Apparently, we didn't have the correct address for Emma.
Here is the correct one:
Sister Emma Pratt
Av: Antonio C. Mogalhoes
N 3247 Sala 402
Ed- Delta
Cidade - Pituba - Salvador - BA
Cep: 40275-000
Brazil
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
6/14
Oiy Familia! So I tried to get pictures e-mailed today and it really did not work. Sorry! Ill figure it out sometime. And we´re having serious troubles with the internet here today. But that’s okay that’s what you get when you go to a cheap internet house. So this week was awesome, we had another baptism. And I really wish I get you pictures of all these people! But that’s okay. His name is Jefferson, he is 12 years old. You’ve probably noticed we have had a lot of young men getting baptized. That’s because weve got this awesome little group of missionaries here, these young men who bring all their friends to seminary and church and other activities. Jefferson is one of these. He is little and the cutest kid in the world! One day, we were at an activity, and we were standing around talking to people, and the young men were all goofing around (half of them people We´ve baptized these past few weeks) When Jefferson ran up, faster than I knew what was happening, put his arms around me and kissed me on the cheek. Everyone started laughing and freaking out, `You can´t do that! Shes a missionary!´ Haha! It was hilarious! But the best part was when I was on splits with a member, we went to pick him up and bring him to the church, when we were walking, the member asked him what one thing the sisters taught him that he didn’t know before, he responded ´That I can´t kiss Sister Pratt.´Haha! Then I had to explain what happened in my broken Portuguese. Oh man…Just to clarify, everyone here greets you with a hug and kiss. He just didn’t realize we weren’t allowed to with him. But we all got a good laugh out of it anyways. In other news, this week actually isn’t transfers, its next week, there was a bit of a mix-up. Im not sure what will happen, but I know I wont be staying in a trio. (Thank goodness, I LOVE my companions, but a trio is really hard, regardless of the people in it). My Portuguese is coming along, really it isn’t the speaking that is difficult, it’s the understanding. I still don’t really understand what it going on, but Im told it gets better, so we just keep going. Good news is next week, with transfers, hopefully I´ll receive some of those letters that have been sent. To those of you who have sent, thank you so much! Sorry I haven’t gotten them yet. Other good news! This area, Simoes Filho is growing! We have 2 wards here, and our area is really huge. But they are starting a study group in one area. It only took me 2 weeks to understand what this meant, a study group is the beginning of a new branch. Once the study group gets one sealed family and 9 priesthood holders, it’s a branch! Then it´ll grow into a ward, and the ultimate goal is to have an entire stake here in Simoes Filho. 7 more stakes in Bahia, and we get a Temple! And when that day comes, I will cry with joy and hopefully be able to come back for the open house or dedication. Some days it feels like our tiny daily efforts are doing nothing, but then we look at the big picture, and see how all the little pieces fit together to create a big miracle.
I´m sorry this is really short, but with all the computer troubles today, I don’t have much time. Plus nothing really crazy eventful happened, except our awesome baptism which included chocolate cake. Other than that, Im just in a foreign country, learning another language teaching people about Jesus. Ya know…everyday stuff J I love you all a lot! And thank you for everything! Have an amazing week!
Sister Pratt
I´m sorry this is really short, but with all the computer troubles today, I don’t have much time. Plus nothing really crazy eventful happened, except our awesome baptism which included chocolate cake. Other than that, Im just in a foreign country, learning another language teaching people about Jesus. Ya know…everyday stuff J I love you all a lot! And thank you for everything! Have an amazing week!
Sister Pratt
6/7
Hey everyone! Well the good news is, we had another baptism. She is an elderly lady, who is sick and cant walk. It was interesting getting her there, and it took 2 people to baptize her. The spirit was really strong there, and we had a ton of member support, it was really awesome! We are teaching a 12 year-old boy right now, he has been coming to church, and going to all the activities. He really wants to get baptize but he needs support from his family. His parents are married, which is a miracle in itself, so we are really praying hard to be able to teach and baptize the entire family. They have taken the lessons once before, and been to church once, maybe they are prepared this time around, but were really excited about them. We also need to find new investigators this week. Lucky for me, the members are absolutely amazing here, and we recieve a million refference/ everyone brings their friends to church. Although it is a lot of work sorting out which people are interested and ready for the gospel, which people just want to hear about Jesus, and which people just think its cool to have an American in their house and they can learn random english words like ^trash' and 'lollipop'.
A new goal of mine is to learn to cook just about everything here. Today Im learning how to make Brazilian brownies, (they juast call them brownies, but they are not american brownies.) And I was supposed to learn how to make cus cus, but itdidnt work out. Its hard because my comp does know how/hates cooking, so I keep asking the members to help me, and we have a serious communication barrier. So they cant give me a recipe or explain, they have to show me. Well...Ill get it down eventually. In other news we have hot water. Did I tell you that already? Sorry, its just really exciting. Next week is transfers, and I dont even want to think about whats going to happen. Im afraid im going senior, but I pray everyday that I dont. Not yet at elast, maybe next transfer. Ideally, Ill just stay junioe my whole mission :) Haha, no, its all good, the Lord knows what He is doing.
I love Brazil, the people are amazing, the food is delicious, and Im halfway to being fluent in a foreign language, which is totally blogin my mind. Im sorry to anyone who has written, and not recieved a return letter, I havent recieved any mail in a long time, and we all need to be very patient with the mail system here. But Thank you for all your support! Keep writing, I love to hear from everyone! I love you tons and tons and miss you more!
Um abraço
Sister Pratt
A new goal of mine is to learn to cook just about everything here. Today Im learning how to make Brazilian brownies, (they juast call them brownies, but they are not american brownies.) And I was supposed to learn how to make cus cus, but itdidnt work out. Its hard because my comp does know how/hates cooking, so I keep asking the members to help me, and we have a serious communication barrier. So they cant give me a recipe or explain, they have to show me. Well...Ill get it down eventually. In other news we have hot water. Did I tell you that already? Sorry, its just really exciting. Next week is transfers, and I dont even want to think about whats going to happen. Im afraid im going senior, but I pray everyday that I dont. Not yet at elast, maybe next transfer. Ideally, Ill just stay junioe my whole mission :) Haha, no, its all good, the Lord knows what He is doing.
I love Brazil, the people are amazing, the food is delicious, and Im halfway to being fluent in a foreign language, which is totally blogin my mind. Im sorry to anyone who has written, and not recieved a return letter, I havent recieved any mail in a long time, and we all need to be very patient with the mail system here. But Thank you for all your support! Keep writing, I love to hear from everyone! I love you tons and tons and miss you more!
Um abraço
Sister Pratt
5/31
Hello! This week was pretty awesome, we had another baptism. Thats right, weve had a baptism every weekend since I got here. Even though its Brazil, thats still not normal, its been a miracle. The Lord has blessed us with great success! Sister Tiburcio was telling me and my other american comp that we have great power, and strong testimonies. We dont believe her, because we are both frustrated with the langauge. When we did stats, and saw weve had 4 baptisms this month, Sister Tiburcio yelled, if you dont believe me, at least believe in the numbers! I didnt completely understand what she was talking about, we have a lot of those communication barriers, and I yelled back at her, I believe in Jesus Christ and nothing else!! Haha, we laughed. Oh man, its been really awesome though. However, I was sick this week. Just a cold, but still no fun. It was really bad on Sunday, and we had incestigators to find and bring to church. We wlked up and down some ridiculously steep hills, like...ridiculous. I thought I was going to die. And it turns out non of the investigators were there/ wanted to come. It was a little devastating, and we showed up to church empty handed. Here is where the miracle comes in: we had 8 investigators at church. EIGHT! OITO! Why? because our members are amazing and bring their friends/family. Its crazy how the Lord works sometimes, we climbed mountains thinking we had no success that day, but we were blessed! (Holy cow...I sound like a missionary. Thats...really weird.)
In other great news, we got our shower fixed and have hot water. Well...we had hot water. Because a week later it broke. and then the shower knob broke, when the shower was on. So everytime we want any water, we have to turn on this big knob, and the shower runs, and then we tuen all the water off. its kind of annoying, but hopefully well find someone to fix it this week. And then well try to get the hot water back again.
Its been really sunny this week, and hot, but I havent burned yet. Its back to rain today, which I love, but the people here complain its too cold. Its like 85 and breezy, I love it. But when the sun comes out...not so much. And its only winter! I dont even want to know what it will be like in November here. But thats okay, thats not for a while. Im at 7 months on my mission! Isnt that crazy? Its crazy to me.
Everything is going great here. I love you all a lot! Thank you for all you do!
