it, we discovered our parents have even more similar taste - we decided to wear our matching necklaces all day.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Email received Dec 21, 2009
I forgot to make a list throughout this week of things to write about so I'm sure I'll forget something - but we'll talk on Fri so we can catch up then! Crazy isn't it?! Well, last week was transfers and Sis Compton went home (it's so weird to think she's just chillin' at home with her family right now...surreal) We thought I might be without a companion for a day as Sis Compton was when I came up to Fallon (the van takes missionaries down on Mon and up on Tues leaving us northern missionaries companionless for a day) so I was planning to stay with a very fun newly-wedded, RM sister in one of our wards, but it turned out there was another sister going south so her leftover companion got to come and spend a day with me in Fallon and then we both picked up our new companions on Tues and she went back to her area. It was really cool cuz it was like we were on splits for a day - we sisters don't get to do splits on account of we're girls and the elders are boys and...yeah. But apparently we are supposed to be doing splits, we've just been told, so we get to actually hang out, I mean work, with other sisters. I imagine this would be easier down in Vegas as everyone's closer together, though now that there are actually more sisters up north it's feasible up here too. It's so exciting cuz we never get to see the other sisters except maybe at Zone Conference once a transfer, and that's only if our zone meets with another zone that has sisters. It's also great cuz I like to see how other people do things, it gives me a better idea of what I should be doing (I think that's one way the Lord was blessing me by giving me a different companion every transfer - so I could see a lot of ways of doing things) and that helps me be more confident in the things I do. But now that I've experienced a variety of styles, I hope he'll leave me put for a wee while, cuz I love Sis Kartchner!!! She's silly and funny and talkative and sings alto and loves the Muppets and I think we'll have a lot of fun together...and work very hard.
Oh, and did I tell you about my last baptism? Wonderful Pat and her husband moved in with her sister (who just happens to live right behind us); turns out the husband joined the church in his youth but hadn't attended in many a year, but he and Pat were perfectly willing to meet with us and she turned out to be one of those rare perfectly Golden Investigators: we met her at the end of my first week here and she was baptized 5 weeks later; we even had to have 2 or 3 lessons the last two weeks to make sure we taught her everything before she was baptized, but she was very happy to do it just before Sis Compton left. What a send-off - baptism on Sat, Confirmation and an ordination of another recent convert on Sun, and away she went! I only hope I can end my mission on such a high note; I'm sure that also helped to keep her focused - she really wasn't very trunky at all, quite the opposite really, we were joking even on Sun. night that she would stay and I could take her place - if I died my hair blonde, Pres would never even notice, right?
Well, I don't have an exact time to call, I imagine it will be in the afternoon sometime, but it's not like you guys will be going out at all during the day (right?) and not a lot of people call on Christmas day so you don't have to wait by the phone or carry it with you - there's one in every room anyway.
By the by, is there anyway someone could look up a skit about Cinderella where the letters are all switched (rindercella and her two sad blisters...at the bancy fall she slopped her dripper)? Sis Kartchner was quoting it and it was really funny, but she doesn't remember the whole thing. Maybe I'll have her do it for you on Fri. Amy may recall my reaction to the Sumo guy on Thou Shalt Laugh - that's what I do when she starts telling the story, which is really innapropriate for the library environment in which I now sit, so I should move on to another subject. She can also play parts of a couple Jon Schmidt songs which makes me drool, I think I would really like a couple of his cds and maybe the sheet music, maybe one day I could play like that...Well...the time has come I suppose, if I think of anything else I can just tell you on Fri. Much Love!!!
-Clister Soward
Oh, and did I tell you about my last baptism? Wonderful Pat and her husband moved in with her sister (who just happens to live right behind us); turns out the husband joined the church in his youth but hadn't attended in many a year, but he and Pat were perfectly willing to meet with us and she turned out to be one of those rare perfectly Golden Investigators: we met her at the end of my first week here and she was baptized 5 weeks later; we even had to have 2 or 3 lessons the last two weeks to make sure we taught her everything before she was baptized, but she was very happy to do it just before Sis Compton left. What a send-off - baptism on Sat, Confirmation and an ordination of another recent convert on Sun, and away she went! I only hope I can end my mission on such a high note; I'm sure that also helped to keep her focused - she really wasn't very trunky at all, quite the opposite really, we were joking even on Sun. night that she would stay and I could take her place - if I died my hair blonde, Pres would never even notice, right?
Well, I don't have an exact time to call, I imagine it will be in the afternoon sometime, but it's not like you guys will be going out at all during the day (right?) and not a lot of people call on Christmas day so you don't have to wait by the phone or carry it with you - there's one in every room anyway.
By the by, is there anyway someone could look up a skit about Cinderella where the letters are all switched (rindercella and her two sad blisters...at the bancy fall she slopped her dripper)? Sis Kartchner was quoting it and it was really funny, but she doesn't remember the whole thing. Maybe I'll have her do it for you on Fri. Amy may recall my reaction to the Sumo guy on Thou Shalt Laugh - that's what I do when she starts telling the story, which is really innapropriate for the library environment in which I now sit, so I should move on to another subject. She can also play parts of a couple Jon Schmidt songs which makes me drool, I think I would really like a couple of his cds and maybe the sheet music, maybe one day I could play like that...Well...the time has come I suppose, if I think of anything else I can just tell you on Fri. Much Love!!!
-Clister Soward
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Email received Dec 14, 2009
I don't want to take too much time to write this week for reasons that I'll have time to explain next week, so I'll try to just touch on a few brief points.
1.I've asked for a few recommendations for dentists, apparently there's one office that's full of members, don't know if you want to check it against a list from insurance but I'm gonna go ahead and make an appointment in case it takes awhile to get in.
2.(Personal request removed.)
3.I don't know if you've already picked something out, or if I should even ask for this, but is there anyway I could request for my Christmas PJs a pretty, white flannel nightgown, traditional style with long sleeves, high neck, and ruffles in about a size 24 or so? I don't necessarily need or have room for anything new for myself (though if you're already sending something, I'm sure I can find the space) and if I had the time I would love to make this one myself, but it's hard to get all the materials and find someone with a sewing machine and...these are times I wish I could just take a day off from being a missionary and do whatever I want, but there will be plenty of time for different forms of service when I get home, right now I have to try to fill my time with more direct service to the Lord.
Oh, speaking of choir - I was going to ask when the concert was, I'm so excited they recorded it this year! Yay!!! (And by the way, I didn't mention last week (I always leave something out!) I have been enjoying the NC Ward cd very much, it so crazy to hear all the songs and be able to say "I know that voice!") I'm also singing in the ward choir (only one ward was able to pull one together) and this past Sunday I sang O Holy Night in Sacrament Meeting. I wanted to record it but the brand new batteries I just bought a month ago wouldn't even turn the light on the camera on (when the old, dead batteries would) let alone actually turn the camera on, so I couldn't. But it turned out very well, I wish I could have preserved it somehow, maybe I'll just have to do it again wherever I am next year. As for the Christmas cds, last I knew they were all in a box near the stereo, I think, or maybe we couldn't find them last year either so we just listened to the same eight cds for a week I'm beginning to recall. Oh, well. Do you want the Celtic Christmas cd back? I could just make a copy for myself.
What's this about Tasha in Utah? Nobody tells me anything :O( Just kidding! Someone needs to call that girl to be a ward missionary, she's doing such a fabulous job - keep it up! Since we're on the subject, did they ever call a new choir director? Wasn't Dad up for a new calling? What's the word on the street? ...yo ...one :O) too many funny things at once! Okay, I should probably wrap it up for now, thanks for all the love'n'stuff!!! Can't wait till Christmas!
-Sister Cloward (I'm out of ideas for creative ways to sign my name - any suggestions?)
1.I've asked for a few recommendations for dentists, apparently there's one office that's full of members, don't know if you want to check it against a list from insurance but I'm gonna go ahead and make an appointment in case it takes awhile to get in.
2.(Personal request removed.)
3.I don't know if you've already picked something out, or if I should even ask for this, but is there anyway I could request for my Christmas PJs a pretty, white flannel nightgown, traditional style with long sleeves, high neck, and ruffles in about a size 24 or so? I don't necessarily need or have room for anything new for myself (though if you're already sending something, I'm sure I can find the space) and if I had the time I would love to make this one myself, but it's hard to get all the materials and find someone with a sewing machine and...these are times I wish I could just take a day off from being a missionary and do whatever I want, but there will be plenty of time for different forms of service when I get home, right now I have to try to fill my time with more direct service to the Lord.
Oh, speaking of choir - I was going to ask when the concert was, I'm so excited they recorded it this year! Yay!!! (And by the way, I didn't mention last week (I always leave something out!) I have been enjoying the NC Ward cd very much, it so crazy to hear all the songs and be able to say "I know that voice!") I'm also singing in the ward choir (only one ward was able to pull one together) and this past Sunday I sang O Holy Night in Sacrament Meeting. I wanted to record it but the brand new batteries I just bought a month ago wouldn't even turn the light on the camera on (when the old, dead batteries would) let alone actually turn the camera on, so I couldn't. But it turned out very well, I wish I could have preserved it somehow, maybe I'll just have to do it again wherever I am next year. As for the Christmas cds, last I knew they were all in a box near the stereo, I think, or maybe we couldn't find them last year either so we just listened to the same eight cds for a week I'm beginning to recall. Oh, well. Do you want the Celtic Christmas cd back? I could just make a copy for myself.
What's this about Tasha in Utah? Nobody tells me anything :O( Just kidding! Someone needs to call that girl to be a ward missionary, she's doing such a fabulous job - keep it up! Since we're on the subject, did they ever call a new choir director? Wasn't Dad up for a new calling? What's the word on the street? ...yo ...one :O) too many funny things at once! Okay, I should probably wrap it up for now, thanks for all the love'n'stuff!!! Can't wait till Christmas!
-Sister Cloward (I'm out of ideas for creative ways to sign my name - any suggestions?)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Email received Dec 7, 2009
Well, that's totally not fair that it snowed in Houston, I was planning on making you insanely jealous when I wrote you all today about a certain fluffy, white substance that began falling last night and is still falling! It's the first snow of the season and is apparently the most they've gotten in five years. I just started driving again a couple days ago so I can learn the area before my comp goes home, I had to warn her that it's been a couple years since I've driven in the snow, but so far we've managed to stay on the road, in our lane, and away from other cars :O) We've also decided it's time to pull out our Christmas decorations - we even have a decent sized fake tree - and we're allowed to listen to the radio stations that play all Christmas music, so it's starting to feel nice and cozy with a cup of hot cocoa (someone just gave us a box of dark chocolate hot cocoa - heaven!)
