Showing posts with label Sister Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sister Williams. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Overflowing Font
Dear Family,
This week as you all know was Christmas and I have yet to receive that package, but they go to the post office tomorrow so I am hoping to see it then. Its about the thought that counts Thank you all!!
My area is Cebu 5th. The temple is my area, and we spend a minute or two in the mission office chatting with the missionaries if we happen to be at the complex. I am back to being informed about everything happening with the other missionaries. But you know me I would rather be in the middle of no where climbing a mountain than in the city.
This week was an adjustment getting used to training an American! Sister Taylor! Sister Williams my "trainer" was American but she was Samoan, and this is the first time while I have been on the mission that two white American sisters are together. They say that its because I know the language well. I think it just happen to be destiny. :) Well I thought I would like it which I do, but its a major adjustment. I thought I was training last transfer, but this is really a challenge. I now have to speak English which I have decided I dont like to do now. It hurts my head. I have discovered though it is no longer about me progressing, but rather trying to make history with my greenie!
It turns out though that Sister Williams is Sister Taylor's MTC teacher what a small world right! I guess I was mentioned in a couple of classes. One of the greenies that came into the batch with Sister Taylor said that she read my blog. Interesting. Maybe I should try to be more witty or something... well if I had time :) You know You Know never enough time....
So at the baptism of Sister Salve Vismanos the ward mission leader wasn't paying attention to the font, and during the lesson of Sister Monarez the font over flowed! The water swept across the floor and Sister continued her talk. When she was finished Bishop Thelmo and Brother Dover mopped up the floor. After we had a successful baptism. When they said amen all Sister Salve had to do is bend her knees and she was under the water. They hardly needed to put her under the water was so high.
For Christmas I got the news that Gen had a baby! Wow was I ever shocked. I guess when you are on the mission your family just kind of forgets about you and assume someone else told you the news!! Can you all send me pictures please! Yey its a boy!! I am so excited to see him when I come home, and Chiara got so big!! She talks now.
I love you all,
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Make or Break Moments
Dear Fams!
Nahigugma Ko kaninyo
Welp this week has been so fast. The time in Marigondon really has been fun. My trainer went home and my other 2 companions (Sister Williams and Sister Caluyo), President Hansen, and Sister Hansen go home in July this next transfer.
We have some great investigators who are really progressing. Looking back I see that the Lord really does prepare his children for the gospel.
Ronnel (23 yrs), Harold (27 yrs), and Rolland (30 yrs) came to church this last Sunday and we are bring them to temple tours this coming Thursday. We are teaching them Word of Wisdom tonight so we will see what happens this might be a make or break moment.
Brother Randy is going to be baptized on 11 June. We were going to have his baptism on 18 June but he is just really ready so we asked if we could change it because a member of the bishopric id going to get married 18 June and everyone will be at his wedding.
Brother Leo really wants to get baptized, but his father is against it and has not given permission yet, but he has not said no so there is still hope. Brother Leo is 17 yrs and he is so willing to be baptized he just needs permission from his father. We plan to teach his father this coming Sunday!
Sister Amy is still reluctant about getting baptized but she is going to church every Sunday and is reading the Book of Mormon despite her eye condition.
Sister Rose missed church this past week so we gave her another baptismal date! 28 June!
Learning everyday and loving everyday.
Love
Sister Bruno
Nahigugma Ko kaninyo
Welp this week has been so fast. The time in Marigondon really has been fun. My trainer went home and my other 2 companions (Sister Williams and Sister Caluyo), President Hansen, and Sister Hansen go home in July this next transfer.
We have some great investigators who are really progressing. Looking back I see that the Lord really does prepare his children for the gospel.
Ronnel (23 yrs), Harold (27 yrs), and Rolland (30 yrs) came to church this last Sunday and we are bring them to temple tours this coming Thursday. We are teaching them Word of Wisdom tonight so we will see what happens this might be a make or break moment.
Brother Randy is going to be baptized on 11 June. We were going to have his baptism on 18 June but he is just really ready so we asked if we could change it because a member of the bishopric id going to get married 18 June and everyone will be at his wedding.
Brother Leo really wants to get baptized, but his father is against it and has not given permission yet, but he has not said no so there is still hope. Brother Leo is 17 yrs and he is so willing to be baptized he just needs permission from his father. We plan to teach his father this coming Sunday!
Sister Amy is still reluctant about getting baptized but she is going to church every Sunday and is reading the Book of Mormon despite her eye condition.
Sister Rose missed church this past week so we gave her another baptismal date! 28 June!
Learning everyday and loving everyday.
Love
Sister Bruno
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
First Transfer
Dear Family I love your faces!
