Converted to Become Great

Dear President Schmutz, When I decide to make a great change in my life it seems like satan just pounds me down. But I will go on despite discouraging words from anyone I will change. I was studying in Nephi today. I like how Nephi talks about likening the scripture unto ourselves in 1 Nephi chapter 19. Then in chapter 20 I read verse 10 it says "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." I was thinking of your words President Schmutz from yesterday about how we are fern bushes that we are cut down to become what He wants us to be. This scripture adds to this point. We are cut down or refined through affliction because we were chosen and we accepted this calling. We knew before in pre-mortal life this would happen and so, its a time of choosing. The questions are: Will I live up to my potential? Will I hearken unto the Father and the Son? Or do I choose to be cut off? As missionaries we must choose where our loyalty lies. If we are obedient we will live up to our full potential because we are guided by the spirit, and we will be able to declare His word. Also looking at verse 14 I really like what it says "All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them hath declared these things unto them? The lord hath loved him" when guided by the spirit we can feel that love. I know I have felt that love the strongest when I am most obedient. Obedience is the key to happiness when we go on to verse 18 we can see how being obedient brings a great blessing it says "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments--then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." then we see the opposite if we don't obey Nephi goes onto say in verse 22 "there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." we are building a culture of obedience on the mission, and I am inspired to be a part of that culture. I am grateful for the chance to train again for the third time and I hope this time I will never falter from being 100% obedient. I officially give up my weapons of rebellion president. I am converted to become great. I have chosen my side and these is no going back to neutral ground. I can remember a quote that talks about being on neutral ground. Not on Satan's side and not on God's side. I want to apply this to the missionaries right now. We are standing on metaphorical neutral ground and in the last week the call has been sent out. This call is the call of choosing sides. To stay and be obedient or to go home and figure things out. To keep fighting on the side of God or to give up give into satan. The quote said once we step off of neutral ground there is no going back. We can only make a betrayal. If we choose God we must stay faithful or the consequences will be severe. I am stepping off of neutral ground. I have chosen my side. I am on your side President. It's a fight to the death now. Hurrah for Israel. Sister Bruno

Peace In My Heart

Dear Elders and Sisters,

 

It has been a very hard two weeks, and right before that the zone interviews.  So I guess it's been a very difficult four weeks.  But right now, I feel peaceful and excited.  I want all of you to know that I am exceedingly optimistic about the future.  For out of small things comes that which is great.  If all of you will realize how very important you are to the work, each of you, you will become a much greater part of the vision of the mission.  In D&C 123:14-17, the Lord teaches us a wonderful principle of the importance of a single person in bringing to pass his great work:  "These [things] should then be attended to with great earnestness.  Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lies in futurity pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren [and sisters], that a very large ship is benefitted by a very small helm in the time of storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

 

If we will all do our parts, in the little things, we will be able to steer the large ship of this mission to its destination.  We will see the salvation of God come into the lives of those we teach and one another, and we will see the arm of the Lord revealed through miracles in our areas and companionships.

 

I know that you all look for my letters. I know that you like to receive personal letters more than letters sent to everyone.  But you must realize that sometimes events are such that it becomes impossible to find the time needed.  Such has been the state of affairs in the last couple of months.  Last week I started on names with letter "A" and wrote until I had no more time.  This week I am starting on "Z" and going backwards in the alphabet.  You should be reading this letter on Thursday.  All of you who did not get a letter from me last week should have one this week.  If you look for it on Wednesday, you are too early.  Check for your letter on Thursday.

 

In the future, I am going to write at least half of you every week.  So you should get a letter at least every other week.  But I want you to write me a letter every week :)  The only weeks when you don't need to write a letter is on Zone Interview weeks, when we have an interview.

 

We love all of you.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO FAST FOR THE MISSION THIS FAST SUNDAY.  Thanks.

 

President Schmutz

 

Elders Can Be Pigs

Dear Fams,

We get emergency Transferred to Lapulapu 1st.  We are assigned in an elders area.  Our area Cebu 5th that I reopend and then it got closed again after two transfers since some elders went home and they needed to close an area.  We had trainers training and while eating pizza President asked to interview us before we left.  He asked about support of the area, and our investigators.  The next day the assistants to the president called us and told us we would be transferred to Lapulapu the next day Saturday.  The transfer call was made.  This is my third open area on the mission.  It's super tiring since we have no clue about the area.  At least the area is way cleaner.  I can't see the ocean but at least there is a breeze!  

To quote my letter to president...