Yes, I received the package, thank you for your prompt response; it was very nice, though I was looking forward to those long-sleeved shirts, but if you only just read that letter last week I suppose you didn't have time to gather them. I thought of a few more things I could add to the list, some feasible, some not, in case anyone else asks:
-An exercise bike for the apartment
-A shower head with a hose (let's face it, I've been spoiled, I don't know how people survive with such immobility of their water source, but this is more of a pipe-dream (ha, ha) I'm making do just fine)
-A battery charger
-A way to play my mp3 player in a car with a cd player and no tape player
-A connector for the camera so I can send you pictures of what I'm doing (I suppose you don't need pictures of the snow now that you have your own)
-My own copy of Jesus the Christ (I borrowed David's but I think I'll want to mark it up as I read)(Editor's note: We've got this one covered.)
-A small frying pan
-A shorter handle for my bag
Okay, some of those I can get on my own and some I'll just deal with, it's not like I'm suffering in central Africa or anything, but I just wanted to share what's been on my mind.
No, no one mentioned anything about a ranch! What's this? Planning fun outings without me? I thought y'all were supposed to be in cold storage for 18 months, you couldn't wait one more year? Well I suppose you still have lives to live...what ranch is it (it couldn't be IRMR, you haven't been working long enough to afford that)? What are you going to do while you're there? (I didn't think that the 'no riding horses' rule would affect me much, but up here in Fallon we've actually had people ask if we'd like to ride their horses - so sad!) Tell me all about it! When we went to Thanksgiving dinner, one of the young boys was wearing a shirt that said Redfish Lake, it made me happy. (Editor's note: In the summer of 07 Katie, Tasha and I worked on the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch (IRMR) which is near Redfish lake.)
Speaking of T-day, we drove to Reno in the morning for a missionary Turkey bowl; there are four zones up here and we all got together so the boys could play football; there are three sets of sisters, but one didn't come, so there were just four girls and about 70 elders - but I did get to see Sis Moreno again! Then we drove back for dinner. I got to try a fried turkey (pretty yummy and juicy) but I think the best part was the appetizers; they had them out to munch on throughout the day, we didn't get there till about 2:00, but still managed to fill up on cheese and crackers and other goodies before dinner was ready. I think I'd been craving one of those simple on-dit meals for a few days, so it just hit the spot. We took home plenty of leftovers, so I did get to enjoy the traditional meal several times over. Speaking of leftovers, you should see our counters (I've taken pictures) they are positively brimming with plates of cookies, pies, and other treats, it's just ridiculous. We're trying to pawn some off on the elders, I'm already eating dessert after lunch, dinner, and before bed, so much for all that weight I lost this summer; I never completely understood the magnitude of Holiday-weight-gain fear, but if you have as many treats available as we do, I can see where the concerns add up (literally).
We also got together with all the zones up North for a special Christmasy meeting on Wed (I got to see Sis Moreno again!) and then because Sis Compton is going home we got an extra temple trip that evening with all the outgoing missionaries. They used to all go together on their last day after they're all gathered down in Vegas, but Pres. McCracken changed how transfers are organized, so I got to accompany Sis Compton while all the elders had to do splits with other companionships.
Well, I think this has gone on for some time, have I officially started rambling yet? Oh, one more thing, another wish granted: when I heard about the wards splitting in Katy I thought 'Golly, I always seem to miss those things, they either happen just before I move into a ward or just after I leave.' Well, I have now officially experienced a ward boundary shift! Of course, it's completely different as a missionary. Fallon 5th Ward is probably the largest in-town ward as far as land mass, but the smallest in attendance, so they shifted three wards to increase our numbers, also increasing the physical size of the ward - it's huge! And now we have to completely reorganize our records, transfer work from the elders, and redo all our maps - lots of fun for those snowy days when we don't want to go out! We'll definitely be busy for a while, but it will be good to have more work to do in 5th Ward - the members are so good and supportive, and we just haven't had a lot for them to help with recently.
Ummmm....I think that's catches you pretty up to date with me, anything else going on at home? I hear D,C,&S will be there for Christmas, how long are they staying? How was the semester for those attending school? Any other fun plans for the next year? Keep in touch as always, see you in 14 months!
Much loveses,
-Sister Cloward
Yes, I received the package, thank you for your prompt response; it was very nice, though I was looking forward to those long-sleeved shirts, but if you only just read that letter last week I suppose you didn't have time to gather them. I thought of a few more things I could add to the list, some feasible, some not, in case anyone else asks:
-An exercise bike for the apartment
-A shower head with a hose (let's face it, I've been spoiled, I don't know how people survive with such immobility of their water source, but this is more of a pipe-dream (ha, ha) I'm making do just fine)
-A battery charger
-A way to play my mp3 player in a car with a cd player and no tape player
-A connector for the camera so I can send you pictures of what I'm doing (I suppose you don't need pictures of the snow now that you have your own)
-My own copy of Jesus the Christ (I borrowed David's but I think I'll want to mark it up as I read)(Editor's note: We've got this one covered.)
-A small frying pan
-A shorter handle for my bag
Okay, some of those I can get on my own and some I'll just deal with, it's not like I'm suffering in central Africa or anything, but I just wanted to share what's been on my mind.
No, no one mentioned anything about a ranch! What's this? Planning fun outings without me? I thought y'all were supposed to be in cold storage for 18 months, you couldn't wait one more year? Well I suppose you still have lives to live...what ranch is it (it couldn't be IRMR, you haven't been working long enough to afford that)? What are you going to do while you're there? (I didn't think that the 'no riding horses' rule would affect me much, but up here in Fallon we've actually had people ask if we'd like to ride their horses - so sad!) Tell me all about it! When we went to Thanksgiving dinner, one of the young boys was wearing a shirt that said Redfish Lake, it made me happy. (Editor's note: In the summer of 07 Katie, Tasha and I worked on the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch (IRMR) which is near Redfish lake.)
Speaking of T-day, we drove to Reno in the morning for a missionary Turkey bowl; there are four zones up here and we all got together so the boys could play football; there are three sets of sisters, but one didn't come, so there were just four girls and about 70 elders - but I did get to see Sis Moreno again! Then we drove back for dinner. I got to try a fried turkey (pretty yummy and juicy) but I think the best part was the appetizers; they had them out to munch on throughout the day, we didn't get there till about 2:00, but still managed to fill up on cheese and crackers and other goodies before dinner was ready. I think I'd been craving one of those simple on-dit meals for a few days, so it just hit the spot. We took home plenty of leftovers, so I did get to enjoy the traditional meal several times over. Speaking of leftovers, you should see our counters (I've taken pictures) they are positively brimming with plates of cookies, pies, and other treats, it's just ridiculous. We're trying to pawn some off on the elders, I'm already eating dessert after lunch, dinner, and before bed, so much for all that weight I lost this summer; I never completely understood the magnitude of Holiday-weight-gain fear, but if you have as many treats available as we do, I can see where the concerns add up (literally).
We also got together with all the zones up North for a special Christmasy meeting on Wed (I got to see Sis Moreno again!) and then because Sis Compton is going home we got an extra temple trip that evening with all the outgoing missionaries. They used to all go together on their last day after they're all gathered down in Vegas, but Pres. McCracken changed how transfers are organized, so I got to accompany Sis Compton while all the elders had to do splits with other companionships.
Well, I think this has gone on for some time, have I officially started rambling yet? Oh, one more thing, another wish granted: when I heard about the wards splitting in Katy I thought 'Golly, I always seem to miss those things, they either happen just before I move into a ward or just after I leave.' Well, I have now officially experienced a ward boundary shift! Of course, it's completely different as a missionary. Fallon 5th Ward is probably the largest in-town ward as far as land mass, but the smallest in attendance, so they shifted three wards to increase our numbers, also increasing the physical size of the ward - it's huge! And now we have to completely reorganize our records, transfer work from the elders, and redo all our maps - lots of fun for those snowy days when we don't want to go out! We'll definitely be busy for a while, but it will be good to have more work to do in 5th Ward - the members are so good and supportive, and we just haven't had a lot for them to help with recently.
Ummmm....I think that's catches you pretty up to date with me, anything else going on at home? I hear D,C,&S will be there for Christmas, how long are they staying? How was the semester for those attending school? Any other fun plans for the next year? Keep in touch as always, see you in 14 months!
Much loveses,
-Sister Cloward
Email received Nov 30, 2009
A Missionary's Wish List
1. All my investigators and less-active families to come to church, feel the spirit, become converted, develop a personal relationship with God and His scriptures
2. Solid member referrals
3. The Conference issue of the Ensign (each companionship gets a copy each month, but it's nice to have my own copy of the Conf. issue; plus, being up north we get them even later than everyone else, e.g. people are already getting the Dec issue - we have yet to get Nov, though word is they have finally arrived, it's just a matter of passing them out) (Editor's note: We've got this one covered.)
4. Missionary appropriate music and/or blank CDs (Editor's note: Christmas music is missionary appropriate and she loves to listen to it year round, so it's a gift that won't be put away in a month. Also, for those of you who are not members, appropriate music includes classical, instrumental, Christian - nothing raucous or loud or irreverent.)
5. Stationary/office supplies (we like to make cards for people and decorate our planners, etc. The best care packages I've seen (not that I've seen that many) are the one you sent with cards and stamps and the one my first comp received with pads of paper, pens, and cute paper clips - she was so excited)
6. Gift cards to Walmart for various and sundry items that are hard to specify or ship
7. Pictures of home & family and all the fun (and boring) things you've been up to
Those are the things that have been on my mind this past week. Thanks for all the news from home - congrats on the #; stinks about the freezer; if Amy goes to stay with D&C she can live in the camper; hadn't thought about the Ren Faire in a couple months; it's a good thing I didn't send any food in that package; I already sent out letters to Calli and Launa with the other addresses I received, hopefully they still work.
I'm trying to do two things at once (the other thing is managing music, which actually involves doing more than one thing) so my brain is stretched thin, I'll write more about my Thanksgiving and such next week. Love ya!
-Sister Cloward
1. All my investigators and less-active families to come to church, feel the spirit, become converted, develop a personal relationship with God and His scriptures
2. Solid member referrals
3. The Conference issue of the Ensign (each companionship gets a copy each month, but it's nice to have my own copy of the Conf. issue; plus, being up north we get them even later than everyone else, e.g. people are already getting the Dec issue - we have yet to get Nov, though word is they have finally arrived, it's just a matter of passing them out) (Editor's note: We've got this one covered.)
4. Missionary appropriate music and/or blank CDs (Editor's note: Christmas music is missionary appropriate and she loves to listen to it year round, so it's a gift that won't be put away in a month. Also, for those of you who are not members, appropriate music includes classical, instrumental, Christian - nothing raucous or loud or irreverent.)