I heard all the challenges it's crazy how hard Satan is working. Transfers tomorrow... drum roll please... I am transferring to Marigondon OPENING AN AREA! That hardly ever happens for the sisters here I heard, but I am excited to see what happens. I am glad that I am trusted with this by President Hansen and Heavenly Father. My new companion is Sister Falculan she is amazing. She was in my district these last 3 transfers and now we are companions starting tomorrow.
I am going to miss Talamban my first area (it will always be where my heart is), but I heard that Marigondon has beach area! I haven't seen the beach for 6 months! Whoa crazy I have been here for 6 months! I am definitely going to miss Sister and Elder Bailey right next door they have been a huge help these last three transfers always checking up on us. They really are so kind. The best office couple ever!!
My district was the bomb Elder Holley, and Elder Daffon KA-BATCH, and Sister Brand (THIRD COMPANION) Younger Batch, we had Elder Gassaway, Elder Tan, Elder Dela Cerna, Elder Abayani, Sister Williams, Sister Tumala, Sister Caluyo, and I... NINDOT KAAYO CITY DISTRICT!We also Had 3 District Leaders Elder Hiatt, Elder Unite, and Elder Dela Cerna also our Zone leaders Elder Tan, and (Before he Transfered Elder Gubb) Elder Gassaway. Wow its crazy that we all have been together for so long.
Talamban has been really fun and this week we actually had two new investigators that when we went back to teach them turned into 5 new investigators. They all seem they are prepared for the gospel. It's too early to tell but they could be people who are really strong in the church! I see their potential they could all be priesthood holders!
I am going to miss all of my Tintay children. Vivian, Mileen, Gen, Christine, Kristin, Michael, James Warren, and all the other ones... I really loved all the tintay people Brother Joeal, Sister Jenny, Sister Judith, Sister Jams, Brother Jazen, Brother Jomar, Sister Josephine, Brother and Brother Danilo. I am definitely going to miss all the Single Adults in the Talamban ward! They were a big help in the work. Sister Salta, and Sister Arinas, The Matthews family, Bishop Abanggan and his family, the Nacar family, the Natividad family, the Leona Family, Basically all the families in the talamban ward!
Many challenges many disappointments BUT the happiness far out weighed the bad. I only have hope that all the people I taught will continue to follow God and to accept His plan.
Sister Williams and Sister Caluyo and Sister Tumala have been BESTIES Sisters for ETERNITY... I can;t even imagine it just being two of us in the house its going to be quiet. On my mission I have had at least 2-3 other people in the house its going to be weird where its just 1 other person. I guess its "preparing" me for marriage! BAHAH
Conference was soooooooooooooooo amazing! I loved all the talks but I loved even more that they talked about the boys needing to shape up or move out LOL!! JK but no really all the SISTERS died laughing when they talked about it. SO TRUE MAO JUD!
ANYWAYS until next week this has been another exciting week on the mission in the Philippines... weather report it's getting hotter and I LOVE IT Politics report... I don't really know WORLD NEWS... Dont worry about it for now but prepared!
LOVE YOU
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Missionary Marriage Proposal
KAMUSTA MAN MO!
Primero Nahigugma ko kaninyo. Hapit Na Mo-uli! JOKES LANG BITAW!
So this week has been really fun. Today we baked brownies and cake Sister Brand and Sister Falculan came over, so it was Sister Caluyo, Sister Williams, Sister Tumala, Sister Brand, Sister Falculan, and I. We ate pizza and baked P-day in the mission field good times! But it wasn't good for me because I made a pact with Sister Hansen our mission President's wife that we would lose 2 pounds a week, I'm just going to have to run super hard tomorrow morning. We have been running in the morning and we walked up the bukid all day yesterday I'm so sore its great. President Hansen challenged all of us to go APE in the morning (Arise, Pray, and Exercise).
HILARIOUS STORY!! My companion just got proposed to over email BAHAH she is going home in 3 months and the boy I guess has been making plans for their marriage without her knowing, and he wants to come pick her up and get a temple marriage. Sister Caluyo was like NO JUD!! hahahahhahahaha I'm dying this is the best story ever! LOL laughing in the Internet cafe I about peed my pants. She is like I want to PUNCH HIM way to bother me with this matter on my mission!! HALA HALA HALA. Some Peoples kids!
This week has been fun of fun times. We basically spent all day hiking through the Bukid visiting Recent converts that have been inactive. We visited a recent convert Brother Nelson he is so buotan but he hasn't been coming to church not cool, but I hope our lesson encouraged him to come to conference.