Love
Sister Pratt
In other great news, we got our shower fixed and have hot water. Well...we had hot water. Because a week later it broke. and then the shower knob broke, when the shower was on. So everytime we want any water, we have to turn on this big knob, and the shower runs, and then we tuen all the water off. its kind of annoying, but hopefully well find someone to fix it this week. And then well try to get the hot water back again.
Its been really sunny this week, and hot, but I havent burned yet. Its back to rain today, which I love, but the people here complain its too cold. Its like 85 and breezy, I love it. But when the sun comes out...not so much. And its only winter! I dont even want to know what it will be like in November here. But thats okay, thats not for a while. Im at 7 months on my mission! Isnt that crazy? Its crazy to me.
Everything is going great here. I love you all a lot! Thank you for all you do!
Love
Sister Pratt
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
BOM dia!
Ola familia! So this week was pretty awesome, we had 2 baptisms! Yay! One was a wife of a inactive member, Celiana. He decided to come back to church, and we baptized his wife. They are a way awesome family. The second I met him, i just felt his strong spirit, and power. Ive been able to picture them in the temple being sealed together forever, and then she was baptized and it was the best day ever! It was a little crazy though, because they live really far away, you have to take a bus to get there, and its pretty expensive for us. Then on Thrusday we had all this stuff happen with having to pick up our new american companion. We couldnt get a hold of celiana for a few days! We FINALLY got a hold of her to have her come to the church for her interview. She asked when her baptism was, we said later that evening, and she was like, can we do it after lunch instead? Okay! So we ran to our lunch, and then we ran back, and gathered as many people as we could. Luckily we had enough priesthood holders there. And it was awesome,. Her husand, Antonio, cried, I almost cried, it was way sweet. We also baptized a man, Marcos. His mom is a member, he was supposed to get baptized a while ago, but he smoked 3 days before his batism. So he tried again, and he hasnt been smoking or anything! It was a miracle! And he was baptized! Yay!
So we have a new comp, Sister Taylor. She is from Utah. She is also African American, so she fits right in here and doesnt stick out like a sore thumb like some people...namely...me. However its this totally fascinating concept to Brazilians that not ALL Americans are 6 feet tall and white with light hair. If I had 1 real (the money here) for everytime someone made a comment about my American-ness, namely, I~m white, tall, eyes, hair, ask if I know obama or Justin Beiber...I would be able to buy Brazil by the end of my mission. No joke. Haha, but its all good. Some people wont talk to me because of it, but others will, either way the church is still true :) One thing that made me so ridiculously happy was seeing Guto, the boy we batized last week, come to church in a white shirt and tie and pass the sacrament. And his less active parents have come 3 weeks in a row now! Its the best thing ever! This ward is cool, we have 2 amazing RMs, power houses, that help us with everything. Patricia she is awesome. We went on splits on Sunday, I went with her, it was terryfying. I had no idea what was going on at all, but I learned a lot. I sort of felt like a little bird being pushed out of a tree before its wings were fully developed, and I smacked the ground a few times. But by the end, I was roughly flying a little better. Also we have Rene, he is our ward mission leader. But he wants to be more like our Zone Leader. We call him Elder Rene, he always asks how our numbers are, and helps us with EVERYTHING. Its pretty awesome. The both of them also teach seminary, and they work with the Youth a lot. They are the blood line, the core life of this ward. Its awesome to have such power helping us out.
My language is coming along a lot better. Everyday is a little better. Ive discovered i do well with everything, except when people tell a story, like from the past or something, or about other people. I think this is probably because i dont know verb tenses yet. Something i definitely will work on this week. Well, Im running out of time, but I love you all lots and lots! Thanks for all your support! Brazil is awesome! Its got its ups and downs, but overall, its pretty sweet to be preaching the gospel, because I know this church is true and Im so grateful for that knowlege in my life. Do me a huge favor, and go invite a friend to church!]Love you all!!!!
Sister Pratt
So we have a new comp, Sister Taylor. She is from Utah. She is also African American, so she fits right in here and doesnt stick out like a sore thumb like some people...namely...me. However its this totally fascinating concept to Brazilians that not ALL Americans are 6 feet tall and white with light hair. If I had 1 real (the money here) for everytime someone made a comment about my American-ness, namely, I~m white, tall, eyes, hair, ask if I know obama or Justin Beiber...I would be able to buy Brazil by the end of my mission. No joke. Haha, but its all good. Some people wont talk to me because of it, but others will, either way the church is still true :) One thing that made me so ridiculously happy was seeing Guto, the boy we batized last week, come to church in a white shirt and tie and pass the sacrament. And his less active parents have come 3 weeks in a row now! Its the best thing ever! This ward is cool, we have 2 amazing RMs, power houses, that help us with everything. Patricia she is awesome. We went on splits on Sunday, I went with her, it was terryfying. I had no idea what was going on at all, but I learned a lot. I sort of felt like a little bird being pushed out of a tree before its wings were fully developed, and I smacked the ground a few times. But by the end, I was roughly flying a little better. Also we have Rene, he is our ward mission leader. But he wants to be more like our Zone Leader. We call him Elder Rene, he always asks how our numbers are, and helps us with EVERYTHING. Its pretty awesome. The both of them also teach seminary, and they work with the Youth a lot. They are the blood line, the core life of this ward. Its awesome to have such power helping us out.
My language is coming along a lot better. Everyday is a little better. Ive discovered i do well with everything, except when people tell a story, like from the past or something, or about other people. I think this is probably because i dont know verb tenses yet. Something i definitely will work on this week. Well, Im running out of time, but I love you all lots and lots! Thanks for all your support! Brazil is awesome! Its got its ups and downs, but overall, its pretty sweet to be preaching the gospel, because I know this church is true and Im so grateful for that knowlege in my life. Do me a huge favor, and go invite a friend to church!]Love you all!!!!
Sister Pratt
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Oiy!
oiy familia! I just got to talk to some of youon sunday, but ill send an update for everyone else. Well, im still in brazil. Haha! No, I really love it here. All the hard things I didnt want to face arent as bad doing them as they are thinking about doing them. for example, i think ive finally learned how to breathe in the cold shower. also, ive got a system down of putting on sun screen, then bugspray, then baby powder, and we are ready to leave the apartment. I dont have elephant legs anymore, but i think blisters may be starting to form. thats okay though, we take problems one step at a time :) my stomach adjusts a little better everday to the food, although its still a little queasy from time to time, ive figured out how to manage. and the language, which is the hardest part, is coming along. i understand what is going on most of the time, its really hard when people look and me to talk, because i cant speak back very well yet, but im getting there. the hardest part for me is i want to be able to teach and talk and get to know people, but the language barrier is a huge proeblem. especially since Bahians LOVE to talk. and talk. and talk. Maybe its a brazilian thing, im not sure, but in any case they talk a lot. Also, I wrote a bunch of letters last week, but i didnt get to send them out, but they are on their way. Heres a little shout out to Cailey Loren Marcom Morgan who I havent heard from in a while. Please, just like a quick email telling me everything is going good. E-mail really is the best way, because i don~t know when i recieve letters, so email me, and ill try to write you back, via snail mail.
sorry this is really short, but this computer is slow, and i~m running out time. I love you all lots! Brazil is really sweet! We~ve got some amazing familias we are teaching and we have a baptism this saturday, which will be super awesome. Love you lots!
Sister Pratt
sorry this is really short, but this computer is slow, and i~m running out time. I love you all lots! Brazil is really sweet! We~ve got some amazing familias we are teaching and we have a baptism this saturday, which will be super awesome. Love you lots!
Sister Pratt
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
First letter from Brazil!
Hello from Brasil! I´m doing great as soon as I figure out how to type on this keyboard...sorry if there are mistakes. Its different. Just like everything else in this place, different, but its good! I got here and was super overwhelmed, but mostly because I was ridiculously tired. Luckily my companheira is amazing and she let me got to bed at like 8 o´clock and I slept a lot better than I thought I would. Things are really good actually! I think as soon as I am able to understand people, I~ll never want to leave this place! Brasil is SWEET! My companion is awesome, she is from Sao Paulo. President told me all the sisters love her, and I´ll love her too. My district leader and zone leader are \american, so they talk to me in English to help me out. They both said my trainor is the best sister in the entire mission. She really is amazing. And she is! She is funny and kind and loves everyone, and is very patient with me. I~m able to understand her pretty well, I have my dictionary, we call, meu amigo, and its all good. However when the people start talking to me, especially Bahians, I~m pretty sure its not Portuguese. Salvador is comparable to Los Angeles, I guess, and Bahia is very different from the rest of Brazil. Although we still eat beans and rice every day. People here are so surprised to hear that we don~t eat it everyday in the states. they just put everything on beans and rice. Most of the time I don~t know what Im eating, but its REALLY good, so I eat it anyways. People ask what my favorite food is, but I dont know...People also ask where I live in the US. These moments I wish I was from cailfornia or new york because no one recognizes anywhere else. i also wish i~ve met obama, justin beiber or seen the white house because the fact that i havent makes me a pretty un-interesting america. i do however have a picture of a snow man, which is pretty good. and the mambers are very impressed with the fact that im related to parley p pratt. Oh, and they can~t pronounce pratt, so my name is now sister Pratch. My feet are ridiculously swollen. I can never remember the word for swollen in portuguese, so i call them meu pes elefante. my elephant feet. haha, and my legs are covered in mosquito bits. But none of that really seems to matter because Brazilian people are SO amazing. They are kind and loving, and patient with me as i learn and they hug us and let us into their homes and feed us and its pretty awesome. We have a few people that we are baptizing this Sunday. Its pretty different from Colorado, how things work here, but Its good.