5. Stationary/office supplies (we like to make cards for people and decorate our planners, etc. The best care packages I've seen (not that I've seen that many) are the one you sent with cards and stamps and the one my first comp received with pads of paper, pens, and cute paper clips - she was so excited)
6. Gift cards to Walmart for various and sundry items that are hard to specify or ship
7. Pictures of home & family and all the fun (and boring) things you've been up to
Those are the things that have been on my mind this past week. Thanks for all the news from home - congrats on the #; stinks about the freezer; if Amy goes to stay with D&C she can live in the camper; hadn't thought about the Ren Faire in a couple months; it's a good thing I didn't send any food in that package; I already sent out letters to Calli and Launa with the other addresses I received, hopefully they still work.
I'm trying to do two things at once (the other thing is managing music, which actually involves doing more than one thing) so my brain is stretched thin, I'll write more about my Thanksgiving and such next week. Love ya!
-Sister Cloward
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Email received Nov 23, 2009
Well, I'm sure I have oodles to write, I just can't think of any of it right now. How about families? I have had a handful of people ask if I'm related to so-and-so Cloward. I always yes, even if I've never heard the name before, but one person actually said 'I'm related to Clowards a few generations back' and started rambling off names (do you know how we connect to the Burrs? The name sounded familiar) we finally made the connection when I asked if they knew Thomas P. cuz that's the only name I can remember all the way back then. And one among the younger set (actually the first person I met in Fallon, besides my comp) said 'I had an institute teacher named Cloward.' That sparked my interest and I asked where and what his first name was, to which she replied: 'Cedar City, I just remember he was really sick'. (Editor's note: Our Uncle Bob taught institute in Cedar City. He died of ALS a few years ago.) So that's the first person who actually knows someone I know. On the flip side 75% of this town is related to each other. There are four or five families that have married each other and of course all live nearby one another so they have to get crafty when making the ward boundaries to divvy them all up, and even then it's tough. We have half a dozen Whitakers in either ward, you need a family tree rather than a ward list to figure out all the Sorensens (especially as this last generation seems to have been all sons, so you can't tell who's brothers and who's cousins - they all look related), and when your ward council has three Schank brothers you get a lot of references to 'Mom' and they refer to everyone by the old-fashioned Brother Bill/Sister Sue, it's the only way to know who everyone's talking about!
Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat...I can't believe Thanksgiving is this Thursday! It doesn't seem real yet, even if it is actually cold - maybe that's it, I've forgotten to associate cold with the holidays. But Christmas decorations are starting to peek out, so that should help, though it's driving my companion crazy. She goes home Dec. 16 just in time to spend Christmas with her family, so any reminder of Christmas makes her a little trunky and she's trying so hard (and doing quite well) to stay focused. We've developed a system we hope will help: she can only refer to days of the week, I handle all the specific dates, and she doesn't look at the calender. So far, so good...until she got her Exit Interview Paperwork more commonly referred to as 'trunky papers' which just happen to be due on her birthday (Dec 4) so she can't conveniently forget about them. But we're still working hard and trying to stay busy. Let me know how your holidays are going - pictures from Halloween, more video evidence of Santa desecration (ah, fond memories) and what not. (Editor's note: I'm sorry, this would just take too long to explain here. Good times.) I guess I'll talk to you in a month or so and see you in 14!
-Hermana Cloward (did I tell you - when we asked our ZL for new planners (we get new ones every transfer) the only ones they had right then were in Spanish, it's a good thing I've been out long enough to know what everything says!)
Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat...I can't believe Thanksgiving is this Thursday! It doesn't seem real yet, even if it is actually cold - maybe that's it, I've forgotten to associate cold with the holidays. But Christmas decorations are starting to peek out, so that should help, though it's driving my companion crazy. She goes home Dec. 16 just in time to spend Christmas with her family, so any reminder of Christmas makes her a little trunky and she's trying so hard (and doing quite well) to stay focused. We've developed a system we hope will help: she can only refer to days of the week, I handle all the specific dates, and she doesn't look at the calender. So far, so good...until she got her Exit Interview Paperwork more commonly referred to as 'trunky papers' which just happen to be due on her birthday (Dec 4) so she can't conveniently forget about them. But we're still working hard and trying to stay busy. Let me know how your holidays are going - pictures from Halloween, more video evidence of Santa desecration (ah, fond memories) and what not. (Editor's note: I'm sorry, this would just take too long to explain here. Good times.) I guess I'll talk to you in a month or so and see you in 14!
-Hermana Cloward (did I tell you - when we asked our ZL for new planners (we get new ones every transfer) the only ones they had right then were in Spanish, it's a good thing I've been out long enough to know what everything says!)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Email received Nov 16, 2009
It's nice to see an email from home in the inbox when I log on. Yes, I did get your nice, long letters and the pictures, they were wonderful. I laughed out loud and still can't help smiling whenever I think about the news of Castle/Firefly. (Editor's note: This is in reference to the Halloween episode of Castle which I told her about. We are big Firefly fans.) Is it turning out to be a good/decent show or just another investment of time & interest that may be canceled at the end of the season? I've walked into several homes wherein the tv was playing Medium, Ghost Whisperer, or Bones, but I think the hardest was yesterday when someone was watching Serenity (Editor's note: The movie sequel to the TV show Firefly). I was highly tempted to take off my nametag and plop myself down on the couch. But it's not all bad, sometimes our Zone Leaders get permission to show video clips for our training meetings; this last week they showed pretty much all the highlights from Rudy - very inspiring; at my first Zone Conference two months ago we actually watched a clip from Bourne Supremacy, that was exciting.
(Personal note removed regarding our brother in the Navy.) Speaking of seamen, one of our investigators up here is everyone's favorite curmudgeony old sailor. He's been meeting with missionaries for six years (his wife got baptized at the beginning) and has made leaps and bounds of progress but still insists on dragging his feet. When the area got transferred to sisters a couple years ago there were three sisters so he started calling them his 'angels'; now after the first meeting we are officially dubbed 'angel' and thus we will be forever more, it's quite on honor. I hope one day y'all can meet and he and dad can swap sea tales (he's quite a storyteller). Did I mention, there's a Navy base in Fallon...okay, so it's an Naval Air Station, but still, I'm sure they'd have an NFCU branch; in fact, several of the homes we go to have NFCU magnets on their fridge, it's very heartwarming. So, the question is: Why Fallon? But my bigger question is why is there an Army Base in Hawthorne? (another small town to the south) Oh well, who can say why the government does what it does. We do cover the military housing in one of our wards so sometimes when we head that direction we can see jets flying circles in the sky, other times we just hear them. Kind of makes me homesick for Las Vegas as our area was in direct flight paths for a lot of the planes taking off or landing at the airport, we got to see a lot of low-fyling underbellies, I miss it. I also miss the warmth (not the heat - just the warmth) as it's getting quite chill up here in the north. I bought a nice coat, but it can only do so much after the sun goes down, I plan to do a lot of layering through Jan & Feb and stay inside as much as possible (pray we'll have a lot of people to teach!)
(Personal note removed.) Thanks so much! Keep on being the wonderful family you are!!
-Sister Cloward
(Personal note removed regarding our brother in the Navy.) Speaking of seamen, one of our investigators up here is everyone's favorite curmudgeony old sailor. He's been meeting with missionaries for six years (his wife got baptized at the beginning) and has made leaps and bounds of progress but still insists on dragging his feet. When the area got transferred to sisters a couple years ago there were three sisters so he started calling them his 'angels'; now after the first meeting we are officially dubbed 'angel' and thus we will be forever more, it's quite on honor. I hope one day y'all can meet and he and dad can swap sea tales (he's quite a storyteller). Did I mention, there's a Navy base in Fallon...okay, so it's an Naval Air Station, but still, I'm sure they'd have an NFCU branch; in fact, several of the homes we go to have NFCU magnets on their fridge, it's very heartwarming. So, the question is: Why Fallon? But my bigger question is why is there an Army Base in Hawthorne? (another small town to the south) Oh well, who can say why the government does what it does. We do cover the military housing in one of our wards so sometimes when we head that direction we can see jets flying circles in the sky, other times we just hear them. Kind of makes me homesick for Las Vegas as our area was in direct flight paths for a lot of the planes taking off or landing at the airport, we got to see a lot of low-fyling underbellies, I miss it. I also miss the warmth (not the heat - just the warmth) as it's getting quite chill up here in the north. I bought a nice coat, but it can only do so much after the sun goes down, I plan to do a lot of layering through Jan & Feb and stay inside as much as possible (pray we'll have a lot of people to teach!)
(Personal note removed.) Thanks so much! Keep on being the wonderful family you are!!
-Sister Cloward
Thursday, November 12, 2009
From the Nevada Las Vegas West Mission
*ATTENTION*
November 11, 2009
TO: Missionary Families
SUBJECT: (1) Holiday Mail and (2) Mission Visits
(1) With the holiday season at our doorstep, we assume that you may be planning to send mail and packages to your missionaries who are here in the field. If you will follow the suggestions offered, you will help us in the office immensely during this busy time of the year. Also you will have the best assurance that your mailings will get to their desired destination in time.
a. Mail early. Plan to shop and ship in a timely manner.
b. Letter mail should continue to come to the mission office. We faithfully turn the mail around in 24 hours.
c. Packages (UPS, USPS, or FedEx) should be sent DIRECTLY to your missionary. These should be sent before December 15, 2009 as transfers will occur on that day. We will ask your missionary to e-mail you their addresses on Monday, November 16th. We will also ask them to e-mail their new after December 15th. If you have not sent a package to arrive before December 15th, please wait for the new e-mail from your Missionary. (Editor's note: If you intend to send a package to Katie please email me at sarawithanh1@gmail.com for her current street address.)
d. After January 1st, please resume sending everything to the mission office.
(2) Our mission receives many requests from family members who are passing through Las Vegas to visit their missionary serving here or in the northern sector of the mission. We are, regretfully, a convenient thoroughfare for business travelers and vacationers with Utah and California in their plans. We are generally advised not to honor such a request.
Visits by family members are far more disruptive to the work than many realize. We work tirelessly to keep our missionaries focused, battling a multitude of distractions that are naturally here. We ask you to PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ASKING TO VISIT YOUR MISSIONARY IF YOU ARE IN THIS MISSION AREA – FOR HIS/HER SAKE. We constantly express obedience and we appreciate your help in this regard.
Sincerely,
President Kevin D. McCracken
Email received Nov 12, 2009
Well this past week has been a little crazy - with the unexpected transfer, then this week we went to the temple on Wed (yesterday) so that threw off our p-day - so I'll just make this a brief note and write again on Monday.
