Week 37: Hermana Hunsaker & I Are Like An Old Married Couple, Apparently

5 Questions:

1) Did you get any of the severe weather this weekend?  Looked like big thunderstorms were heading toward northern Illinois.  I was worried bout tornadoes, but didn't hear of any.

2) Whatever happened with the third hermana in your apartment at transfers?

3) Tell us about your new bonus companion--where is she from?  How long has she been out?  How is the tri-panionship working?

4) Have you ever thought you'd extend your mission?  Is it too early to ask that?

5) Hows' the local investigator pool?  Growing, I hope!

1. No.... I think we had some wind but that's actually pretty normal.  So I was told before I began my mission that the reason Chicago is called the Windy City is because of the politics--well that may be
true but now I'm here and it's actually really pretty windy too.... I think we had some rain too but that's about it. Last weekend was worse weather than this weekend. We haven't heard anything about tornadoes so if there were any, it didn't affect us.

2. Um, she's here....oh, do you mean furniture and stuff? Well, it's all good. We actually ended up getting an actual bed the very first day so no one had to sleep on an air mattress (Hna Hunsaker was
disappointed), and then two days later, on Thursday, we got a desk and a dresser too. So it's all good. And this apartment is huge so everything fits well without making us feel too squished. And
showering in the morning is actually better than I thought. I go last every day (I like being last) and the other two just shower somewhat quickly, occasionally one at night, and it all works out--we don't get any extra time in the morning even though we have an extra companion. But it's all good.

3. Okay, so our new companion is Hermana Lunt. She's from Arizona, and she's actually been out 10 months--same as Hermana Hunsaker's total from Peru and here--but she's only been a Spanish missionary for about a month. She was companions with Hermana Capps, my CCM companion, and
they were in a zebra companionship (one English, one Spanish). Then when Hna Capps left, Hna Lunt got another Spanish Hna and I guess President Fenn called them at some point to see if Hna Lunt wanted to be a Spanish Hna and she said yes. So we're helping her with her Spanish and it's so fun! haha it makes me feel a bit like a trainer but I think it comes without all the stress of being a real trainer.

She's actually really good with Spanish; she understands pretty much everything, but just can't speak a ton yet. But she is improving by leaps and bounds every day. The only weird ish thing is teaching in a trio, because you don't want anyone to not be talking enough so we have to really work hard to teach with unity. Well, not really super hard because we all get a long really well and have a good time and teach well together, but it's just an added layer of something you need to be aware of. But it's good. haha if I'm completely honest, being in a trio was the one thing I prayed to never have happen to me on my mission. And, here I am. haha so far, so good. It's an adventure every day, but it's worth every minute. (: haha the other thing is trying to figure out bikes.....so here's the thing: we actually have 4 bikes (the 2 we use actually belong to elders but we're borrowing them) but the bike rack on the car will only hold two bikes. So we called Elder Hall in the mission office, he's the vehicle coordinator, last Monday, and he said he would work on getting us one for three--the mission doesn't have any available so they'll have to buy one. So we don't know how long that will take. Then the other problem is the bus. They only have a rack for two bikes as well, and we asked about bringing a third on the bus, and they said no. So.... we're not sure exactly what will happen now. Walking is NOT viable because it takes FOREVER. We threw around the idea of buying a Razor scooter (Hna Hunasker was ALL for that idea, haha) but it probably isn't very missionary appropriate. We actually figured out a plan where we can make three bikes work, even without the new bike rack, but it just takes a lot of planning. But it's so much better than walking, so: vale la pena.

4. I've thought about it, yes. Of course I'd love to because I love being a missionary. But my understanding was that it had to be for a very specific purpose. But I don't actually know. I do know that the mission president has to approve it, and maybe it has to come originally from him, I dunno. I'll have to ask Presidente Fenn about it next time I have an interview. I get the feeling it isn't very
likely to happen because I've killed two companions and been around many that go home and they all LOVE being a missionary, so I feel like they would have asked to extend but since they didn't, I imagine it's difficult to get an extension. I have received more light and knowledge: you can extend for 30 days, but you do need mission president permission.

5. It's doing alright here. We haven't been able to do a ton of finding lately so we don't have many new investigators. We're kind of working on cleaning out the pool so that we actually have people that want to progress. Speaking of.....

ANA AND LEO ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!! YAAAAAHOOOOOOO! Man. So here's the story: 

Background: Ana and Leo have been investigating the church for about a year now. Their two kids, Heidi and Chris, were just baptized in February (I think) and they're two of the greatest kids I've ever met.  I love them so much. Ana has told the hermanas that if she could get married today, she would get baptized tomorrow. She really loves the Gospel, and she's basically a member--she just doesn't have a record. haha. The hold up has been that Leo wouldn't marry her. But, I guess, after coming to two weddings in about a month, maybe five weeks, they've decided to get married! We were by the branch Presidente's (because they had donuts) and then Heidi told us and the general vicinity that on the way to church today her dad said he would marry her mom. Hna Hunsaker and I were both like "WHAT?" I think my heart stopped for a moment. When she told us, her parents were in a meeting with Presidente Montecino. So instead of going to third hour on time, we waited to see what would happen... (I don't normally do things like that, but I think this time was okay....haha) Eventually, Chris and Heidi were called into the office too, so then we were waiting with baited breath for a little bit. A short time later, the door opened again and Heidi came running out, almost screaming, "THEY'RE GETTING MARRIED!" Oh man. We were so excited we were almost crying/passing out. haha we had to sit down. Then Ana and Leo came out and Ana was crying and then we were all almost crying. Man. It was one of the greatest moments of my life....I'm so happy for them. The date they picked is in September, but it's a date with meaning for them so we can't really be too upset. Now I'm REALLY hoping that I get to stay in Bloomingdale for six months like I did in Bloomington....man. I'm so excited for them. Just thinking about it makes me happy (:

