Challenges

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Subject: Re: Transfer Week...
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>


Missionary life is quite remarkable in its ability to change us into the individual the Lord wants us to be. It is an ongoing process and will continue after your mission as well.. Have a great week..............Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear President,

This last two weeks have been really hard for me. I was struggling with home sickness and not getting along with my companions, and then I realized that I just wasn't communicating with them. I started to voice my concerns and not only were we getting more done, but I became really close with them. I also decided the reason I was home sick was because I was worrying and stressing about things I needed to change about myself, and after I talked with my companions I decided I can not change them but I can be the example and be obedient. 

 

One concern is getting home on time, because it is really hard because the investigators may have concerns we are trying to help resolve, and I am always stressing about being obedient and getting home on time so I can go to bed on time. 

 

God is molding me into a better person, and I am forgetting myself and going to work. I am now happy and love my companions, my investigators, and my mission. I love the people they are so humble and kind. I am thankful for your talks and weekly emails of encouragement. Changing my attitude I have realized that Heavenly Father gives us golden investigators when we are obedient. We have met two people who are prepared to hear this gospel. I know God prepares these people for us if we are being obedient and good missionaries to be trusted with His children.

Sister Bruno

Email to Mission President

From: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Subject: Week
To: cebumission08@gmail.com


Dear President Hanson,

This week has been a nice transition into my new companionship, and I am starting to get the hang of my mission.  Sister Caluyo is a nice addition to our area and she is an amazing person.  Sister Judith committed to baptism this week after Sister Caluyo extended a commitment in a way I would have never thought about doing and with the spirit so strong.  Sister Judith was an activist against religion in college and she was hesitant in accepting previous commitments for baptism, but has been attending sacrament meetings.  The first meeting that Sister Caluyo met Sister Judith she extended the commitment and Sister Judith accepted the date.  

Sister Williams is a kind companion she is always looking for ways to serve us.  I love them both and I love this area.    

I have seen the blessings of staying 100 percent obedient by people we talk to or by the people we teach progression.  Although it was a rough couple of first weeks I am now in the swing of things and enjoying every minute of my mission.  

Thank You president for you words of encouragement every week.

Sister Bruno  

Work Progressing in Cebu City

Dear Family,

First of all I love you all!

This week has been really awesome.  I got a new companion Sister Caluyo.  My trainer Sister Ramos got transferred after having her just one transfer.  Sister Caluyo though is an awesome addition.  She is our senior companion and she is super humble and meek.  Sister Caluyo is a strong person her mother died while on the mission and she decided to stay with the suggestion from President Hanson.  She is awesome.  We met with Sister Judith and she was an activist against religion in college, but through meeting missionaries she gradually was willing to listen to the lessons.  She has been going to church but has been hesitant in accepting a baptismal date. We met with Sister Judith on Monday, and after just one lesson with Sister Judith Sister Caluyo extended a baptismal date in a genius way and Sister Judith accepted it was beautiful.  Sister Williams even teared up.  And that's how missionary work is done!  Sister Caluyo is basically teaching me things that I will definitely incorporate into my work.  

This week is Sister Grace Hardy's baptism she is an awesome person.  She is outgoing and refuses to let us leave her house without eating something.  Her husband is American from Utah, and is a member.  Sister Grace Hardy has been attending church for way long before i got to the mission.  She just has been reluctant to listening to the missionaries because one missionaries approach she did not like.  When I got to the ward she decided to let us teach her I think our approach was genius or she was just ready to hear the gospel.  She is getting Baptized this week Saturday the Jan 29 2011.  I am so excited for her.  She is my first baptism that I was there to help teach all the lessons.  She is getting baptized only after 6-7 lessons.  We have given her a lot of information, but she has a great testimony and I don't see her turning away from the church in the future.

During teaching Sister Jennale Arinasa her little sister peed on the floor it was so random but that actually happens a lot here during lessons.  I have seen 3 kids already pee on the floor during a lesson.  

Emerson Ugdiman didn't go to church this week so his baptismal date was moved back a week.

Sister Cheryl Sister Mitch and Brother Nelson all has Baptismal dates and they seem ready to accept the gospel.  Sister Cheryl though is a little reluctant coming from a Catholic background.  Brother Nelson may have problems because he smokes but last appointment he didn't smoke for a whole week so hopefully he will keep strong.  

Its crazy because Sister Brand came this week.  She is our younger Batch.  The time is passing by so quickly its crazy!  Sister Brand is in my district though now she replaced Sister Robison.  I was happy and sad about that.  I love Sister Robison she was my first BFF on the mission.  But I am happy to see Sister Brand every week.  

