Pictures!

First day in Benidorm



View from near our house




Paella!




Eggs with Luz!



I'm just a little black rain cloud

April 25, 2011

 

The sunny weather has disappeared! It has been raining here, in the land of sunshine and beaches! I can not believe it, I must protest! But things are well in the land of missionary work! We still have our baptism scheduled for May 7. She has a lot of things to change but she wants to be baptized. Faith and the priesthood power work miracles!!! I am so excited to see her baptized. Baptism is the GREATEST!! We see Luz every single day, ususally for just a short period of time. We even dyed easter eggs with her, which she loved because she loves the United States.

   Easter is a little different here in Spain...no Easter Beagle for one. They celebrate from thursday until sunday-semana santa. There are lots of processions, but we did not get to see any. We made little easter cards with a scripture and thank you note for every family in our branch! We had a lovely dinner of pizza and fresh strawberries with one of the members-plus we spent the day talking to people about the gospel, so it was amazing!
  

We are still looking for our family!! I want to teach a whole family so so much. I just keep praying that I will find one. I know it is possible.

One hilarious story...yesterday as we were walking home to our apartment, we contacted this old man and his wife. When we asked them who Jesus Christ was for them, the old man just started singing about how Jesus Christ gives us hope and love. It was the best thing ever!

I love the gospel. I love Jesus Christ.

I love you a million singing contacts  'Cristo nos da la esperanza!'
Love, Melissa the Beautiful

What I am up to

  I am doing so great. I love Benidorm already. I was so sad to leave Pamplona, you know how attached I get to places.  Benidorm is a completely different world. We can see the ocean from our apartment... The branch here is small, about 30 people on a good Sunday. But they are all amazing and I am so excited to work with them.

 

My new companion, Hna. R- she is great. I am already learning a lot from her. She is so good at talking to everyone, and I mean everyone. And she is hilarious which I always appreciate. Plus she has this calming voice, that pretty much stops people in the street. Good phone voice she calls it.  

 

 We set a baptismal date for May 7 with a woman named Luz. She is from Columbia and she is a little crazy but I love her. And she wants to be baptized and change her life! And we has 6 investigators in church! It was a miracle.

 

I love it here...I do not have to wear a coat, which is just lovely. Benidorm is full of old people and tourists but it is lovely as well. I am so excited to be serving here. I really love being a missionary. It is a miracle to me that I love being a missionary. But I do I love it!!!

 

We actually live in a little pueblo just outside of Benidorm Villa Joyosa. 

 

I love you a million beautiful beaches that I can not visit in BENIDORM

 

Melissa the Beautiful

Nothing Compares to YOU

  It is going to be a combined letter this week because I got transferred! I will now be serving in the hottest part of the mission BENIDORM! Yep all the way from the North down to the most Southern part. Right now I am in Valencia with my new companion Hna. Reed. We well be staying the night here and then going to Benidorm after district meeting. It was hard when I heard I was leaving Pamplona...I cried. I love Pamplona like my first love. But I am excited to be here and start this other part of my mission. Hna. Rodriguez was so excited for me because she served in Benidorm for 6 months. BEACHES AND OCEAN!

  I am pretty tired from all the traveling and saying good bye. It was hard leaving my recent converts and the ward, but I know they will be in good hands with Hna. Rodriguez. She is training again...her companion does not know how lucky she is to start in Pamplona!

 

This is my new address...

C/Aitana 4, 4 C

La Villa Joyosa 03570

Alicante España

 

You know how I love some cards...I actually recieved a package from the ward Beehives...but I accidentally left it in Barcelona.

 

I love you a million crazy days of dragging my suitcases all across Spain!

 

Love, Melissa the Beautiful

San Fermin shirts

I can not believe that Easter is not until the end of April! But this week is General Conference...I am excited except I think it is going to be in Spanish...luckily I know Spanish! 7 months...almost 8. I can hardly believe it. All the members were telling me how much better my Spanish has gotten. I have a lot more confidence, I can not always find the words, but I try.

  I am not so excited about transfers. I really really REALLY want to be here for another transfer! But I will try to be happy about anything that happens. I just really love Pamplona. Hna. Rodriguez and I bought San Fermin shirts...from 2009. They were 2 for 3 euros! What a steal. I will have to send some pictures.
   We are still looking for new investigators but really focusing on working with the members-  I am glad to hear you are marking the Book of Mormon to give away. I have realized more and more on my mission that I had many opportunites to share the gospel that I did not take. Little by little- and there are even people in Idaho who need the gospel. We had lunch today with a family who was here in Pamplona when there were only 10 people- now there are over 300 in this ward! It is amazing the change and happiness the gospel brings!

 

I am copying my letter to President Hinckley- It has a little more information that I do not usually have time to write in these emails.

 