The only other things that are notable enough that I can remember them are as follows:
1. On Saturday Clarita (our investigator) and Omar (a member) got married. Woohoo! I'm still not a huge fan of Mexican weddings as a missionary, but this one was better because we got to help serve the food so we weren't in the same room as the music the whole time.

However, when we were in there I literally sat right in front of the speaker. Oh man. I thought my ears were bleeding. My poor stereocilia....

2. Had a bit of a scare Saturday night and thought I'd slipped a disc in my back. But it's all good and nothing is actually wrong. I just need to work on sitting up straighter in lessons and I prayers,
instead of almost bending in half.

3. On Thursday, we had to walk for a while (about an hour) and then it started to drizzle a bit and this random guy pulled up into a driveway in front of us, got out of his car and gave us a couple of umbrellas. Wow. So cool. And then, it was even better because his name was Juan, we're pretty sure he was Latino (I think he had that disorder where the skin loses its pigment because he was whiter than me, but had a Spanish accent in his English) and the umbrellas he gave us were from a Mexican store named La Rosita. Oh man. It was awesome. Made the day.

4. Yesterday we ended up teaching a man who basically laid out his beliefs and told us that all churches have some truth but no one has everything. And, I seem to have developed into quite the bold missionary--I think you'd be surprised--and I was able to testify that I know the whole and complete truth of the one true and living God is in fact on the earth today. Man. It was so amazing, because I could feel the spirit so strongly. If he felt even a portion of what I felt, I'm content. He admitted after I asked him to that he hadn't asked God if the entire truth is on the earth and we committed him to do so. It was one of the more interesting lessons of my mission but it's one I
want to remember forever.

This is the reason I love being a missionary: I feel the spirit so strongly when I testify of what I know is true. And I know that they must feel at least a portion of that same spirit that I feel. I know the the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth through the boy Prophet Joseph Smith. I know the he translated the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ through the gift and power of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet of God and that he speaks for God on the earth today. Most of all, I know that Jesus of Galilea is my Lord and Savior, and that He paid the price for each and every one of my sins; he satisfied the demands of justice that I may claim mercy through His Atonement and His Gospel. I know that my Heavenly Father lives and He loves me, and He wants me to return to live with Him after this life. I know that it is possible through the merits, the mercy, and the grace of Jesus Christ after all I can do that I will be saved. And because I know all this, I want to share it with the rest of God's children, because I know that eternal life is available to each and every one of us. I love this Gospel and He who gave it to us. I know He lives. And I know He will do everything He can to help me,  if I will just let Him in.

Love you all. Don't forget to read your Book of Mormon today--and everyday.
Love,
Hermana DeBuck

Week 36

Man, I'm so glad that you (and the mission) taught me to be modest, Mama. Thank you for your example and testimony. I know working in the temple is going to be one of the greatest blessings in your life, because this mission is one of mine--the only difference between us is that I'm doing the work of salvation for the living, and you for the dead. I know D&C 18:10-16 applies just as much to you as it does to me. 

One of the biggest things I've learned so far (I'm compiling a list and I can only imagine how extensive it will be after 18 months...) is about the commandment to be perfect. I'm sure you know that the translation actually means "whole" or "complete" but there are a couple interpretations of that, or levels I suppose. The first is that we are perfected by entering into the ordinances of the Gospel--baptism, endowment, sealing--and therefore, in that sense, you are perfect. However, Joseph Smith taught that no man has reached perfection in a moment, and Elder McConkie taught that no one will reach perfection in life. What we do have to do is get on the path and stay on the path. We keep moving forward, becoming perfect line upon line, grace for grace. And if we stay on the Gospel path, once we pass from this life to the next, we will never fall off the path. This life is the time to prepare to meet God, so that is exactly what we must do. We are here to be proven, but not graded. The final judgment will not pass upon us u till after the resurrection, and I have it on good sources that the second coming is still yet a ways off--many things must happen first. Our responsibility in this life is to enter into sacred ordinances and to remain true and faithful to our covenants until the end of our earthly lives. And I know with all that heart that even if perfection as we consider it is not possible, that that type of perfection is. And I know that you are on the right path.

I love you so very much Mama. And I know I'm where I need to be, and that you're where you need to be. Thank you for everything you've taught me over the course of my nearly 20 (gag) years.

Todo mi amor,

To Hija,

Hermana DeBuck

Week 35: See Ya in 7 Days...

5 Questions:

1) What are the plans for the Mother's day call next week?

2) Have you been able to get back to work after that wonderful weekend last weekend?