I loved the ride up - everyone says it's a flat and desolate trip but I thought it was just beautiful - definitley not flat and I don't know if I'm just mountain starved after CT and TX or if this landscape just brings back fond memories of my childhood, but I couldn't keep my eyes off the scenery it was so beautiful. It felt so good to be road-tripping, though I could tell all the elders in the van with me were not experienced road-trippers - they all fell asleep right off (just cause we left early in the morning - no excuse!) and took too long and bought too much at the first rest stop (the gas station also contained the Death Valley Nut & Candy Co - made me homesick for Queen Bee) whereas I set myself up with a few snacks from home, some cross-stitching to keep me busy, and never slept a wink the entire trip. I was the first dropped off in my new area of Fallon (The Oasis of Nevada) which, if I compared to places I've lived before, would fall somewhere between the outskirts of CT and Stanley, ID. It's a small town (pop. 8000) with lots of rural outskirts (read: lots of dairy farms) and apparently a 20-25% LDS population - that's even more than Vegas' 10%! (and just the beginning of the differences between the two towns.) I'm settling in well and getting to know my new companion, though I have a heads up we'll only be together for 6 weeks (she's going home in Dec) which means in my fourth transfer I'll already be on my fourth companion! Crazy! Well, I hope you got the packages, I had to leave the last one for my last comp to send out but she said she did. Hopefully I'll have the means to send more pictures soon. Can't think what else to say now, so I'll write in a couple days! Bye!
I loved the ride up - everyone says it's a flat and desolate trip but I thought it was just beautiful - definitley not flat and I don't know if I'm just mountain starved after CT and TX or if this landscape just brings back fond memories of my childhood, but I couldn't keep my eyes off the scenery it was so beautiful. It felt so good to be road-tripping, though I could tell all the elders in the van with me were not experienced road-trippers - they all fell asleep right off (just cause we left early in the morning - no excuse!) and took too long and bought too much at the first rest stop (the gas station also contained the Death Valley Nut & Candy Co - made me homesick for Queen Bee) whereas I set myself up with a few snacks from home, some cross-stitching to keep me busy, and never slept a wink the entire trip. I was the first dropped off in my new area of Fallon (The Oasis of Nevada) which, if I compared to places I've lived before, would fall somewhere between the outskirts of CT and Stanley, ID. It's a small town (pop. 8000) with lots of rural outskirts (read: lots of dairy farms) and apparently a 20-25% LDS population - that's even more than Vegas' 10%! (and just the beginning of the differences between the two towns.) I'm settling in well and getting to know my new companion, though I have a heads up we'll only be together for 6 weeks (she's going home in Dec) which means in my fourth transfer I'll already be on my fourth companion! Crazy! Well, I hope you got the packages, I had to leave the last one for my last comp to send out but she said she did. Hopefully I'll have the means to send more pictures soon. Can't think what else to say now, so I'll write in a couple days! Bye!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Letter received Nov 3, 2009
(Editor's note: The salutation dates back to the mission experience of Katie's brother, who served in Hungary...the country. Anyway, the Hungarian words for 'Dear Family' are apparently very similar looking and sounding to the words 'dragon salad,' so many of his letters were addressed thusly. We found Katie's first letter from the MTC addressed to Dragon Salad, which brought surprise, memories and great happiness to us all. Usually it's only on the address on the envelope, which is why you haven't seen it. But since this letter came in a box the letter itself specifically starts with the happy greeting. Now that all that's out of the way...)
Dragon Salad,
Allright, so I'm leaving for Fallon in the morning & these are things (Editor's note: Some clothes and stuff.) that I have not found useful in the last 3 months - so I'm sending them home to make more room in my suitcase for the results of Makeover Session #3 - clothes shopping. I felt like I was on "What Not to Wear." Sis. Chapman literally went through the racks at lightning speed throwing things in the cart "I like this, I don't like that, too long, too short, try it on, faster!" (We didn't have much time because - long story - too many people have been going over miles so the entire mission had to park their cars for one day & we actually went over just a teensy bit over so we got parked a second day so we had to work around member schedules for rides and didn't have the leisure time to dilly-dally.) But, she is a tremendous shopper & has a great eye - I think I've come out looking like the dignified missionary I had hoped to appear but didn't have the time or skills to prep for. So Mom can have her skirts back, Amy can take her slip, the rest can go in my closet till I get back. Also, wilst thou include in the next package the long sleeve shirts I recently purchased from Shade as well as my long sleeve brown shirt, I thank thee & should be able to provide the street address in my next email. I'm including a reply letter to the Flowers to save a stamp - would you be so kind as to hand deliver it? And thank you for the FedEx slips - if I had only known I would be sending this package so soon, I wouldn't have sent the other one separately. But I guess (well, I know) it's nice to get lots of things in the mail, so I hope you enjoy! Oh my, I can't believe I'm leaving already; everything about this area is so precious to me. My next companion, Sis. Compten, is going home in six weeks which means in my fourth transfer I will already be on my fourth companion! I only have to think of how many companions David had to realize it may be a family trait, but I'm sure the Lord knows what he's doing and I'll just take what He gives me. Well, I still have some final packing before I go to sleep so I'll let you go for now - let me know if there's anything you need from me or anything you want to know more about. Oh, I guess we'll have to start all over with a dentist, but I'll ask around the first week to get some recommendations - thanks for all the info you sent, Dad, it was very helpful!!
Sister Cloward
I LOVE YOU!!!
Dragon Salad,
Allright, so I'm leaving for Fallon in the morning & these are things (Editor's note: Some clothes and stuff.) that I have not found useful in the last 3 months - so I'm sending them home to make more room in my suitcase for the results of Makeover Session #3 - clothes shopping. I felt like I was on "What Not to Wear." Sis. Chapman literally went through the racks at lightning speed throwing things in the cart "I like this, I don't like that, too long, too short, try it on, faster!" (We didn't have much time because - long story - too many people have been going over miles so the entire mission had to park their cars for one day & we actually went over just a teensy bit over so we got parked a second day so we had to work around member schedules for rides and didn't have the leisure time to dilly-dally.) But, she is a tremendous shopper & has a great eye - I think I've come out looking like the dignified missionary I had hoped to appear but didn't have the time or skills to prep for. So Mom can have her skirts back, Amy can take her slip, the rest can go in my closet till I get back. Also, wilst thou include in the next package the long sleeve shirts I recently purchased from Shade as well as my long sleeve brown shirt, I thank thee & should be able to provide the street address in my next email. I'm including a reply letter to the Flowers to save a stamp - would you be so kind as to hand deliver it? And thank you for the FedEx slips - if I had only known I would be sending this package so soon, I wouldn't have sent the other one separately. But I guess (well, I know) it's nice to get lots of things in the mail, so I hope you enjoy! Oh my, I can't believe I'm leaving already; everything about this area is so precious to me. My next companion, Sis. Compten, is going home in six weeks which means in my fourth transfer I will already be on my fourth companion! I only have to think of how many companions David had to realize it may be a family trait, but I'm sure the Lord knows what he's doing and I'll just take what He gives me. Well, I still have some final packing before I go to sleep so I'll let you go for now - let me know if there's anything you need from me or anything you want to know more about. Oh, I guess we'll have to start all over with a dentist, but I'll ask around the first week to get some recommendations - thanks for all the info you sent, Dad, it was very helpful!!
Sister Cloward
I LOVE YOU!!!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Email received Nov 2, 2009
Thoughts from earlier in the week: #1 Okay, now you're just spoiling me with all this bread! And thanks for the candy, I won't even need to hit the post-Halloween sales to bulk up my personal stash. BUT (funny story) both Sis Champman and I have been a little concerned that even our mandatory exercise every morning cannot keep up with cookies and dessert at every house every night, so we called our Zone Leaders and asked to be put on dessert restriction (no dessert except on Sunday.) They kindly obliged and even followed with a threat to take away our Sunday desserts if we misbehave (of course, when we're at home there are no restrictions, especially at Halloween, so don't worry that I'm suffering complete neglect.) Now don't tell anyone we were the instigators of this mandate, we've already used it to great advantage this week - laying all blame on our missionary leadership! But I am interested in investing in some more healthy snacks - any ideas? With all the money I've saved not having to buy bread perhaps I can experiment with more fresh fruits and veggies.
Thank you all for your loving care and concern during my recent troubles, I almost didn't even mention it but it was the second Monday in a row we had been in a disagreement (we had been doing better during the week) and I just really needed to talk to someone. Things have been going MUCH better, we talked things out Monday afternoon and got back to work - we've had quite a fabulous week actually. We had make-over session #2 with make-up tips (#1 was clothes and hair last week.) We laughed so hard on Wed night we were practically rolling on the ground, we couldn't even walk back to our car - it felt fabulous! We went to two Trunk-or-Treats on Friday night (the best costumes we could come up with was switching name-tags (it felt really weird) and we even tried imitating each other to much giggles and laughter.) We also tried to set up a couple people we've been working with, it was a little awkward, but you never know... Sis Chapman keeps trying to play matchmaker with everyone we meet, the latest is two return missionaries (one in each ward) that just got home in the past month - could be interesting. For Halloween night we had to be home by 6:oo pm with no instructions on specific use of the time, so we grabbed a stack of church videos, changed into our pjs (it felt so weird to be chilling in my jammies at 7 in the evening - I nearly felt scandolous!), and spent the evening catching up on Church History while helping pass out candy. There's an excellent video about Wilford Woodruff's (Editor's note: Wilford Woodruff is Katie's great-great-great grandfather.) experience finding the church - check it out at an LDS library near you! BIG NEWS: With thoughts fully turned to the jovial holiday and absolute surety of our current station, we both forgot Sat was also the night of Transfer Calls. When we checked our messages I thought it was a prank - I'm going to Fallon! That was Sis Moreno's first area up north (used to be the only sister area up there.) Well we both wailed and bemoaned and I haven't even started packing but I'm running out of time on this email, so I guess I'll share the continuing story next week - stay tuned for the address change!