President Hinckley,
  I wrote a beautiful letter but it looks like it got lost in the vast expanse of the internet. I will try again!
  We have a couple of investigators, but it has been rather hard to set citas with them. They all have crazy work schedules which makes it a bit more complicated. This week we are going to set at least two firm citas with each of them, so that we can have more constant contact with them! Lusia and Patricia, a mother and daughter, are great. They have agreed to read in the Book of Mormon...plus they both said that when they read they feel a peace in their hearts. Exactly.
  I think the moment that most stands out to me this week is when we were teaching the Restoration to one of our menos activo families. The daughter, Melany, is 11 and does not much like the world right now. One week excited to see us, the next no. We had decided to teach the first lesson because we realized that they did not remember much about the basics. Start at the beginning. I have been teaching more and more with Hna. Rodriguez, so I started with 'God is Our Loving Heavenly Father'. I talked about how God is the Father of our Spirits, how he loves us, how he gave us prayer so we could communicate with him. This is not new to me but Melany was looking at me so intently, I focused in on her. And I realized that maybe she did not know this or did not understand,that she had a Heavenly Father who loved her. I could feel the love that Heavenly Father has for her, that he loves her so much. I am think she felt that love for just a moment. I want that feeling to be in every lesson. I want her to know, not just this once, but all the time that God loves her. I am going to work harder on having the Spirit so that every person I talk to can feel the love of God.
  I feel like our relationship with the ward is getting better and better. On Sunday, I decided that I was going to try and talk to more people. I still have a little bit of fear when talking with people in Spanish. But I talked to many people and was able to carry on conversations! Without Hna. Rodriguez to save me. Everyone I talked to said how much better my Spanish has gotten and one even commented on my accent...that it was good. And the love just keeps getting bigger! One of the members approached me and told me that we could have a noche de hogar with our investigators, whenever we wanted to, at their house. Another member asked for a pamphlet and said she was going after church to give away a Book of Mormon!!! YES!! I love this ward, I LOVE these people. I am so happy to be serving here. They are incredible!
  I am a little worried about Isabel, our recent convert. She is struggling because she has not had work in over 3 months. She thought that when she joined the church everything would be fixed. But it did not exactly work like that. She has not come to church for the past two weeks. We are going to be visiting her more, reading in the Book of Mormon with her, to help her with her testimony. I know she has one, it just needs a little help.
 I love serving in Pamplona. Hna. Rodriguez and I are getting working hard together, working hard to find investigators, strengthen our recent converts and menos activos and improve the relationship with the ward. I learn something new from her every day. She helps me so much- to have more animo and love for this work. I love her.
  I have been reading in Alma. There is a verse I love about how God uses those small and simple things to bring about great and marvelous works. I do not feel like I have much power but I am seeing as I work on the small things, being more obedient, working more with the members, having more love for everyone, that great things are happening. Little by little. I guess sometimes we have to wait for the great things. But I am learning to be an instrument in the hands of God, even if I am weak by myself.
I love Pamplona! Here is to another great week in the beautiful miraculous PAMPLONA!!
-Hna. Roberts

 

I love you a million San Fermin shirts...for an incredible steal!

 

Love, Melissa the Beautiful

Spring, lovely, snowy, spring

 This week we had zone conference, which always comes at exactly the right time, right when I need a boost. I realized during the conference that I have been focusing on the negative, not on the positive. So this week I have been working hard to see the miracles and there they are!

  

Right now we are focusing a lot on working with the members of our ward. We went to church a half hour early, so that we could greet all the members of our ward as they came into the chapel. I realized as we were greeting everyone how much I have come to love this ward. I still don´t understand a lot of what is being said but I love these members and they love me right back. It is going to break my heart to leave!

 

 On Monday we had a visit with one of our less active families. There is always this girl named Patricia there... she is 10 and a friend of the family. Well on Monday she said to us ´you need to meet my mom!´ So we walked her home and met her mom, set up some visits with her! Patricia is probably the most hilarious 10 year old I have ever met. She told us last week that she did not want to offend us but she did not like our work. She woud preferr that we worked in an office building so we did not have to be in the streets! Bahaha! I love her.

 

  I also have been baking quite a few things...brownies and cookies. But I have to say that my luck has not changed...I burnt the brownies and the cookies are...interesting. But everyone thinks they are delicious because they have never had real cookies before. 

    

I love you a million girls named Patricia who love the Book of Mormon and think Americans only eat hamburgers!

Love, Melissa the Beautiful

Winds of March

Yes, the weather is crazy pants here...snowing one minute, the next sunny. I want Spring!!!

We are still looking for investigators...I am trying to learn patience because it has been a pretty discourging week. But hopefully those miracles are just around the corner.  We set a bunch of little goals for our big goal of finding a family! A real family. So we are talking to everyone about families, contacting families, talking with the members about the Proclamation and praying all the time to find our family! We got a reference for a family from one of the members in our ward...hopefully it is our family!!!

I love my mission. It is hard a lot of times. But I love Pamplona, I love our recent converts and this ward. It will be hard to leave.

I love you a million references from members for our family!!!

Love, Melissa the Beautiful

Reply: Happy Birthday

  I am still in Pamplona, so you can send those cards right along! My birthday was interesting...kind of  like Christmas, it didn't really feel like my birthday! But I did recieve your package and I loved it!!! You don't even know, I just wanted to kiss it! And then I did! But Hna. Rodriguez made me some delicious food, spagetti and cake, and several people sang to me. In Spanish of course.

 This week has been a bit rough, to be honest. Hna Rodriguez received some news that one of her recent converts had died. It is pretty hard because she spent a lot of time with this lady and loves her so much. But Hna R is amazing and strong. We have also been working hard to find new investigators. Meeting with lots of members to encourage them to share the gospel with their friends! 

I am excited to be here in Pamplona for another transfer. I love it here. I love this ward and the people. The other day I talked to this lady from Spain on the bus! Which may not seem like much but I talked to her without the help of my companion. I understood her and she understood me. It is a miracle, more then a ten minute conversation! Ahh and I understood her! I still can not believe it. It is so amazing!

I love you a million conversations that I can finally have in SPANISH!

Love, Melissa the Beautiful

Happy Heart Day!

  The baptism went great. He told us that when he was baptized he felt something hug his heart! He will be confirmed and receive the priesthood this Sunday. He is excited to receive both on the same day. He is such a goofy kid but I just love him.

  

  In my interview yesterday with President Hinckley, I talked with him a little about some worries I have. He told me I need to have more faith and talk with people, so that I can feel like a missionary all the time. Then I won´t have any regrets! And this week is my 6 month mark...can you believe it!

  Thanks so much for always writing me. It is a such a strength! I love you so so much!

I pray for you every day.

I love you a million days of February

February 7

 I am doing great! We dropped all our investigators this week, except two, because they weren´t progressing! It is a bit sad but when people refuse to commit or come to church after months of teaching, it has to happen. We have a baptism this Sunday!!! With a kid named Edy- he is 17 and from Columbia! This will be the first baptism that I have been teaching the entire time! And I am seriously so excited! I will definitely send pictures!!!! Edy is amazing and he loves learning about the gospel. Plus he is a little goofy which makes me love him even more.

My Spanish is improving. I have been making an effort to speak more with members with investigators etc. And it has been helping. All the members keep commenting that my Spanish has gotten so much better. I even bore my testimony is Relief Society...I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest.

I love you a million confusing Spanish streets

Love, Melissa the Beautiful

January 24

Things are good here. It is now freezing. I have been wearing a hat and like three scarves. I wish I would have brought my kniffty knitter, so that I could knit myself a huge scarf. My Spanish is getting better, we speak mostly in Spanish but she knows a fair amount of English. She is helping me teach a lot more, which is good. Plus we just laugh...because communicating in two languages is crazy.