3) How long has Sister Hunsaker been on the mission?  Did you tell me this?  I can't remember.

4) What size shoe do you want me to pick up at modern Show in Provo?  You know, the kind Sister Hunsaker has that you like?

5) Any chance that Sister Hunsaker is related to our old dentist?  Kenneth Hunsaker?

1. Okay so we decided it would be best for us to call last thing on Sunday (because we don't live in our area and we have to go back to the apartment building to call to use the Martinez family's WiFi) so we'll be calling at about 6:30 or 7:00 at night. Sorry I can't give you a more set time. We're going to tell people 6:30 so that if we have a cita that goes super long we'll be calling by 7 or so.

2. Of course! We always work. Haha it was a really good week, though I can't tell you any specifics really as to why..

3. Okay, so Hermana Hunsaker is special. She actually began her missionary service last spring, just before General Conference I think. She was called to a mission in Peru and so she went to the CCM
in Peru for six weeks. She then was in her mission for another transfer, but she got sick, so sick that she had to go home. They figured out that she had a blood virus as well a parasite, which wore
her stomach lining down. So she was home in Utah for about four months and then received the new call to this mission. She reported here the same day I did, in October. So she and I are co-senior companions because we've been here the same time, but she's actually been out for
about 9.5 or 10 months.

4. Uh, I think 7.5 is my shoe size. If they don't have half sizes, probably a size 8. Preferable a size 7.5 though.

5. She said nope.

I honestly can't think of anything to say. I mean, I'm gonna see you in seven days, so there isn't much to say right now.

The senior photos look good. You certainly haven't changed, ya nerd. Haha

That's awesome you get to work at the temple mama! You're so lucky....

I found out this zone went to the temple last transfer so I've gotta wait another two (?) transfers to go.

Speaking of transfers, transfer calls are this Saturday. Say what?! I don't think either of us will be leaving but I can't believe the transfer is almost over already. Crazy...

That's it. The Gospel is true. Heavenly Father loves you. If he loves me enough to prompt me to ask my companion if she has the keys because neither of us remembered them, he loves you enough to know the minutest details of your life. I know that's true.

Todo mi Amor,
Tu Hija y Amiga,
Hermana DeBuck

Week 34: Puedo tener parte de su cara?

5 Questions:

1) Will you please take some pictures of you and your companion?  We'd like to see what she looks like.

2) How did the wedding & baptisms go?

3) Did I tell you that Brytni B. was called to Nauvoo for her mission?  She spoke today--her farewell--and enters the MTC on Wednesday.

4) Any last minute advise to give Cameron for his AP Calc test?  It is the 5th of May.

5) Do you need anything else for the spring.summer?  Clothes wise, or anything else?

1. Yes. Lucky for you we already did that this weekend, so I'll attach them at the end of the email.

2. Splendidly! Man, this was probably the best weekend of my entire life....up to this point and probably forever. Why? Well...I'll explain at the end of the email. (: 

3. I think you did tell me, but I'd forgotten, so that's cool! Grandma's letter this week said cousin Jeremiah got his call too, to the Philippines (?) I believe. That's so sweet! He's gonna make an awesome missionary. Same will Brytni.

4. Review, review, review. And practice, practice, practice. "The Holy Ghost can't bring to your remembrance something that you've never learned." I'm a believer that one reason I did so well on tests was because I did my part to learn and to study, and then kept up my habits of scripture study and prayer, and the Holy Ghost was able to "enlighten" my mind and help me remember what I had studied. No joke. It's a real thing.

5. Clothes, no. I've come to the conclusion that I have/had WAY too many articles of clothing. So I'll be sending a box home soon (hopefully) and I don't think I will ever need more while on my mission. Of course I like having more options (who doesn't) but they're not necessary and who wants to lug it all around the state of Illinois? Not me--with my luck/blessing, I'll probably get sent to Beloit next. (;

However, I do have a request of sorts for summer/my birthday: so Hna Hunsaker is from Orem, right, and therefore we have both frequented many of the same places (when I say many, I mean a few really). Anyway, the point is she has these super cute shoes that she says are the most comfortable ever, and I was thinking that might be good actually because the walking shoes I have from the Sister Missionary Mall aren't the best thing to walk around all day in (the black pair always makes me roll my ankle...) So I was wondering if you could look into a pair for me. She said she got them at a store in Provo called "Modern Shoe" (I feel like we may have gone there last summer, you and I, momma). I'll just take a picture of her shoes and send it because I won't do a fantastic job of describing them. [She told me the style is called "Cobb Hill", and the brand is "New Style"] I dunno what color options are gonna be available, but if they've got black, that would be my first choice.

That is my final answer.

Grandma asked about the apartment here, so I'll attach some pictures of it too. It's a pretty nice apartment actually. We even have a balcony. (: The building used to be a 70s motel I guess, so it doesn't feel so much like a stinky apartment.

For some reason, 

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BROTHER!! What the junk, you're 18 years old (in two days). Who said that was okay....? I wish I could sing to you through email because I learned the Mexican birthday song from my last companion. And I'm sure you would just LOVE it.... haha but hey. For reals. Happy birthday. Don't forget to open your gift from me. And if you really loved me, you'd write me an email about your day/week/life. You know, the usual thing siblings do for their sister on a mission.