They announced this week at district meeting that P-day next week is on TUESDAY and transfers are 2 days early WEDNESDAY! We all freaked out hapit na! Hala I cant believe that transfers are so soon! Siguro my companion will transfer I hope they don't take her from me she is an amazing teacher I cant go on without her! Joke Lang but still really she cant go she is an awesome companion! I most like will stay one more transfer putting me at 6 months my first area! I will be happy staying or going I will go where the Lord wants me to go I'm just happy to be in the Philippines! So many blessings here on the mission my happiness is great. My disappointment I feel in investigators when they don't follow a commitment, and how I feel proud when they do. I feel Heavenly Father shaping me for after my mission. I love the mission and am grateful to Dad for encouraging me to come on my mission. I am so grateful for mom raising me in the church, and teaching me the right values. I am grateful for Gen, Gigi, and Flora's example thanks mga Ate (older sisters) for sticking it out. I am grateful for Desi, Franny, Michael, and Niki's disapproving looks if I stepped out of line thanks mga manhod (younger siblings)! Family really is being attacked everyday STAY STRONG RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO ARGUE!!
PS to everyone who is reading my blog if Dad posts this I am grateful for your friendship and you words of encouragement here on my mission. I know that God loves all his children. Resist temptation you have agency to choose. Choose the Right!!
Nahigugma Ko kaninyo
Sister Bruno
Primero Nahigugma ko kaninyo. Hapit Na Mo-uli! JOKES LANG BITAW!
So this week has been really fun. Today we baked brownies and cake Sister Brand and Sister Falculan came over, so it was Sister Caluyo, Sister Williams, Sister Tumala, Sister Brand, Sister Falculan, and I. We ate pizza and baked P-day in the mission field good times! But it wasn't good for me because I made a pact with Sister Hansen our mission President's wife that we would lose 2 pounds a week, I'm just going to have to run super hard tomorrow morning. We have been running in the morning and we walked up the bukid all day yesterday I'm so sore its great. President Hansen challenged all of us to go APE in the morning (Arise, Pray, and Exercise).
HILARIOUS STORY!! My companion just got proposed to over email BAHAH she is going home in 3 months and the boy I guess has been making plans for their marriage without her knowing, and he wants to come pick her up and get a temple marriage. Sister Caluyo was like NO JUD!! hahahahhahahaha I'm dying this is the best story ever! LOL laughing in the Internet cafe I about peed my pants. She is like I want to PUNCH HIM way to bother me with this matter on my mission!! HALA HALA HALA. Some Peoples kids!
This week has been fun of fun times. We basically spent all day hiking through the Bukid visiting Recent converts that have been inactive. We visited a recent convert Brother Nelson he is so buotan but he hasn't been coming to church not cool, but I hope our lesson encouraged him to come to conference.
They announced this week at district meeting that P-day next week is on TUESDAY and transfers are 2 days early WEDNESDAY! We all freaked out hapit na! Hala I cant believe that transfers are so soon! Siguro my companion will transfer I hope they don't take her from me she is an amazing teacher I cant go on without her! Joke Lang but still really she cant go she is an awesome companion! I most like will stay one more transfer putting me at 6 months my first area! I will be happy staying or going I will go where the Lord wants me to go I'm just happy to be in the Philippines! So many blessings here on the mission my happiness is great. My disappointment I feel in investigators when they don't follow a commitment, and how I feel proud when they do. I feel Heavenly Father shaping me for after my mission. I love the mission and am grateful to Dad for encouraging me to come on my mission. I am so grateful for mom raising me in the church, and teaching me the right values. I am grateful for Gen, Gigi, and Flora's example thanks mga Ate (older sisters) for sticking it out. I am grateful for Desi, Franny, Michael, and Niki's disapproving looks if I stepped out of line thanks mga manhod (younger siblings)! Family really is being attacked everyday STAY STRONG RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO ARGUE!!
PS to everyone who is reading my blog if Dad posts this I am grateful for your friendship and you words of encouragement here on my mission. I know that God loves all his children. Resist temptation you have agency to choose. Choose the Right!!
Nahigugma Ko kaninyo
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Recognizing Blessings
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: Week
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
A missionary that not only experiences blessings, but also recognizes these blessings as to their source are always blessed with the spirit of their calling. Continue to work and pray for those recent converts................truly, the ward should be doing the bulk of the shepherding now that they are baptized...........perhaps this can be brought to the attention of the bishop through your WML. Have a great week.. Pres.Hansen
Dear President Hansen,
This week has been really great. I am enjoying the work, and love my investigators. We have been trying to teach a recent converts son Jassen Velez. He is really one of those people you know will be strong when they convert. He wasn't home when we went to teach him on Saturday, but he went to church. We were all really excited, but again when we went to teach him on Tuesday he wasn't there. I wasn't so much frustrated as sad that we couldn't teach him.
Our recent converts are 50/50 some are strong going to church and some are back to old habits. We are working with them all and I hope that they can stay strong. I hear that the first year of a converts life into the church is the hardest for them. I only hope that we are strengthening them to withstand the adversity they face!
One of our recent converts when we went to visit him he was smoking and drunk! When we taught him the next day his prayer was a powerful plea for help to resist drinking and smoking. We pray for him and continue to encourage him to remain strong!