We have zone conference tomorrow, I am excited for a boost of spirits. I have a lot of questions that I am praying will be answered. I have been trying to make my prayers more meaningful. Sometimes it is hard because I am so tired at night. But it is worth it. I am loving the talks from Conference. I feel like they are speaking to me personally. I especially love Elder Holland´s and Elder Eyring´s from Priesthood.

 

I love you a million scarves in the freezing cold!

Where Do I Start

I have not wrote much since Christmas, so this is just a little run down...(most of it may involve food)

-I ate rabbit on Christmas Eve

-I ate 12 grapes on New Year´s Eve...apparently it brings good luck in the New Year

-I took a bunch of pictures of the youth outside our window the next morning...they were singing, dancing and all dressed up in Halloween costumes. Apparently a New Years tradition. Hilarious. I was just amazed that they were still singing at 7:30 in the morning

-Set three baptismal dates for Jan. and Feb....YEAH!!!

-Got a companion...who only speaks Spanish. She is hilarious. We have a good time trying to understand each other.

-Made it to five months in the mission!!!

-knocked doors on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year´s Eve and New Years

- decided that knocking doors is the best. Seriously. People are so funny when you bring up religion. Especially when you are standing on their door.

-realized that I love being on a mission! 

I love you a million days of knocking doors...believe me. It is hilrious

Transfer Week

Well I am still in Pamplona! My new campanion is Hermana Rodriguez. She is from Argentina but lives in Italy. And yes, she speaks very little English. But she is great I can tell. But I know it is going to be a little rough at first with the language barrier. Especially trying to explain about our investigators. We did not meet all the mission standards this past week, not for lack of trying. We do our part and everyone has their agency. But we did see miracles...and we have another baptism date¨.

 

Sorry this is not very long but it has been a crazy day. Next week will be much better. And probably full of crazy adventures.

I love you a million words in Spanglish.

One sweet cookie

Christmas cookie decorated to look like Melissa, by her dear friend Melissa.

Happy New Year

 This week has been pretty good. We finally have a baptismal date with a woman named Mirly. She came to church and pretty much told us she wanted to get baptized. So we are preparing her for the 22. Transfers are next week, so I don´t really know what is going to happen. Most likely I will be staying here, but one never really knows.

  Our goal this week is to reach all the mission standards. It is going to be crazy trying to do it, but amazing. I am pretty excited especially since it is probably our last week in this companionship. We are finally teaching some people who will set some firm citas, which is the best. I don´t know I am just excited for this week. Plus it is a new year, which is awesome

 

i love you a million stamps from Spain

MERRY CHRISTMAS BEDFORD FALLS

Merry Christmas!...Well in a couple of days! We have been trying to get in the Christmas spirit here...we bought a couple of strings of lights at a chino. Unfortunately they only have about 20 lights in the two strings combined. But we have been listening to MOTAB Christmas songs something fierce. And making jokes about the Basque Santa, who is always dressed in black. How would you like that climbing into your window?

  

At the beginning of all our lessons, we usually sing a hymn. Sometimes the investigators sing with us, but most of the time they just listen. We opened one of our lessons by singing a Christmas song, and when we finished they started clapping. ´You should hold a concert` LAS HERMANAS En CONCIERTO. I almost died laughing. Especially since my voice is always cracking when we hit the high notes, but our investigators love it. 

One great thing about the mission, is how we are always running for the bus. Always. I can not think of a day that we did not run for the bus. Last week, we saw our bus coming as we were leaving our apartment. We darted across 2 lanes of traffic and dashed down the street. The bus was full of people, who were definitley laughing. It did not help that I had a pocket full of change that kept jingling as I ran¡ I love giving the good people of Pamplona something to brighten their days. Nothing like seeing the Mormon nuns running for the bus!

I love Spain. I am seeing little miracles everyday. Even though it is hard being out in the cold trying to find people to teach, I can see how God is blessing my life. And this Christmas is going to be full of miracles. I am grateful this Christmas for Jesus Christ. For his example and for his sacrifice. Without him I am nothing. With him I am everything. Merry Christmas!!! I love you all.

I love you a million Basque Santas dressed in black!

The Weather Outside is Frightful

2 Things I Realized this Week

 

1. Repeating 'I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful' over and over to myself actually does work.

 

2. I need a gaint wool scarf to wrap around my whole body.

 

Even though this was a pretty tough week, in terms of work, it turned out great. We had a ton of lessons that got canceled (16 to be exact), so we spent a lot of time going by old investigators and talking to people in the streets. Hence the need of a gaint wool scarf. It was cold and then it snowed, but we met some great people. We had a visit with this man named Jonas. He is from Ghana...and he speaks English which is great for me. I got to teach quite a bit in the lesson. He had some awesome questions about prophets, baptism, and spiritual gifts. We were able to testify that the Book of Mormon can answer all his questions. We have another visit with him on wednesday and I can´t wait.

 

One of the best things about Spain is that people are so helpful when you are lost. If you don´t know where you are going and you look like you are lost, someone will stop and help you find your way. And they will usually walk you to the place you are going, just to make sure you actually get there. I love it. Spain...it is a great country!

 

I love you a million older ladies in big fur coats!

Ohhh What a Lucky Man He Was

Apparently it is looking like a white Christmas in some parts of the world! It snowed a bit here on Friday, but other than that it has just been cold cold Cold! We sent my trainer off yesterday, she will be sleeping in her own bed by wednesday! I was sad to see her go because she was awesome! 

  I finished my first transfer! It has acutally gone by so fast! Hna. Culverwell and I are staying here in Pamplona. With Hna. Church gone, I finally get to sleep in a bed! I have been sleeping on the couch cushions for the last 6 six weeks. Though I think I have kind of gotten used to it because when I woke up this morning, I had a sore neck. Who said living the high life is so great?

  Thanksgiving was pretty great. We had pizza, ice cream and chuches. We also had some great visits. We are having a real thanksgiving dinner today with an American girl from our ward! Turkey and everything! So delcious!

 The Spanish is coming along...I even made a comment in Sunday School. I am going to be teaching a lot more with Hna Church gone, so my Spanish should be getting a lot better!

  We are working hard to get some new investigators. Our goal is to baptize two people this transfer!