Finalmente, before I talk about my week, I meant to say this last (?) week: Happy anniversary padres! Love you a million Swedish fish.

So. To explain why this weekend was the best of my entire mortal existence:

Friday we have the car. And usually it's a pretty jam packed day because it's a lot easier to get to different places. But this Friday wasn't so jam packed. It was kind of weird actually. Our planned member present lessons fell through (we've not been doing so well with member presents because we dropped basically all the people we could teach in the morning, which is when the majority of the members are available) so we were trying our best to have something and eventually it paid off: we met with one of our investigators, Luis, who has cancer. And he almost accepted a baptismal date. We think he's totally "golden" he just doesn't know it yet. So we had a fantastic lesson with him and with a member, Hermana Fabiola. And then we finally met with Juan and Jovita--we still had to teach a few principles before their baptism Sunday morning and it definitely wasn't going to happen on Saturday. And here's the catch: Juan talks a TON. And Hna Fabiola is quite the chatterbox too. And it was the last hour of the day so we had to be pretty concise about it. We couldn't start right away because we were taking care of some things for the wedding so they were in the middle of the conversation when we were ready to begin. And neither of us hermanas are good at interrupting politely. So we had to bide our time until the opportunity arose--and then we snatched it and got started. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with the ability I've gained to interrupt politely. Still not fantastic at it, but I've definitely improved.

Then Saturday was the wedding. Wow. Mexican weddings are something else.....I don't even have the words to describe it. It was also kind of terrible because they were playing American music with Spanish lyrics--so it was very easy to tell what song it was, which is awful as a missionary. Man. I don't want to repeat that experience on my mission. But, it was also really good because we met some new people and finally got to do service; oh and Juan and Jovita were legally and lawfully wedded! So they could now be baptized! Woo! haha it was really good though. Hno Torres was the only hermano dancing, and man was it entertaining. I love Hno Torres... We also helped serve the wedding cake--sometimes it's still weird to me that you actuallly cut the wedding cake because I feel like you only ever see them whole, and in one piece, with no one eating it....but yeah. So the wedding was really good. It didn't end until after our pumpkin time though so we couldn't help clean up....man our members here are SO good to us. I love them all.

Then Sunday, we had to be at the church at 8 (the elders filled up the font for us, otherwise we would've had to be there at 7:15 or so...) in order to make sure everything was ready and good to go. Juan and Jovita got there around 8 too which was great (it was when we had told them to come) but there was one hitch: there wasn't any white ropa. ....uh oh. The only jumpsuits we had were for ninos, so that wasn't going to fly. So we basically had to wait for 45 minutes for the ropa to get there--it had been taken home to be washed we finally figured out. Oh man. Kind of nerve wracking. But hey, it was all good in the end. The ordinance was performed--my very first one!--and the service was great. Then in sacrament meeting, they were confirmed! WOO! haha maybe it's a little prideful of me, but: MY VERY FIRST CONVERTS!! Wow. Such a good day. I admit, I was pretty wiped out from the weekend in general and was almost falling asleep in the classes, but it worked out okay. (Someday brought donuts--I'm not going to ask who broke the Sabbath day...--and offered us donuts. Made my day...)

We had an appointment at 3:30 with a member and his soon-to-be-wife investigator, as well as the member's sister, who is the branch president's wife. (I think that is actually easier to explain in Spanish, for once...) And it was good except we were there for two hours. Which, wouldn't be a huge deal except for the fact  that my converts in Peoria were getting baptized at 6:30 and we were going to Skype at 5:45. So yeah. I was kinda freaking out a bit on the inside. But we finally got out and were only about 5 minutes from our apartment and the Martinez' were at home so we called and asked to use their WiFi. The Elderes ended up not skype calling until almost 6:00 so everything worked out. And I got to see Angelina and Maria again!! Man. For real, best weekend of my entire life. Oh, and the Albrechtsen family and the Silva family too. Man I love Bloomington-Normal. I mean, I love Bloomingdale too (those names are still confusing for me) but I love the two places for different reasons. And I'll always love both places. (: 

[Oh, and today I got an email from my trainer saying that she got a call from Hna Albrechtsen family, plus some pictures, so Hna Israelsen sent them to me. I'll attach one of those too and you (and I) can pretend that I'm in the picture too.]

So basically, this weekend will forever be etched in my memory for so many reasons that I can't even explain. But to sum it up, only a scripture will suffice, which I happened to read yesterday after all of this had happened: Alma 26:1, 3, 5

1 And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which say thus: My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason have we to rejoice; for could we have supposed when we started from the land of Utah that God would have granted unto us such great blessings?

3 Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.

5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.

At the moment, the "number of [my] sheaves" is four. And while it's not the thousands upon thousands of sheaves that Ammon and his brethren had, it's enough to make me tear up, at least a little bit. To think that I have been made an instrument in the hands of God, that I have helped bring these my three sisters and one brother (literal descendants of the Lamanites) to the light of the Gospel, well, it leads me to another scripture: D&C 18:15-16

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

My joy truly is great. And I now have an even stronger testimony of these scriptures, and many others like unto them. La obra misional is the single greatest thing I could be doing, and it brings the most exquisite of joy to the laborers. I am so grateful to be a missionary and have the opportunity to serve these my brothers and sisters in a way that no other church or religion can, for I know this to be true: 

"We do not preach and teach in order to ‘bring people into the Church’ or to increase the membership of the Church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives. … We invite all to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this” (“The Purpose of Missionary Work,” missionary satellite broadcast, Apr. 1995).