Amo Voces!! Um abraço!
Sister Pratt
This is the adress you should use to write me:
Av: Antonio C. Mogalhoes
Sala 402
Ed- Delta
Cidade - Pituba - Salvador - BA
Cep: 40275-000
Brazil
Amo Voces!! Um abraço!
Sister Pratt
This is the adress you should use to write me:
Av: Antonio C. Mogalhoes
Sala 402
Ed- Delta
Cidade - Pituba - Salvador - BA
Cep: 40275-000
Brazil
4/25/11
Hey family! Thanks to Sister Bowman, you all heard the news, I GOT MY VISA!!! I'm excited/nervous/scared/excited/every single emotion in the book. I feel ready...I think. I know that its the right time, for sure. I've known the whole week that it was my last week in Colorado. Then the President called on Saturday morning, and I'm leaving on Wednesday! My flight leaves at 10 and I think I'm going to Dallas first, then somewhere, they didn't tell me what was going on. All I know is that I report to the mission office on Wed morning. Sister Bowman sat by me in Relief Society and just cried the whole time. She gets really atttatched to the missionaries. I managed to make it through all of church without tears. But we visited my Recent Convert, Frank, who is doing so incredibly great! He is getting his priesthood on Sunday and he is going to the temple for baptisms next month! And I told him I was leaving, and he got all teary. He said a prayer with us before we left, and cried. Oh man, it was hard. Then he gave me a hug before I left...I just couldn't resist, hes the cutest little mexican man and I'm so sad to leave him. My one baptism :) I'm also sad to leave Phenia, TWO DAYS before she gets baptized! Ugh! She was sad when I told her too, she was like, First Sister HIlbert, now you? I know right! I miss Sister HIlbert too :) Its been a crazy week and I have so much to do before I leave. I love Pueblo Colorado, its like home! Okay Miracle Story:
Another miracle was when we visited a referral from the Pueblo Elders. They ran into a woman who had visited with missionaries before, and wanted them to come over for dinner. She ended up cancelling, but we decided to stop by and she let us in. Turned out she was ready for her baptism, but was living with her boyfriend and was on probation and there were just a lot of road blocks that stopped it from happening. And she lost contact with the missionaries. She recently broke up with that boyfriend, and is off probation and has been wanting to get back in contact with the missionaries, but didn't know how. She wants to be baptized! There are a few complications because she has a high-risk pregnancy and is on bed-rest. But we are super excited to work with her, she has a testimony of the gospel.
Well, I LOVE YOU ALL! SO MUCH! I've got lots to do today in preparation, and I'm pretty excited. Nervous, but excited. I Miss you lots and lots! Keep the letters coming, especially now that I'm in a foreign country. LOVE YOU! TE AMO
Sister Pratt
Another miracle was when we visited a referral from the Pueblo Elders. They ran into a woman who had visited with missionaries before, and wanted them to come over for dinner. She ended up cancelling, but we decided to stop by and she let us in. Turned out she was ready for her baptism, but was living with her boyfriend and was on probation and there were just a lot of road blocks that stopped it from happening. And she lost contact with the missionaries. She recently broke up with that boyfriend, and is off probation and has been wanting to get back in contact with the missionaries, but didn't know how. She wants to be baptized! There are a few complications because she has a high-risk pregnancy and is on bed-rest. But we are super excited to work with her, she has a testimony of the gospel.
Well, I LOVE YOU ALL! SO MUCH! I've got lots to do today in preparation, and I'm pretty excited. Nervous, but excited. I Miss you lots and lots! Keep the letters coming, especially now that I'm in a foreign country. LOVE YOU! TE AMO
Sister Pratt
4/18/11
Hey everybody! I think that Brazil maybe forgot about me, but I'm totally okay with that because I love Pueblo! I could just serve here for the next year, and it'd be fine with me! Although, thats probably not the case, its okay. I'm enjoying the time I have here. SO at the beginning of this transfer, the Zone Leaders said that Pueblo Zone was going to baptized 45 people this month. And our district would have 16 of those. Thats a pretty big goal, considering last month our zone had 13 total. I hadn't quite found the faith in this number, and I really needed to. We had an amazing district meeting on Friday, and I finally "caught the vision" as my zone leader would say. So friday night we felt good about going to visit this former investigator. Then in the morning we felt really strongly about going to her house. None of us had met her, but just saw she was a former who had been to church a few times. We visited her and she told us how weird it was that we showed up because she was just thinking about us and how she wanted to go to church this Sunday and how she really wants to dedicate her life to God. She came to church yesterday! She is totally prepared and ready to commit and we are really excited for her Baptism on April 29th! So there you go, the miracle ALWAYS comes after the trial of faith. And that faith doesn't come until you are obedient. I'm a little frustrated with myself for not truly figuring all of this out until my 3rd transfer, but better late than never!
Another miracle was we felt really good about going to see this Recent Convert. So we called him up and went over there, turns out his daughter was there who is taking the lessons in Missouri. She told us how the Elders that she loved just got washed out, and now they're putting sisters in and is really upset about it. But after we talked to her and taught her a little, she said she'd call the sisters as soon as she got home for them to keep teaching her. It was amazing! She realized that she needed to be converted to the church, not to the missionaries, and understood the reason for everything and we were able to help her be more comfortable with sister missionaries.
The other miracle was teaching David, who wants to get baptized, but is on parole until next February. He wants to learn morea bout Joseph Smith, so we watched the Restoration DVD with him. It was so amazing, and afterwards he bore his testimony on the Prophet, and how he knew it was true. He is so amazing and his baptism is going to mean so much, since he is changing his life so much! I can't believe how my testimony grows even more deeper every time I share, or watch, or read the account of Joseph Smith. Its ridiculous.
So things are pretty much going great! Not easy, but really great. Hard work always pays off. I love you all! Hope your week has been going great! Remember to keep the faith, and miracles will happen! :)
Love always,
Sister Pratt
Another miracle was we felt really good about going to see this Recent Convert. So we called him up and went over there, turns out his daughter was there who is taking the lessons in Missouri. She told us how the Elders that she loved just got washed out, and now they're putting sisters in and is really upset about it. But after we talked to her and taught her a little, she said she'd call the sisters as soon as she got home for them to keep teaching her. It was amazing! She realized that she needed to be converted to the church, not to the missionaries, and understood the reason for everything and we were able to help her be more comfortable with sister missionaries.
The other miracle was teaching David, who wants to get baptized, but is on parole until next February. He wants to learn morea bout Joseph Smith, so we watched the Restoration DVD with him. It was so amazing, and afterwards he bore his testimony on the Prophet, and how he knew it was true. He is so amazing and his baptism is going to mean so much, since he is changing his life so much! I can't believe how my testimony grows even more deeper every time I share, or watch, or read the account of Joseph Smith. Its ridiculous.