 

I love you a million pairs of warm winter gloves! 

Cat Kirk or Human Kirk

Hola¡ This week has been exciting. I got to ask someone to be baptized for the first time. Her name is Marta, and when I asked her, she didn;t quite realize I was asking a question. So we just stared at each other for a couple moments just smiling, until my companion explained to her. Then she said yes. It was a little hilarious. Her baptismal date is Dec. 11, so we are going to be working hard to prepare her for that date.

Lots of people here think we are nuns. I have heard more references to nuns this week, then in my whole life. Some girls on the bus did not want to sit by us because they were afraid of becoming nuns. Bahaha.

I am learning so much about the gospel and my love of the Book of Mormon is growing each day¡ 

I love you a million thanksgiving turkeys¡

Just another Manic Monday

 

  This is going to be a combined email this week. I was going to try to attach some pictures but I don´t know how well it is going to work. So we will see. Pretty much the life of a missionary is insane. I don´t think I have had a normal week yet. Lots of people think I am from Spain, so it is kind of surprising to them when they hear me speak...bahaha I just try to smile and nod! But it is kind of true that I am just an extra right now. Everyone always says the 4 four missionaries, oops I mean 5. It is all good though.

  I saw a group of Down Sydrome teenagers/adults walking together the other night. They were all laughing and having a good time. It made me pretty happy. I have actually seen quite a few people with Down Sydrome since I have been here. 

  We baptized 2 people on friday...Isabel and Candy. A mom and her 12 year old daughter. I don´t think watching people get baptized will ever get old. But right now we don´t really have any other solid investigators. People just don´t want to keep commitments. Miakol, the kid who committed to be baptized, has ditched us the last three appointments. Lesly, who is totally ready to be baptized, boyfriend won´t marry her...even though he is a member.  Hopefully this week we will be able to find some good investigators, or get the ones we have to keep their committments.

  I didn´t get to really share what I wanted about what Elder Teixara said last week because I forgot my notes! But I remembered them this week! He talked a little about how we are placed not just in a specific mission but with a specific mission president. It doesn´t matter where you go, just who you are with. He talked about maintaining a vision...not just of right now but of the future. So that we can see beyond the failure of the day, to the great things that will happen. He said that we can gain lots of knowledge, but intil we apply it, we won´t understand it. And that is what we want our investigators to do with commitments. Gain that knowledge, then apply it for the understanding.

  I am trying to work hard and be a good missionary. I am working on my faith, that things will be good and that I will be able to do my best.

  

I love you a million zone conferences with Elder Teixara

Love- Melissa the Beautiful

Every Time You Go Away

Hola! This week has been a crazy one! Really though, I have a feeling that every week is going to be like that. We had a zone in Bilbao with Elder Texiara. It was amazing and got me pumped for being a missionary. He talked a lot about giving firm committments- actually committing people and promising blessings. We have been putting some things he told us  into practice this week, and we are already seeing results. Right now the Barcelona mission is the highest baptizing European mission outside of England. And there is so much work to be done here.

We will be baptizing a mother and daughter this weekend! We started teaching a young man named Miakol this week and he accepted our invitation to be baptized. There are so many people to teach here in Pamplona, we almost don´t have enough time.  Our ward is really amazing. The Bishop and the Mission leader are working hard, so that we can have a member present at every lesson. 

I love being here. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. But I love it.

It is Getting Crazy With All the Nuns Here

The biggest news this week is that a nun came to church. When we got to church all these people came out into the foyer, 'a nun is here! In the church! You need to teach her!' Everyone was going crazy! And it is true. There she was, in all her nun finery. She stayed the whole 3 hours, asked lots of questions, and wanted a Book of Mormon. From what I gathered, she lives by a family in our ward and they invited her. And she loves the Mormons which of course is great. There is a possiblity that we could be teaching her this week...

 

I got my hair cut and I got new glasses. I didn´t have enough time in the mornings to properly do my hair, so I decided to donate it. And my eyes are pretty much allergic to Spain, so I haven´t been able to wear my contacts.

 

I have had quite a few people think I am Spanish. That is until I start to speak. That is when I will work on perfectly a few phrases to really confuse people!

 

There is a lot of work going on here in Pamplona. In the next month, we(hermanas and elders) have 5 baptisms scheduled. We are constantly staying busy, teaching and finding. It is a lot of hard work but definitely worth it.

 

A couple funny things have happened with learning the language this past week. I was trying to explain to my companion that I was the oldest in my family and ended up saying that I was the best...those words are super close in Spanish.

This one happened to my companion. We have been teaching this older man Felipe...he has been ´taught´ by missionaries for about 40 years. Anyways, he loves English and was asking my companion what 'under way' meant. She thought he said underware(?spelling?) and began explaining that to him! He was pretty embarrassed.

 

Thanks for all the support! I love you all a million misunderstandings in Spanish!

And Here We Have Pamplona

I have arrived. After two months, I have made it to my first area. And my sanity is still intact, Miracle of Miracles. Pamplona...seriously this place is absolutely gorgeous. I am in absolute awe everywhere I go. You can just feel the history everywhere, and I LOVE IT! But along with that, I am more exhausted then I have ever been. I honestly fall into bed everynight. My journal is really suffering...

I got here on wednesday, and it has been straight to work. I have two companions, Hna Church and Hna Culverwell. They are both amazing missionaries and are already teaching me a ton. I get to share what I can in our lessons. Most of the time I can kind of catch the guist of what is going on. It is not easy those. Sometimes my brain is just like ´hold on´ because I am concentrating so hard. There is quite a bit of work to do in this area. It has just been the two sisters here since July but a companionship of Elders is also coming to Pamplona, so there will be five of us here. Which is great. This area has only been a ward for about a year. The ward members are awesome and so nice...at least from what I could understand! bahaha

I honestly sometimes can´t even believe that I am here, that I am a missionary. It is awesome to be able to be a small part in helping people change their lives. I already feel such a love for the people here, something that I never thought would be possible. I am excited to be here and to be working hard.

I love you a million walks down the Pamplona streets

Dust and Mud, Roar of the Sunday Crowd

I have arrived in my first area...drum roll please...Pamplona...home of the run of the bulls and delicious pastries. It used to be part of the Bilbao(?) mission.  I can´t even believe I am here!!!

