MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Feliz Natal :) Doesn't time just fly? I can't even believe it! Sister Bee and I realized that we get our re-assignments a week from Wednesday! I know you want me to think positively mom, but we have to be realistic. You have to fill out an electronic visa and then it takes 4 weeks to get your real visa after that, and I haven't filled out the electronic one yet. And I'm totally okay with being re-assigned. Its just how things works here. I will be in Brazil for sure, just taking a little pit-stop in the U.S. first. Theres a rumor going around that someone from the church is meeting with the Brazilian government and there is high hopes it will really open up in February. But who knows? It will all work out. Some exciting things from this week: On Wednesday we went to the TRC, I don't remember what that stands for, but its the place where we practice teaching lessons and are recorded while our teacher evaluates us. Its generally not a positive experience for Sister Bee and I, for various reasons, but this week we were to teach the first lesson to someone who didn't believe in God. The man that we taught (a volunteer from the area who speaks Portuguese, and pretends to be an investigator) found out I was going to Salvador, so he decided his "character" would be a spiritualist, a common religion in Salvador. I read about it, its the fusion of African gods and voodoo with some Catholic saints and beliefs mixed in. He gave us some really amazing feedback about our lesson, and we felt like we really learned some valuable things teaching him. Then after he told me a little more about Salvador. Then we went back to the classroom. 10 minutes later, the head of the TRC came to find us. There was family of Brazilians, that came to Utah to go through the Temple. They were baptized last October, didn't speak a word of English and came to volunteer. The district that was supposed to be there never showed up, so he asked if two companionships would come teach them. Of course Sister Bee volunteered us. And I was freaking out. She calmed me down a little bit by telling me we didn't have to teach a full out lesson, but could just talk to them about their conversion story and share a message. I felt a little better. We got to the door, and she always makes me start the conversation and the lesson, because she knows she can speak already, and I need that extra push. I thought I was going to cry out of complete freaking out, which really surprised me that I had that reaction. They were this couple, from Sao Paulo east. They spoke fast and I caught words here and there. Sister mostly talked to them. I told them about my family, and shared a scripture, bore my testimony and said the prayer. Other than that, I just listened and tried to keep a happy smile on my face, instead of a "I;m totally confused and trying to understand whats going on." What I understood, which sister Bee confirmed for me afterwards, was His brother (His name is Frank her name was something like Gilmara...or Juara...I'm not sure) was a member for 13 years. They were never interested in the church. Then they visited him in Utah, and went to a Temple Open House. They spoke to sister missionaries, and that was when they finally felt something and decided to have missionaries over (Yay sisters!) So they loved to talk to us, because they don't have sister missionaries in the Sao Paulo East mission. Theres an Elder in our district who's brother is serving in Sao Paulo East and His brother happens to be the one that taught and baptized this couple. Isn't that awesome? AND His parents went to the temple with them that day. I hope the story made sense to everyone. If it helps, I had to figure out all the complicatedness in addition to it all being in Portuguese. I'm really proud of myself for figuring that all out. It was exciting since we don't know when we'll be able to talk to Brazilians after this. The other sisters in the branch got their re-assignments, Philedelphia, Pittsburg, Texas and Montana. After they leave on Monday/Tuesday, We'll be the oldest district in our branch, which is mind-blowing. As far as Christmas goes, we had P-day today. And then a Christmas Eve Devotional tonight. Tomorrow is really relaxed and we're encouraged to write more letters. We have a talent show in the morning, a devotional in the afternoon and then a extra, super legit devotional in the evening where there will most likely be an apostle speaking. Sister Bee was asked to give the opening prayer, so we get to sit on the stand! And then meet the person speaking! We're praying for the Prophet :) Christmas time here is really awesome. First of all, I get lost of pictures and letters from many different people who are sending our Christmas cards, which is awesome. But most of all, we get to really be separated from the commercial outside world and focus on Christ, because we are already focused on Him! I have learned so much as I have been studying the New Testament and also the Book of Mormon is truly a complete Testament of Christ. There is no better way to grow closer to Him than reading and studying that book. Sidenote for my crazy busy sisters/mother/or anyone else that needs this in their life: There is an article of a talk given by President Hinckley to the Women of the church. Its from like 1997ish I think...you should look it up. I forgot to write the name down. But I've gotten letters talking about how crazy busy your lives are and are sort of stressed out. Please read the article, its soooo good and encouraging. I thought of all of you when I read it. I hope you can find it! Thank you Thank you to all who have sent packages and letters! I love it! I hope to get to writing all of you today and tomorrow. HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!! I love you so much, and miss you, but am learning so much and excited to doing what I'm doing.
Love always, Sister Emma Pratt
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
December 17
(A note from Jessica- My apologies for the late arrival of this letter. Emma did send it on the 17th, but I didn't get it until a few days later, and my email has been wonky. I heard she has emailed another one to my mom, so you may get double-postings in the next few days. Also, it has been requested that I add her Brazil address. I don't have it, so if you do, please put it in the comments, and I'll get it on the side-bar. Assuming the visa goes well, she should get to Brazil on January 11th, so letters sent now would be good, because of the delay in mail.)
Sunday, I played piano, set-up the sister's singing, and we sung Mary's lullaby in Portuguese AND I was called up to give a talk AGAIN! But this time in Portuguese. It was a great opportunity to speak, but I was shocked. There are 70 people in our branch, and only 2 speak a week. Whatever, it was good. For Relief Society we heard Sister Christofferson speak, the wife of Elder Christofferson. She talked about the story Hugh B. Brown gave about the Currant Bush. She sort of botched the staory (I think it was a spur of the moment side note) so I looked it up and read it. It had a great affect on me and my purpose for serving a mission. I'm realizing some of the reasons why I need to serve and why the Lord needs me here. You should read the story, It's awesome.