I feel the love that God has for His children when I teach especially the little children. The children in the Tintay area love when we come over to teach, and ask when we are coming back. There is a whole group of kids that attend church with our recent convert Sister Judith. She is a strong woman and she has helped her neighbor Rose Flores to have a greater desire to be baptized. I love her she is such a special spirit.
Sister Caluyo is an amazing teacher and I hope that one day I can have her gift of teaching. She is a great companion she always makes me smile. I could not have asked for a better companion.
Living with the four of us in the house in really fun we talk about our investigators, and Sister Tumala and Sister Williams has given us really good ideas for our lessons to help our investigators. Sister Williams is a great trainer I can see her love for Sister Tumala.
The language is progressing, and my goal for no english except on P-days has really helped the progression go a lot faster!
This week has been filled with many blessings from Heavenly Father.
Thank You President Hansen!
Sister Bruno
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: Week
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
A missionary that not only experiences blessings, but also recognizes these blessings as to their source are always blessed with the spirit of their calling. Continue to work and pray for those recent converts................truly, the ward should be doing the bulk of the shepherding now that they are baptized...........perhaps this can be brought to the attention of the bishop through your WML. Have a great week.. Pres.Hansen
On Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 12:13 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:
This week has been really great. I am enjoying the work, and love my investigators. We have been trying to teach a recent converts son Jassen Velez. He is really one of those people you know will be strong when they convert. He wasn't home when we went to teach him on Saturday, but he went to church. We were all really excited, but again when we went to teach him on Tuesday he wasn't there. I wasn't so much frustrated as sad that we couldn't teach him.
Our recent converts are 50/50 some are strong going to church and some are back to old habits. We are working with them all and I hope that they can stay strong. I hear that the first year of a converts life into the church is the hardest for them. I only hope that we are strengthening them to withstand the adversity they face!
One of our recent converts when we went to visit him he was smoking and drunk! When we taught him the next day his prayer was a powerful plea for help to resist drinking and smoking. We pray for him and continue to encourage him to remain strong!
I feel the love that God has for His children when I teach especially the little children. The children in the Tintay area love when we come over to teach, and ask when we are coming back. There is a whole group of kids that attend church with our recent convert Sister Judith. She is a strong woman and she has helped her neighbor Rose Flores to have a greater desire to be baptized. I love her she is such a special spirit.
Sister Caluyo is an amazing teacher and I hope that one day I can have her gift of teaching. She is a great companion she always makes me smile. I could not have asked for a better companion.
Living with the four of us in the house in really fun we talk about our investigators, and Sister Tumala and Sister Williams has given us really good ideas for our lessons to help our investigators. Sister Williams is a great trainer I can see her love for Sister Tumala.
The language is progressing, and my goal for no english except on P-days has really helped the progression go a lot faster!
This week has been filled with many blessings from Heavenly Father.
Thank You President Hansen!
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Progress of Work
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Subject: Re: Week!
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Thanks for sharing the wonderful experiences ..............it is very evident that the Lord is working with you. Have another great week. Pres.Hansen
Dear President!
I am loving the split it was revelation without a doubt. We had 40 new investigators last week and we find several people a day. The area is so large and there are people we never would have met if the area wasn't split.
This week one of our recent converts son's Jassen Velez decided to let us teach him. He is 21 years old and his mother said he is extremely shy and doesn't like to talk, but he seems to be voicing his concerns with us. He is a very humble person and we are excited to continue to keep teaching him.
We have been teaching many children this transfer I can see why Jesus loves the little children. While we were teaching Grace Oporto the law of chastity and talked to her about being modest she said excuse me ran home and changed into modest clothes! She is so cute! Sister Genevievea Diparine is 11 years old and has been going to church with our recent convert Sister Judith Velez. Her mother and her have a baptismal date. Jenny her mother is willing to listen to our lessons and we love teaching her.
Sister Williams and Sister Tumala taught Emerson Ugdiman and he seems to be progressing to his baptismal date.
We have been walking in the path that the Savior has layed out for us because I feel like all the people we have met this week have been blessings, and I feel a strong love for all the people we have met.
Sister Mitch hasn't been coming to church since her confirmation. She works with her mother a lot and has been working for the last couple of weeks. We hope that she does not fall into the devil snares. I hear the first year of someones joining the church is the hardest on them. We only are trying to strengthen her testimony. She is strong in reading the scriptures and her testimony so we will only work hard to help keep her strong.
This transfer as all my other transfers have been great. I look back and see the many blessings that heavenly Father has given to me.
Sister Caluyo has been teaching me a lot and I have made high goals to meet. The language seems to not be a huge barrier as it once was. I have set a goal not to speak English this whole transfer I know its hard but possible! Sister Caluyo has been helping me a lot with the language and I love her for sacrificing her time to help me!
Thank You President!
Sister Bruno
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Subject: Re: Week!