So things are pretty much going great! Not easy, but really great. Hard work always pays off. I love you all! Hope your week has been going great! Remember to keep the faith, and miracles will happen! :)
Love always,
Sister Pratt
Monday, April 11, 2011
Hi family! Hey, remember when April 2011 arrived, and I'm still not in Brazil? Haha! Its all good though, because of course I love Pueblo Colorado and all the challenges that come with it! So Sister Hilbert left this week, which was really hard, and I learned a ridiculous amount being senior in my 2nd transfer with a Tongan who speaks little English and neither of us have any idea what we're doing. We're working with David who is getting baptized on April 10th. We've hit a few bumps in the road involving jail time, and other issues from question 4 of the baptismal interview questions. Its a tricky one. But we keep praying and I know God is in control, and so whatever happens, happens. Let me tell you how ridiculously awesome it is to watch General Conference as a missionary! We joke about how its like the missionary's version of the Superbowl, all our major stars and big players all at one place. And all the missionaries get together and watch it, passing around m&ms and eating all our meals together. It was so awesome though! And of course my favorite was Elder Bednar, but there were some really awesome talks this year. In other news, unfortunatley Miguel did not get baptized, he wants to work at his own pace, which is sad, but we hope he'll come to make the decision soon in the future. Oh! And transfers are tomorrow, I'm staying here with Sister Tu'alau and another sister is coming down with us, Sister Ulu'ave. No, not Tonga, but Samoan. Actually, she is from New Zealand, but english is her second language too. I figured once I went to Brazil, I would never have an American companion, but I didn't think it'd be like that here in Colorado. It'll be good though. I feel bad that my e-mails are so short, but I don't know what else to report on. I love being a missionary, some days are harder than others, but its pretty awesome. Having to say goodbye to Sister Hilbert was one of the hardest things I've ever done, especially since she was going back home, so far away. Also the challenges I'm facing going into this next transfer are a little daunting, and often I feel I'm treading water. I'm learning how to really rely on the enabling power of the Atonement by yoking up with Christ. I'm also learning that when you aren't happy, you are doing something wrong, so you need to repent and keep going. Stressing out is bad and certainly not helpful. Something I've been trying to overcome my entire life. Can you believe I've already been out for 5 months? Its crazy! Well I love you tons and tons! I miss you lots! Thanks for all the letters and things!
Te AMO!
Sister Pratt
Te AMO!
Sister Pratt
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
3/28
Hey Family!
So this week has been pretty crazy, but also pretty awesome. First of all, best news ever! Miguel is getting baptized!! Unfortunately I wasn't there, and I won't be able to make it to the baptism because I'm not actually going up to Springs this week. Its me and Sister Tu'alau in Pueblo without Sister Hilbert and I'm not sure how I feel about that, but good thing the Lord is in charge, so its all good! But I can't tell you how extremely excited I was to find out Miguel is getting baptized!! Also we have an investigator here that we're working with, his name is David and he is so awesome! He was supposed to get baptized this coming Sunday, but he didn't make it to church yesterday, so we have to push it back. But I'm still super excited about it! So this has been a super crazy P-day because its Sister Hilbert's last, so this letter may be shorter and more scatter-brained. But basically I learned this week: 1. When you have something kind, nice or important to say to someone, say it right away, because you may lose out on that opportunity. I've learned things happen fast here, people are transferred, or leave, or whatever, so never waste a moment. Also this next transfer pretty sure the Lord will be teaching me some important lessons including but not limited to having more confidence, and patience, and teaching skills and not stress out. Its going to be filled with trials, but thats where we grow the best.
I'm really sorry this is short! Thanks for being awesome and supportive, I love all the letters! And love you! Miss you lots!
Sister Pratt
So this week has been pretty crazy, but also pretty awesome. First of all, best news ever! Miguel is getting baptized!! Unfortunately I wasn't there, and I won't be able to make it to the baptism because I'm not actually going up to Springs this week. Its me and Sister Tu'alau in Pueblo without Sister Hilbert and I'm not sure how I feel about that, but good thing the Lord is in charge, so its all good! But I can't tell you how extremely excited I was to find out Miguel is getting baptized!! Also we have an investigator here that we're working with, his name is David and he is so awesome! He was supposed to get baptized this coming Sunday, but he didn't make it to church yesterday, so we have to push it back. But I'm still super excited about it! So this has been a super crazy P-day because its Sister Hilbert's last, so this letter may be shorter and more scatter-brained. But basically I learned this week: 1. When you have something kind, nice or important to say to someone, say it right away, because you may lose out on that opportunity. I've learned things happen fast here, people are transferred, or leave, or whatever, so never waste a moment. Also this next transfer pretty sure the Lord will be teaching me some important lessons including but not limited to having more confidence, and patience, and teaching skills and not stress out. Its going to be filled with trials, but thats where we grow the best.
I'm really sorry this is short! Thanks for being awesome and supportive, I love all the letters! And love you! Miss you lots!
Sister Pratt
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
3/21
Hi family! How was your week? Mine was awesome! I'm back in Pueblo and enjoying every minute! I hate that feeling at the end of the transfer that everything is going to change, especially since Sister Hilbert is going home, and there's that whole possibility of leaving for Brazil at any time, which is nerve wracking. But I've learned tons and worked hard this week. We still don't have any one super solid that we are teaching, but there are a lot of potentials that we are teaching. Today, I'm back in Colorado Springs though. The President is doing this little training thing, and so Sister Hilbert and Tu'alau are there, and I'm on exchanges with the other Singles ward sisters in the Pikes Peak ward today and tomorrow. Its been pretty good, plus I get 2 P-days this week! :) (I don't think I get to email again on Wed, but I can check and see). So basically I've had 6 companions and 3 areas this transfer. The Lord knows I hate change so He is teaching me a lesson, and I'm learning a TON from it. Then after Sister Hilbert leaves next week, I'll be back up here in the Pikes Peak ward over Conference weekend, then its transfers and who knows where I'll be after that? Back to Pueblo though, we've tracted a lot, prayed a lot, and there are potentials, some that I feel really good about. This week is going to be a great one! As far as companionship goes, we have rough moments, but we all know how much I LOVE Sister Hilbert and I'll basically cry my eyes out when she leaves, but thats okay. We'll deal with that when it comes :) I'll be honest with you family, I would be perfectly content with serving my entire mission in this area. There is so much work to be done, and I'm getting to know the people and really learning important things. I know, I know, I'm going to Brazil some day and the Lord is in charge, so what ever and whenever things happen is all for the best. I love that I wake up in the morning and am completely happy and excited for the day ahead of me. The first little bit wasn't like that, I stressed out about being a missionary and having to talk to people. But pretty much its the best thing ever and I'm going to do it for the rest of my life :) I love you all, and hope everything is going great! Thank you for all your letters and support, I love you tons!
Love, Sister Pratt
Love, Sister Pratt
3/14
Hello from PUEBLO COLORADO! Confused? Yea me too...So this week was super crazy. Wednesday was a pretty rough day for me. I was stressed about going to Brazil, and stressed about companion struggles and basically I just wanted to go back to Pueblo with Sister Hilbert for just one day because I felt I raelly took it for granted down there. Then Thursday, I woke up, knowing that I needed a change of attitude and just threw myself into the work. I decided we were going to teach, and find, and I was going to love the people and I would just forget myself. And so thats what I did. All three of us worked hard, and we taught and amazing lesson to this girl named Sarah. Her friend is a member who invited her to church on Sunday and she came. Then we taught her on Thursday and before we even shared the first vision, her friend asked her if she wanted to get baptized, and she said yes! Then we shared the first vision and she felt the spirit so strong. She said she felt as if she was there in the grove, watching the whole thing happen. She is excited to read the Book of Mormon and is getting Baptized on March 27th! Then the day just went so well. We have 2 investigators we've been trying to meet with. THey just called us up and asked to come meet with them that day! We did and it was so amazing! The day continued on, we ended up teaching about 6 lessons that day. Then that night, we were helping a recent convert with wedding decorations, and the phone rings. Its Preseident Pfile. Of course, I start freaking out because Sister Hilbert has predicted from day one that I will get my visa on March 10th. Sis Jones hands me the phone, and he says, "Hey Sister Pratt, I was wondering, how would you feel about going down to Pueblo to help out Sister Hilbert? She is struggling a little with her greenie she's training and you're the only solution I can come up with." I wanted to shout "Yes that would be AMAZING!" but I saw the look on my companion's face, which was on the verge of bursting into tears, so I said, "yea, that's be okay with me." Poor Sister Gilson was sad that I left, but I think she and Sister Jones have a lot to learn from eachother without their mediator (me) there. SO I packed my bags, and Sister Hilbert picked my up at 9 the next morning! I was back in my old district, with my awesome trainer, and my amazing zone leaders, and all through district meeting I could not wipe the smile off my face.
Not to say things are all peaches and cream here, we have no investigators and there is a little bit of stress to deal with in the companionship. My other new companion is Sister Tu'alau from Tonga. This is her first transfer, and she struggles with the language, and the culture and is pretty homesick. At dinner that night, one of the Elders made a comment to Sister HIlbert that he hasn't seen her smile in 3 weeks. I guess I didn't realize just how hard it has been for her down here, especially since its her last transfer and she is dealing with all that too.
We fasted as a companionship to be able to find investigators this week. I full faith we will see a lot of success. I'm so excited to be back here, I really took my time and the people here for granted. Every day I love being a missionary more and more. Now I pray I don't get my visa until the end of the transfer. But I really want it by the end, thats for sure. Its in the Lord's hands, luckily, because He knows what He is doing.