Sister Bee and I were having some companion struggles last week, but we really talked it out on Sunday and this week has gone so well. Our district, in particular the Elders are starting to lose some motivation and focus of being here. Our teachers talked to us for a while, in English too (thats when you know its really really important). Sister Bee and I feel we haven't lost focus, but as a district we have, and we're part of that district. Last night at our weekly planning, our teacher came to see how we were doing. He sat with his mouth slightly open, I wasn't sure if he was mad or happy, but he said we do everything so well and he wished we were serving in the same area. As Sister Bee and I talked, we realized we really need to enjoy every moment here. It feels like we are just each other's companions for the whole 18 months, and we're going to conquer Brazil together. We're are already on our 6th week! Saying goodbye to her is going to be so so hard. I'm so glad I have her to really boost me into the life as a missionary.
Sunday night the missionaries are supposed to watch a film, like Legacy or The Testaments. Or you can study. Sister Bee and I went and explored as much internet as is allowed, and discovered so many films on-line. Like the armor of God film! And we laughed so hard, its amazing how your humor changes. But we needed to laugh with eachother since the week was hard. Also, the devotional that night was the BYU Men's Chorus. I loved hearing music and being at a concert. I miss music so much. I sit and listen to MoTab ffrom the Christmas Devotional sing "What Shall We Bring" over and over again because I miss song not in the hymn book. Or in Portuguese. Or in the Portuguese Hymn book.
This week, every day I woke up and said to myself "Hoje vai ser um dia boa. Eu posso falar Portugues" Today will be a great day. I can speak Portuguese. That attitude adjustment changed my world. I was speaking like crazy in Portuguese! We taught the plan of Salvation, in Portuguese and committed 2 people to be baptized! If you don't believe in the gift of tongues, you should here what comes out of my mouth after just 5 weeks. I'm more shocked than anyone else! I love it though.
Every visa that goes to the San Diego Consolate makes it through. The others are slow. Especially the LA one, that where all the Utah residents goes. Sister Bee and I have talked a lot about our re-assignments. She is struggling with it a lot more than I am. She has got a great grasp on the language, and is very anxious to just be there, teaching the people. She spent a year in Chile, so doesn't have some of the same concerns I do about moving to South America. Not to say I'm not super excited or anxious for my visa. I pray for it everyday. My biggest concern is being in the States for 5 months, and losing my Portuguese. I've heard horror stories of missionaries stuck here so long, they are given the option to not go, just stay in the States. I WILL BE IN BRAZIL! I'm okay with a re-assignment, but Salvador needs me, and I need them.
This week we taught the first lesson in Portuguese to a native Brazilian lady. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. So I nodded and smiled. I knew when Sister Bee turned to my, it was my turn to recite the first vision and bear my testimony. I felt the spirit, so I thought the lesson was great! I just thought, man I can not wait to get to Brazil. I'll have a trainer, I'll speak up when I can, but I'll be so completely lost, It'll be awesome! Lets go! Apparently, though, after we were done Sister Bee was annoyed because while trying to teach the Lady wasn't being an investigator, or correcting Sister Bee and my Portuguese. She was correcting the way we were teaching and telling us how to teach them. SIster Bee was super annoyed, but laughed at it at the same time. I was just like, Joseph Smith was a prophet! Woohoo! Haha, it was funny. The highlight of our week, really.
This week I've been cross referencing and studying the times in the Book of Mormon that talk about being an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Thats why I am at the MTC, I am fine tuning my speaking skillls, teaching skills, knowledge of the gospel, personal testimony and spiritual awareness so that I can be merely and instrument for God in bringing His children to the gospel. I was never really aware of just how important this work is until I got here. This is people's salvation we;re talking about! Very Important.
Well, I'll handwrite personally back. But I'm running out of time. I love you all, and wish you a veru Merry Christmas!
TE AMO! Feliz Natal! :)
Sister Emma Pratt
Sunday, I played piano, set-up the sister's singing, and we sung Mary's lullaby in Portuguese AND I was called up to give a talk AGAIN! But this time in Portuguese. It was a great opportunity to speak, but I was shocked. There are 70 people in our branch, and only 2 speak a week. Whatever, it was good. For Relief Society we heard Sister Christofferson speak, the wife of Elder Christofferson. She talked about the story Hugh B. Brown gave about the Currant Bush. She sort of botched the staory (I think it was a spur of the moment side note) so I looked it up and read it. It had a great affect on me and my purpose for serving a mission. I'm realizing some of the reasons why I need to serve and why the Lord needs me here. You should read the story, It's awesome.
Sister Bee and I were having some companion struggles last week, but we really talked it out on Sunday and this week has gone so well. Our district, in particular the Elders are starting to lose some motivation and focus of being here. Our teachers talked to us for a while, in English too (thats when you know its really really important). Sister Bee and I feel we haven't lost focus, but as a district we have, and we're part of that district. Last night at our weekly planning, our teacher came to see how we were doing. He sat with his mouth slightly open, I wasn't sure if he was mad or happy, but he said we do everything so well and he wished we were serving in the same area. As Sister Bee and I talked, we realized we really need to enjoy every moment here. It feels like we are just each other's companions for the whole 18 months, and we're going to conquer Brazil together. We're are already on our 6th week! Saying goodbye to her is going to be so so hard. I'm so glad I have her to really boost me into the life as a missionary.
Sunday night the missionaries are supposed to watch a film, like Legacy or The Testaments. Or you can study. Sister Bee and I went and explored as much internet as is allowed, and discovered so many films on-line. Like the armor of God film! And we laughed so hard, its amazing how your humor changes. But we needed to laugh with eachother since the week was hard. Also, the devotional that night was the BYU Men's Chorus. I loved hearing music and being at a concert. I miss music so much. I sit and listen to MoTab ffrom the Christmas Devotional sing "What Shall We Bring" over and over again because I miss song not in the hymn book. Or in Portuguese. Or in the Portuguese Hymn book.