Love- Melissa the Beautiful

(PS  Go here to see a picture of Melissa)

Pepper Ann, Pepper Ann Marching in Her Own Parade

So, the great news of the week is...I have pink eye! I know, awesome! Which means glasses all day every day!

 

The true news of the week is that on Tuesday, I will take a train to Barcelona! This is great because 1. I will be out of the MTC and in the field, and 2. I get to ride a train! Honestly, why do I love trains so much? I am beyond excited about that especially when I learned it is a super fast train. Tuesday can not come fast enough!

 

Eight other missionaries will get here on Saturday, including my two companions from the MTC. Then all of us but one will be heading to Barcelona. Visas seem to be coming faster because none of these missionaries coming have been out in the field. They are all coming straight from the Provo MTC. It will be great to have my companions with me, even if it is for a few short days!

 

Just one quick hilarious story. One night our teacher told us that this was the MTC, not Hogwarts. Elder Jones and I thought that was hilarious. We decided the MTC here is kind of like Hogwarts because the food seems to magically appear. Then a few days later, who should show up? An Italian Harry Potter. Serio. This Elder totally looks like Harry Potter, glasses included. And now of course we are taking a train...bahaha

 

Spanish is still coming along. Every saturday, we go to a park in downtown Madrid and do real contacting. It is pretty much the most terrifying thing of my life. Since there are no other sisters in the MTC, I got to go with some sisters who serve in Madrid. I did the first part-hello, how are you- and then when I couldn´t understand anymore, they would take over. Then they would give me an opportunity to bear my testimony about families, the Book of Mormon. I actually loved it. The sisters were so nice and helped me with my Spanish. Even though my Spanish is awful, it is amazing to be able to testify about things I know are true. But if people can´t understand, it doesn´t matter as much because the spirit is what counts. It made me excited to get to Barcelona!

 

I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has written or emailed me. I love it and appreciate it. I definitely feel the support.

 

Love you a million train rides on the Hogwarts Express

 

P.S. If you do email me, if you could include your home address. I won´t be able to email you directly back, but I can write a letter! And who wouldn´t want to get a letter from Spain?

 

 

Still Be Three Days Till You Say "I'm Sorry"

Greetings to All from Sunny Spain! Things this week have been a little crazy. Most of the missionaries left on tuesday, leaving me as the lone sister! Which is not horrible except that everyone keeps calling me Hermana Jones...Elder Jones is the only other Elder learning Spanish...can´t say that isn´t a little akward. I do have my own room now. I also have four beds to choose from...I plan on sleeping in a different one every night. It is a little weird being alone as a missionary. They are always talking about being with your companion...and now I don´t have one. So I do what I want. Of course within the missionary bounds.

 

I have been ordered starting tomorrow to only speak Spanish. This is because I am the worst Spanish speaker. Truly. I am pretty sure this means I will be practically a mute. Apparently my American vocabulary is too complex to translate into beginning Spanish. Which makes me feel good about my English and horrible about my Spanish. Just keep swimming swimming.

 

All the teachers here are pretty great but Hermano Lopez is especially awesome. He served his mission in Boise Idaho and has some great stories. Like how everyone thought he was from Mexico. When they would go to members homes to eat, often they would say 'now these enchiladas are probably not as good as the ones your mom makes' 'well actually this is only the second time I have had enchiladas...' Okay maybe that was one of those things you had to be there for. He also got introduced to eggnog while in the states, a delicacy Spain does not have. He believes that the tree of life had little bottles of eggnog. Oh goodness.

 

Elder Jones and I get along pretty good. We are learning to work together and teach. His Spanish is much better than mine, so I can learn a lot from him. He is constantly looking up random phrases in Spanish, which is hilarious. Last week it was ´she is up to her old tricks´. I think we are getting along because he offered his brother to me...to marry. awesome. All this while dangling a picture of his family in my face. 

 

I only have two weeks left here, then I am off to the real world. I am a little nervous but pretty excited. That is one thing that keeps me going when things are hard. This gospel makes me happy and I am excited to share that with people.

 

I love you a million glasses of eggnog, not found at the Made in America stores

Shower? Who needs to shower?

Hola! ¿Como la va? Bahaha as you can see my Spanish is progressing nicely...except that everyone talks so so fast! I am still trudging along at Spanish. It gets a little easier everyday and I am understanding more and more. And only two and a half weeks before I am in Barcelona for reals!  I can´t even believe that I have been out for 5 weeks.

 

The Spain MTC is so much different than the Provo MTC, definitely more relaxed. There are about 15 of us who are here for MTC training and then random bunches of Elders who are just here passing through. Most of them have been out in the US waiting for their visas. Next week, there will be only 9 of us here. A group of missionaries will be leaving, which means....I will be the lone sister! Ahhh! The one good thing about that is I will have my own room with my own personal bathroom! It definitely be an experience without a real companion. There will only be two of us speaking Spanish- Elder Jones and I. He came in at the same time and is also serving in Barcelona. He is kind of hilarious, mostly cause he loves to tell me what girls think. Pure hilarity! "you understand because it is that girl emotion stuff". Bahaha

 

I have already taught a bunch of lessons in Spanish. I feel a little bad for the people we practice on because it takes me for.ever. to get through one subject. Lots of pauses and lots of umms.  The teachers here are great. Both of mine served missions in the US...one in Idaho. They are good at letting me take my time, which I appreciate! The MTC is right on the temple plaza, which I LOVE! At night it just lights up the sky-ahh I can't even describe how beautiful it is. It makes me happy everytime I look at it.

 

The food here is delicious...and we eat lots of it. Serious. Meat, rice, potatoes, some kind of vegatable, fruit and bread...add a little dessert to that and bam an Madrid MTC meal. Plus we have twice a day snack times. Hopefully I won´t weigh 300 pounds by the time I leave this place but luckily it is all fresh and delicious! I am still working on enjoying the fish but I am taking it step by step! And of course I can´t forget the Nutella, the love of my soul. So delicious!

 

I hope all is going well. I love being here and learning so many new things. It is amazing and I already love Spain! Yeah for public transportation!

 

I love you all a million slices of Spain bread with Nutella.