Thats the biggest news of the week, and its been pretty crazy! I feel like I never left! I also see how much I've grown since being away. I love it here so much and I'm so excited to be here! I love you all and miss you tons! I hope you are being nice to missionaries in your area, and that you are continuing to grow in faith. Have a fabulous week!
Love always,
Sister Pratt
Not to say things are all peaches and cream here, we have no investigators and there is a little bit of stress to deal with in the companionship. My other new companion is Sister Tu'alau from Tonga. This is her first transfer, and she struggles with the language, and the culture and is pretty homesick. At dinner that night, one of the Elders made a comment to Sister HIlbert that he hasn't seen her smile in 3 weeks. I guess I didn't realize just how hard it has been for her down here, especially since its her last transfer and she is dealing with all that too.
We fasted as a companionship to be able to find investigators this week. I full faith we will see a lot of success. I'm so excited to be back here, I really took my time and the people here for granted. Every day I love being a missionary more and more. Now I pray I don't get my visa until the end of the transfer. But I really want it by the end, thats for sure. Its in the Lord's hands, luckily, because He knows what He is doing.
Thats the biggest news of the week, and its been pretty crazy! I feel like I never left! I also see how much I've grown since being away. I love it here so much and I'm so excited to be here! I love you all and miss you tons! I hope you are being nice to missionaries in your area, and that you are continuing to grow in faith. Have a fabulous week!
Love always,
Sister Pratt
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hello Everyone!
Hi everybody! This week was full of HUGE ups and downs. Some miracles though, I will share with you! We had about 30 minutes to tract on Friday afternoon. We felt good about an apartment complex, and the second door we knocked on, a man named Nick answered. He let us in, and said he was in the army and had just barely moved in about 2 days before. We sat on the floor and talked to him about his beliefs and attending church, and we taught him the first lesson. He accepted baptism! It was so amazing! We gave him the Book of Mormon, and he was excited to read it. In his prayer at the end, he thanked the Lord for revealing this new path that he finally found. We visited him the next day, and he had been reading. He also came to church and really enjoyed his time there. What an amazing miracle!
We've been teaching Miguel for a few weeks now. He came to FHE last week and was having a pretty bad day. We talked to him for a while and he said he felt so much better coming to meet these wonderful people, and how nice everyone is to him. He told me he has slammed the door on Mormon missionaries so many times, and now he feels so bad. One time, he said he answered the door completely drunk, and threw up all over the Elders on his door. Then he said, "Yea, that was definitely the lowest point in my life." I laughed so hard! I think he didn't expect that reaction, but I told him that those Elders had a great story to bring home, so its okay. He has really opened up. That night he read in the Book of Mormon, the next day we met with him and he told us he knew the Book of Mormon was true. We were totally shocked! (Unfortunately, he still won't commit to baptism) but the real miracle here is that every time we meet with him, he opens up a little more each time. Its amazing to watch him change his life, just in these few weeks.
Church on Sunday was a miracle. Two different members brought friends to church. We set up return appointments with both of them. It was so exciting to see people in the ward being supportive and welcoming and really diving into missionary work! It was a truly amazing day!
Another miracle was we met a lady named Susan. We taught her twice, and then had to transition her to the Elders, because we can only teach YSAs. But It was incredible! The Elders committed her to Baptism and she is so completely solid. She asked us if there were any activites where people get together and sew or cook or do service projects because she loves all those things. We were like, WELCOME TO RELIEF SOCIETY! :) It was awesome. She is living with her fiance though, so we're fasting and praying that all will work out for marriege before March 20th. I have full faith it will, I've seen it happen a few times in Pueblo! I'm so excited for her!
I won't share as much about the downs, but we did get dropped by some investigators we were working with. It was painful, and hard to do, but I learned some really valuable lessons in it. Another down was some of my struggles with Portuguese, however that discouragement has been lifted from working with a member here who served his mission in Brazil. At first meeting with him just stressed me out, but the last time we met, I felt uplifted and ready to really study and prepare for Brazil.
I love you all so so much! Thank you for your letters and support and love! I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Te Amo!
Sister Pratt
We've been teaching Miguel for a few weeks now. He came to FHE last week and was having a pretty bad day. We talked to him for a while and he said he felt so much better coming to meet these wonderful people, and how nice everyone is to him. He told me he has slammed the door on Mormon missionaries so many times, and now he feels so bad. One time, he said he answered the door completely drunk, and threw up all over the Elders on his door. Then he said, "Yea, that was definitely the lowest point in my life." I laughed so hard! I think he didn't expect that reaction, but I told him that those Elders had a great story to bring home, so its okay. He has really opened up. That night he read in the Book of Mormon, the next day we met with him and he told us he knew the Book of Mormon was true. We were totally shocked! (Unfortunately, he still won't commit to baptism) but the real miracle here is that every time we meet with him, he opens up a little more each time. Its amazing to watch him change his life, just in these few weeks.
Church on Sunday was a miracle. Two different members brought friends to church. We set up return appointments with both of them. It was so exciting to see people in the ward being supportive and welcoming and really diving into missionary work! It was a truly amazing day!
Another miracle was we met a lady named Susan. We taught her twice, and then had to transition her to the Elders, because we can only teach YSAs. But It was incredible! The Elders committed her to Baptism and she is so completely solid. She asked us if there were any activites where people get together and sew or cook or do service projects because she loves all those things. We were like, WELCOME TO RELIEF SOCIETY! :) It was awesome. She is living with her fiance though, so we're fasting and praying that all will work out for marriege before March 20th. I have full faith it will, I've seen it happen a few times in Pueblo! I'm so excited for her!
I won't share as much about the downs, but we did get dropped by some investigators we were working with. It was painful, and hard to do, but I learned some really valuable lessons in it. Another down was some of my struggles with Portuguese, however that discouragement has been lifted from working with a member here who served his mission in Brazil. At first meeting with him just stressed me out, but the last time we met, I felt uplifted and ready to really study and prepare for Brazil.
I love you all so so much! Thank you for your letters and support and love! I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Te Amo!
Sister Pratt
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Hello!!
First off: HAPPY BRITHDAY TO MY CAILEY!! :) Now, Hey everyone! So excited for the big news? transfers this week, I'm packing up my bags today and heading up to Colorado Springs! I'm in a group of 3 and working with Sister Gilson (who I came in with) and Sister Jones, who I tracted with my first day, and is the sweetest person in the world! I'm really excited, we'll be in the Cheyenne Mountain Ward which is a singles ward up there. Sister Hilbert says its an awesome ward and the best news is, I'm close enough to Pueblo that I get to come down to Bekah's Baptism this Sunday! Which was something I was worried about, considering I've been with her throught the whole process towards baptism. I'm going to miss the people I met here, and my Zone Leaders and other missionaries and especially Sister hilbert, BUT The Lord is teaching me a lesson: to love change. So I may as well learn that lesson now BEFORE I get thrown into a foregin country and my life really gets turned upside-down. This week was pretty awesome, we continue to teach Bekah AND she came to church, and loved it. It was amazing! ANd the elders are teaching a 17 year-old boy who is totally solid, he called them Sunday night and told them he finished reading 3 Nephi, what else should he read? They've taught him twice. There are miracles happening all over the place here! On Friday night, I was feeling a little stressed about the changes that were coming up, So Sister Hilbert decided to make me senior companion on Saturday and I would be driving, deciding where to go, who to teach, and would be leading all the lessons. Turns out, I know this area better than i thought, and I can have confidence that the spirit will always lead and guide. It was a littler nerve-wracking but I learned a lot from it. In other news, frank was confirmed, and he is so awesome. He came in a 3 piece suit, and a white shirt, and he is asking all sorts of questions about the Temple and how he wants to be worthy to go when he hits his year mark. It has been so amazing to see this man go from a depressed drunk to reading the Book of Mormon everyday and quickly recognizing the truthfulness of the gospel. Its absolutely amazing! And we were excited because Adam has been reading the Book of Mormon, and says its going well, and he is reading it with an open mind, and the possiblity that it is true. Although, he still hasn't come to church. But we're working on it, and trusting that it is in the Lord's hands. Yesterday was a little rough, since Sister Hilbert knew she was training and staying in Mesa next transfer, which meant I was leaving, but didn't know where. I was sad to leave my comfort zone I've created here, but this morning I woke up, ready for the changes, feeling the peace that I will go to where and with the people I need to be with, and it will be amazing. I love you all! And miss you tons! Have a great week, and don't forget to write me :)
Love always
Sister Pratt
Love always
Sister Pratt
Monday, February 7, 2011
Hello Everyone!