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Thanks for sharing the wonderful experiences ..............it is very evident that the Lord is working with you. Have another great week. Pres.Hansen
On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 11:29 AM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:
I am loving the split it was revelation without a doubt. We had 40 new investigators last week and we find several people a day. The area is so large and there are people we never would have met if the area wasn't split.
This week one of our recent converts son's Jassen Velez decided to let us teach him. He is 21 years old and his mother said he is extremely shy and doesn't like to talk, but he seems to be voicing his concerns with us. He is a very humble person and we are excited to continue to keep teaching him.
We have been teaching many children this transfer I can see why Jesus loves the little children. While we were teaching Grace Oporto the law of chastity and talked to her about being modest she said excuse me ran home and changed into modest clothes! She is so cute! Sister Genevievea Diparine is 11 years old and has been going to church with our recent convert Sister Judith Velez. Her mother and her have a baptismal date. Jenny her mother is willing to listen to our lessons and we love teaching her.
Sister Williams and Sister Tumala taught Emerson Ugdiman and he seems to be progressing to his baptismal date.
We have been walking in the path that the Savior has layed out for us because I feel like all the people we have met this week have been blessings, and I feel a strong love for all the people we have met.
Sister Mitch hasn't been coming to church since her confirmation. She works with her mother a lot and has been working for the last couple of weeks. We hope that she does not fall into the devil snares. I hear the first year of someones joining the church is the hardest on them. We only are trying to strengthen her testimony. She is strong in reading the scriptures and her testimony so we will only work hard to help keep her strong.
This transfer as all my other transfers have been great. I look back and see the many blessings that heavenly Father has given to me.
Sister Caluyo has been teaching me a lot and I have made high goals to meet. The language seems to not be a huge barrier as it once was. I have set a goal not to speak English this whole transfer I know its hard but possible! Sister Caluyo has been helping me a lot with the language and I love her for sacrificing her time to help me!
Thank You President!
Sister Bruno
Making New Friends: 40 New Investigators in A Week
Dearest Family!
This week has been awesome. We have been having an adventure and finding many new friends. Many people are prepared to hear the gospel and I love them all. We have been teaching many children lately and they are so precious. I can see why the children are favorites. We have been doing a lot of finding this transfer, because I only have one companion now Sister Caluyo and the area is split so there is four of us. Sister Williams and Sister Tumala. I love the Greeny she is so nice and is way fun. We all live together and it's definitely good memories!
Our area is split so we basically can go any where in the area we want. We didn't set specific boundaries for our companionships because we can discover new areas if there are no limits! We got to choose how the area was split. It seems like there are a million people we haven't met yet and we had 40 new investigators this week and invited 500+ people to learn! We are only increasing everyday.
Everyday on the mission is a good day. It seems like the happiest I have ever been is in the service of the Lord. Teaching about Jesus and His ministry only brings happiness to missionaries. I have always wondered why missionaries were so happy I know why now.
We got to help a lady cut apart sandal straps yesterday. I didn't even think that people actually hand made the straps of the sandals!
This really is the perfect place for me I don't miss the cold one minute! The weather has been really perfect my whole time in the Philippines. we get a little rain and then sun. Sun brings happiness in my opinion! That's probably why the people are so humble and happy here! All the people always say good morning and such or wave at you they are the most friendly people I have ever met. I feel like I am now Itom and not Puti (black and not white haha). The people either whisper puti or American then I shock them with speaking Bisayan to them and they are amazed! Too many tourist in the Philippines haha!
Well I love you all and you are in my prayers!
Nahigugma Ko kaninyo!
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Splitting the Area in Cebu City
Nahigugma Ko kaninyo!
First of all I love you!!
This week is transfers week and the power of three is being seperated. Our area is being split in two and we will have four people in our apartment. Sister Williams is training for the first time, and me and Sister Caluyo are going to be companions. Our zone leader Elder Gubb is transferring and so is our Assistant to the President Elder Gatdula. Sister Bundac is going home this week and it makes me realize how fast the time has been going by. People I know are going home now!
We had a baptism this week Brother Nelson. He gave up smoking and drinking. He comes to church faithfully. He is a little bit slow on the processing, but he is a kind person. I know he will grow through the church. We cleaned out the Pit-os house this week and are settling into our new apartment in Apas. We need to find an apartment in our area, but haven't seen anything we like yet. We love the house we live in now with hot showers a washing and dryer and all the perks. It's funny what you miss while on the mission and see how many blessing we have.
This transfer I have been getting along with my companions really well. I love the adventures we have been having. They are tons of laughs. We laugh at least a million times a day either joking around or something one of us says. It's much better in life if we can just laugh at the trials we have!