The other day we ran all the way home to make it in time for curfew it was hilarious!

Yesterday we were walking and there was a gust of wind and my skirt flew up I screamed and sister williams and Sister Caluyo turned back to see what happened they were like What happened I told them and they laughed so hard!

Good times on the Mission 

LOVE YOU ALL
Until next week this is the life and stories of Sister Bruno

Sister Bruno   

Mission President Counsel

From: Philippine CebuMission cebumission08@gmail.com
Date: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Subject: Re: Transfer Week...
To: Annika Bruno annika.bruno@myldsmail.net


Missionary life is quite remarkable in its ability to change us into the individual the Lord wants us to be. It is an ongoing process and will continue after your mission as well.. Have a great week..............Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM, Annika Bruno annika.bruno@myldsmail.net wrote:

Dear President,


This last two weeks have been really hard for me. I was struggling with home sickness and not getting along with my companions, and then I realized that I just wasn't communicating with them. I started to voice my concerns and not only were we getting more done, but I became really close with them. I also decided the reason i was home sick was because I was worrying and stressing about things i needed to change about myself, and after I talked with my companions I decided I can not change them but I can be the example and be obedient.

One concern is getting home on time, because it is really hard because the investigators may have concerns we are trying to help resolve, and i am always stressing about being obedient and getting home on time so I can go to bed on time.

God is molding me into a better person, and I am forgetting myself and going to work. I am now happy and love my companions, my investigators, and my mission. I love the people they are so humble and kind. I am thankful for your talks and weekly emails of encouragement. Changing my attitude I have realized that Heavenly Father gives us golden investigators when we are obedient. We have met two people I2Ling who are prepared to hear this gospel. I know God prepares these people for us if we are being obedient and good missionaries to be trusted with His children.

Sister Bruno

Mission President Email

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 25, 2011 at 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: Week
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>


This year is going to be a landmark year for the Cebu Mission.  I am happy that you are part of this great work.  Have a great week.  Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 12:48 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear President Hanson,

This week has been a nice transition into my new companionship, and I am starting to get the hang of my mission.  Sister Caluyo is a nice addition to our area and she is an amazing person.  Sister Judith committed to baptism this week after Sister Caluyo extended a commitment in a way I would have never thought about doing and with the spirit so strong.  Sister Judith was an activist against religion in college and she was hesitant in accepting previous commitments for baptism, but has been attending sacrament meetings.  The first meeting that Sister Caluyo met Sister Judith she extended the commitment and Sister Judith accepted the date.  

Sister Williams is a kind companion she is always looking for ways to serve us.  I love them both and I love this area.    

I have seen the blessings of staying 100 percent obedient by people we talk to or by the people we teach progression.  Although it was a rough couple of first weeks I am now in the swing of things and enjoying every minute of my mission.  

Thank You president for you words of encouragement every week.

Sister Bruno  

Rain: Adventures on the Mountain

Family!!

First of all I love you and am thankful for your sacrifice to let me come on my mission.

It's been raining a lot lately because of El Ninyo it's supposed to rain a lot until March that's what one of the members said. I think it's rained everyday this week.

Yesterday was definitely an adventure it was awesome! We went to appointments in the bukid (mountain) yesterday morning, and when we left it was raining.  Sister Williams doesn't have a payon (umbrella) so she broke off a banana tree leaf with her teeth and used it as an umbrella. Here when it rains you really need to be careful of the jeepneys because one we walk everywhere and yesterday I got splashed by a jeepney it was not fun! Also there are not really driving laws here so they will run you over. Cars don't care about people walking. When we were walking up the bukid we got on a jeepney to ride the rest of the way because we were worried about time. The driver didn't let us pay because it was only a short time to Sister Emely Pardillos house and it was raining so he didn't let usbayad(pay). On the way back to theBalay(house) I bought an umbrella and the owner of the tindahan(store)helped me with my bisayan. When we went to the Balay to use the CR(comfort room) my companions fell asleep on the bed. It was way funny but I woke them up and we left. We ate at Julie's Bake Shop. They have these bake shops everywhere where you can buy bread all different kinds some with meat in them and also pastries and such. But anyways we ate at Julie's Bake Shop for Sister Williams birthday. Then after that we went to the Camangyan families' house to teach them and their house is down this Bukid part and we had to take our shoes off to get to their house because it was too muddy to try to get down to their house with shoes on. On the way home we had to change jeepneys because the one we were on broke down and we got our money back and sakay mi(we rode) the next jeepney that came by.

It was a fun day. My companions stayed up to paint their faces and I went to bed I have been trying to be obedient.