Madrid Spain MTC Address

I put Melissa's address at the Madrid MTC on the sidebar, for those who like to send letters through the mail.
Karen

And here we have Spain

Well I have arrived in the great country of Spain! It has been a long week, emotionally and physically.On Friday I got called down to the Travel Office, where they told me that my visa had arrived and that I would be leaving Tuesday. It was a bit of a shock. I had just come to terms with spending all 9 weeks in the Provo MTC. So I was little...sad to leave. I loved my district...Even after just 3 weeks I felt like the Elders were my brothers. And I adore my companions. We had just expected that we would leave together.

 

Since I was leaving, I got to speak in my zone branch on Sunday...in Spanish. Lets just say that was an adventure and I pretty much slaughtered the beautiful language. Then i was able to bear my testimony in English. Which of course I am much better at. I got a little emotional but of course before that I had to throw out one of my famous one liners...´I am feeling kind of sick, so I might Ralph everywhere´ Yeah that will bring them to you.

 

I spent the next couple days getting everything packed. I hadn´t really done any laundry on my P-day beacuse I thought I would be there for longer, so I had to hurry and do all that. I managed to fit all my things in two bags...both under fifty pounds. I am pretty much a master packer. It was hard saying good-bye to my district...we all wanted to hug but that is not allowed so we just had to settle for several firm handshakes. Hugs all around for my companions.

 

Then I left at 5 in the morning yesterday. Boarded a bus at the MTC, boarded a plane at the SLC airport, flew to New York...concrete jungle where dreams are made...boarded another plane to Madrid, tried to sleep on the plane, failed, arrived in Madrid at 7:30 in the morning-madrid time. Now they are keeping us up till 6.30 so that we can get over our jet lag. Which means two days awake...not gonna lie, I am feeling pretty sleepy right now! What I have seen of Madrid so far is beautiful. Tomorrow we get to explore the city a bit. The MTC is right by the temple...my room overlooks it. It is absolutely gorgeous.  There are about 20 people here at this MTC...most of them not learning Spanish. This will be a crazy adventure.

 

Now I am off to try and stay awake. I am pretty sure I could sleep standing up at this point. I love you a million views of the Madrid temple.

First Pictures

Do you see the nametag...it is craziness.



Ba ha ha... me as a missionary in front of the Provo Temple.
Possibly the only day I have had time to do my hair.



Breaking News

I just heard from Melissa.  Her visa came today, and she will be leaving for the Madrid MTC tuesday morning! Horray!

September 9, 2010

Goodness it sounds like it has been a crazy week for everyone!


I honestly don't know if I have that much to write about because everyday is pretty much like the next. We got our first 'real' investigator this week. All of the teachers have profiles of people they taught or family members so that we can have a real teaching experience. Our first investigator is 'Sarah' aka Hermana Barker. She is going to be pretty tough to teach because Hna. Barker was once Baptist. Seriously Baptist...like engaged to a Baptist pastor serious. So she knows all the hard questions to ask and she will play it tough. But it should be good because we definitely need some practice. It is hard teaching lessons to other missionaries because they don't always take it seriously. I know I don't.

Our Visas for sure didn't come, so we will probably be here for a couple extra weeks. It shouldn't be too bad. I love my companions so at least I get a couple extra weeks with them.

We are no longer the youngest hermanas in our zone. We just got 4 new hermanas yesterday. It is always nice because hermanas are always in short supply. I don't know them very well but they seem like a lot of fun.

Okay so this is like the lamest email but I don't have much to say! I am enjoying the MTC. Trying to work hard. Spanish is still difficult but I am trying hard. Hopefully my Spanish brain and my English brain will connect soon!

Love you a million Spainsh words!

Love- Melissa the Beautiful!

September 2, 2010

Hola!

This may be the extent of my Spanish words...just kidding I know how to say I am a missionary and that I love Jesus. What else could there be? I honestly can't believe that I have already been here for two weeks. The days go by super super slow but then it feels like the weeks just fly by. I got word that I will not be leaving the MTC next week. Visas are slow right now so most likely I will be here the full 9 weeks. I was a little sad about that but I have really started to love my zone and district, so in a way I am glad I am not leaving.

So just a couple of fun things about the MTC. I pretty much adore my chair. We sit in a classroom all day, which would be terrible except that I have the most amazing chair. It reclines and is super comfy. I really want to take it with me when I leave. I might even write an ode to it. I consider my chair an MTC blessing.

And then there is the free box. I cannot even explain how awesome the free box. Pretty much hermanas when they are leaving put anything they can't fit in their suitcases, in the free box. I found a brand new pair of American Eagle jeans...in the free box! And they were just my size. Another MTC miracle. Sometimes there is even delicious food. Wonder of Wonders Miracle of Miracles...name that.

Okay so I pretty much love my district...8 little Elders, beautiful boys. Sometimes I get a little annoyed because they are so crazy but they have amazing testimonies. Mostly I just want to bottle their enthusiasm because they already love being on a mission. I need to work on that!

One of my companions, Hermana S, has broncitis(?). So we actually got to escape the MTC on Saturday and journey to the outside world! And by that I mean the BYU Health Center and Rite Aid...so nothing too exciting. It did feel a little weird to be in the outside world. Everyone one is jealous cause usually you don't get to leave unless you are super sick. Hna. S is getting better. The majority of the week we spent up in our rooms, while she slept. It kind of stunk to miss class, but what can you do.

I am not going to lie, being here at the MTC is hard. It is easy to get discouraged with the language. Then there are just these moments of pure joy, when I get to share my testimony about the Savior or hearing someone talk about the changes that have come in there life because of the gospel, and it all feels worth it.

I love you a million pairs of perfect fitting jeans from the free box.

-Melissa the Beautiful

August 26, 2010

I have been here for over a week which is just craziness. It feels like forever but in a good way! My companions are pretty awesome. We are all pretty different but we get along well. A lot of time we just end up laughing about things and have to be like 'focus!' and get back to work. Hermana P has the best facial expressions and knows tons about Spanish, so I am already relying on her. Hermana S knows a line from every movie and is very outgoing...which helps me, since I am not!


Most of the day we spend in the classroom...pretty much on our own. We wake up have personal study for an hour, then head to breakfast. I feel pretty healthy here because all I eat is fruit and salad. Plus drink lots of water! Mostly because all the other meals are heavy on the meat. But pretty much everybody thinks I am this super healthy girl. I have got them all fooled. Though on Wednesday and Sunday they have Ice Cream...Cocunut Joy...Just skip all those fun and games and head straight for the Ice Cream!