Yesterday was an awesome day. Emerson Ugdiman said he wanted to be baptized, and we all thought he was going to be a lost cause, because he went on vacation and before vacation he was not progressing. When he returned though he not only looked older and was growing up, but the Lord has been preparing him to be baptized. When we asked him what his desire was for baptism he surprised all of us at his declaration of wanting to be baptized, but knows that he hasn't been going to church so he couldn't. We ensured him that he could go at his aunt's and the Elders over there could teach him. It's sad to give him up to the elders but if he gets baptized and grows in his testimony I will make the sacrifice and give him to the elders. We know that the elders will be better for him being a teenager and not having any brothers in the house it will help.
I miss you all
Love you
You all need to continue to keep you covenants. And don't forget you are special each one of you individually!
Sister Bruno
First of all I love you!!
This week is transfers week and the power of three is being seperated. Our area is being split in two and we will have four people in our apartment. Sister Williams is training for the first time, and me and Sister Caluyo are going to be companions. Our zone leader Elder Gubb is transferring and so is our Assistant to the President Elder Gatdula. Sister Bundac is going home this week and it makes me realize how fast the time has been going by. People I know are going home now!
We had a baptism this week Brother Nelson. He gave up smoking and drinking. He comes to church faithfully. He is a little bit slow on the processing, but he is a kind person. I know he will grow through the church. We cleaned out the Pit-os house this week and are settling into our new apartment in Apas. We need to find an apartment in our area, but haven't seen anything we like yet. We love the house we live in now with hot showers a washing and dryer and all the perks. It's funny what you miss while on the mission and see how many blessing we have.
This transfer I have been getting along with my companions really well. I love the adventures we have been having. They are tons of laughs. We laugh at least a million times a day either joking around or something one of us says. It's much better in life if we can just laugh at the trials we have!
Yesterday was an awesome day. Emerson Ugdiman said he wanted to be baptized, and we all thought he was going to be a lost cause, because he went on vacation and before vacation he was not progressing. When he returned though he not only looked older and was growing up, but the Lord has been preparing him to be baptized. When we asked him what his desire was for baptism he surprised all of us at his declaration of wanting to be baptized, but knows that he hasn't been going to church so he couldn't. We ensured him that he could go at his aunt's and the Elders over there could teach him. It's sad to give him up to the elders but if he gets baptized and grows in his testimony I will make the sacrifice and give him to the elders. We know that the elders will be better for him being a teenager and not having any brothers in the house it will help.
I miss you all
Love you
You all need to continue to keep you covenants. And don't forget you are special each one of you individually!
Sister Bruno
Thursday, February 3, 2011
It's Been An Interesting Week
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission
Date: Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Subject: Re: Its been an interesting week
To: Annika Bruno
Your experiences are molding you each week into the person the Lord wants you to be. Thanks for your report and have a healthy week. Pres.Hansen
On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 2:53 PM, Annika Bruno wrote:
Dear President Hanson,
Seems like when I have high goals there is always opposition. I set some high goals this week and it just so happens that I got hit with a bad sickness. I had a high fever and chills so I was out of work for two days (Yesterday night,yesterday, and today I'm just getting better). But I only see it as an opportunity to work harder. I'm grateful for good companions. Sister Caluyo and Sister Williams are heaven sent. They are definitely answers to my cry's to Heavenly Father.
Besides the obvious bad part of the week the rest of the week has been good. Sister Grace Hardy was baptized and missed her confirmation, because they made it late to church coming back from being at Graces home. She was upset about it but we assured her that we are going to confirm her next week.
Mitch Minosa baptism is set for February 12, 2011 and she is going to be prepared. Besides the assigned readings we have given her she has taken the initiative to start reading the Book of Mormon herself and is in Jacob right now.
Like you said President Hanson with many trials comes many blessings this seems to be our companionship theme!
Sister Bruno
From: Philippine CebuMission
Date: Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Subject: Re: Its been an interesting week
To: Annika Bruno
Your experiences are molding you each week into the person the Lord wants you to be. Thanks for your report and have a healthy week. Pres.Hansen
On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 2:53 PM, Annika Bruno
Dear President Hanson,
Seems like when I have high goals there is always opposition. I set some high goals this week and it just so happens that I got hit with a bad sickness. I had a high fever and chills so I was out of work for two days (Yesterday night,yesterday, and today I'm just getting better). But I only see it as an opportunity to work harder. I'm grateful for good companions. Sister Caluyo and Sister Williams are heaven sent. They are definitely answers to my cry's to Heavenly Father.
Besides the obvious bad part of the week the rest of the week has been good. Sister Grace Hardy was baptized and missed her confirmation, because they made it late to church coming back from being at Graces home. She was upset about it but we assured her that we are going to confirm her next week.
Mitch Minosa baptism is set for February 12, 2011 and she is going to be prepared. Besides the assigned readings we have given her she has taken the initiative to start reading the Book of Mormon herself and is in Jacob right now.
Like you said President Hanson with many trials comes many blessings this seems to be our companionship theme!