My trainer is being transferred to another area this Friday I'm super sad! We were all getting comfortable with each other as companions.

Times up we only get 30 minutes to email!

LOVE YOU ALL

Sister Bruno

Mission President Letter: Obedience

From: Annika Bruno annika.bruno@myldsmail.net
Date: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM
Subject: Transfer Week...
To: cebumission08@gmail.com


Dear President,

This last two weeks have been really hard for me. I was struggling with ome sickness and not getting along with my companions, and then I realized that I just wasn't communicating with them. I started to voice my concerns and not only were we getting more done, but I became really close with them. I also decided the reason I was home sick was because I was worrying and stressing about things I needed to change about myself, and after I talked with my companions I decided I can not change them but I can be the example and be obedient.

One concern is getting home on time, because it is really hard because the investigators may have concerns we are trying to help resolve, and I am always stressing about being obedient and getting home on time so I can go to bed on time.

God is molding me into a better person and I am forgetting myself and going to work. I am now happy and love my companions, my investigators, and my mission. I love the people they are so humble and kind. I am thankful for your talks and weekly emails of encouragement. Changing my attitude I have realized that Heavenly Father gives us golden investigators when we are obedient. We have met two people who are prepared to hear this gospel. I know God prepares these people for us if we are being obedient and good missionaries to be trusted with His children.

Sister Bruno

Life in the Trenches: Taking Cold Showers

It's hot today really super hot! I'm in this little shack of a Internet cafe  writing emails today. It's really loud all the school boys are playing World of Warcraft and shouting at each other. It's always loud everywhere.  This mission is not one that you can teach without expecting distractions. I am now officially jealous of the American-going  missionaries but this is way more of an adventure!

We spend most of our P-Days in town. We go play basketball in the mornings and then take a shower in the patron housing because it has hot showers! It's nice having a real shower once a week. Some mornings it's  hard making myself take a cold bucket shower but there is no way I am  going to skip taking a shower. We get super dirty and gross during the  day especially in the city with all the smoke and car pollution. Good  times.

We then go to the mall and withdraw our money and go grocery  shopping we get 4000 Pesos twice a month which is about 100 dollars.  Everything is super cheap here (if you convert it to dollars), but as a  missionary you can't think of it as dollars you think of it as Pesos.  Real pearls here run from small 30 Pesos to large 100 Pesos which is  about a dollar for real pearl earrings. They have necklaces but they are  like 150 Pesos still only about 2-3 dollars. You can get some cheap  things in the Philippines but you cant go crazy. The elders always  spend their support money super early and basically starve. A lot of  them like to spend their money going out to eat its kind of funny then  they have to pull personal funds out to pay for plete/bayad (payment for the jeepney rides).


I don't feel like our investigators are progressing very quickly but I quess I just have to be patient and they will accept all in Heavenly  Fathers time.

Its hard having companions and being with someone 24 hours a day but both of my companions aren't too bad I get along with them so I can't complain.

My companion told me about this boy she dated before the mission and how he was a return missionary. She said she realized that the  boy BRTed her (build a relationship of trust) from preach my gospel. I  asked if she liked him and how she reacted and she said that she liked him a lot. HAHA I'm so going to use it when I get back for everyone I meet. It's not a bad thing to do! That's probably why people are so weird when they get back from their missions because they  use missionary techniquesto "friendship" people

Well I miss all of you and Hope all is amazing Love you so much!

Annika

Facing Opposition

HEY EVERYONE!!

SO DEAR ELDER IS ALIVE!! Hahah so I can get dear elder. I think it takes about two weeks to get but pretty sure that's faster than other mail I already got, two dear elders. So send them if that's all you can do.

The language is still hard I think its because I have three companions and I haven't been teaching a lot. But its okay, I actually just need to focus more... One day this language will come through work and dedication and lots of prayer. Yesterday morning we were running and I slid like 10 feet and hit the cement hard with my knee... I got cement burn bad! Then I got in a fight with the stairs. I got a few bruises but I think I won. :)

Then I got my companion's sickness yesterday and to end the day the members said my companions better sell me for a chicken at the market because I don't really understand the language! Satan is really working hard on me my first transfer but I know I'm on the winning side. I'm just sticking out the bad and offending Satan the best way I know how.

None of our investigators were at church this Sunday but its a new week and there is no holiday! We have a golden investigator Emerson Ugdiman. He is 16 and seems super ready to accept the gospel. He has a part member family I hope we can help him see what he is missing. He came to the temple open house last Thursday so he is taking steps in the right direction.

I miss everyone and hope the holiday was awesome Dear elder me if you have time!!

Nahigugma ko kaninyo

Sister Bruno