Hello! So here is the weekly update: This week was pretty awesome! Well, every week is, no matter what. We have a solid baptism for this coming Sunday, the 13th. Do you remember me telling you about Frank? He is getting baptized! And he is totally solid too! We were unsure about him at first, we weren't sure how much he was connecting with the gospel, turns out he was just under the influence of a lot of alcohol, and once we taught him the Word of Wisdom, he started going to AA classes and is now been 5 days off alcohol! We've been able to teach him a lot, and he even came to church yesterday! Speaking of church, here is a not so great thing about this week: our Bishop cancelled church. We're still trying to figure out why...I think maybe because of the roads. Its snowed a lot and they don't get that a lot here. Another rumor was that it was because the heater stopped working in the chapel, but it really wasn't too bad. So who really knows. But it was sort of frustrating because we have 4 solid people coming to church. We couldn't get a hold of Frank before he came, but we were able to sit and teach him. turns out he has a neighbor who is Jehovah's Witness who has brought some doubt into his mind about rushing into baptism. We were able to talk to him about the Book of Mormon and prayer, and he said he is still committed to the baptism. We are meeting with him everyday this week to make sure he stays off alcohol, and continues to feel the spirit. Just keep him in your prayers please, he is so awesome, and the Lord has been preparing him to be baptized. We also taught Adam again, the one who is married to a less active, and is unsure about the church. But we really emphasized the Book of Mormon with him. He committed to read and pray every day this week. I have no doubt that if he is prepared, and reads with an open heart, he WILL find answers to all his questions, and the Lord will teach him the way he needs in order to accept the gospel. We're meeting with him again on Wednesday. I love teaching him, because its one of the only times I feel really confident that the spirit will just help me know what to say. Sister Hilbert has been telling me I need to just do what i do with him in every lesson. But for some reason, I lose confidence so quickly. Its what we're working on this week :) A few days ago, we met this really cool guy, younger college student who seemed super excited about the church. We felt really good about him, and he was going to meet us at the church one night, we talked to him minutes before the lesson, and he never came. Now he doesn't answer calls and has never been home when we stop by. I started to think maybe it was a figment of my imagination that we never even met him before because he literally dropped of the face of the earth. We pray we will come in contact with him again, because he seemed really awesome.
Well, there you go for updates on the people we're teaching! It was my first zone conference this week, and it was totally awesome. I learned a lot. One thing was that I have the best district ever! I'm not just saying that either, its sad how quickly this transfer is going because our district is so awesome. I can't wait to tell you stories about our district meetings. But I don't have time now, sorry! Basically I love you all and miss you so much! Thank you for all you're support! Things are great here in (colored strings :) ) Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Mesa ward mission! (keep praying for my visa though...even though I do love it...I'm anxious to be in Brazil) LOVE YOU! Sister Pratt
Well, there you go for updates on the people we're teaching! It was my first zone conference this week, and it was totally awesome. I learned a lot. One thing was that I have the best district ever! I'm not just saying that either, its sad how quickly this transfer is going because our district is so awesome. I can't wait to tell you stories about our district meetings. But I don't have time now, sorry! Basically I love you all and miss you so much! Thank you for all you're support! Things are great here in (colored strings :) ) Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Mesa ward mission! (keep praying for my visa though...even though I do love it...I'm anxious to be in Brazil) LOVE YOU! Sister Pratt
Monday, January 31, 2011
Hey Family and Friends!
Hello everyone! I appreciate all the letters and e-mails, I love hearing about how things are going at home. This week was filled with some of the greatest joy and greatest disappointment I've ever felt. Welcome to being a missionary, right? So first of all we have an investigator with a baptismal date! The Elders felt good about tracting a street, that was out of their area, they just didn't realize it. But its this little old man, Frank, they taught him twice before they realized he was in our ward. So they passed him on to us. He is an interesting guy! He is really excited about the church, and he even came to church on Sunday! Then we met another girl tracting, April, she is a single mom and we taught her the first lesson and she seemed pretty interested in the church and learning more. We were really excited about her...and then Saturday Sister Hilbert called her to see if she was coming to church and basically...the phone call didn't go well. This is when sister Hilbert and I decided Satan is the WORST person in the world and we want him to go away forever!!! That was a really disappointing moment for me, luckily I have a great companion who can discern my emotions really well and always has helpful things to say. but the greatest most amazing miracle of the week was on Wednesday I answered the phone, a less active woman named Dawn called and told me her husband wanted to meet with the missionaries. I talked to her a little and set up an appointment for Friday, while Sister Hilbert was doing something else. Afterwards I said, "so this lady, named Dawn called and wants us to meet with her husband, who isn't a member I guess and so I set up an appointment for Friday." Sister Hilbert started freaking out! And made me repeat the conversation word for word. Apparently they tracted into this woman there first day here, like a year ago, and found this less active woman. She was a convert, then married in the temple, but her husband turned out to be a crazy abusive guy, very sad. So she left him and married a non-member who doesn't want anything to do with the church. She hasn't come to church in 11 years. He met with elders once, but it didn't go well. now, because of their son asking questions about God, he has sparked an interest in the church. His name is Adam, and we prayed all day the lesson would go well, and we'd know what to say. Turns out his 2 major issues is the trinity (that whole 3 seperate beings thing he isn't a fan of) and he doesn't believe in eternal families. A problem I didn't think I'd run into but, still, the gospel solves everythin. This was the first time I actually really taught a lesson. We flowed well together, I was listening to the spirit, it was totally amazing! Then I said the first vision, and just knew that he knew it was true. But I didn't know what to do with that knowledge. Luckily Sister Hilbert said to him, "Will you kneel down right now and pray and ask if Joseph Smith was a Prophet? If you do, I promise you will get an answer right now." Wow, man. I prayed so hard this would all work out..and guess what?!? It did! He got up and said, yes, its true. Joseph Smith was a Prophet. Ah! It was so cool you guys! He siad he still needs time before he decides to be baptized. Then of course, the most depressing thing was that they didn't come to church, like they promised they would, but the Lord is in all things. We know it will work out. Those are the most exciting updates from this week. I hope you're all doing well! I love you lots and lots! Have a great week!
Love Sister Pratt
Love Sister Pratt
Week 2 in the field!
My apologies for this one being late. But, the good news is, you get two in one day! I went to go post the newest one, and realized that I hadn't posted this one.
Hello everyone!
Okay 2 things. first of all is the Sister Pratt Understatment of the Year: Teaching real people is WAY better than teaching fake people. Its true. Second thing, everyone in Pueblo Colorado has a dog. If not more than one dog. There isn't a breed or mix of dog that I haven't seen. There isn't an inch of my coat that isn't covered in dog hair. Also, I don't ever want one anymore. Unless its the identical twin to Abby, because she is the best dog ever. But lets just say, the mission has made me, actually more scared of dogs, than I ever have been before. On to other things- up to this point, knocking on doors has been fairly uneventful and people have so kindly rejected our message. UNTIL...the Lord very strongly urged both of us to go to this one street. I may never know why. But we went there and were no longer kindly rejected. It was sort of like a, "hello Sister Pratt, welcome to missionary work!" Woohoo! It actually wasn't that bad. Just the first of many :) There are all these things I do here that I thought I would never do on my mission, once I found out I was going to Brazil. For example, speaking in church, but in English. (others include, but are not limited to, washing my clothes in a washer, drying in a dryer, driving a car, a bike, going to target). So I spoke on sunday, but they just wanted me to introduce myself and bear testimony, and thats what I did. I wish I could tell you exciting stories of our investigators this week, but unfortunately...we don't really have any. Although we went to teach this family thats been coming to church without any missionary lessons (they live like an hour away) and it turns out the man has studied like every religion out there. And basically wants to know every bit of deep doctrine before he even thinks about joining. I got every deep doctrine 'question-a-missionary-never-ever-wants' in one lesson. It was totally awesome! mostly because The Lord is amazing, and the only thing He allows you to say (if you are listening) is to bear testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet and the Book of Mormon is true. Then we ended up driving back in a snow storm, and there was some serious amount of Heavenly Protection on that road trip, considering my driver is from Australia and I was explaining the concept of black ice to here int his car ride. Thanks for all the letters this week people! my first week, there was a bit of a famine, but this week was great! I don't really know what else to tell you about here. Basically we wake up, study, tract, eat lunch, tract, eat dinner and study more. There is a girl in this ward that served her mission in Brazil, and we're going to set up a weekly Portuguese Study time together, that is a serious answer to my prayers because I'm afraid not speaking Portuguese has made me lose a little. But I know the Lord will make up for it all in the end. I love you all, and sorry its short, but hopefully I'll have more news next week! Love ya lots!