Thank you all for your loving care and concern during my recent troubles, I almost didn't even mention it but it was the second Monday in a row we had been in a disagreement (we had been doing better during the week) and I just really needed to talk to someone. Things have been going MUCH better, we talked things out Monday afternoon and got back to work - we've had quite a fabulous week actually. We had make-over session #2 with make-up tips (#1 was clothes and hair last week.) We laughed so hard on Wed night we were practically rolling on the ground, we couldn't even walk back to our car - it felt fabulous! We went to two Trunk-or-Treats on Friday night (the best costumes we could come up with was switching name-tags (it felt really weird) and we even tried imitating each other to much giggles and laughter.) We also tried to set up a couple people we've been working with, it was a little awkward, but you never know... Sis Chapman keeps trying to play matchmaker with everyone we meet, the latest is two return missionaries (one in each ward) that just got home in the past month - could be interesting. For Halloween night we had to be home by 6:oo pm with no instructions on specific use of the time, so we grabbed a stack of church videos, changed into our pjs (it felt so weird to be chilling in my jammies at 7 in the evening - I nearly felt scandolous!), and spent the evening catching up on Church History while helping pass out candy. There's an excellent video about Wilford Woodruff's (Editor's note: Wilford Woodruff is Katie's great-great-great grandfather.) experience finding the church - check it out at an LDS library near you! BIG NEWS: With thoughts fully turned to the jovial holiday and absolute surety of our current station, we both forgot Sat was also the night of Transfer Calls. When we checked our messages I thought it was a prank - I'm going to Fallon! That was Sis Moreno's first area up north (used to be the only sister area up there.) Well we both wailed and bemoaned and I haven't even started packing but I'm running out of time on this email, so I guess I'll share the continuing story next week - stay tuned for the address change!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Letter received Oct 28, 2009
Hello Again! Here are birthday presents:
The tie is for father (perhaps I'll find a shirt for Christmas). I wish I had sent it last week so he could take it on his business trip (do they make him wear a tie down there?) at this rate he'll get it the same time as his Christmas present, oh well. (Editor's note: He went to Indonesia and Malaysia for several weeks.) Funny story - I was looking through the ties and among the poker chip & playing card varieties I saw one that appeared to have an angel Moroni pattern! But that's not all. Further inspection revealed temples, scriptures, & CTR's - the LDS styles outnumbered the gambling ones! What ever is this town coming to? And this was just at the local Wal-mart. I also saw an adorable shirt with Snoopy & Woodstock but my companion insisted that a grown woman had no business wearing a shirt with Snoopy on it; I concurred only on the grounds that I wasn't sure it would fit Amy, plus being a family of Walmart shoppers I was sure she'd already seen it & perhaps even bought it for herself. So that means Amy & Tasha can divvy up the soaps & lotions - they all smell good, I'd hate to choose the wrong product for the wrong person so I'll let you decide! I'll also let you wrap them up so you can unwrap them and get the full effect - how thoughtful of me, I know! Much love & drippy kisses!
-Sister Cloward
The tie is for father (perhaps I'll find a shirt for Christmas). I wish I had sent it last week so he could take it on his business trip (do they make him wear a tie down there?) at this rate he'll get it the same time as his Christmas present, oh well. (Editor's note: He went to Indonesia and Malaysia for several weeks.) Funny story - I was looking through the ties and among the poker chip & playing card varieties I saw one that appeared to have an angel Moroni pattern! But that's not all. Further inspection revealed temples, scriptures, & CTR's - the LDS styles outnumbered the gambling ones! What ever is this town coming to? And this was just at the local Wal-mart. I also saw an adorable shirt with Snoopy & Woodstock but my companion insisted that a grown woman had no business wearing a shirt with Snoopy on it; I concurred only on the grounds that I wasn't sure it would fit Amy, plus being a family of Walmart shoppers I was sure she'd already seen it & perhaps even bought it for herself. So that means Amy & Tasha can divvy up the soaps & lotions - they all smell good, I'd hate to choose the wrong product for the wrong person so I'll let you decide! I'll also let you wrap them up so you can unwrap them and get the full effect - how thoughtful of me, I know! Much love & drippy kisses!
-Sister Cloward
Be sure to check out the conclusion of "The First Epistle of
the Elders to the Dead Letter Writers" below!!!
the Elders to the Dead Letter Writers" below!!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Email received Oct 26, 2009
(Several family/administrative questions removed.)
I had hoped to fill this email with happy uplifting stories from earlier in the week, let's see if I remember any of them...My companion rewrote "Popcorn Popping" with some missionary-innapropriate lyrics about a (good-looking) single young man in one of our wards; we created a scavenger-hunt in the library for some elders we needed to get paperwork to; we had a memorable tracting experience with an interesting, talk-a-mile-a-minute, somewhat contradictory young man (the scary part is we got the impression that he also preaches at his own church); there were other good moments, I'm trying not to be distracted by the bad. Gotta go, much love to all!!!
I had hoped to fill this email with happy uplifting stories from earlier in the week, let's see if I remember any of them...My companion rewrote "Popcorn Popping" with some missionary-innapropriate lyrics about a (good-looking) single young man in one of our wards; we created a scavenger-hunt in the library for some elders we needed to get paperwork to; we had a memorable tracting experience with an interesting, talk-a-mile-a-minute, somewhat contradictory young man (the scary part is we got the impression that he also preaches at his own church); there were other good moments, I'm trying not to be distracted by the bad. Gotta go, much love to all!!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Email received Oct 19, 2009
In good news we have a baptism coming up on Friday: a wonderful twelve year old girl (who does not look twelve!) whose parents have been inactive for a number of years, but the mother is coming back to church now; it's been absolutely amazing to see her embrace the principles of the gospel and learn to recognize the spirit in her life; she's going to be a pretty amazing force for good to everyone she meets. I love to see how people have been prepared by the Lord to receive the gospel and how it changes their lives, but I'm also amazed at the children we've taught and their grasp on what's important and true; it's almost easier to teach them because they just get it, I hope none of them lose that as they grow up.
As to the recent package, may I turn your attention to Philippians 4:14-19 which expresses my feelings rather nicely. And the cinnamon rolls were not moldy, too heavy, or un-cinnamony; they were a little dry around the edges but with a good nuking even that could not inhibit their yumminess. (Editor's note: They were homemade cinnamon rolls, which we later realized we forgot to put cinnamon in. So they were actually just sweet rolls I guess.) Which means one of three things: they were actually quite good, I haven't had anything decent to eat in a long time, or I'm just that desperate for things that remind me of home. Regardless they were good enough that I meant to share one with my companion but ended up eating them all myself, how shameful!
Here's a sleuthing opportunity for whoever feels so inclined: In the last transfer when Sis Chapman came, there also arrived a certain elder by the name of Elder Rolfson. (Editor's note: Our mother's maiden name is Rolfson, and her mother is from Alberta.) After brief questioning I have discovered he is from Calgary, has 3 sisters, his father's name is Kent, and his grandfather's nickname is something like Kug/?Cub. I shared similar information and got us nowhere, so it's up to y'all in the realm of Easier-Access-To-Info to figure out how we are related and report back asap. This note will not self-destruct as we are not allowed to play with anything remotely dangerous as missionaries. Goodbye.
-Agent Cloward
As to the recent package, may I turn your attention to Philippians 4:14-19 which expresses my feelings rather nicely. And the cinnamon rolls were not moldy, too heavy, or un-cinnamony; they were a little dry around the edges but with a good nuking even that could not inhibit their yumminess. (Editor's note: They were homemade cinnamon rolls, which we later realized we forgot to put cinnamon in. So they were actually just sweet rolls I guess.) Which means one of three things: they were actually quite good, I haven't had anything decent to eat in a long time, or I'm just that desperate for things that remind me of home. Regardless they were good enough that I meant to share one with my companion but ended up eating them all myself, how shameful!
Here's a sleuthing opportunity for whoever feels so inclined: In the last transfer when Sis Chapman came, there also arrived a certain elder by the name of Elder Rolfson. (Editor's note: Our mother's maiden name is Rolfson, and her mother is from Alberta.) After brief questioning I have discovered he is from Calgary, has 3 sisters, his father's name is Kent, and his grandfather's nickname is something like Kug/?Cub. I shared similar information and got us nowhere, so it's up to y'all in the realm of Easier-Access-To-Info to figure out how we are related and report back asap. This note will not self-destruct as we are not allowed to play with anything remotely dangerous as missionaries. Goodbye.
-Agent Cloward
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Email received Oct 12, 2009
It's good to hear what's going on in the world, in Conference they alluded to something in Asia/the islands and we had no idea what they were talking about. This Sunday we had two baby blessings - one had 14 people in the circle, the other 15, I wasn't sure they could all reach the baby! Combined with a BYU-NV football game on Sat, the chapel was so packed, they actually had to open the extra overflow! This was Sis Chapman's first time at this ward and we just happened to sit down across from her cousin and aunt who were in town for the game and staying with said aunts brother in the ward - crazy, huh? Say hi to Marilyn and Wally when they come, and thanks to Stacia for the letter and treat - all the mail I've gotten from extended family makes me feel guilty for never writing anybody, I barely even wrote my own brother! Thank you all for writing me and keeping me in the loop. I was hoping to get Calli's (Editor's note: A girl in our ward who just left for her mission in Manchester, England.) address before she left, is there any way to get her my new email address so we can swap stories cheaper than letters to GB? Thank you also for feeding the missionaries and especially trying to give them referrals, member effort can truly make all the difference. We have another baptism coming up at the end of this month, then it may be a little dry for a while, but we do have a lot of less-active members to work with. I'm also starting to build my collection of tracting stories, but the best one yet is definitely directed by the Lord and still progressing, so we'll see what He has in store! I guess that's it for now, keep in touch - wherever you may be!
-Sister Cloward
-Sister Cloward
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Email received Oct 5, 2009
Alls well on the western front. Thanks loads for the good bread (Editor's note: We overnighted a loaf of homemade bread to her.), I did the math and it saved me in the neighborhood of $5-10 which is a good chunk of my weekly budget. And goober that I am, I haven't really been homesick, but when I held that loaf of bread (it was still warm, but that may have had to do more with the Vegas sun) I started to tear up a little - I guess homemade things really do come with a hefty dose of love. It's beginning to turn cold here - not just cool, actually cold - last night we jogged between doors just to stay warm...it had nothing to do with the fact that the members who live on that street offered us root beer floats when we were done, really (though I almost asked for hot chocolate instead.) Today we got to the library a little early and had to wait for our computers; normally this would be no problem for me, especially in a library, but when you're surrounded by shelves and shelves of books you're not allowed to read, it's pure torture - we even sat at a table in the YA section, I must be a glutton for punishment. (Editor's note: The Young Adult section is Katie's favorite.) And yes, I memorized my library card number the first week (Editor's note: She always has her library card number memorized.), it was pretty easy, the challenge is that I only use it once a week so that keeps me on my toes.
Tootles,
Sister Cloward
P.S. Did you enjoy Conference? What was your favorite talk?
Tootles,
Sister Cloward
P.S. Did you enjoy Conference? What was your favorite talk?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Email received Sept 28, 2009
I've been found out! People have heard my voice and complimented me on it, but this Sunday one of the organists in one ward asked if I would like to sing something in church; of course I said yes, but now I just have to pick what to sing; I'd love to start working on something for Christmas, but I can't guarantee I'll even be here that long, I do hope so, though. My optimal plan (that I hope I don't jinx by actually writing it down) is to spend the winter in Vegas, then go up north for the summer and then come back down for the last few winter months; or, since there are now more sister areas up north, perhaps I could stay up north and actually experience a good winter again before coming home to lovely, wintery Houston. Either way, I don't think I could survive a real summer in Vegas - I don't know how anyone could, but apparently they do - but I don't think I would mind a nice winter - or maybe that's just the 103 degree weather talking. Poor Sis Moreno, she gets two winters up north and one summer down south, she's definitely a trooper.