This week, every day I woke up and said to myself "Hoje vai ser um dia boa. Eu posso falar Portugues" Today will be a great day. I can speak Portuguese. That attitude adjustment changed my world. I was speaking like crazy in Portuguese! We taught the plan of Salvation, in Portuguese and committed 2 people to be baptized! If you don't believe in the gift of tongues, you should here what comes out of my mouth after just 5 weeks. I'm more shocked than anyone else! I love it though.
Every visa that goes to the San Diego Consolate makes it through. The others are slow. Especially the LA one, that where all the Utah residents goes. Sister Bee and I have talked a lot about our re-assignments. She is struggling with it a lot more than I am. She has got a great grasp on the language, and is very anxious to just be there, teaching the people. She spent a year in Chile, so doesn't have some of the same concerns I do about moving to South America. Not to say I'm not super excited or anxious for my visa. I pray for it everyday. My biggest concern is being in the States for 5 months, and losing my Portuguese. I've heard horror stories of missionaries stuck here so long, they are given the option to not go, just stay in the States. I WILL BE IN BRAZIL! I'm okay with a re-assignment, but Salvador needs me, and I need them.
This week we taught the first lesson in Portuguese to a native Brazilian lady. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. So I nodded and smiled. I knew when Sister Bee turned to my, it was my turn to recite the first vision and bear my testimony. I felt the spirit, so I thought the lesson was great! I just thought, man I can not wait to get to Brazil. I'll have a trainer, I'll speak up when I can, but I'll be so completely lost, It'll be awesome! Lets go! Apparently, though, after we were done Sister Bee was annoyed because while trying to teach the Lady wasn't being an investigator, or correcting Sister Bee and my Portuguese. She was correcting the way we were teaching and telling us how to teach them. SIster Bee was super annoyed, but laughed at it at the same time. I was just like, Joseph Smith was a prophet! Woohoo! Haha, it was funny. The highlight of our week, really.
This week I've been cross referencing and studying the times in the Book of Mormon that talk about being an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Thats why I am at the MTC, I am fine tuning my speaking skillls, teaching skills, knowledge of the gospel, personal testimony and spiritual awareness so that I can be merely and instrument for God in bringing His children to the gospel. I was never really aware of just how important this work is until I got here. This is people's salvation we;re talking about! Very Important.
Well, I'll handwrite personally back. But I'm running out of time. I love you all, and wish you a veru Merry Christmas!
TE AMO! Feliz Natal! :)
Sister Emma Pratt
Sunday, December 12, 2010
December 11
Update from this week: Things are good! I can't believe I've been here for 4 weeks and 2 days! Everyone says by your fourth week, everything starts to turn around, the language gets better, things are still hard, but the weeks really zip by. There is a glimpse of hope, one elder got his visa! We're all jealous with envy...but in a Christ-like missionary way of course :).
On Saturday, our district did a language fast, ALL Portuguese, all day. I will have to admit it was rough, but I stuck through it, knowing once I'm in Brazil, English isn't an option. This week, we are challenging ourselves to do Saturday through Monday no English. I think it will be really good. On Wednesday, Sister Bee and I taught the first lesson in Portuguese. It wasn't really the first lesson, the Elders taught this pretend investigator 3 times before, and never explained prophets, Christ's ministry or Joseph Smith. They basically say, God loves you, now read this book. Haha! He said he was going to drop us if Sister Bee and I hadn't gone in and explained the whole restoration of the gospel thing (sort of important). It was hard. It took us 50 minutes to explain everything. My teacher said he was really proud of me because he saw me struggling, but I refused to get help from Sister Bee. I needed to be able to form sentences and speak. He said I did a great job and am on my way to doing well. That was encouraging because I still find everything fairly frustrating. Sometimes I feel I can't teach very well in English, let alone adding a whole new language to the mix. But I'm working hard, and know that it will come...someday.
This Sunday, I'm putting together a musical number of the sisters in our branch. We have 11 sisters, and we're singing Mary's Lullaby in Portuguese. Its really pretty, and I'm excited about it. Although, I'm a little concerned that I'm singing the descandt, because I don't feel I'm that great, but not many of them read music. Oh well, it sounds good still.
We had mission conference on Sunday for fast sunday. The second counselor in the MTC presidency's wife spoke, Sister Clegg. She gave one of the best talks on the nativity I have ever heard. Or maybe my eyes are just really opened to basic truths here, because I feel I'm re-learning the gospel through a new lense. But it was amazing, and I've enyoyed studying the Birth of Christ on my own. Did you read that article in the Christmas Ensign about History and connecting Luke to Matthew to The Book of Mormon? I though it was interesting, and I like how much he quoted Isaiah.
This week I'm memorizing D&C 4 in Portuguese. I have the first 2 verses down. I will have the next 2 by next week, its my goal. Our teacher had us find our favorite missionary in the scriptures to share. I think his intention was to have us look in the book of Mormon, but just to be a little defiant, I looked up Parley P Pratt in D&C. Its chapter 32, and I actually found it to be very comforting. He was sent to preach among the lamanites, and was blessed with the ability to speak the language, and that God would always be his companion as he was obedient. Its awesome and I have decided that his blessing applies to me too. Is that okay? :)
I'm learning this whole new idea, well not really new, but applying it that obediecnce=faith. Hello, this should be obvious. Christ was perfectly obedient, so He had perfect faith. But I have to put it into action every minute of my day. The more exact obedient, the more blessings, the more faith. And the adversary works so hard on the little details, trying to bring us doubt and discouragement, there is no room to error on obedience. Every minute counts. Every thought, every movement, every attitude, it all affects everything. The moment I let doubt in the adversary can take over. Its crazy!