PRESIDENT!! I think that Sister Schmutz needs to have a discussion with the elders about cleaning their apartments again.  We came into the apartment shocked.  Luckily we didnt have time to look around since we went straight to work with the zone leaders.  We luckily went to the store before coming home to the apartment and bought cleaning supplies while we were there.  It took me 6 hours to clean the bathroom.  Can I just say its bad when you find a bottle of Domex and zonrox bleach full, unused with mold growing on the out side.  We thought it was pretty ironic!  Supposedly the best cleaning product in the world Dormex with mold growing on the outside! Thank you president for the humbling experience.  We still estimate it will take about 3 weeks to clean the whole house its a work in progress, but at least we have a spotless bathroom!!  Have I ever mentioned that I like a clean house almost to the point of OCD.  I think I have discovered the reason the elders are getting sick so often.  I think it has something to do with their mattresses.  When I took the mattress cover off to be cleaned I discovered a black mattress pad underneath that smelled stale.  I dont know how many elders have slept in that bed sick, and I am sure never washed the mattress cover after.  When I washed the mattress cover the first two rinses the water was black.  Then next rinse cycle the water was brown.  Then the next two rinse cycles the water was yellow!!  I let the cover soak for about one full day then washed the years of dirt off of the cover.  I refuse to sleep on the mattress pad and have just been sleeping on the wood part of the bed.  Its not very comfortable, but at least I wont get sick.  Sister Taylor has braved it and just put her sheet on the bed she has yet to try to wash the cover she says if she doesn't look its like its clean, but she has gotten a small cough I told her its from sleeping on the mattress.  We texted Elder Ernstrom about getting new mattresses and hopefully they come soon. President I won't even tell you about the rest of the house!  At least one positive thing is that I have only seen one dead cockroach under the fridge in the last week we have lived in the house.  Unlike the last house when we had to fortify the house against the big roaches getting into the house.  Ahh the life of a missionary.  Maybe that's why they don't require the sisters to go on a mission they are afraid we will be scared for life when we get emergency transfered into elders apartments.  I hope that this will bring a smile to your face remembering the time when you were an elder in the mission feild president I would only hope that you weren't this bad about cleaning!! Also I would like you to know Elder Hardin mentioned how clean the apartment was when he gave us the key.  Thats when you know your in for a big surprise!!

The apartment was way worse than the other apartment that we were in last transfer....  Elders!

I STILL NEED TO NEW ADDRESS OF YOUR HOUSE TO GIVE ON MY TRUNKY LETTER TO THE OFFICE!!  Thanks.

Life of a missionary its full of surprises.

Love you

Sister Bruno 

Missionary Companions Coexisting on a Mission?

Dear President Schmutz,

Can I just point out that this is my third open area.  I want to say I accept that the Lord is trying to humble me.  Its not easy opening an area its stressful, and it takes time to learn the area.  I think though when I transfer in march to Negros ;) (just kidding but if its the Lords will...With faith hehe) that Sister Taylor will be much more prepared to lead since we are learning the area together. 

PRESIDENT!! I think that Sister Schmutz needs to have a discussion with the elders about cleaning their apartments again.  We came into the apartment shocked.  Luckily we didnt have time to look around since we went straight to work with the zone leaders.  We luckily went to the store before coming home to the apartment and bought cleaning supplies while we were there.  It took me 6 hours to clean the bathroom.  Can I just say its bad when you find a bottle of Domex and zonrox bleach full, unused with mold growing on the out side.  We thought it was pretty ironic!  Supposedly the best cleaning product in the world Dormex with mold growing on the outside! Thank you president for the humbling experience.  We still estimate it will take about 3 weeks to clean the whole house its a work in progress, but at least we have a spotless bathroom!!  Have I ever mentioned that I like a clean house almost to the point of OCD.  I think I have discovered the reason the elders are getting sick so often.  I think it has something to do with their mattresses.  When I took the mattress cover off to be cleaned I discovered a black mattress pad underneath that smelled stale.  I dont know how many elders have slept in that bed sick, and I am sure never washed the mattress cover after.  When I washed the mattress cover the first two rinses the water was black.  Then next rinse cycle the water was brown.  Then the next two rinse cycles the water was yellow!!  I let the cover soak for about one full day then washed the years of dirt off of the cover.  I refuse to sleep on the mattress pad and have just been sleeping on the wood part of the bed.  Its not very comfortable, but at least I wont get sick.  Sister Taylor has braved it and just put her sheet on the bed she has yet to try to wash the cover she says if she doesn't look its like its clean, but she has gotten a small cough I told her its from sleeping on the mattress.  We texted Elder Ernstrom about getting new mattresses and hopefully they come soon. President I won't even tell you about the rest of the house!  At least one positive thing is that I have only seen one dead cockroach under the fridge in the last week we have lived in the house.  Unlike the last house when we had to fortify the house against the big roaches getting into the house.  Ahh the life of a missionary.  Maybe thats why they don't require the sisters to go on a mission they are afraid we will be scared for life when we get emergency transfered into elders apartments.  I hope that this will bring a smile to your face remembering the time when you were an elder in the mission feild president I would only hope that you weren't this bad about cleaning!! Also I would like you to know Elder Hardin mentioned how clean the apartment was when he gave us the key.  Thats when you know your in for a big surprise!!