Sister Pratt
Hello everyone!
Okay 2 things. first of all is the Sister Pratt Understatment of the Year: Teaching real people is WAY better than teaching fake people. Its true. Second thing, everyone in Pueblo Colorado has a dog. If not more than one dog. There isn't a breed or mix of dog that I haven't seen. There isn't an inch of my coat that isn't covered in dog hair. Also, I don't ever want one anymore. Unless its the identical twin to Abby, because she is the best dog ever. But lets just say, the mission has made me, actually more scared of dogs, than I ever have been before. On to other things- up to this point, knocking on doors has been fairly uneventful and people have so kindly rejected our message. UNTIL...the Lord very strongly urged both of us to go to this one street. I may never know why. But we went there and were no longer kindly rejected. It was sort of like a, "hello Sister Pratt, welcome to missionary work!" Woohoo! It actually wasn't that bad. Just the first of many :) There are all these things I do here that I thought I would never do on my mission, once I found out I was going to Brazil. For example, speaking in church, but in English. (others include, but are not limited to, washing my clothes in a washer, drying in a dryer, driving a car, a bike, going to target). So I spoke on sunday, but they just wanted me to introduce myself and bear testimony, and thats what I did. I wish I could tell you exciting stories of our investigators this week, but unfortunately...we don't really have any. Although we went to teach this family thats been coming to church without any missionary lessons (they live like an hour away) and it turns out the man has studied like every religion out there. And basically wants to know every bit of deep doctrine before he even thinks about joining. I got every deep doctrine 'question-a-missionary-never-ever-wants' in one lesson. It was totally awesome! mostly because The Lord is amazing, and the only thing He allows you to say (if you are listening) is to bear testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet and the Book of Mormon is true. Then we ended up driving back in a snow storm, and there was some serious amount of Heavenly Protection on that road trip, considering my driver is from Australia and I was explaining the concept of black ice to here int his car ride. Thanks for all the letters this week people! my first week, there was a bit of a famine, but this week was great! I don't really know what else to tell you about here. Basically we wake up, study, tract, eat lunch, tract, eat dinner and study more. There is a girl in this ward that served her mission in Brazil, and we're going to set up a weekly Portuguese Study time together, that is a serious answer to my prayers because I'm afraid not speaking Portuguese has made me lose a little. But I know the Lord will make up for it all in the end. I love you all, and sorry its short, but hopefully I'll have more news next week! Love ya lots!
Sister Pratt
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
In the field!
I survived my first week in the field. Just barely though;) considering I got here in the freezing cold with no winter clothes. But no worries, I only went tracting without boots once, and it was only for 45 minutes. Its really warmed up now, and Pueblo isn't as cold as the Springs, so don't worry abot sending winter stuff, I'll be fine.
I met my mission president, President Pfile. He is an awesome, amazing and funny man. I guess this mission really struggled before he stepped in and has turned it around. I got my trainer, her name is Sister Hilbert and she is from Australia! This is her second to last transfer and has been in Pubelo Colorado for 10 months of her mission. She knows the area really well, and the people too and they love her. She has been teaching me how things are done here, especially teaching me not to stress about everything.
Our first day, one of my first door contacts in my area, we were let in by a man named Hyrum. He was really interested in this concept that Jewish people came to the Ancient Americas because he is from Mexico, and is an Orthodox Jew and wants to do his family history to trace back to the Jews. We had an official appointment set with him, but his wife ended up in the hospital with a heart attack. He called us and asked us to visit her and bring her a Book of Mormon (Yes, he has only met us once, on his doorstep). We visited her, and she said they were both looking for a church and her husband has been reading the book we gave him. We still haven't gotten to teach them a full lesson, but I called him yesterday to see how things were going and he said, "Oh its so great you called right now, we were just reading in the book of Nephi together!" I was so surprised, I didn't even know what to say! We're pretty excited about them.
We have a few other people that we are teaching, only once so far, one who has accepted a baptism date. So I have gotten plenty of chances to teach the restoration and first vision, but haven't done any follow-ups since. I guess I could tell you a little about the area of Pueblo. I don't really know much so far, but I do know it is a more poor area of Colorado. The people here are humble, and many are looking for peace, comfort, and forgiveness in their lives. I'm finding my first challenge as a missionary is seeing these people open up to you with their struggles, but not willing to change their ways because its too hard. I wish I could just open their minds and put in everything I know and feel. But it doesn't work that way. Sister Hilbert told me that often the lessons your investigators need to learn are lessons you need to learn too. I can see this as I struggle to go through hard changes in order to be more converted to the Lord so that I can better bring others unto Him. I told Sister Hilbert that, she said "Well, will you hurry up and learn that lesson so that our investigators will too?" Haha! She is a great trainer, and just goes to show the Lord really knows what He is doing when He put me with her. (Now, you really really have to believe me this time. She is totally awesome. My last companion and I had problems, but I loved her and the Lord really knew what he was doing then, even through my frustrations. But sister Hilbert is totally awesome. And has a sweet accent :) ) She'll be teaching, and the person will say something or ask something, I won't know how to respond, she know exactly what to do and I just think, Whoa! That was totally Awesome! Someday...I will be able to do that. In Portuguese.
Our District Leader is pretty awesome too, he goes over and above expectations to really help us be great missionaries. Sister Hilbert says he will ruin ever other District Leader I will have after this, because he is the greatest.
This past sunday was Stake Conference, we had a potential of 10 investigators coming, and 1 came! We are just as excited for that one and we would be for 10. We have taught a lot of families, so think that this sunday will be a little easier to get people to church, with the different activities. Plus, church is at 12, I guess it just changed from 8:30, which was hard. Basically, I'm not a pro-missionary yet, but I made it through the first week. I got through many firsts, my first birthday in the field (which was great, by the way), by first door slams, my first rejection, my first baptism date, my first um..interesting...dinner appointment (if you know what I mean), my first few tiny little glimpes of the Savior's Atonement and the pain he felt for others, my first day of tracting 3 hours in 10 degree weather and not scheduling a single return appointment. I am remembering it is the Lord's work. We talk to everyone at every door, not because every person will listen, but because we must find those who the Lord has prepared to accept Him. I love it here! I'm grateful to be learning everything in english too, I tink it will really help me in Brazil, I'll know what I'm doing, I just gotta translate it into Portuguese :) i love you, and miss you. (PS Just send to the address I gave you, they forward it. They can only forward first class packages though, not UPS or FEDEX, so...yea...)
LOVE YOU!
Sister Pratt
I met my mission president, President Pfile. He is an awesome, amazing and funny man. I guess this mission really struggled before he stepped in and has turned it around. I got my trainer, her name is Sister Hilbert and she is from Australia! This is her second to last transfer and has been in Pubelo Colorado for 10 months of her mission. She knows the area really well, and the people too and they love her. She has been teaching me how things are done here, especially teaching me not to stress about everything.
Our first day, one of my first door contacts in my area, we were let in by a man named Hyrum. He was really interested in this concept that Jewish people came to the Ancient Americas because he is from Mexico, and is an Orthodox Jew and wants to do his family history to trace back to the Jews. We had an official appointment set with him, but his wife ended up in the hospital with a heart attack. He called us and asked us to visit her and bring her a Book of Mormon (Yes, he has only met us once, on his doorstep). We visited her, and she said they were both looking for a church and her husband has been reading the book we gave him. We still haven't gotten to teach them a full lesson, but I called him yesterday to see how things were going and he said, "Oh its so great you called right now, we were just reading in the book of Nephi together!" I was so surprised, I didn't even know what to say! We're pretty excited about them.
We have a few other people that we are teaching, only once so far, one who has accepted a baptism date. So I have gotten plenty of chances to teach the restoration and first vision, but haven't done any follow-ups since. I guess I could tell you a little about the area of Pueblo. I don't really know much so far, but I do know it is a more poor area of Colorado. The people here are humble, and many are looking for peace, comfort, and forgiveness in their lives. I'm finding my first challenge as a missionary is seeing these people open up to you with their struggles, but not willing to change their ways because its too hard. I wish I could just open their minds and put in everything I know and feel. But it doesn't work that way. Sister Hilbert told me that often the lessons your investigators need to learn are lessons you need to learn too. I can see this as I struggle to go through hard changes in order to be more converted to the Lord so that I can better bring others unto Him. I told Sister Hilbert that, she said "Well, will you hurry up and learn that lesson so that our investigators will too?" Haha! She is a great trainer, and just goes to show the Lord really knows what He is doing when He put me with her. (Now, you really really have to believe me this time. She is totally awesome. My last companion and I had problems, but I loved her and the Lord really knew what he was doing then, even through my frustrations. But sister Hilbert is totally awesome. And has a sweet accent :) ) She'll be teaching, and the person will say something or ask something, I won't know how to respond, she know exactly what to do and I just think, Whoa! That was totally Awesome! Someday...I will be able to do that. In Portuguese.