And on that note I have to send this e-mail because the timer is blinking at me, screaming that I only have 3 minutes to press send. I love you all! I can't tell you how grateful I am for all the wonderful support! Keep writing, I love the letters. And the Christmas Presents!! FELIZ NATAL!! :)
Sister Pratt
On Saturday, our district did a language fast, ALL Portuguese, all day. I will have to admit it was rough, but I stuck through it, knowing once I'm in Brazil, English isn't an option. This week, we are challenging ourselves to do Saturday through Monday no English. I think it will be really good. On Wednesday, Sister Bee and I taught the first lesson in Portuguese. It wasn't really the first lesson, the Elders taught this pretend investigator 3 times before, and never explained prophets, Christ's ministry or Joseph Smith. They basically say, God loves you, now read this book. Haha! He said he was going to drop us if Sister Bee and I hadn't gone in and explained the whole restoration of the gospel thing (sort of important). It was hard. It took us 50 minutes to explain everything. My teacher said he was really proud of me because he saw me struggling, but I refused to get help from Sister Bee. I needed to be able to form sentences and speak. He said I did a great job and am on my way to doing well. That was encouraging because I still find everything fairly frustrating. Sometimes I feel I can't teach very well in English, let alone adding a whole new language to the mix. But I'm working hard, and know that it will come...someday.
This Sunday, I'm putting together a musical number of the sisters in our branch. We have 11 sisters, and we're singing Mary's Lullaby in Portuguese. Its really pretty, and I'm excited about it. Although, I'm a little concerned that I'm singing the descandt, because I don't feel I'm that great, but not many of them read music. Oh well, it sounds good still.
We had mission conference on Sunday for fast sunday. The second counselor in the MTC presidency's wife spoke, Sister Clegg. She gave one of the best talks on the nativity I have ever heard. Or maybe my eyes are just really opened to basic truths here, because I feel I'm re-learning the gospel through a new lense. But it was amazing, and I've enyoyed studying the Birth of Christ on my own. Did you read that article in the Christmas Ensign about History and connecting Luke to Matthew to The Book of Mormon? I though it was interesting, and I like how much he quoted Isaiah.
This week I'm memorizing D&C 4 in Portuguese. I have the first 2 verses down. I will have the next 2 by next week, its my goal. Our teacher had us find our favorite missionary in the scriptures to share. I think his intention was to have us look in the book of Mormon, but just to be a little defiant, I looked up Parley P Pratt in D&C. Its chapter 32, and I actually found it to be very comforting. He was sent to preach among the lamanites, and was blessed with the ability to speak the language, and that God would always be his companion as he was obedient. Its awesome and I have decided that his blessing applies to me too. Is that okay? :)
I'm learning this whole new idea, well not really new, but applying it that obediecnce=faith. Hello, this should be obvious. Christ was perfectly obedient, so He had perfect faith. But I have to put it into action every minute of my day. The more exact obedient, the more blessings, the more faith. And the adversary works so hard on the little details, trying to bring us doubt and discouragement, there is no room to error on obedience. Every minute counts. Every thought, every movement, every attitude, it all affects everything. The moment I let doubt in the adversary can take over. Its crazy!
And on that note I have to send this e-mail because the timer is blinking at me, screaming that I only have 3 minutes to press send. I love you all! I can't tell you how grateful I am for all the wonderful support! Keep writing, I love the letters. And the Christmas Presents!! FELIZ NATAL!! :)
Sister Pratt
Monday, December 6, 2010
December 3
I got the packages! Thank you so much! I got the one from mom, and also the one from Grandma with the nativity scene, its set up on our room.
This week I really learned the meaning of the refiners fire, and what missionaries meant when they told me a mission is hard but in a good and amazing way. They demand perfection here, so when you fail to be perfect, you take it hard. Well, at least, I do. We're enetering our 4th week. Thats when they say absolutley no more English! Of course, our teachers said our district is learning fast, so they made us start teaching only in Portuguse this past Monday. Sister Bee and I have taught 2 lessons in Portuguese. This week we need to be able to teach the first lesson in Portuguese. I'm a little nervous about it, and trying to balance everything they teach us, then throwing in a foreign language, tends to make my head spin a little. But I know I can do it. Well, thats what I'm told at least. It is truly amazing how much Portuguese I can speak already, only being here for a few weeks. Of course, I eat, breathe, and sleep Portuguses. Quite literally actually, the other night I dreamt in Protuguese. I'm not sure it was that peaceful of a sleep though, I still have to concentrate really hard. My brain says, "its time to switch languages" and out of my mouth comes German. Lately its been less and less though, sometimes I just throw in German words here and there. Its more effective for Sister Bee to throw in Spanish words, since 80% of the time she is right. Not so much with German! The other night, I was practicing contacting with me teacher. He told me to just do it in English the first time, so we could work on my approach. Without realizing it, I said Portuguses anyways. There is another district that got re-assigned this week because of lack of visas. I was talking to some of the sisters, and they said they were a little nervous, since they don't really know how to contact or teach in English anymore! Its weird to think I will be at that point sooner than I even realize. Can you believe its December already? Its crazy to me! Being here for the holidays is a lot easier than I thought it would be. Its probably because we are so secluded from the commerical Christmas world. All we have are a few lights here and there on the trees, and I think the health center has a Christmas tree. Other than that, I can't even convince the Elders in my district to sing more Christmas songs in class. Luckily I pick the music for Sacrament meeting, and you better believe its ALL Christmas. Funny story, All week, it was very cold and snowy here. Sister Bee is not used to it, since she's lived her whole life in Arizona. All week I was lecturing her on the different types of snow, the phenomenon of its colder when the sun is out, and warmer when there are clouds, and also the tricks of walking on the ice. After a long conversation of how I was a pro on walking on ice, and everyone is gaurunteed to slip at least once every winter, right then I hit an un-expected ice-patch. LUCKILY it was right after gym, so I wasn't in a skirt. We then began the next winter lecture: falling with style :)
I don't really know what to tell you about this week. every day is the same, every week is the same. We wake up, go to gym, eat breakfast, go to class, eat lunch, have MDT where we study, plan lessons, and practice Portuguese, go to dinner, have class, plan, go to bed. And then we start it all over again. The days are spent mostly sitting and learning. Learning, and sitting more. The days are long, but the weeks fly by, its unreal! During gym time, Sister Bee and I jog while we memoreize and practice portuguese. My next Portuguses memorizing task is D&C 4. I have the first 2 verses down...well, atleast started. The members of my Branch Presidency asked how my family was coping with me gone. I told him you were all fine, and really happy for me and very supportive. I didn't want to worry them with the truth that you all desperately missed me and rather than wishing I was home, you all wished you were here with me ;) I really can't say enough how grateful I am for having such a supportive family. There is an Elder in our district whose family didn't want him to go, and he rarely ever gets letters. That has got to be very hard. This past devotional, we got to hear from Sister Beck! She talked a lot about Brazil. Her Dad was the one that started the Brazil MTC and played a major part in the church's expansion there. Our Branch President served his mission under President Beck, which is totally awesome! I really love our Branch President. I am so excited to work with Brazilians, the know when to be serious and get to work, but they also know when to be fun, carefree, and joke around. Sister Bee has been making a Christmas list for her family. Did you want me to make one? Or did you just want to surprise me with lovely presents (hint hint :) ) I can think of things I want, but nothing I can't live without. Some point before I leave, I'll need to send some stuff home. Like my old scriptures. I LOVE LOVE my new scriptures, by the way. I'm marking them up and getting good study out of them. Sister Bee and I study the Isaiah chapters of the Book of Mormon together. I think she appreciates the knowledge I obtained which I completely attribute to Brother Baron. And also Mom and Dad, I attribute any scripture study skills to you, you've taught me well. I'm not sure what else to tell you, since I hand wrote a lot of people today. I love you al!! And thank you all so much for your support!