I thought of y'all often on 9/19 (Editor's note: Sept 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day, visit www.talklikeapirate.com for more info.), wondered how the party went (did Tasha wear her eyepatch?) and tried to find the balance between pirate and missionary - we didn't really succeed so we settled on the safe side and stuck with missionary, but we did try to think of some good door approaches - arrr, would ya like to be hearing the good word?
So the last two weeks have been a wee bit slower, we're trying to contact all the less-actives on our ward lists in the hope of something, and it is actually starting to get a little cooler, with the promise of the big chill coming soon, so we're planning a lot more tracting. My new companion wants to do my hair and makeup, but I won't let her do my makeup without my MK eye makeup remover, and she won't do my hair if she can't do my makeup, so could you throw that in the box that's on it's way? Thank you so much! She is also insistent on getting me to talk more, which I am happy to go along with (but that doesn't make it any easier) so we should be seeing some improvement in that regard. Well I'm sure I could ramble on for a while longer, but I don't really have much else to say of any worth so I will close for this week. Hope to get your letters soon, it really is such a thrill in our missionary lives to receive communication from home. See you in 16 months!!!
Sista Cloward
I thought of y'all often on 9/19 (Editor's note: Sept 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day, visit www.talklikeapirate.com for more info.), wondered how the party went (did Tasha wear her eyepatch?) and tried to find the balance between pirate and missionary - we didn't really succeed so we settled on the safe side and stuck with missionary, but we did try to think of some good door approaches - arrr, would ya like to be hearing the good word?
So the last two weeks have been a wee bit slower, we're trying to contact all the less-actives on our ward lists in the hope of something, and it is actually starting to get a little cooler, with the promise of the big chill coming soon, so we're planning a lot more tracting. My new companion wants to do my hair and makeup, but I won't let her do my makeup without my MK eye makeup remover, and she won't do my hair if she can't do my makeup, so could you throw that in the box that's on it's way? Thank you so much! She is also insistent on getting me to talk more, which I am happy to go along with (but that doesn't make it any easier) so we should be seeing some improvement in that regard. Well I'm sure I could ramble on for a while longer, but I don't really have much else to say of any worth so I will close for this week. Hope to get your letters soon, it really is such a thrill in our missionary lives to receive communication from home. See you in 16 months!!!
Sista Cloward
Friday, September 25, 2009
Letter received Sept 25, 2009
And now, a brief introduction to Mission Geography, Government, & Genealogy:
A mission (led by the Mission President and two elders acting as Assistants) is divided into Zones (led by a companionship know as Zone Leaders) which are split into Districts (led by a District Leader) which are made up of 3 or so companionships (Senior Companion and Junior Companion) who each cover an Area.
When you enter the mission you are “born” and your first companion is known as your “father” (or “mother” in the case of sister missionaries.) Most new missionaries stay with their trainer at least 2 transfers (a transfer is a six-week period at the end of which you or your companion may or may not be moved to another area) before moving on to their second companion who is lovingly deemed their “polisher.” However, in cases the new missionary or his (or her) trainer is transferred after only six weeks in which case the second companion becomes the stepfather (or stepmother.) Sister missionaries claim their first District Leader as their father; but, owing to the shortage of sisters, not every elder has a mother; most hold that only elders born into a district with sisters can claim the senior companion as his mother, but some traditions state that an elder may claim the senior sister is his zone, if there be any sisters in his zone.
I tell you all this to set the stage for my news: S. Moreno is being transferred to Reno and my new companion, my “polisher,” my “stepmother,” is also…my daughter – that’s right, I’m training! With 7 sisters continuing in the mission & 5 new sisters coming in this transfer, Pres McCracken has opened 2 new sister areas and has babies training babies. Well, that’s the bombshell, go ahead and brag, my mission mother is. I can’t think of much else to say and it’s almost time for dinner so…I’ll let you know how it goes. ☺
A mission (led by the Mission President and two elders acting as Assistants) is divided into Zones (led by a companionship know as Zone Leaders) which are split into Districts (led by a District Leader) which are made up of 3 or so companionships (Senior Companion and Junior Companion) who each cover an Area.
When you enter the mission you are “born” and your first companion is known as your “father” (or “mother” in the case of sister missionaries.) Most new missionaries stay with their trainer at least 2 transfers (a transfer is a six-week period at the end of which you or your companion may or may not be moved to another area) before moving on to their second companion who is lovingly deemed their “polisher.” However, in cases the new missionary or his (or her) trainer is transferred after only six weeks in which case the second companion becomes the stepfather (or stepmother.) Sister missionaries claim their first District Leader as their father; but, owing to the shortage of sisters, not every elder has a mother; most hold that only elders born into a district with sisters can claim the senior companion as his mother, but some traditions state that an elder may claim the senior sister is his zone, if there be any sisters in his zone.
I tell you all this to set the stage for my news: S. Moreno is being transferred to Reno and my new companion, my “polisher,” my “stepmother,” is also…my daughter – that’s right, I’m training! With 7 sisters continuing in the mission & 5 new sisters coming in this transfer, Pres McCracken has opened 2 new sister areas and has babies training babies. Well, that’s the bombshell, go ahead and brag, my mission mother is. I can’t think of much else to say and it’s almost time for dinner so…I’ll let you know how it goes. ☺
Much love,
Sister Cloward
Sister Cloward
P.S. It’s later and my new missionary is unpacking. Her name is Sister Chapman, she’s from VA & she’s actually older than me! She’s 27 years old and very talkative, so we should get along well together. Well, it’s about bedtime so goodnight! Wish me luck!!
XOXO
Be sure to check out the continuation of "The First Epistle of
the Elders to the Dead Letter Writers" below!!!
Be sure to check out the continuation of "The First Epistle of
the Elders to the Dead Letter Writers" below!!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Email received Sept 14, 2009
I finally got the package - thanks for the vitamins and camera (though I was hoping you would leave all the existing pictures and videos, especially the sumos) I especially loved the surprise, it's always nice to find out you owe the IRS...oh, and the ice pack was cute, too. We live with a single sister from one of our wards and guess what - we just got a dog! Well, she's dog sitting for a couple months, but we got permission to take Coby (8 year-old Golden Retriever) to the park this morning and boy did he enjoy running around chasing that ball. I took a video, maybe if you send me the appropriate connection tools I could attach videos and pics to my emails (I also took some videos of elders piling up on a giant slip&slide this afternoon.)If you find yourself on Youtube with nothing to look up, search for clips from this years Jerry Lewis Telethon - George Wallace was very funny (if you ask me how I know, I will plead the fifth!) also watch when JL sings 'God Bless America' and look for a cute blonde in a white robe (she's in the back row mostly but at the end she's up front on JL's left) I know her!! In other good news, I had my first baptism on Sat! Wonderful Betty and her two children; the service went very well (I sang a song) and the spirit was felt by all. I will be sending presents, but since we only get one day to shop and we usually just go to Walmart, it may be another week or two till I find something good for all y'all born in the Fall. TA!!!
Letter Received Sept 14, 2009
District 53E!
E Jensen, E Perisich, S Sheffield, S Young,
S Cloward, S Rummler, E Lotz, & E Hardy
S Cloward, S Rummler, E Lotz, & E Hardy
.
The Sisters of Branch 53
S Logo, S Sheffield, S Heslop, S Young, S Cloward
S Rummler, & S Fangupo - I promise you the
matchy-matchy tealness was purely & perfectly
coincidental - see, S Rummler didn't get the memo.
S Logo, S Sheffield, S Heslop, S Young, S Cloward
S Rummler, & S Fangupo - I promise you the
matchy-matchy tealness was purely & perfectly
coincidental - see, S Rummler didn't get the memo.
.
MTC Branch 53 Districts C & E (plus Elder Tonga)
E Henderson (CA), E Lotz (UT), E Perisich (UT), E Francis (NV),
E Sorenson (NV), E Jensen (Scot), S Sheffield (Ire), S Heslop (CA),
S Young (UT), S Cloward (NV), S Rummler (NV), S Fangupo (CA),
E Ostler (NV), E Mouritsen (CA), E Campbell (CA), E Hardy (UT),
E Tonga/E Zimmerman (CA), E Marler (NV)
E Sorenson (NV), E Jensen (Scot), S Sheffield (Ire), S Heslop (CA),
S Young (UT), S Cloward (NV), S Rummler (NV), S Fangupo (CA),
E Ostler (NV), E Mouritsen (CA), E Campbell (CA), E Hardy (UT),
E Tonga/E Zimmerman (CA), E Marler (NV)
.
There are 4 or 5 of these signs
on the walk from the MTC to the
Temple. Ask David for the backstory :-)
on the walk from the MTC to the
Temple. Ask David for the backstory :-)
.
One of our roommates had a birthday just before
we arrived. After 2 weeks some casualties had been
suffered but most of the hearts were holding strong.
we arrived. After 2 weeks some casualties had been
suffered but most of the hearts were holding strong.
.
Bro. Vallett & Elder Hardy in his wheelchair
Bro. Vallett & Elder Hardy in his wheelchair.
Bro. Phipps & Elders Jensen & Lotz in the corner
.
We tried to use the commitment pattern to get our teachers to bring us a pack of Oreos. Though we didn't get a firm commitment from either, we developed a theory involving Bro. Phipps which turned out to be 100% accurate: He said he couldn't do it or he'd get in trouble for bringing us food & not bringing any for his boss, but we surmised that after his last class a package of Oreos would somehow 'appear' in the classroom - sure enough, at the end of his last day he came up with some crock story about us closing our eyes while he left so there would be no hard goodbyes. We all saw through it instantly but did as we were told, though I set up my camera to capture the truth... Sure enough the Oreos appeared while Bro. Phipps was still in the classroom. This picture is worthy of blackmail, don't let it fall int the wrong hands - we wouldn't want Bro. Phipps losing his job over such excellent service to his class.
We tried to use the commitment pattern to get our teachers to bring us a pack of Oreos. Though we didn't get a firm commitment from either, we developed a theory involving Bro. Phipps which turned out to be 100% accurate: He said he couldn't do it or he'd get in trouble for bringing us food & not bringing any for his boss, but we surmised that after his last class a package of Oreos would somehow 'appear' in the classroom - sure enough, at the end of his last day he came up with some crock story about us closing our eyes while he left so there would be no hard goodbyes. We all saw through it instantly but did as we were told, though I set up my camera to capture the truth... Sure enough the Oreos appeared while Bro. Phipps was still in the classroom. This picture is worthy of blackmail, don't let it fall int the wrong hands - we wouldn't want Bro. Phipps losing his job over such excellent service to his class.P.S. When I get home, I'll show you the proper way to eat Oreos.
.
S Rummler, S Sheffield, & E Jensen enjoy
the spoils of the Commitment Pattern.
the spoils of the Commitment Pattern.
The Seat in the corner under the bookshelf
is where I spent many happy hours.
is where I spent many happy hours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello fambly!