Only we, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the authority to bring souls unto Christ, to help God's children receive exaltation in the life to come. And we, as members of Christ's church, have the responsibility to share what we have so abundantly been given. When we were baptized, we covenanted--we made a promise with God the Almighty--to stand as a witness at all times, in all things, and in all places. But He does not leave us alone in that work. If we will but open our mouths, He has promised on more than one occasion, that "they will be filled". I know that promise is sure, because I have seen it fulfilled in my life. I, Jill Perri DeBuck, do not alone have the capacity to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ with the voice of a trump (see Alma 26:12 and D&C 24:12) but I have been called by a living prophet of God and set apart by the restored priesthood power of God on the earth today. And with that calling, I truly can do all things (Phillipians 4:13). 

I know this is the only true and living Church of God on the earth today, and that it was restored by Joseph Smith, a man called of God to head this last dispensation. I know that the Book of Mormon is the instrument of God to gather scattered Israel, and that it is the one thing that brings us close enough to Christ in order to inherit eternal life. Only through the Book of Mormon do we know the truths necessary for salvation. And it is never possible to have read it enough. "Every day, every day, every day" is the only way. I love this Book with all my heart. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I am truly and eternally indebted to him, and to my Lord and Savior, my Redeemer and my Friend, Jesus Christ. He has prepared the way for us, and now it is our turn to accept it or reject it. And at the judgment day, all men shall know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that Joseph is a prophet, and that Jesus is the Christ.

Todo Mi Amor,

Tu Hija y Amiga,

Hermana DeBuck

P.S. Yes, we purposely matched with the colors they'd picked for their wedding. (:

Enviado de mi iPad

Weel 33: "I Understood 30% of Your Talk"

5 Questions:

1)  Did the silly "letter" get to you yet?  I can't remember when I sent it to you.

2) How are your soon-to-be wed-investigators doing?  They have been on my mind this week and in my prayers.

3) How does a co-senior companionship work? 

4) And what is a MCM you mentioned in you last letter?

5) Do you need a Spanish language general conference Liahona/Ensign when they come out?  Or does the mission provide them for you?

1. No..but we're not very good about checking our mail.

2. They're doing well. They passed their interview on Saturday so everything is pretty set now. They'll be getting married at 5 on Saturday, baptized Sunday morning at 9, receive the Holy Ghost during church at 11, and after church Juan will be interviewed to receive the Priesthood. We're working with their kids as well to get them baptized; the idea is that Juan will be able to baptize them so that'll be super special.

3. Uh, about the same as any I think. Here's my understanding of how seniority works: regardless of what type of companionship you're in, you're equals, and both have a part to play in the decision making process. But if one companion is more senior than the junior, the senior companion is a bit more in charge of making sure that the rules are followed and whatnot. So in a co-senior companionship, I think it's just that we're both equally accountable for our obedience and
getting the work done. I think it's like anything in the Gospel, the more you know the more accountable you are. So the senior companion, who knows more because they've been a missionary longer, is more accountable to help the junior companion learn the ropes and such. But that's doctrine according to Hermana DeBuck and is subject to change.

4. I think you've asked me before, but MCM stands for Missionary Coordination Meeting. The idea is to kind of touch base with our ward leaders about what we're doing to further the work and to ask for
help. So here in Bloomingdale, the ward mission leader and a member of the branch presidency attend, and some of the branch missionaries. We'll usually go over the progress record for each companionship (the progress record details who we're working with, their progress, ways
the branch counsel/members can help) and review past assignments. We talk about potential members who could come out with us to fellowship our investigators, and other things to "coordinate" the work.

5. The mission office will give us one, but it's just one for the area. I don't think I need you to send me one; I've got all the talks on the Gospel Library app on the iPad. But thanks.

Before I forget, it sounds like our stake presidents should have/might have gotten an email about the iPads so maybe talk to President Allred about it? Also, we suspect they  may not send an email out for a while because it only applies to missionaries finishing after the end of August, so we've still got a bit. Maybe they'll wait to send anything until it's closer to when we go home. I don't know.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the baptism of my converts back in Bloomington (it's too far away...) so I'll have to Skype. The question is, who do I Skype, because there aren't any Hermanas
there....Hm. Hopefully the Zone Leaders get back to us soon because not knowing is slowly killing me.

Let's see, what happened this week...

So every Tuesday we have dinner with the Kitch family (Brother Kitch served his mission in Uruguay and later married Hermana Kitch who is from Uruguay). Oh man. This family is hilarious. I can't even describe it to you, but my cheeks were SO sore after dinner. Man. From laughing I mean. I found out Zoe, the oldest daughter (14 I think) and I have the same birthday! Say what?! haha so I'm hoping I get to stay here for another six months and we can celebrate together (sort of, I'm a missionary) haha anyway. That was cool. (Of course, I'd love to stay here for six months for more reasons than that though. haha)

Wednesday I killed two bugs. Aren't you proud? haha one was in the car (tiny bugito) and one was in the apartment (Grandisimo bug...) Man. It was disgusting. I admit, I'm still a little squeamish, but I had to save my companion, so what else could you do?