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Live-In Partners
Family!I can't believe how fast the time is going I feel like I just got here yesterday! I'm never going to get used to the time on the mission. It seems like the time goes so fast because its go go go all the time, and I love it.
This last Saturday January 29, 2011 Sister Grace Hardy was baptized it was really awesome. She definitely was one of those people who was ready for baptism. She has one of the strongest testimonies, and she has such a good heart. She always wants to feed us and even if we wanted to we cant escape her house without her feeding us. Her baptism was small, but her sister ended up coming which was good i think for Sister Grace. On Sunday Sister Grace and Brother Hardy came late, because they were coming all the way from Sister Graces home in the Providence and so she wasn't confirmed. She was really disappointed, but we made sure she knew we would do it next Sunday.
On the Dyipney (jeepney) ride the other day the conductor (the man/boy sometimes there are 14 year old conductors who takes the money) the guy asked Sister Caluyo if she was our tour guide. Haha I never heard that one before it was hilarious. I think that's probably what many people think of us when we are walking down the street.
Sister Williams and Sister Caluyo always make sure I say to say Hi to everyone in Bisayan because I "wouldn't want to disappoint my fan club" they are always teasing me about me having a fan club. They tease me about everything actually but its just what I call love.
Sister Mitch Minosa has a baptismal date of February 12, 2011 and she is ready for baptism. Although we didn't assign her to she has begun to read the scriptures from the beginning and she is already in Jacob.
Many of our investigators right now have Law of Chastity problems. Their are many people who have live-in boyfriends with children, so its really difficult trying to convience them to get married. Our investigators are willing it's the boyfriends that are having the issues, and two of them are members. Sister Sally Abella, and Sister Emeley Pardillo both have live-ins that are members it's sad because they are not living their covenants and so they are holding their families from blessings. Its really frustrating!
I love you all and hope all is well!
Sister Bruno
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
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
Until next week this is the life and stories of Sister Bruno
Sister Bruno
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Progress of the Work in Cebu City Philippines
Today I was riding in the Jeepney and a truck passed by and one of the guys stared at me and poked his friend next to him. They both stared at me. I just smiled and waved. I'm the minority here and when I walk by everyone stares. I just say maayong buntag or maayong hapon or maayong gabbii (good morning, good afternoon, good night). Their jaws drop and they say stuff like you know my language or where are you from!
The kids are the cutest ever they all just stare at me and laugh but probably because I sound like a child when I speak their language. Haha!
Funny story
I was walking down this alley way which they have a lot of those here and a bunch of guys asked hey where are you going in Cebuano and I thought they asked me where I was from and I was like AMERICA! Haha sooo funny but I made it into a contacting experience. My companions died laughing!
My companion Sister Ramos is my trainer. She is really nice and my other companion is Sister Williams. She translates for me. Sister Ramos's English is pretty good but not always the best. So I get confused sometimes. We talk some in English while in the apartment because it's mission rules to help each other if you have a native companion. English in the apartment and Cebuano when not in the apartment. Sister Robison has a blog her mom keeps up for her dad. You should try to find it. I don't have the URL right now but I can get it next Monday during district meeting.
I had my first baptism his name is Danilo Ymbing. He is 36 years old and has a really strong conviction to follow the church.
We have Sally Abella as an investigator. She has a live-in and has a baby from him. She is also married but separated. It's hard to get a divorce in the Philippines and so I think maybe we are continuing the lessons for baptism. It's a weird situation.
We also have Elicio Arinasa. His two girls just got baptized and his wife is a member. We are encouraging the two girls Ann Marie who is 8 and Jayann who is 10 to encourage their father to read the Book of Mormon and to come to church. Thus far every time we have gone to visit him he is not home. He is usually at work.
We have an investigator Grace Hardy whose husband is an American from Utah and a member. She comes to church with him every Sunday. She says she wants to be baptized. The only thing we need to do is find times to visit her when she doesn't have school or work to teach her the lessons. She is gone for the holidays but we hope to get her baptized in the next month or two.
We went to visit with a man named Lone Denoso yesterday. He has thought about suicide because he had a stroke and the left side of his body is paralyzed. When we visited him yesterday his wife was home and we taught them both. It was a hard lesson because he kept making inappropriate comments.
It's hard to teach lessons because every lesson they have Hip Hop music playing in the background and instead of talking louder over the music the people talk quietly. The favorite song right now in the Philippines is Justin Bieber BABY. It's way funny! Elder Holley who is from my district in the MTC is in my district here in the Philippines and everyone thinks he looks like Justin Bieber so they call him Justin. It's way funny but I think he might be able to use it to his advantage during contacting!!
So I am planning on Skyping probably on the 24th your time around 5PM-7PM. I'm not for sure!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
First Philippines Missionary Area: Experiencing the Custom of Alom Pulos
So I'm finally in the Philippines. It's pretty interesting. It's made me realize how much I have in the States. I miss the luxuries of life :) Today we went to the temple I love going because its a place to relax your mind for a couple of hours.