Love Always,
Sister Emma Pratt
This week I really learned the meaning of the refiners fire, and what missionaries meant when they told me a mission is hard but in a good and amazing way. They demand perfection here, so when you fail to be perfect, you take it hard. Well, at least, I do. We're enetering our 4th week. Thats when they say absolutley no more English! Of course, our teachers said our district is learning fast, so they made us start teaching only in Portuguse this past Monday. Sister Bee and I have taught 2 lessons in Portuguese. This week we need to be able to teach the first lesson in Portuguese. I'm a little nervous about it, and trying to balance everything they teach us, then throwing in a foreign language, tends to make my head spin a little. But I know I can do it. Well, thats what I'm told at least. It is truly amazing how much Portuguese I can speak already, only being here for a few weeks. Of course, I eat, breathe, and sleep Portuguses. Quite literally actually, the other night I dreamt in Protuguese. I'm not sure it was that peaceful of a sleep though, I still have to concentrate really hard. My brain says, "its time to switch languages" and out of my mouth comes German. Lately its been less and less though, sometimes I just throw in German words here and there. Its more effective for Sister Bee to throw in Spanish words, since 80% of the time she is right. Not so much with German! The other night, I was practicing contacting with me teacher. He told me to just do it in English the first time, so we could work on my approach. Without realizing it, I said Portuguses anyways. There is another district that got re-assigned this week because of lack of visas. I was talking to some of the sisters, and they said they were a little nervous, since they don't really know how to contact or teach in English anymore! Its weird to think I will be at that point sooner than I even realize. Can you believe its December already? Its crazy to me! Being here for the holidays is a lot easier than I thought it would be. Its probably because we are so secluded from the commerical Christmas world. All we have are a few lights here and there on the trees, and I think the health center has a Christmas tree. Other than that, I can't even convince the Elders in my district to sing more Christmas songs in class. Luckily I pick the music for Sacrament meeting, and you better believe its ALL Christmas. Funny story, All week, it was very cold and snowy here. Sister Bee is not used to it, since she's lived her whole life in Arizona. All week I was lecturing her on the different types of snow, the phenomenon of its colder when the sun is out, and warmer when there are clouds, and also the tricks of walking on the ice. After a long conversation of how I was a pro on walking on ice, and everyone is gaurunteed to slip at least once every winter, right then I hit an un-expected ice-patch. LUCKILY it was right after gym, so I wasn't in a skirt. We then began the next winter lecture: falling with style :)
I don't really know what to tell you about this week. every day is the same, every week is the same. We wake up, go to gym, eat breakfast, go to class, eat lunch, have MDT where we study, plan lessons, and practice Portuguese, go to dinner, have class, plan, go to bed. And then we start it all over again. The days are spent mostly sitting and learning. Learning, and sitting more. The days are long, but the weeks fly by, its unreal! During gym time, Sister Bee and I jog while we memoreize and practice portuguese. My next Portuguses memorizing task is D&C 4. I have the first 2 verses down...well, atleast started. The members of my Branch Presidency asked how my family was coping with me gone. I told him you were all fine, and really happy for me and very supportive. I didn't want to worry them with the truth that you all desperately missed me and rather than wishing I was home, you all wished you were here with me ;) I really can't say enough how grateful I am for having such a supportive family. There is an Elder in our district whose family didn't want him to go, and he rarely ever gets letters. That has got to be very hard. This past devotional, we got to hear from Sister Beck! She talked a lot about Brazil. Her Dad was the one that started the Brazil MTC and played a major part in the church's expansion there. Our Branch President served his mission under President Beck, which is totally awesome! I really love our Branch President. I am so excited to work with Brazilians, the know when to be serious and get to work, but they also know when to be fun, carefree, and joke around. Sister Bee has been making a Christmas list for her family. Did you want me to make one? Or did you just want to surprise me with lovely presents (hint hint :) ) I can think of things I want, but nothing I can't live without. Some point before I leave, I'll need to send some stuff home. Like my old scriptures. I LOVE LOVE my new scriptures, by the way. I'm marking them up and getting good study out of them. Sister Bee and I study the Isaiah chapters of the Book of Mormon together. I think she appreciates the knowledge I obtained which I completely attribute to Brother Baron. And also Mom and Dad, I attribute any scripture study skills to you, you've taught me well. I'm not sure what else to tell you, since I hand wrote a lot of people today. I love you al!! And thank you all so much for your support!