Also, the sisters in our district were in Peoria on exchanges (called it) so we had district meeting in Spanish. That was pretty fun. haha I still have moments sometimes, after lessons or church, etc. where I just can't believe that I speak a second language. It's crazy. The gift of tongues is a real thing people.

Thursday I made mac n cheese + hot dogs. Oh, and we finished planning on time, so that was sweet. haha it was Hna Hunsaker's to say the opening prayer for weekly planning but she was convinced it was my turn, so I just said it. Then we got to companionship inventory and she said, "I have to confess, it was my turn to say it..." haha oh man. Too funny. This really is such a great  companionship. I am so blessed. After planning, we scrounged up some change so we could take
the bus into our area and then went to Juan and Jovita's (they're getting married and baptized this weekend) and we taught them: had to teach them tithing before their interview, and went over the
questions. They're totally ready. I mean, they were. Now they've passed so we're all set to have this baptism. (:

Friday, we had exchanges. Hna Miller came here and stayed with me; Hna Hunsaker went with Hna Sewell to Arlington Heights. Oh man. It was a really good day, for both companionships. I just love when things work out not the way you planned but you know Heavenly Father is totally in
control. It's fantastic. Also, Hermana Josefina (she's a recent convert, and is blind) is one of the greatest human beings on the planet. She's so sweet.

On Saturday, we basically had a finding lesson with our investigators.  So that was cool. Oh, and Juan and Jovita passed their interview, as stated above. Man. So nerve wracking. haha you wouldn't think it would be, but it is. Also, I love that the weather is nice enough that we can be outside and talk to people and they don't want to leave within 5 seconds of us starting a conversation with them.

Sunday, was great. So Leo came to church! He's Ana's "husband". She wants to get baptized (her two kids were baptized last transfer and they're the greatest) but she has to get married first but he won't
marry her. And then, totally unexpected, he just shows up at church during the first talk. WHAT?! So cool. haha man being a missionary has made me so soft.... Oh, and I gave a talk. That's cool I guess. haha "missionary work and our baptismal covenant" was what I talked about. The other two speakers were one of the other hermanas and one of the elders.

So yeah. That's my week. This coming week we have zone conference on Wednesday, the wedding on Saturday, and the baptism on Sunday. Woo! It's gonna be a spiritually packed week. So stoked.

I don't have anything in particular to share from what I learned this week, but I know even more that the Book of Mormon is true. Every time I have the opportunity to testify of the truthfulness of it, I feel the Spirit so strongly, and I cannot deny that it is true. The Prophet Joseph Smith translated it by the gift and power of God, and I know that he is the head of this last dispensation. He truly was a
Christlike man, and I think we can all learn a thing or two (or more) from his life and example. I love the Gospel, and I know it is the one thing that I cannot live without.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Week 32: Hermano: Ponga Su Falda

5 Questions:

1) How close were you tot he tornadoes last week?  Will you have the chance to do some service in the area because of them?

2) Do you have a snail mail address for me and Grandma Cheryl at your new place?  Please share it....Gma asked last weekend.

3) Do you have new investigators in the Spanish Branch?  Have you been there long enough now to meet and teach them?

4) Can you share any more details about your new compañera?  What HS did she attend?  What are her schooling plans?

5) Any chance you have a snail mail address for the A-family I might get from you?

1. Here in Bloomingdale we didn't get hit by the actual tornado, however we had some pretty spectacular lightning storms. Oh man. Funny story....so Thursday night is car exchange (the other Hnas have the car the first half of the week and we get it from them Thursday night) so they had to come pick us up where we were at on bikes. We got out of an appointment right at 8, walk outside and it's dark; we look at the sky: it was like a fireworks show there was so much lightning. I'm
not exaggerating, I promise. I'm terrible at judging distance so I'm not sure how far it was but it was amazing to watch. The downside is that there's this rule for missionaries that if you see lightning you
have to stay inside for the next half hour to make sure there's no  more lightning. Here's the problem: we were in a residential area, waiting for the other hermanas to pick us up. (Also, we hadn't eaten
dinner; that's important to know.) So we had two options: stay right  where we're at or try to find somewhere inside to be. Obviously we chose option number two. But because we were on bikes, we had to bike to somewhere we could be inside. And the ONLY place we could go to was a taqueria, about three or four blocks away maybe--in the direction of the lightning storm. haha. So maybe we biked into a lightning storm on the night of a tornado. No big deal. But, since I'm emailing you
today, obviously nothing happened. We got whipped around by the wind a bit--skirt + bike + storms winds = I-just-don't-care-anymore.  We were kind of freaking out, I admit that, but we made it to the taqueria safe and sound. They had $1 tacos! Oh man, and they were divine, I tell you. Best night ever. (:  So, in answer to your question, we were sort of close I guess, but only to the effects of the tornado, not the actual tornado itself. We did hear from a member that Rockford (Hna Hunsaker's last area) and Peoria (my last area) got hit. So....now we know why elders got put in! (: haha just kidding. I still haven't heard a confirmation that somewhere by Peoria got hit, so could someone please look into that and tell me? I just really want to know. And we're not allowed to email elders so I can't find out info from anyone in the mission.... However Rockford definitely got hit (some of the outlying suburbs or whatever) and we know some of the missionaries there. Hopefully we find out something today but who knows. Communication as a missionary is a bit rough... And no, we won't get to do service regarding the tornado because it's out of our area. I so wish we could though....