This morning we woke up at 4:30am to go play basketball with the district before it got too hot. But I am way tired now. I don't want to get up that early again, but my companions like to go. It's way good exercise. It's way hot here and I'm constantly sweating. It's some good times. If you couldn't tell by the pictures, I gained a ton in the MTC but its all good. I predict that I will sweat those off. haha...
We went to teach this woman who has a Catholic background. And on the way we passed by like 8 little kids and they all greeted us with "HELLO" and wanted to shake our hands. They were so cute they shook our hands and did the sign of respect by bringing our hands to their forehead. I do this thing called alom pulos where you poke the back of their heads and say alom pulos and they laugh or look up at you annoyed. Haha. Its fun our teacher in the MTC Brother Christensen taught us that game.
Elder Holley is in my district here. I am in the Talamban District. It's in the Cebu city zone. He was in my district in the MTC. its nice to have a familiar face around. In the city it's not too different you can still get a lot of American food and such and they have a mall. I would send pictures but I forgot my cord I will send them next week. The camera I got takes really good pictures. I am scared to use it though in public because my companions make me all paranoid but I guess you just have to be careful with your belongings here.
We live in this three-story house and the stairs are super narrow and the bottom floor we just use as a room for our shoes and a work our room then upstairs on the second level is the kitchen we have a toaster oven and a refrigerator and a hot pan a sink and that's about it. We also have a kitchen table and three chairs their all plastic. We have two wooden desks to do our studies on. On the third level we have the bathroom and a closet with pop up closets. Then we have the bedroom with two beds. We are in a threesome Sister Williams, Sister Ramos and me. Sister Ramos is my "mom". We have a mattress on the floor. Sister Williams is sleeping on until they get us a third bed sometime this week.
It's not too bad living here. The only problem I have is not being able to understand the language. It's so frustrating. I am studying and yet I still don't understand. I can remotely communicate ideas and wish I was fluent in this language. They speak super fast and super soft.
I thought I would get away from music and TV and such but actually they blast American music all day long outside with the bass and it always seems to be blaring during a lesson. They listen to all American music here mostly hip hop. The music I would listen to at home. It's hard not to listen when its blasting everywhere. They also watch American TV shows so when we are at a house usually members' houses they are watching TV.
I am trying not to be discouraged but the language is hard but besides that it's not too bad of a place.
Love you all!
Annika
This morning we woke up at 4:30am to go play basketball with the district before it got too hot. But I am way tired now. I don't want to get up that early again, but my companions like to go. It's way good exercise. It's way hot here and I'm constantly sweating. It's some good times. If you couldn't tell by the pictures, I gained a ton in the MTC but its all good. I predict that I will sweat those off. haha...
We went to teach this woman who has a Catholic background. And on the way we passed by like 8 little kids and they all greeted us with "HELLO" and wanted to shake our hands. They were so cute they shook our hands and did the sign of respect by bringing our hands to their forehead. I do this thing called alom pulos where you poke the back of their heads and say alom pulos and they laugh or look up at you annoyed. Haha. Its fun our teacher in the MTC Brother Christensen taught us that game.
Elder Holley is in my district here. I am in the Talamban District. It's in the Cebu city zone. He was in my district in the MTC. its nice to have a familiar face around. In the city it's not too different you can still get a lot of American food and such and they have a mall. I would send pictures but I forgot my cord I will send them next week. The camera I got takes really good pictures. I am scared to use it though in public because my companions make me all paranoid but I guess you just have to be careful with your belongings here.
We live in this three-story house and the stairs are super narrow and the bottom floor we just use as a room for our shoes and a work our room then upstairs on the second level is the kitchen we have a toaster oven and a refrigerator and a hot pan a sink and that's about it. We also have a kitchen table and three chairs their all plastic. We have two wooden desks to do our studies on. On the third level we have the bathroom and a closet with pop up closets. Then we have the bedroom with two beds. We are in a threesome Sister Williams, Sister Ramos and me. Sister Ramos is my "mom". We have a mattress on the floor. Sister Williams is sleeping on until they get us a third bed sometime this week.
It's not too bad living here. The only problem I have is not being able to understand the language. It's so frustrating. I am studying and yet I still don't understand. I can remotely communicate ideas and wish I was fluent in this language. They speak super fast and super soft.
I thought I would get away from music and TV and such but actually they blast American music all day long outside with the bass and it always seems to be blaring during a lesson. They listen to all American music here mostly hip hop. The music I would listen to at home. It's hard not to listen when its blasting everywhere. They also watch American TV shows so when we are at a house usually members' houses they are watching TV.
I am trying not to be discouraged but the language is hard but besides that it's not too bad of a place.
Love you all!
Annika
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