At least President I have Sister Pangue YEY!!  She has been working with us for the last 4 days.  She will work with us again tomorrow.  Who trained that girl she is ready for her mission :) One concern of sister Pangue though was that the elders would not go back to the basics they just did book of mormon share every lesson.  I think that its not a bad thing, but it would be more effective to review also especially since the ward has not done any new member lessons.  I looked at the teaching records and almost all of the progress records were book of mormon share.  I am not sure if this was laziness in filling out the progress record or if they really just do book of mormon shares.  On the other hand it might be a good thing because they are focusing on the book of mormon.  I am not sure yet since we are new into the area. 

We have had the oppurtunity to teach one of their recent converts Sister Aileen(recent convert) and her husband Brother Brian Millang(member since child) and they had a strong testimony.  We reviewed the restoration with her and have talked with the bishopric during PEC meeting about getting the ward members to do new member lessons.  We also taught the brother Adrianne who is on and off active.  He is 19 years old and has no desire to serve a mission.  We plan to focus on getting him on a mission.

We visited the Commendador family.  Sister Cesarnie is a recent convert.  her son James has listened to the missionaries but he is just 15 years old going to school near Bogo. The father brother Wilson has listened to the missionaries but likes to debate.  We have decided next time we visit we will try to get him to try to find his answers himself.  Many of the bishopric have met him going to FHE's and they even agree he only likes to debate.  We will continue to visit with him.  He is a drinker though and we could not teach him last time since he had been drinking. 

We visited the Ybanez family.  Sister Wella the daughter walked us out of the house after the lesson and opened up about her father.  He has LOC problems for many years.  She had just found out about it since they changed cell phones and she read his text messages.  she is having a hard time, but we encouraged her rather than just sit in her house to come with us to work.  She worked with us yesterday.  We also have been encouraging her to serve a mission.  She is 28 years old, and has a nonmember boyfriend.  I hope that she doesn't take a wrong step in her life.

We visited the Jacob family who is active in the church.  They inspire me for the future.  We don't often visit faithful families, but when I got the chance to visit the Jacob family and share with them I could feel the hope in their house rather than the feeling going into the fallen and lost members houses. 

We also visited MaryFe Sorono, Christina Ngujo, Rustan Lamban, and Rose Cosip.  They are all members.  Sister MaryFe and Christina have live-in partners.  Sister Rustan is a returning member.  Sister Rose is preparing to enter the temple.  We discussed the importance of preparing ourselves to enter into the temple.  Its interesting to see people in so many different stages. 

We attended the PEC meeting yesterday and it was very helpful.  We are starrting to work with the bishopric to help the ward progress. 

Sister Taylor is quiet.  We don't talk much, but she is willing to lead the lessons, and follow the training program.  I would say that we don't really relate, but we just co-exist.  Its not a bad relationship.  You realize on the mission that you don't have to relate to someone it's still possible to co-exist and do the work of the Lord.  If you just serve them and be diligent in the work.  I had hoped though that we would have a great relationship, but to be honest President we just go together like oil and water.  Although you can put them into the same jar they will immediately seperate into their individual sections of the jar.  They can still co-exist and stay in the same jar without fighting, and sometimes you can get some cool effects like those toys with the blue water effect that drips into the bottom part and you can flip it.  I dont know if you know what I am talking about but the point is we are doing our best.  I am not sure we are the most effective together, but will we both stay diligent that I know for sure.  Maybe we will be bestfriends after the mission.  I am trying to be a good example, and so at least she can fly on her own.  I am glad I have learned patience through other comapnions for this period when I am having to train.  To quote you president with leadership comes a great responsibilty.  That with pressure on our shoulders it helps us stand.