We have two teachers during the day. Hermano Milne and Hermano Ruseke. Hno. Milne is the same age as me...which is hilarious. He is really knowledgable about the gospel, so I feel like I am learning a lot form him. It is pretty humorous because he is always making these sound effects...makes him seem my age. But he knows how to teach with the spirit. Hno Ruseke is much more serious...He kind of reminds me of a Jedi master. He also knows the gospel like the back of his hand and has been working us hard to learn the doctrines.

There are 8 Elders in my district. They are all going to Honduras...they are pretty funny and are starting to warm up to us. Apparently they are scared of girls...but it is all good because we force them to sit by us at lunch!

I am doing pretty good here. Every hour I feel like I am feeling a different emotion but I always go back to being happy. Elder holland came and spoke to us on tuesday about working hard and not wasting a minute, so I am trying to embrace this opportunity and sieze it. I miss you all and think about you all the time! I love you a million bowls of cocunut joy!

Love- Hermana Roberts the Beautiful

First Letters

We received two letters from Hermana Roberts yesterday.  The second one repeats some of the first one, so I will edit a bit.  (the second is a form letter the branch presidency had them fill out.)

August 18, 2010
Dear Family,
Ha ha, they say I need to tell you that I am A-okay.  Which I am.  It was rough the first five minutes but I am good!  I have two companions-Hermana P and Hermana S.  We are lucky and have three!  H. P is from Arizona and H S. is from American Fork.  The first day has been totally different then I expected, but better not scary.

I actually saw a couple of people I know.  I saw Kiera M. and talked with her.  I caught a glimpse of Ryan C and a girl I know from school.  I wasn't expecting to see anyone I knew the first day!

Things are a little crazy, but not as bad as I was expecting.  Though I kind of feel like all we do is sit in the classroom and eat...I think they are trying to make us gain a million pounds before we leave...but I am determined that won't happen!

I miss you all and can't wait to hear from you!

Melissa the Beautiful

August 19, 2010
This is again a note to say I have survived the first 24 hours.  I didn't fall out of my bunk bed, choke on a piece of chicken, or injure myself on the exercise machine.  So it is all good.  I am expecting many letters.  I miss you all.

Melissa the Beautiful

P.S. I eat salad and fruit -so healthy!

In Which Hilarity Ensues And I Pack For My Mission

I have been looking for a sweatshirt to take on my mission. Unfortunately, the girls section of most stores are filled with sweatshirts that have sparkles or the word 'Peace'. So I ventured to the boys section for a wider selection. It was there that I spotted it...the perfect sweatshirt. Light blue with flower designs on the front. Nothing too crazy.

It wasn't until I got home that Emily pointed out this

The pretty flowers and birds formed a skull!

In other news, I leave for the MTC tomorrow. Barcelona baby...by way of Provo. My mom will be posting my emails on my blog, so anyone who is interested can see what I am doing. I put my email and address on the sidebar for those who want it! See you all in 18 months!

I'M Moving Out

This is what my room looks like.

Bare. Messy. Sad.

Finding a cute durable suitcase is harder than it seems.

I have more cardigans and scarfs then shirts. I can't help it. I love cardigans.

I may have cried when I packed away my books. I am just really attached to them.

I also have an obsessive amount to Sharpies. The better to write cute letters with.

I have watched the first three Seasons of Bones while packing my room. And I even got rid of stuff.

Kimber told me she would be sad when I left but she wouldn't cry. Keep a stiff upper lip.

This Is The Final Countdown

Only 23 days till I leave for the MTC.

I am set to go. I have every color imaginable in my favorite pen.

I Drove All Night

I went to California to visit this lovely lady. And I had a blast. The beach, sleeping in, Eclipse, friendship bracelets, delicious food, 'I remember you', San Francisco, rollerblading, mission advice, Celine, late nights, RACHEL.

Make Me Some Ugly Hair

Fireworks. Cousins. Awesomeness.

Most of these pictures were taken by Scarlett. Which would explain why they are so cool.

Looks Like the Love child of Zac Efron and Jesse McCartney

Do I love JB? Yes. Which is one of the reasons I am glad Emily is coming home this weekend. Then I will have someone to listen to Justin Bieber with. And I know she will love this video. Plus it is a Remix...with Usher. bahaha.

I'll Be Up Up And Away

The parentals are out and about this weekend, so I am in charge of keeping the children entertained. Which is no easy feat. That is why I bribe them with snow cones and Justin Bieber aka Baby baby.

It seems to be working.

I wish. I wish, I wish

This art exhibit, 'A Day Like Any Other' at the New Museum, looks absolutely awesome. Wishes, written by previous participants, have been printed on ribbons. People that view the exhibit can take a ribbon and replace it with their own wish, written on a piece of paper. You can read more about it here. The thought of carrying around another person's wish is kind of amazing.

picture from the New York Times

Just Raising Her Right

Dreams Really Do Come True

Remember when I asked Garth Brooks to come out of retirement?

Well, he listened. And he is playing a concert. Where, you may ask?

Idaho. IDAHO.

My dreams are being realized. This could be the best Summer.

Bits and Pieces

I leave for the MTC in 72 days.

Friday night I stayed up until 4 reading. Ahh it is like High School all over again.

I need a bubble for around my scooter because it will NOT STOP RAINING. Come Sunshine!

I want to go on a roadtrip.

I ate the most delicious snow cone on Saturday. Raspberry cheesecake with ice cream in the bottom. Pure Heaven.

Rachel. California. Four weeks.

I want to see this and this. Leo. Zac. Indeed.

If You Get Murdered I'll Avenge Your Death

Last Summer, I hit a cat while riding my scooter.

Last week, while riding my scooter, I saw four cats sitting, staring at me from the middle of the road.

Last night, I had a dream that a cat was attacking my foot.

I think they are out to Avenge their friend.

Sweeter Than Candy

Kimber, Me and Devin...with a balloon

Kimber to Me- 'You are candy and I'm gonna eat you up!'