P.S. Hermana Capps is in Sycamore/Dekalb so she's by the tornado. Sounds like they get to help with the relief effort so that's awesome! Oh, and they're safe. That's good too.

 2. Yes. It's 900 N Rohlwing Rd #228 Addison IL 60101
Speaking of, I got a package from Aunt Melanie and family. Thanks!  That scripture chase was super cute. haha

3. We've gotten a couple new investigators since I've been here but they didn't answer for their return appointment so....who knows what'll happen with them. As far as teaching investigators in general,
yeah we've done some teaching. haha we have two investigators who will be getting married on April 25 and then baptized the next day (hopefully; we're still not sure if that's gonna fly--waiting a week
to receive the Holy Ghost...) and then we're working with some other families as well. It is somewhat extremely frustrating in this area because no one wants to get married! We have two investigators who REALLY want to be baptized but their "husbands" won't actually marry them. Goodness. I mean, I understand the actual marriage certificate thing is like $70 or something but I would gladly pay for that if you would just get married! Man.... Sometimes, I have moments where I realize how blessed I am to grow up in the Gospel, and to have parents who are married--legally as well as in the temple. 

4. Okay, other details....she is from Orem but went to Provo HS. She was an athletic trainer (?) and is certified to be a first-responder so that's cool. She said she did a lot of things with athletes at the
high school; she said she knows Bryce and Garett. Her cousins live in Pleasant Grove (Nicki Anderson is Cameron's age. I don't know how to spell her name....but do you know her Cameron? Sounds like Hna Hunsaker's cousin knows of Cameron, and knows people who know him.)  She played rugby in college and has done basically every other sport you can think of--except water polo. She's a ginger. We have fun together and she thinks it's funny that I think I'm funny.

 5. Yes of course! It's 735 Hale St Normal, IL 61761

I don't even know what else to write....

Well, this week I have developed a new-found/re-found love of the Doctrine and Covenants. Man, it is so good. I started reading it in Spanish (I think one of my pet peeves is unmarked scriptures so it's been killing me) and it is just so amazing. I feel like I personally tend to forget about D&C (Sorry Hna Grant...hehe) and the Pearl of Great Price but they're spectacular! I recently finished reading Moises and Abraham and they are just chock-full of doctrine. So fantastic. You all should go read the Pearl of Great Price.

Speaking of scripture reading, how's the Book of Mormon challenge going? Is anyone even reading it? Because I finished on time so....I win. (: haha I ended up having to read about 15 pages each day for 4 days, but it was definitely worth it. Goodness me, the Book of Mormon is just so delicious to one's soul.

I guess I can explain this week's title:

Basically, a Spanish branch is unlike anything you could possibly experience in the English program. Particularly MCM. Anyway, so we were talking about possible hermanas that could come out with us and the branch mission leader, Hermano Avila, and the 1st/2nd counselor in the branch presidency, Hermano Flores, were sitting and thinking about it. Then Hermano Flores goes, totally chill, "Hermano, ponga su falda." haha oh man. And what made it even better was that only Hna Hunsaker and I actually heard him say it so we were DYING of laughter and the other missionaries were all like, "wait, what?" hahaha oh man. Too funny.... (For all you gringos, "ponga su falda" means "put your skirt on")

Oh, another funny thing about the area: there are SO MANY geese. Canadian geese too. It's kind of insane. You can basically always hear them. It's crazy. And the other day, one actually hissed at us. HISSED, I tell you. Goodness. It's not like you own the grass.....besides we were walking on the sidewalk! haha anyway. So that was weird.

We saw a crane this week too. We were riding past a little pond thing and there was this random crane at the edge. That was cool. haha

The other hermanas had a baptism this week. His name is Margarito and he is literally the cutest viejito of all time. Man. They found him while riding bikes too; they both felt the prompting to stop and talk to him and he was GOLDEN. He's only been meeting with them for about a month. And, get this: there was some miscommunication about conference (his phone volume had gotten turned off somehow) and he wasn't able to watch conference. The hermanas were worried because they hadn't heard from him so they went by on Monday night and he opened the door with eyes red/puffy from crying--because he'd missed hearing the prophet speak! I mean, how much cuter can you get? (You can't actually.)

Oh, speaking of viejitos, this week we met Israel. A tiny short Latino viejito (little old man). We were walking by his garage and they were BBQing and we didn't say anything--I knew we should've--and he said "buenos dias" o algo to us. So we stopped and gave him a card. Turns out he has been looking for something more than what he has, regarding religion and God. So we invited him to come to church and he said he would. Then, a little bit later, after our cita, we walked back and he was still outside so we talked to him again and again encouraged him to come. He said he would. Then, Saturday we were in the area again and talked to him again. He told us he wasn't so sure about coming because he wouldn't know anyone. We reassured him that we'd be there and that plenty of people would say hi and help him out. He said he'd come. Sunday: he didn't show. So, we were in the area Sunday and felt like we should go back. Come to find out, he'd fallen and torn his meniscus (or something like that) and has to go to the doctor Tuesday. man. Satan! He's the worst, that guy. He told us he wasn't sure if he could come this Sunday either because he'll have crutches and will need a ride. We told him don't even worry about it! So many members would be willing to give him a ride....so we set up an appt to come back and check on him (and teach him). Man. So excited. At first I was getting weird vibes from him but now they're all good. He's amazing and I'm so excited to teach him Friday.