Thank You President I know that your burden is far heavier than mine, and for that I am grateful that you are so willing to serve us missionaries with a permenant smile on your face. 

Sincerly,

Sister Bruno

Hardness of Heart

Dear Family,

I made history this week by being the first sister of my time going on sister companionship exchanges.  It was a great experience.  I really loved my time with Sister Camarillo.  We laughed the whole time, and we had amazing spiritual lessons.  I hope that since we were the guinea pigs that we can continue to do companion exchanges as sisters on the mission.

Today I just got my trunky letter!!  A trunky letter is when they send you a paper asking about what airport you go home to and the correct information, and also it gives my date of release as 26 April 2012!!  By the way I need the new address to give to the office for my travel and such.  Its weird because I will be coming home soon.  I am not sure if I am ready I was really hoping that I could extend, but I think that it will not be possible now.  

Today I went with my district just to tour around.  We didn't do much, but it was also fun.  Making memories that's what the mission is about.  I only have a short time to make the best of the mission.  The time is far spent!

We had zone interview this week, and president call us all to repentance.  I really agree with him though.  He talked about one of the steps of repentance is restitution, and if we don't repent now it will be hard to make a restitution after the mission.  He talked about not following the false doctrine of the mission.  We all love President Schmutz so much.  He is such a bright person.  He is definitely called by God. 

We had a hard lesson this week with an inactive member, and I ended up crying in the lesson, because I felt such sorrow for the hardness of his heart.  I just testified, and then we left.  He wouldn't even give a prayer at the end.  He was Muslim once, and we believe that he is returning to those thoughts.  My only regret is that he restricts his wife from attending church. Its sad to see someone who once was a faithful member of the church, and that went on a mission have to be victim to her choices.  I hope that one day brother will change.

I love you all and if you want to write you better do it soon because I come home in APRIL!!  Haha

Love you

Sister Bruno

Through the Trials Come Many Blessings

 From: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Date: Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Subject: Week 2
To: cebumissionoffice@gmail.com

Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been interesting.  We just went to the doctors this morning to run some tests that the doctor suggested for Sister Taylor.  She has been getting swollen hands and feet. She has been getting many trials this week.  I remember my first transfer on the mission I also had many trials and  thoughts of going home, but I got through it and I know that she will get through it too.  We are fighting a rough battle, but we will overcome president. 

We had an opportunity on P-day to just sit in the temple waiting area for a few minutes before going back to work, and there Sister Taylor and I had the chance to talk about many things.  I think that Sister Taylor is a little bit sad that she is missing so many things at home like her brother getting engaged, but she understands she is here for a reason, and I am not worried about her because those feelings are natural.  She isn't extremely depressed or anything so I think she is just adjusting.  I was happy to see earlier this morning when we rode the dyipney she I2Led the people sitting next to her, whereas, in the last few days she has been too shy to try.  I can really see the progression of her language and knowledge.  I really am glad that this new training program has come out, because I can see if you are diligent to the study program then the progression is substantially greater compared to when I was trained on the mission. 

Sad to say though our work has been slowing down, because people were busy for the new year's holiday so we got punted a lot!  I have been having problems making the stats, but we have been working hard going out everyday on time working until curfew so I have no guilt just concern for the area.  We have been diligent about the studying and training plan which I find effects the amount of lessons we can get in one day.  I have only made the stats one week the whole time I have been assigned in the city.  I don't know if its because people are busy or if its the training program, and also most days we get punted so we only have one lesson for that day.  It can be frustrating seeing the rest of the district making far above the stats.

President Hansen once said "through the trials comes many blessings", and I have to agree.  We have found another less active family the Recla family that we have started teaching, and they agreed to come back to church this week.  Also while I2Ling we found a man who said his wife is a member and previously his kids would attend church but they have stopped going.  He wants us to come to his house and continue to teach his family.  We also just received a referral from a member for a family of eight.  They have listened to the missionaries before, and they have just moved into the area and they want to continue to listen to the discussions. 

The Alpitche family has come back from vacation, and we are happy to say that brother is cutting down his smoking.  We are helping him slowly go off of cigarettes.  He has gone from 8 to 5 a day now.  We will continue to help him until he can quit smoking.  We have high hopes for their family getting sealed in the temple one day. 