So What If It Came Out Last Year. It Is My Favorite Movie Of This Year

I have watched The Young Victoria like 5 times in the last four days. And had the soundtrack on repeat. Obsessive much? But it is good. So good. So good.

May May May

Can I say how glad I am it is May? Well, I am. Why? There are a couple reasons. A visit from my lovely Rachel, Devin coming home(!), visits from Emily, birthdays and hopefully, hopefully some good summer weather.

Yes!!

Working For The Weekend

It is only Tuesday and I am ready for it to be Friday.

Conversation I had today with a Customer

CC: I need to use your bathroom.
Me: I'm sorry. We don't have a public restroom but you can go next door or to the Library.
CC: I will pee my pants if you don't let me use the restroom.
Me: Sorry I still can't let you use it. Health Code Violation.
CC: I need six loaves of light wheat and I would like slice of bread.

A couple minutes pass. He pays for his stuff. We begin again.

CC: I have to use you restroom. You don't understand. I HAVE to. I will pee on your floor.
Me: Honestly I can't let you. As I said there is a restroom next door.
CC: Did you hear me I will PEE on your floor.
Me:(In my head) Awesome. I hope you do. It will be a lot more embarrassing for you.

Working. So awesome.

On a side note, another customer thought I was on drugs. Even when I insisted I don't do drugs, they were convinced I did. 'Why won't you tell me what drugs you are on?'. Sigh. Work. It's my favorite.

People Keep Asking, Asking Me Questions

I have been asked if I have started learning Spanish. Does listening to Enrique Iglesias album Quizas count? He is from Spain.


P.S. If you want to test your knowledge about Spain, take this quiz! I didn't do so hot.

Usually I Am The One Leaving, Not The One Left Behind

I took Emily to school today. Which is exciting for her, but a little sad for me.

I mean, when I do the spider scream, who will know to coming running with the vacuum?

Ly-Ly, I hope you have the best time at school. Just know that when you come home for the weekend, you will have to make up for all the hours lost entertaining me. Cause I really need my entertainment.

Waste of Time

Dear Federal Government,

Thanks for the 5 bucks. Hope it didn't put too much of a dent in your wallet!

Sincerely,
Melissa

P.S. Good thing I e-filed. I would have felt bad about killing trees for that amount.

Where I Admit I Am Completely Heartless And Have No Soul

I have a history of laughing during the sad parts of movies. It annoys quite a few people but I can't help it. I mean I laughed when Maude died(sorry Em). Heartless.

Which leads me to wonder why I thought I would be able to take The Last Song seriously. Which I couldn't. Two things made this movie utterly hilarious. 1. Miley Cyrus and 2. Liam Hemsworth's clothes.

Every time she cried, I laughed. Plus she talks like she has something in her mouth.

Since I couldn't find a photograph of his best outfit, I recreated it. Honestly, I should have been an artist.

I mean for goodness sake the guy was wearing the deepest v-neck I had ever seen. I laughed for a while over that one. All while the girls behind me cried. Soulless. Heartless.

If you are in the mood for a laugh, you should see this.

Teen romance+Death+Nicholas Sparks=Hilarity

This Is No Joke

It came!

Spain Barcelona

August 18th

Matchy-Matchy Twins

Sometimes when I see that Emily is wearing her gray pants, I go and put on my gray pants. Just so I can match her.

Fun Fact #1

Richard, from Lost, does not in fact wear eyeliner. He has naturally dark eyelashes, which caused him to be teased as a child.

Just in case you were wondering.

I was.

Welcome Spring!

On Saturday(the first day of Spring!), we spent some time in the sunshine. Soccer, sidewalk chalk, badminton and sunburns!

I wrote some song lyrics on the sidewalk. Then Sarah copied it, with her own personal touches. bahaha.

Mine

Sarah's

Seriously that girl kills me.

Zoo-we Mama

2 Months, 60 Days, 1450 hours and 87032 minutes

Honestly Honestly

This is amazing. Can you image how Awesome it would be to get this postcard in the mail? Super Awesome!

And the Oscar Goes To

As I have said, I have been having some bizarre dreams lately.

Like Robert Pattinson winning an Oscar for Twilight. He cried. And cried some more. I guess he was just happy. And surprised. As he should have been.

Sorry R.Pattz. Maybe next time. Or never

Dressed Up In Ribbons and Pearls

I made a dress!

disregard the dirty bathroom

I Like You...Even Though You Are Mad

1- I have been feeling really happy this week. Which is a nice change.

2- Dentist tomorrow. If I was really productive I could finish my mission papers in the next three weeks!

3-I started cleaning my closet. Why can't I seem to throw anything away?

4- Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is a hilarious movie. I can't stop laughing about it. As is the book. I love British teen humor.

5- This cute guy has come into Great Harvest twice this week. Maybe I should give him a free cookie...

6-My birthday was awesome.

7- I have a crush on the Canadian ice dancer Scott Moir. I just can't help it.

8- I have been listening to a lot of Celine.

End.

Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday

Taking My Narcissism To New Levels

On Saturday, I am throwing myself a birthday party. An 80s-tastic dance party.

What essential 80s songs must I play?

May I Admire You?

I went a little crazy with the origami hearts. Like 5 + hours of crazy.

Watch out family, friends, and secret crushes...a whole lot of love is coming your way.

My Eyebrows Point Towards Heaven

This week on facebook, people have been changing their profile pictures to the celebrity they most look like. So, in the spirit of fun, Emily and I decided to see which celebrities we most resembled. While Emily got such gems as Fergie and Renee Zellweger, my top matches were all men. According to myheritage.com, I look most like

Jesse McCartney

A young Donny Osmond

And Tom Cruise

Is it the eyebrows?

Emily: This just means that you could snag the likes of Nicole Kidman. In male form.

Always aim high.

Crest Is Best

The other night, I had a dream that I was in Fred Meyer's looking for toothpaste. All the aisles were disorganized and not in their right place. I was kept searching and searching for the toothpaste aisle but could not find it.

Finally, I came to what I thought was the toothpaste aisle. Much to my horror the only toothpaste was COLGATE. Rows and rows of Colgate. My mom and Emily tried to convince me that I should just get Colgate but I knew I had to get Crest. I was getting so frustrated that they did not realize that Crest was the superior brand.

The next day I went to Fred Meyer's.

I bought Crest.

Crest Is Best.