Love Always,
Sister Emma Pratt
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friends and Family
Family and Friends!
My Thanksgiving was really good. I wasn't homeseick, although I do miss everyone. Having our own Thanksgiving helped because it felt like I already had one. Elder Holland came and spoke, and it was so incredibly amazing! (crazy that you were just telling me about him, Dad) He talked about a lot of things, but the main things that affected me were when he talked about those of us who will be so priveleaged and honored to be spending our missions among the poor people in the world. (Thats me!) He said what blessings and lessons we will learn be eating, sleeping and living with them and what wonderful people we will meet and miracles that will happen among those people. It made me even more anxious to get to Brazil. Although I am very sure I will be spending the remainer of my MTC time in Provo. He also talked about the Savior and the Atonement. The end of his talk he told us don't you dare wish you were anywhere but here serving a mission. Sister Bee and I discussed there is a difference between being homesick and missing your family. I do miss everyone a lot, mostly because I wish you were all here experiencing the things I am. (Although I don't wish you to be experience the food here. Its not bad, but its not good. It doesn't really matter though, food isn't important. Another thing I was shocked to hear myself say). This year for Thanksgiving I am most grateful for the Book of Mormon! (Man, I sound so much like a missionary, its scaring me right now. But in my defense, the first day we're taught to only write positive things home. There are hard things here, but I am handling them much better than I thought). I love reading the Book of Mormon, and have been able to help Sister Bee study the scriptures. I never knew it was one of my strengths until I got here. She helpd me with language, I help her with scripture study. I'm glad I have something to contribute, since I need so much help learning the language. It is amazing how much I already know though. I pray, bear my testimony, and know the first vision, and I can contact someone, roughly. Our teacher told Sister Bee and I we are both really good missionaries and that we are great teachers. Until...we attempted to teach the Law of Chastity, without any instruction from our teacher. None of the Elders would do it, and it needed to be done. Now everyone has to re-do it today because we didn't do it well. But in my defense, it was the first attempt. And it wasn't a real investigator. How crazy would it be to go out and teach the gospel without any training? Especially in the language. That is absolutely crazy to me. Just so you know, when we get enough pictures, sister Bee will make me a CD to send to you guys instead of trying to e-mail it. We only have 30 minutes on the computer, and that time goes crazy fast. Dear Elder is good, although I do love the handwriting. But with Dear Elder, while in Provo, I hear from you the day of. So I got your messages the day you wrote them. I got a lot of letters this week too, I've been writing ALL day. Luckily our P-days aren't too busy while in the MTC. Not sure that stays true in the field. Sorry this is so short! And pretty scattered. Basically I'm learning lots, and having a good time. The elders in our district are pretty good, its amazing to watch them, and myself, grow literally every single day. Love you all!
Sister Pratt
My Thanksgiving was really good. I wasn't homeseick, although I do miss everyone. Having our own Thanksgiving helped because it felt like I already had one. Elder Holland came and spoke, and it was so incredibly amazing! (crazy that you were just telling me about him, Dad) He talked about a lot of things, but the main things that affected me were when he talked about those of us who will be so priveleaged and honored to be spending our missions among the poor people in the world. (Thats me!) He said what blessings and lessons we will learn be eating, sleeping and living with them and what wonderful people we will meet and miracles that will happen among those people. It made me even more anxious to get to Brazil. Although I am very sure I will be spending the remainer of my MTC time in Provo. He also talked about the Savior and the Atonement. The end of his talk he told us don't you dare wish you were anywhere but here serving a mission. Sister Bee and I discussed there is a difference between being homesick and missing your family. I do miss everyone a lot, mostly because I wish you were all here experiencing the things I am. (Although I don't wish you to be experience the food here. Its not bad, but its not good. It doesn't really matter though, food isn't important. Another thing I was shocked to hear myself say). This year for Thanksgiving I am most grateful for the Book of Mormon! (Man, I sound so much like a missionary, its scaring me right now. But in my defense, the first day we're taught to only write positive things home. There are hard things here, but I am handling them much better than I thought). I love reading the Book of Mormon, and have been able to help Sister Bee study the scriptures. I never knew it was one of my strengths until I got here. She helpd me with language, I help her with scripture study. I'm glad I have something to contribute, since I need so much help learning the language. It is amazing how much I already know though. I pray, bear my testimony, and know the first vision, and I can contact someone, roughly. Our teacher told Sister Bee and I we are both really good missionaries and that we are great teachers. Until...we attempted to teach the Law of Chastity, without any instruction from our teacher. None of the Elders would do it, and it needed to be done. Now everyone has to re-do it today because we didn't do it well. But in my defense, it was the first attempt. And it wasn't a real investigator. How crazy would it be to go out and teach the gospel without any training? Especially in the language. That is absolutely crazy to me. Just so you know, when we get enough pictures, sister Bee will make me a CD to send to you guys instead of trying to e-mail it. We only have 30 minutes on the computer, and that time goes crazy fast. Dear Elder is good, although I do love the handwriting. But with Dear Elder, while in Provo, I hear from you the day of. So I got your messages the day you wrote them. I got a lot of letters this week too, I've been writing ALL day. Luckily our P-days aren't too busy while in the MTC. Not sure that stays true in the field. Sorry this is so short! And pretty scattered. Basically I'm learning lots, and having a good time. The elders in our district are pretty good, its amazing to watch them, and myself, grow literally every single day. Love you all!
Sister Pratt
Monday, November 22, 2010
Week 2
Bom dia! (bong-gee-ah) good day! Since I am in provo, not Brazil, if you were planning on sending a package, I'd love some real lotion from the outside world, I forgot how dry it gets here. And oreos. And maybe a symphony bar for my companion, just because we love her. :) If you have time, just some suggestions.