Jeff and Clay are still in the process of planning their wedding, and we found out that they are living in the same house now.  We have encouraged them that if they don't live apart at least don't sleep in the same room.  They have been having some problems with planning their marriage, because although they would like to get married and they have all the requirements the family of Jeff is opposing the marriage.  They are disappointed because they wanted him to go out of the Philippines to work before he would get married.  So they have been having problems getting his parents to sign the marriage papers since his is only 22 years old he needs parents consent.  We will continue to pray for him that they can get married for the sake of the child, and the sake of their family.  We will continue to keep you updated with their progress. 

Sister Jandog is almost at her one year.  She is preparing to enter into the temple.  Bishop advised her to go through the temple preparation class before she is to go through the temple.  It is a 6 weeks class and she is willing to do it in order to enter into the temple.  She is a shy type of person that is faithful in coming to church every week, and I see her testimony growing every day. 

We will continue to strive to do better everyday, and find those in need.  I am also glad of the opportunity to have met your family they are all so kind.  I enjoyed talking with them, and helping in what little ways I could for their stay in the Philippines.
  
Being a trainer allows me to reflect on the feelings I once had as a new missionary, and especially since one of my trainers Sister Williams was the MTC teacher of Sister Taylor.  I never feel frustrated as a trainer.  I just continue to have high expectations for Sister Taylor.  I hope that she will feel that I am a good trainer, and not compare my weaknesses with others strengths in the future.  I only hope I can remain in her memory as a friend. 

Thanks President Schmutz until next week,

Sister Bruno
 

Overcoming Adversity

Dear Family,

 This week has been pretty rough because it was a holiday and no one was home. Either they were not home or they were busy with cooking for Christmas or New Years! We had many trials this week but that's what makes the best stories. So this is what happened my companions feet have been swollen since she got here and the other day her hands were huge and swollen she looked like the Michelin man! We are going to see the doctor today to see whats going on with her. I think it is probably an allergy. We think she might be allergic to the bug repellant which is ironic because its supposed to protect you from sickness not cause the sickness. Anyways we are going to the doctor today which is going to kill our P-day but what can you do sacrifices must be made. We bought new curtains for the apartment which should have been nice but we accidentally bought two different kinds for the living room so they don't exactly match perfectly, but they are okay. I finally bought a pillow after not sleeping with one for a month Ah the simple things in life!!


I FINALLY GOT MY PACKAGE. Thank you for the cookies. Well I bought butter which is pretty expensive here and we don't have an oven or a cookie roller, but I devised a plan to use the toaster oven!! Success! We made cookies last night which takes forever baking them in the toaster over because we can only cook two at a time, but I finally got them cooked. I will most likely frost them tonight. It was fun making them though that's for sure. It made for a good memory. How to make cookies on the mission step one. Use the pots used for boiling water because we don't have a big bowl. Step two make cookies. Step three roll the dough out by pounding it with your hand. Step three cook in the toaster over... Easy bake :) Good times.

We are digging a septic tank for our csp. It brings me back to the time when I would dig in the dirt as a child. We are digging a hole that's our purpose. We didn't get that far last week, but we are going back this week and we aren't sure how long it will take, but its fun.... For new years eve we ate at a members house. We went to bed at 10PM but woke up at 12 because of the fireworks going off outside of our window. It was like a war. The fire works went off until about 2AM. Here for Christmas and New Years they shoot off fireworks, and all of the little kids buy fireworks. You know the saying don't play with matches well I dont think they have ever heard of that saying here. there were 4 and 5 year olds just lighting fireworks and chucking them every way. You have to be on guard as to not get hit by one. Actually we were passing by and I go nailed in the foot with one. It was just a little fire cracker so it wasn't too bad. So we woke up to the boys yelling happy new years. We said happy new years and went back to bed!! Haha the life of a missionary.

We have been teaching Jeff and he and Clay should be married this Jan. His baptism will probably be in February but we aren't sure because he now works on Sundays. He is looking for another job so he can get off on Sundays, but he is pretty new at his job now. I hope he can find another job. Everyone was out of town this past week so we had hardly anyone at church this week.

Our stats crashed and burned, but at least we tried our hardest. I am pretty sure that its because its Sister Taylor's first week. I know the first transfer on the mission is the hardest. Satan really tries to make you quit. We made it through, and Sister Taylor is really trying in the language. I make her teach the first lesson whenever we teach the first lesson, because we have studies it and I have written sentences for her. So the expectation is high because she could train in 12 weeks. The new 12 week training program they want the greenies ready to train after 12 weeks. So I am trying to prepare her for that. Training isn't the easiest, but its a learning experience. I just hope I have one more area, because you how much I love the city! I love you all have an awesome week and if you ever want to write just you know do it before I come home!!

Sister Bruno