To Celebrate this wonderful Labor Day holiday we must defer to old-fashioned methods of communication - just for future reference let me know when you get this, I didn’t get your letters till Wed 9/2 which by my calculations means 7 days coming, I imagine the going will be somewhat faster without a stop at the mission home. I’ve included the receipt for Aug’s meds and the beginning of the story I promised; now, don’t cheat and try to look up the rest, the anticipation will only make it better (and give me more time to find other things to send.)
(Editor’s note: The following are snippets from the sections addressed to individual persons.)
~I do miss the MTC – the spirit, the camaraderie, and, of course, being fed at regular intervals, though it’s nice to have more say in meal choices now. ~
~We had another thunderstorm on Fri afternoon – we had just started our afternoon visits when it started – fat raindrops & lots of wind; we decided to visit one of our R.S. Presidents for a long discussion of the ward list but first we had to back out of our current parking space; now, mission rules dictate that when backing a mission vehicle, the non-driver must stand behind the vehicle to offer direction & guidance; needless to say, I eagerly filled my duty this day – let others say I’m hard-core, it was simply refreshing!~
Tumble Mittens & the kitties (Editor’s note: Yes, she addressed a section to our cats.) – One of our investigators (she and her 2 kids are getting baptized Sat. yay!) has a cat that was very pregnant and finally give birth last week. We had an appointment the next day and got to see the brand new kittens – 3 orange & 1 dark tabbies. I haven’t seen any that small since you were born, Tumbles. (Editor’s note: Tumbles turned 12 in July.)
I hope D&C’s visit and move were enjoyable & went smoothly. (Editor’s note: D&C is David and Celestia.) I know you took pictures of the baby, so don’t be stingy. ☺ The previously mentioned R.S. President had her baby on 7/8, he was only 8lbs something ozs but he’s already huge – in her words “all my kids just chunk up!” Other news to make you (and me) jealous – the lady we’re staying with just got back from a 2 week trip to Scotland; apparently she has a “friend” there that she would like to know better. ☺
I’ve been writing for hours & I was hoping to get some x-stitching done so I’ll try to wrap it up – but I don’t want to waste paper either. (Editor’s note: This was at the top of a brand new page.) My companion bought a cross-word puzzle book & we’re trying not to let it distract us from the work, but it’s certainly building companionship unity. While I write, she’ll occasionally ask about a clue & I’ll answer – it’s kinda making me feel smart. I’m sending a few of my MTC pics, but I only got singles so don’t lose them! Okay, I know there’s probably more but I’m really wanting to move on so this will have to suffice.
Love & Kisses,
Sister Katie Cloward
Inspirational quote:
TRIUMPH usually comes from putting a little more “umph” into your “try.”
Quoted by Thomas S. Monson
Be sure to check out "The First Epistle of the Elders
to the Dead Letter Writers" below!!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Email received Aug 31, 2009
I have great faith in the promise of a letter, but I've heard that Las Vegas mail is slow compounded by having to go through the mission office first, so no, I have not yet received said correspondence. We've been checking the mail every day and every time my companion says: "This one must be for you!" and every day she receives a letter or a package while promising that she has never received this much mail before. I think the Lord is just testing my faith. On this subject I will be sending you a funny story, but I will send it in pieces so as to draw out the pleasure and joy it will bring. I was considering sending pictures for y'all to enjoy while D&C are there, but I would have to send them today and I haven't even picked them up yet. Do you recall the days when the photo drop box was easy to find? Now they have a section with at least six digital print stations which we walked around twice before realizing that old-fashioned film must be turned in to the associate at the counter (though they "no longer offer 1-hour service, it won't be ready for a week" - okay, I'll be here next week, I just want my pictures!) Now that we've changed topics, the picture from the mission home is decent, but as you may recall from my application process, I could not find a picture I deemed worthy so I leave that decision in your hands. (Editor's note: This is in reference to what picture should be placed in her missionary plaque at church.) I believe next Mon is a holiday, so I might not be able to email if the library is closed, but will you send me Launa's physical address and the address to BAM? (Editor's note: BAM = Books A Million, her former employer.) Thanx! I want to tell you all about the wonderful people we're teaching, but where could I start? There are amazing people out there who desperately need what we have whether it be the gospel, strength and wisdom, or just love and support. Do not be stingy, you'd be surprised at how easy it is to love anyone and how grateful they may be for anything you have to offer. Perfect love casteth out all fear, so go forth and be bold in your loving!
Email received Aug 24, 2009
It's so nice to hear from y'all! I'm also glad to know letters are on their way, sometimes it feels like eons since the last communication from home. (Personal note removed) On that note (laaaaa) Danka, Danka, Danka for the music! It arrived just in time on Sat for us to rehearse and sing it on Sun; I don't know if you made copies or just grabbed the whole stack, but we had the exact number of copies for our two districts to sing together; everyone loved the arrangement and a few people even asked for copies. Golly, that all seems like another lifetime and I've only been in the field for two weeks. I've met many wonderful people here; we're teaching a few people who want to get baptized and helping a lot of people who haven't been to church in a while and want to come back. Sis Moreno and I are bonding over music and a dislike of tracting in Las Vegas (there are times when I forget what its like to be cold!) It rained on Sat and Sun - it was so wonderful, this morning's heat was quite a rude reawakening - has it rained in Houston yet? How about that tropical storm Bro Seibert predicted? (Editor's note: Bro Siebert from our ward is the weatherman on our local Fox channel.) The blog looks alright, I'll try not to let fear of personal details roaming the internet hinder my correspondence :0) I did receive both cards (the ketchup took much explaining but was greatly admired.) (Editor's note: We sent her a birthday card with her name spelled out in ketchup packets. She likes ketchup.) I'll write more next week and see you in 17 months!
S. Cloward
S. Cloward
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Email received Aug 19, 2009
Yoohoo! Sorry about the delay, with p-day on Thurs in the MTC and Mon in the field I missed last week, then this week we got to go to the temple, so our p-day was switched to Wed, so I've been almost two weeks without email or laundry! Other than that, I'm pretty settled in by now, I think. I'm serving in the South Zone covering the Sierra Vista and Southern Hills Wards. We're nestled up right against the mountains on the Southwest of Las Vegas (did you know LV was a valley? I never really thought about it.) I got here at just the right time - everyone says it's starting to cool off - but with temps over 100 degrees we're still advised to take it easy during the middle of the day, so no tracting door to door; we usually have something scheduled in the morning and lessons in the evening so I've only tracted about 2 hrs so far. Don't be afraid to write, I'd love to hear from anyone; I'll write more on Mon. TA!
Mission Home Letter received Aug 18, 2009
Letter HomeNevada Las Vegas West Mission
Date: 8/10/09
Ole! I mean ¡Hola! Here I sit in the Mission Office with Sis. Rummler and 18 brand new Elders. The NV LV West Mission has about 180 Elders & 10 Sisters. Wow. To answer other questions - I get about an hour of email each week (on the MyLDSMail thing) that may be just enough time to read any emails and maybe write one - I suppose that would be good to post as a general note - So you'll have to tell everyone to write me the old-fashioned way so I can return personal correspondence thusly. (Editor's note: These are in response to questions I asked her about her communication options and rules.) Okay, I've been up since 4:00AM so if this is wacky & disjointed - that's why . . . maybe. Oh, & we've been told the best option for packages is USPS Flat Rate because they can be forwarded whereas other packages may take a week or more to get to us depending on our area. Allright - my trainer is Sis. Moreno and I'll be serving in the South Zone (that's one of five zones in Las Vegas.) Can't think of much more right now. I'll try to write again soon.
Love, Sister Cloward
P.S. - Yes, you can call me whatever you want in letter, in fact they request you include the first name in the address. (Editor's note: This was in response to whether or not it mattered how she was addressed in letters.)
Oh yeah - red tile roofs, palm trees, & mountains in the distance - I love it! (Editor's note: Katie lived in Southern California, which is similarly described, from the age of 4 to 12. Fond memories.)
Plus...Look ma, no nylons! Yay!
My Testimony
"The First Day In The Mission Field"
I know I have a Father in Heaven and He loves me. His Son, Jesus Christ, atoned for my sins and knows what I'm going through. I know Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ called Joseph Smith to restore the gospel to the earth & the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God and is the word of God. I know Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on earth today. I know I am supposed to be here & I have a great mission to serve on this earth and as long as I focus on the Lord I can accomplish anything He asks of me. I know these things to be true.
Missionary's Signature: (Check it out below, it's just squiggles!) Date: 8/11/09
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Letter recieved Aug 7, 2009
I don't get much time to write letters so this is just the right size. (Editor's note: This letter was written on a small greeting card, which eventually became 2 cards.) So here's the health saga of my district: on the second day here E. Hardy hurt his knee in gym; after several appointments (which always seemed to be during Bro. Vallett's class) he discovered he had torn his ASL and both meniscuses (menisci?) After hearing the story of how he came on a mission, you can't imagine a worse thing happening to this wonderful Elder. He decided to have surgery here (yesterday 8/1/09) and do his recovery at the MTC and go on to his mission. We are all so glad because he is where he needs to be and will be a great missionary. That's just the beginning. The worst present I received for my birthday was a sore throat; on Tuesday it was full-blown congestion and dripping everywhere (that's the day B. Vallett asked: "Sis. Cloward are you coming down with a cold?" and I responded: "I am DOWN with a cold, there is no coming!") and on Wed. if I wasn't eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I had a cough drop in my mouth. I went through an entire bag in two days, and it took another 24 hrs. to get the post-cough drop feeling out of my mouth, I couldn't even taste the Thieves in my water!) (Editor's note: Theives is an essential oil which helps to strengthen the immune system.) Thurs (our first P-day!) dawned with only one cough drop and though it took me a little while to climb four flights of stairs wearing a backpack, I felt 10X better (Did I mention I live on the top floor of our building?) The progress has continued and I am now only coughing a few times a day, mostly cured by drinking water.
But that's not the end. I was only the first to get sick - Sis. Sheffield moved into our room on Sun. night & also woke up with a cold, but hers has been lower key & longer lasting and now S. Rummler & S. Young are sick as well. We think it started with one of our roommates who was sick when arrived. Also E. Jensen sits next to me in class everyday and said he had a sore throat yesterday. So between the sniffling, coughing, and Elders leaving for various & sundry doctor appointments, our teachers have been concerned that our district will start dying one by one and none of us will make it out of the MTC. It's been slightly humorous (on Sat. we had only 2 Elders & 2 Sisters, & B. Phipps kept telling everyone - "Make way, I've got my whole district coming through, & we need a lot of room!" Or - "12 Apostles? There were only three Nephites!" And, of course, - "I feel like the fifth wheel on an awkward double date.") We've all skipped at least one Gym time to take a nap --- Now I don't tell you these things to cause any alarm, as I said it has been the source of much humor and bonding among our class.