So, lots happening here! You know how I said we need to have a talk prepared for Sacrament meeting, and the Branch President calls you up on the spot? Guess who got to give the first talk on their first week! Yep, me! I'm really glad though because the first week can be in English. From now on we have to prepare them in Portuguese. Hopefully I won't get called twice in a row, but you never know with this Branch President. I also got a calling! I'm the Branch music coordinator. Its like the only calling besides District leader and Zone leader here. I'm one of only 2 people that plays piano, and I'm supposed to get a special musical number every week. And it has to be in Portuguese. I can do it though, I'm excited because I miss the piano and music in my life.
So some interesting things, on Sunday nights we get to watch church films. this week was the Testaments, and my companion and I were a little concerned that we found it so entertaining. We think maybe this place is messing with us. For example, we find really strange and silly things to be funny. I can't even tell you because it would come out sounding so ridiculous. But at least we're having a lot of fun. On Tuesday we have devtional. The five weeks preceding us were all Apostles, last Tuesday was Elder Bednar, which I'm sad I missed out on. But it was still really good! We started off by singing the Armies of Helaman, singing that with 2,000 missionaries was so amazing! There was a lot of power, it was one of those moments where they were real missionaries, not just a bunch of obnoxious 19 year-old boys (they remind me of that enough).
The language is going okay. I can pray pretty well, i have our purpose memorized, and the first vision memorized in Portuguese. And I can bear my testimony, and make a sort of choppy contact. I need to work on the contacting. Especially since I'll have to be teaching in portuguses pretty soon. One of our teachers, i really connect with on the language front, the other one not so much. But the other one i have learned so much about how to teach well and be a missionary. so they balance each other out.One of the districts in our Branch leaves this week, out of 12 people only 1 got their visa. The others are going to Boston, Arizona or St. George Utah. Its a new mission, we think maybe they opened it just so they had a place to stick us Brazil people :)
Our schedule changes a lot, and things work a little different for us since we technically aren't supposed to be here. They try to fit us in, but so little people are making it to Brazil MTC, they try to squeeze us in here. Its okay, we go with the flow.
So we have these pretend progressing investigators, I think I told you about them. There is one named Paulo and we taught the first lesson. Everyone was supposed to prepare the second one, but none of the Elders prepared, they were in trouble, but we got to teach the second one, and we committed him to baptism! it was exciting, even though its not real, but it seems so real when you're teaching him. i can't describe it. We were excited though.
Also, you guys should try Dear Elder.com You can just write on there, and it gets mail here really fast! Mail moves slow, it tooke me 3 days to get a letter from nancy who is only in SLC. I'm not sure how dear elder works, but its not hard. it gives me letters in the mail! or just keep hand writing, i love that too!
Times up! I Love you ALL!! Miss you tons!!
Sister Emma Pratt
So, lots happening here! You know how I said we need to have a talk prepared for Sacrament meeting, and the Branch President calls you up on the spot? Guess who got to give the first talk on their first week! Yep, me! I'm really glad though because the first week can be in English. From now on we have to prepare them in Portuguese. Hopefully I won't get called twice in a row, but you never know with this Branch President. I also got a calling! I'm the Branch music coordinator. Its like the only calling besides District leader and Zone leader here. I'm one of only 2 people that plays piano, and I'm supposed to get a special musical number every week. And it has to be in Portuguese. I can do it though, I'm excited because I miss the piano and music in my life.
So some interesting things, on Sunday nights we get to watch church films. this week was the Testaments, and my companion and I were a little concerned that we found it so entertaining. We think maybe this place is messing with us. For example, we find really strange and silly things to be funny. I can't even tell you because it would come out sounding so ridiculous. But at least we're having a lot of fun. On Tuesday we have devtional. The five weeks preceding us were all Apostles, last Tuesday was Elder Bednar, which I'm sad I missed out on. But it was still really good! We started off by singing the Armies of Helaman, singing that with 2,000 missionaries was so amazing! There was a lot of power, it was one of those moments where they were real missionaries, not just a bunch of obnoxious 19 year-old boys (they remind me of that enough).
The language is going okay. I can pray pretty well, i have our purpose memorized, and the first vision memorized in Portuguese. And I can bear my testimony, and make a sort of choppy contact. I need to work on the contacting. Especially since I'll have to be teaching in portuguses pretty soon. One of our teachers, i really connect with on the language front, the other one not so much. But the other one i have learned so much about how to teach well and be a missionary. so they balance each other out.One of the districts in our Branch leaves this week, out of 12 people only 1 got their visa. The others are going to Boston, Arizona or St. George Utah. Its a new mission, we think maybe they opened it just so they had a place to stick us Brazil people :)
Our schedule changes a lot, and things work a little different for us since we technically aren't supposed to be here. They try to fit us in, but so little people are making it to Brazil MTC, they try to squeeze us in here. Its okay, we go with the flow.
So we have these pretend progressing investigators, I think I told you about them. There is one named Paulo and we taught the first lesson. Everyone was supposed to prepare the second one, but none of the Elders prepared, they were in trouble, but we got to teach the second one, and we committed him to baptism! it was exciting, even though its not real, but it seems so real when you're teaching him. i can't describe it. We were excited though.
Also, you guys should try Dear Elder.com You can just write on there, and it gets mail here really fast! Mail moves slow, it tooke me 3 days to get a letter from nancy who is only in SLC. I'm not sure how dear elder works, but its not hard. it gives me letters in the mail! or just keep hand writing, i love that too!
Times up! I Love you ALL!! Miss you tons!!
Sister Emma Pratt
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
First letter from the MTC
My companion is Sister Bee. She is from Arizona, and it is absolutely AMAZING how much we have in common. Maybe not personality wise, but as far as the mission goes. We are the same age, both graduated, both had the same struggles with putting in our papers, and getting here to the MTC. We both want to be very obedient and do the extra work to be the best we can be. She is fluent in Spanish, so she understands Portuguese, but is struggling with pronounciation. I can pronounciate things (Rosetta Stone did help A LOT) but I have no idea what I'm saying. So we're a good partnership.