Our District Leader is pretty awesome too, he goes over and above expectations to really help us be great missionaries. Sister Hilbert says he will ruin ever other District Leader I will have after this, because he is the greatest.
This past sunday was Stake Conference, we had a potential of 10 investigators coming, and 1 came! We are just as excited for that one and we would be for 10. We have taught a lot of families, so think that this sunday will be a little easier to get people to church, with the different activities. Plus, church is at 12, I guess it just changed from 8:30, which was hard. Basically, I'm not a pro-missionary yet, but I made it through the first week. I got through many firsts, my first birthday in the field (which was great, by the way), by first door slams, my first rejection, my first baptism date, my first um..interesting...dinner appointment (if you know what I mean), my first few tiny little glimpes of the Savior's Atonement and the pain he felt for others, my first day of tracting 3 hours in 10 degree weather and not scheduling a single return appointment. I am remembering it is the Lord's work. We talk to everyone at every door, not because every person will listen, but because we must find those who the Lord has prepared to accept Him. I love it here! I'm grateful to be learning everything in english too, I tink it will really help me in Brazil, I'll know what I'm doing, I just gotta translate it into Portuguese :) i love you, and miss you. (PS Just send to the address I gave you, they forward it. They can only forward first class packages though, not UPS or FEDEX, so...yea...)
LOVE YOU!
Sister Pratt
Monday, January 10, 2011
Last Letter from the MTC
Now, in case you haven't heard- I've been re-assigned to COLORADO SPRINGS! :) I'm so excited! I leave on Monday. My companion was sent to Alabama and had less than 12 hours between knowing and leaving. It was such a rush, it wasn't too hard to say goodbye. But then yesterday was pretty rough without her. I had class and MDT all day, and had to stay with the Elders. I love them, but I felt pretty alone. Its crazy how quickly you have to be connected with your companion, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Not having that support did not feel very great. Today has been better though, because its P-day and I have to stick with sisters. Plus, today I am packing and getting ready to leave, where as yesterday was still focused on teaching and language (thats rough without Sister Bee). Now I'm too busy to think, so I just do.
We got to do sealings in the Temple today, and it was an awesome experience! I was thinking today, because last night I started to sort of panic because I feel my little portuguese baby wings are not ready to fly yet, especially since I won't be in Brazil. BUT I didn't feel at all ready for the MTC, somehow I ended up on that plane, and everything turned out great. So we'll just do that again! Now into the field! I won't be travelling by myself, there is a group leaving for Colorado Springs, of 14, 4 sisters in it. So thats a little relieving. Please don't send anymore letters to my MTC address because they don't forward letters from here, they just throw them away, so I won't get them. I should still get dearelders, but I don't know how it works, you might have to change my address in the system or whatever.
My new address it: 4090 Center Park Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. Also, if you were wanting to send stuff for my birthday, don't worry about it yet because I don't know what i need. Although, I do know I need some warm tights or something, or else my legs are going to freeze, and that is something I know they don't sell at the bookstore here.
I'm trying to think what happened this week. Basically its all a blur. I'm pretty sure the days on a mission are actually 36 hours long, the nights are 2, but the weeks are a nano-second. I don't know how the Lord does it, thats why He is all powerful, and I am not. Portuguese is great, we had our last TRC, which was reason to celebrate, and I was surprised at how much I understood and was able to say. I am bringing waaayy too many books with me to Colorado in order to make sure I don't plateau or even digress in my learning of the language before I get to Brazil. I'm trying not to stress about it, because I know that it will all work out. I feel have studied well here at the MTC. Of course there is ALWAYS room for improvement, but I won't beat myself up for what I lacked when I know how much I have learned and grown here. I will miss so many of the people I've met here. (Although the Elders I will miss the most, will hopefully be in my zone or district sometime In Brazil, since they're all going to Salvador too). I can honestly say I will miss it here, there is no other place in the world where so many different people with different stories, backgrounds, languages, strengths and testimonies are all gathered for one purpose. We got to sing Armies of Helaman again at my last devotional, so I guess I'm going out the way I came in, which was feeling that power of 2500 missionaries singing the simple words that We are now the Lord's missionaries and we're bringing the world the truth! Am I scaring you with how much I sound like a missionary? I'm scaring myself too. But don't judge, like I always did. I never understood. I'm excited to go into the field! I'm nervous too. The thought of knocking on people's doors and talking to people in the street, and sitting in front of someone in their home teaching the first lesson makes me want to smile, cry and throw-up all at the same time! (I have to re-memorize everything in English now, by the way, I don't know the fist vision word for word. And don't even get me started on contacting! I've NEVER contacted in English. Its been Portuguese since day 1. New goals for the next 2 days). Sorry this is a short e-mail this week. But I've basically expressed all the important feelings and moments of this week. I love you all and miss you tons!
Te Amo!
Sister Pratt
We got to do sealings in the Temple today, and it was an awesome experience! I was thinking today, because last night I started to sort of panic because I feel my little portuguese baby wings are not ready to fly yet, especially since I won't be in Brazil. BUT I didn't feel at all ready for the MTC, somehow I ended up on that plane, and everything turned out great. So we'll just do that again! Now into the field! I won't be travelling by myself, there is a group leaving for Colorado Springs, of 14, 4 sisters in it. So thats a little relieving. Please don't send anymore letters to my MTC address because they don't forward letters from here, they just throw them away, so I won't get them. I should still get dearelders, but I don't know how it works, you might have to change my address in the system or whatever.
My new address it: 4090 Center Park Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. Also, if you were wanting to send stuff for my birthday, don't worry about it yet because I don't know what i need. Although, I do know I need some warm tights or something, or else my legs are going to freeze, and that is something I know they don't sell at the bookstore here.
I'm trying to think what happened this week. Basically its all a blur. I'm pretty sure the days on a mission are actually 36 hours long, the nights are 2, but the weeks are a nano-second. I don't know how the Lord does it, thats why He is all powerful, and I am not. Portuguese is great, we had our last TRC, which was reason to celebrate, and I was surprised at how much I understood and was able to say. I am bringing waaayy too many books with me to Colorado in order to make sure I don't plateau or even digress in my learning of the language before I get to Brazil. I'm trying not to stress about it, because I know that it will all work out. I feel have studied well here at the MTC. Of course there is ALWAYS room for improvement, but I won't beat myself up for what I lacked when I know how much I have learned and grown here. I will miss so many of the people I've met here. (Although the Elders I will miss the most, will hopefully be in my zone or district sometime In Brazil, since they're all going to Salvador too). I can honestly say I will miss it here, there is no other place in the world where so many different people with different stories, backgrounds, languages, strengths and testimonies are all gathered for one purpose. We got to sing Armies of Helaman again at my last devotional, so I guess I'm going out the way I came in, which was feeling that power of 2500 missionaries singing the simple words that We are now the Lord's missionaries and we're bringing the world the truth! Am I scaring you with how much I sound like a missionary? I'm scaring myself too. But don't judge, like I always did. I never understood. I'm excited to go into the field! I'm nervous too. The thought of knocking on people's doors and talking to people in the street, and sitting in front of someone in their home teaching the first lesson makes me want to smile, cry and throw-up all at the same time! (I have to re-memorize everything in English now, by the way, I don't know the fist vision word for word. And don't even get me started on contacting! I've NEVER contacted in English. Its been Portuguese since day 1. New goals for the next 2 days). Sorry this is a short e-mail this week. But I've basically expressed all the important feelings and moments of this week. I love you all and miss you tons!
Te Amo!
Sister Pratt
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Reassigned
Emma's visa is being stubborn and refusing to arrive. She received her assignment yesterday, and called today to tell Mom that she is going to.....................
Colorado Springs! Get ready all you Coloradians, she only has a few weeks there (hopefully).
Her companion went to Alabama. She found out Wednesday at 5 pm, and left this morning. The other sisters in Emma's room left last week, so Emma is one of the few missionaries who gets to fly solo for a bit. She'll has a solo sticker on, and is on her own until Monday when she flies out.
I'll update with an address as soon as I have one.
Colorado Springs! Get ready all you Coloradians, she only has a few weeks there (hopefully).
Her companion went to Alabama. She found out Wednesday at 5 pm, and left this morning. The other sisters in Emma's room left last week, so Emma is one of the few missionaries who gets to fly solo for a bit. She'll has a solo sticker on, and is on her own until Monday when she flies out.
I'll update with an address as soon as I have one.
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