Another Running joke has been the varying attitudes toward the traditional missionary weight gain. Certain Elders such as E. Perisich are concerned about gaining while at the MTC because their activity level is lower than usual (he's a second-degree black belt in Karate) and eat accordingly. Other Elders have come to full acceptance of the weight they will gain and do nothing to stop it, or, in the case of E. Jensen, aid it's arrival. There is always cold cereal available in the cafeteria and for the first week E. Jensen ended every meal with a bowl. His weight "goal" was 20 lbs. - then S. Rummler challenged that she could gain 30 lbs before he gained his 20; somehow this got upped to 40/30 and now every meal ends with all the Elders putting their unfinished food on E. Jensen's plate and telling him he has to eat it because he's the district leader and E. Jensen insisting that as long as anyone else is eating S. Rummler should be eating something too. Well this has provided hours of joy & pleasure for the rest of us (especially these days when our entire table laughing hysterically dissolves into a cacophony of coughing.)
More Spiritual highlights include: I am interacting & engaging with everyone with no signs of mental ill health; (Editor's note: Katie used to have strong Social Anxiety, but has overcome much of it and learned to manage it well in the last few years.) my spiritual confidence is growing & I feel the fire of the important of this work & my calling; my biggest fear is not being able to connect with my investigators & fill their needs, but I know that if I continue to prepare as well as I can, with experience & a good trainer those skills will come & I know the Lord will Bless me with all things I need so I will devote all my time & energy to His work & invite all to come unto Him!
Love, Sister Cloward
P.S. Send Vitamins
But that's not the end. I was only the first to get sick - Sis. Sheffield moved into our room on Sun. night & also woke up with a cold, but hers has been lower key & longer lasting and now S. Rummler & S. Young are sick as well. We think it started with one of our roommates who was sick when arrived. Also E. Jensen sits next to me in class everyday and said he had a sore throat yesterday. So between the sniffling, coughing, and Elders leaving for various & sundry doctor appointments, our teachers have been concerned that our district will start dying one by one and none of us will make it out of the MTC. It's been slightly humorous (on Sat. we had only 2 Elders & 2 Sisters, & B. Phipps kept telling everyone - "Make way, I've got my whole district coming through, & we need a lot of room!" Or - "12 Apostles? There were only three Nephites!" And, of course, - "I feel like the fifth wheel on an awkward double date.") We've all skipped at least one Gym time to take a nap --- Now I don't tell you these things to cause any alarm, as I said it has been the source of much humor and bonding among our class.
Another Running joke has been the varying attitudes toward the traditional missionary weight gain. Certain Elders such as E. Perisich are concerned about gaining while at the MTC because their activity level is lower than usual (he's a second-degree black belt in Karate) and eat accordingly. Other Elders have come to full acceptance of the weight they will gain and do nothing to stop it, or, in the case of E. Jensen, aid it's arrival. There is always cold cereal available in the cafeteria and for the first week E. Jensen ended every meal with a bowl. His weight "goal" was 20 lbs. - then S. Rummler challenged that she could gain 30 lbs before he gained his 20; somehow this got upped to 40/30 and now every meal ends with all the Elders putting their unfinished food on E. Jensen's plate and telling him he has to eat it because he's the district leader and E. Jensen insisting that as long as anyone else is eating S. Rummler should be eating something too. Well this has provided hours of joy & pleasure for the rest of us (especially these days when our entire table laughing hysterically dissolves into a cacophony of coughing.)
More Spiritual highlights include: I am interacting & engaging with everyone with no signs of mental ill health; (Editor's note: Katie used to have strong Social Anxiety, but has overcome much of it and learned to manage it well in the last few years.) my spiritual confidence is growing & I feel the fire of the important of this work & my calling; my biggest fear is not being able to connect with my investigators & fill their needs, but I know that if I continue to prepare as well as I can, with experience & a good trainer those skills will come & I know the Lord will Bless me with all things I need so I will devote all my time & energy to His work & invite all to come unto Him!
Love, Sister Cloward
P.S. Send Vitamins
Email received Aug 6, 2009
Please look in the pile of music on the shelf by the piano for my arrangement of Guide Me Nearer, if you could send that uber-quickly that'd be great!
Other than that I leave bright and early Monday morning, but I forgot to bring the address of the mission home, so I'll have to send that in a letter. While I'm excited to start doing the real work and know there are many things about teaching that I will have to learn by experience, I wouldn't mind staying at the MTC for a few more weeks, just to feel as prepared as possible. It's a wonderful environment and I'm just starting to get the hang of schedule and they're already gonna kick me out. One of the best things about being here (besides the ratio of men to women, why can't the rest of the church be like this?) is the Spirit. Unlike the stigma of Utah where everyone's living the gospel, but how many actually mean it and how many are doing it just because it's the culture; here you're surrounded by Mormons and know that they are all devout and dedicated - it's the surrealist thing to get into a deep discussion about your experiences in the Temple with someone you've only known one week - I have to keep reminding myself that this is real. Another plus is that with so many elders and so few sisters, we get pretty sweet treatment: the doors are held open, they offer to carry our trays in the cafeteria, I've even seen some tables that stand up every time a sister joins - it's simply splendid! And to top it all off: The Tongans - they're large in spirit, large in personality, and large in stature. There is one Elder Afoa, at first he looks like your average large, very American football player type, but his friendliness seems to be very Tongan, turns out he's actually half Samoan (it also turns out there's some friendly rivalry between Tongans and Samoans). They seem to reflect the very best of the MTC, I'll miss them when I go. I'll miss a lot when I go, our district will be going to four different missions, plus we've gotten close to what I call our sister district, some of the elders there are also going to LV West, but all the others (including some of my favorites and the sisters) are going to California; I'm sure I will also meet many wonderful people in Vegas, but it makes me sad to think I may never see these people again.
Gotta go, 30 minutes goes fast. Write often, love you lots!
Other than that I leave bright and early Monday morning, but I forgot to bring the address of the mission home, so I'll have to send that in a letter. While I'm excited to start doing the real work and know there are many things about teaching that I will have to learn by experience, I wouldn't mind staying at the MTC for a few more weeks, just to feel as prepared as possible. It's a wonderful environment and I'm just starting to get the hang of schedule and they're already gonna kick me out. One of the best things about being here (besides the ratio of men to women, why can't the rest of the church be like this?) is the Spirit. Unlike the stigma of Utah where everyone's living the gospel, but how many actually mean it and how many are doing it just because it's the culture; here you're surrounded by Mormons and know that they are all devout and dedicated - it's the surrealist thing to get into a deep discussion about your experiences in the Temple with someone you've only known one week - I have to keep reminding myself that this is real. Another plus is that with so many elders and so few sisters, we get pretty sweet treatment: the doors are held open, they offer to carry our trays in the cafeteria, I've even seen some tables that stand up every time a sister joins - it's simply splendid! And to top it all off: The Tongans - they're large in spirit, large in personality, and large in stature. There is one Elder Afoa, at first he looks like your average large, very American football player type, but his friendliness seems to be very Tongan, turns out he's actually half Samoan (it also turns out there's some friendly rivalry between Tongans and Samoans). They seem to reflect the very best of the MTC, I'll miss them when I go. I'll miss a lot when I go, our district will be going to four different missions, plus we've gotten close to what I call our sister district, some of the elders there are also going to LV West, but all the others (including some of my favorites and the sisters) are going to California; I'm sure I will also meet many wonderful people in Vegas, but it makes me sad to think I may never see these people again.
Gotta go, 30 minutes goes fast. Write often, love you lots!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Letter received Jul 30, 2009
7/22-26/09
Hello All! I arrived safely at the MTC, on time, and was the first of my companionship to arrive. I got checked in and taken to my room where I met our roommates Sister Liljenquist & Sister Rhondean. They are going to Indonesia and have been here for 3 weeks which means after my 3 weeks they will still have another 3 weeks to go. I then went to get lunch because I was very hungry; as I didn't have a companion yet I sat by myself but was soon joined by a Sister Horning and her companion Sis. Marble who are heading to Winnipeg, Canada (Editor's note: It turns out this Sister is the niece of a woman in our ward who was Katie's visiting teacher before the mission.) and a Sister Brobst going to Phoenix, AZ who was also brand new and hadn't found her companion yet. Okay, I don't have much time so I'm gonna skimp on the details and just get the highlights. My companions are Sister Rummler from a small town in Wisconsin, also headed to Las Vegas West, and Sis Young from a small town near Bakersfield, she's going to Salt Lake South. Yup, I get to be in a trio! We are in Branch 53, District E; the Elders in our district are Elder Jensen from Baltimore (no he doesn't recall meeting Adam Salt) (Editor's note: Adam is a young man in our ward who just got back from the Baltimore Mission, well, almost a year ago actually.) he's our District Leader and is actually here waiting on a visa for Edinburgh, Scotland; his companion is Elder Perisich from Milwaukee, OR, he's heading to the Salt Lake City South Mission as well; so are Elder Hardy, from "as far south as you can get" in LA, with the accent to match and Elder Lotz (Lō-tz) from Virginia (his accent sometimes sounds lie a cross vetween Old VA family and Australia or New Zealand, it's very interesting to listen to.) Our first couple of days were really busy with group meetings and jumping right into class, but things are starting to settle in now that we have more time to study and actually do all the things we were told to do in all the meetings our first day. Our teachers are Brother Phipps & Brother Vallett. Bro. Phipps is real energetic and high speed while Bro. Vallett is little softer, but they're both pretty powerful & direct. They've also been real great at throwing us right into teaching: as a class, to other classes, and so on.
Well, I started this letter Thurs. night and I've only had snatches of time to work on it; now it's Sunday and some things have changed. The other new district in our branch has three sets of elders and a trio of sisters. From what I've heard, Sis. Young's comp was supposed to be a sister from Canada but I don't know why she didn't make it, the trio in the other district has a sister who's going to Dublin, but is waiting on a visa, so the Branch President (President Bishop - truly) is going to have Sister Sheffield (the visa-waiter) move into our room and be Sis. Young's companion. We're a little sad because after the first couple of days of being overwhelmed and quiet, we've been getting to know each other better and the dynamics are real fun; so we're trying to view it not as losing a Sister, but gaining a Sister. The district from our branch that is leaving tomorrow is going to Tonga (seems to be 2/3 1st generation from Tongan families living in Utah) but our zome leaders, coordinating sister & music director were all in that district - that's pretty much, well, all the missionary level branch leadership, so they had to completely reorganize. Guess who's the new music director? (Editor's note: Katie was the Choir Director in our ward before she left.) If you guessed ME! you can go get a piece of cake from the kitchen (unless you guys already finished it off, then just think warm, happy thoughts.) I think that's most of the overview up to now; I get to email on Thurs. so hopefully you receive this before then. I love you very much and am grateful for all our experiences together. Stay true, stay strong, the Gospel is true - shall we not go on in so great a cause?
Katie
XOXOXO
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