There are sooooo many people waiting for Visas. We can pretty much count on me not going to the Brazil MTC and not getting out of Provo until January 11th. Happy Birthday to me. But that's okay!! I love my teachers, they are so awesome.
Our district is really cool. Some moments, I think Wow, these boys are only 19? Its amazing what the power of being a missionary does to someone. Then there are other moments where I think, um, yea. These boys are straight out of high school Emma, be patient. But I love them all, especially our district leader Elder Brown. He is also going to Salvador which makes me so happy, because he is so amazing. 3 Elders and me are going to Salvador. I can never remember the name of Sister Bee's mission, let alone write it, or even pronounce it. But it is on the north east coast too. (By the way, the final number is 27 Brazil missions).
Our Branch President is Native Brazilian from Recife. (Hay-see-fee). He is really funny, but has extra strict rules for us. I really like them, they are the kind that keep us in line and guide is a good way. People say he is very Brazilian. Each sunday we all need to have a 5 minute talke prepared, in Portuguese, and he will call us by inspiration to come up and speak in Sacrament meeting. This week, we are allowed to speak English, but not next week!!
So, the honest truth, I don't know if it will change after I am here for a few weeks, but as of right now, I really love the MTC. But being able to sit in a classroom and learn things I am thirsting to learn is absolute bliss for me. In fact, all this learning has made me realize how much I don't know, making me more nervous to be out on the streets of Brazil. Sometimes I am incredibly overwhelmed, but I have to remember that I can do it. I can see where you call this place a prison though, the scheduling thing is a nightmare. I have to plan a schedule, but with my companion, but with my district, oh yea and my Branch, and my teachers, don't forget that your schedule is basically planned for you. Don't go there wearing those clothes, but go there wearing only these clothes...and so one. Lots and lots and lots of rules. But Sister Bee and I want to keep them all, and do it with a good attitude. I can't even tell you how amazing it is that we are companions. Ah!
As far as language study goes, I have learned to pray, introduce myself as a missionary, share a message of the gospel and make a contact, and bear my testimony. All after 2 days!! CRAZY, huh?!? I love love love Portuguese. I'm often overwhelmed, but still know I can learn it. I love the spirit here, all these missionaries, it is amazing.
We are learning it is all about the pesquiadores (investigators). Even with the pretend "investigators" teaching the character, I have such a love and want to just dump all my knowledge of the gospel into their brain so they can be happy.
We have been getting up earlier to exercise so we have more time, and today I was extra excited to sleep in until 6:30. On a Saturday. Never in my life did I think that would happen. I'll teach you my favorite thing to say so far Parabens!! It means AWESOME! YAY! (pa-da-bangs) I say it too much. We can't give Elders high fives, so we throw up our hands and yell PARABENS!!
I can only e-mail family members. HAND WRITE ME!!! I'll be here a while
Sister Pratt (seest-her Pratt)
There are sooooo many people waiting for Visas. We can pretty much count on me not going to the Brazil MTC and not getting out of Provo until January 11th. Happy Birthday to me. But that's okay!! I love my teachers, they are so awesome.
Our district is really cool. Some moments, I think Wow, these boys are only 19? Its amazing what the power of being a missionary does to someone. Then there are other moments where I think, um, yea. These boys are straight out of high school Emma, be patient. But I love them all, especially our district leader Elder Brown. He is also going to Salvador which makes me so happy, because he is so amazing. 3 Elders and me are going to Salvador. I can never remember the name of Sister Bee's mission, let alone write it, or even pronounce it. But it is on the north east coast too. (By the way, the final number is 27 Brazil missions).
Our Branch President is Native Brazilian from Recife. (Hay-see-fee). He is really funny, but has extra strict rules for us. I really like them, they are the kind that keep us in line and guide is a good way. People say he is very Brazilian. Each sunday we all need to have a 5 minute talke prepared, in Portuguese, and he will call us by inspiration to come up and speak in Sacrament meeting. This week, we are allowed to speak English, but not next week!!
So, the honest truth, I don't know if it will change after I am here for a few weeks, but as of right now, I really love the MTC. But being able to sit in a classroom and learn things I am thirsting to learn is absolute bliss for me. In fact, all this learning has made me realize how much I don't know, making me more nervous to be out on the streets of Brazil. Sometimes I am incredibly overwhelmed, but I have to remember that I can do it. I can see where you call this place a prison though, the scheduling thing is a nightmare. I have to plan a schedule, but with my companion, but with my district, oh yea and my Branch, and my teachers, don't forget that your schedule is basically planned for you. Don't go there wearing those clothes, but go there wearing only these clothes...and so one. Lots and lots and lots of rules. But Sister Bee and I want to keep them all, and do it with a good attitude. I can't even tell you how amazing it is that we are companions. Ah!
As far as language study goes, I have learned to pray, introduce myself as a missionary, share a message of the gospel and make a contact, and bear my testimony. All after 2 days!! CRAZY, huh?!? I love love love Portuguese. I'm often overwhelmed, but still know I can learn it. I love the spirit here, all these missionaries, it is amazing.
We are learning it is all about the pesquiadores (investigators). Even with the pretend "investigators" teaching the character, I have such a love and want to just dump all my knowledge of the gospel into their brain so they can be happy.
We have been getting up earlier to exercise so we have more time, and today I was extra excited to sleep in until 6:30. On a Saturday. Never in my life did I think that would happen. I'll teach you my favorite thing to say so far Parabens!! It means AWESOME! YAY! (pa-da-bangs) I say it too much. We can't give Elders high fives, so we throw up our hands and yell PARABENS!!
I can only e-mail family members. HAND WRITE ME!!! I'll be here a while
Sister Pratt (seest-her Pratt)
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