Anyway, I think that's actually it now.

I love sharing the Gospel. It's so true for each and everyone of us. Go read the Priesthood session talks. They're amazing.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Week 31: "Life Without the Gospel is like a Pizza Without Mozzerella: It's Disgusting and Wrong!"

Mom's note:  Her P-Day was pre-empted by a mission-wide conference yestrday, so here is her letter for this week:

5 Questions:

1) What is your new compañera like?  Where is she from?  How do you get along?

2) How is the new area?  How are the investigators?  How is the branch?

3) Are you using your language more in the new area?  How is that going?

4) Did you get the box with the spring/summer things in it for you?

5) Did you get to watch conference?  How was this general conference different from October?  Mission field vs. MTC for conference?

1. Okay, well to be completely honest, I think I've got the coolest companion from Orem, UT of all time. No joke. It already feels like we've been together forever and we have so much fun together.
Some random fun facts:

• Her dream is to be a fighter pilot for the Navy, but since the dream took root they've retired her plane. But the dream is still strong.
• She studied Arabic in high school.
• She played rugby in college.
• She was originally called to serve in Peru, but after three months was too sick and was sent home. She was then reassigned to this mission, for which I am very grateful. She's technically been out about nine months, but only about six in this mission and so we're co-senior companions.

2. Well. The new area = the promised land. There are so many Latinos! Like, it blows my mind. I didn't realize how scarce they were in Bloomington-Normal. It's amazing here. And then we've got super solid super awesome investigators. The highlight so far is this couple, Juan and Jovita. They have to get married before they get baptized and had picked the date 20 June for their wedding but then, with next to no effort on our part, they decided to move it up about two months and they're now getting married 24 April, baptized 25 April, and confirmed 26 April. SO COOL. It was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life.

And then the branch. So I've been serving in 3 English wards for six months. Which I loved, completely, don't get me wrong. But a Spanish branch is like a dream come true! It's amazing. I'm honestly kind of surprised at how well my Spanish has stuck but I feel like I'm doing pretty good. The members are awesome, especially the Torres Family. Here's why: they have us over for dinner every Friday and feed us enough to last a week (now I understand why so many missionaries in the Spanish
program gain so much weight...) Plus, they're basically willing to drop everything to help us out. Por ejemplo, yesterday it was 8:00 at night and we didn't have a ride home. We finally called them and
explained our situation and their response was "Where are you?" Oh man. They're life savers. We got home before our pumpkin time (:

3. Definitely using the Spanish more. Because I can talk to investigators AND members in Spanish. I feel like my ability to understand has already gotten better which is sweet.

4. Yes, thanks. However, one thing I've decided to do thanks to conference is to either send stuff home or donate it to the sisters exchange so that I don't have so much stuff. So I'll probably be
sending a box home pretty soon.

5. Yes, and it was awesome! Man I love conference. Every time. I ended up just taking one question to conference and got a lot of revelation the first session, but then it was cool to keep getting promptings every now and then throughout the other sessions. We decided to watch one of the speakers in Spanish (the second Elder that gave his talk in Spanish) and I got less out of it than I hoped but still managed to catch bits and pieces.  What we ended up actually doing for conference
was this: went to the Schaumburg stake center on Saturday and then to the Bloomingdale chapel on Sunday; the members showed it in Spanish at the chapel on Sunday so we were there because of our investigators that came, but us and the other hermanas went off into another room and watched it in English on the iPads.

One sad thing: of all the times for the internet to go out, it had to be during Elder Holland's talk. I think we all died a little bit every time it stopped working....so we only watched about half of the talk,
unfortunately. It also had problems during President Uchtdorf's but not as bad. haha but so now I'll have to go listen to/watch Elder Holland's talk again. haha guess there are worse things.. (:

This week really quick: has been so weird. Random crazy things have happened and it has not been a normal week (hehe see what I did there...? haha) but the best thing (other than conference) was the
mission conference yesterday. SO GOOD. It was all about Joseph Smith and the First Vision, and then about 50 missionaries shared their testimonies. So it was a fantastic spiritual meeting. And it was
pretty great to only have to drive ~30 minutes to get there, rather than 2 and a half hours...haha
Plus, I got to talk to Elder Craig (the Spanish elder that took over my old area) and, good news! Angelina and Maria are still on date for 25 April! Hopefully I'll get to go, but I'm not so sure (Hna Grant couldn't go to one of her investigator's baptisms when we were in Peoria because we were in Peoria....so I'm worried I won't be able to go because it's in Peoria) but at the very least I can Skype. (: AND! They put Mayra on date for 2 May! So cool. She's the sister of a recent convert of about a year. So I'm pretty stoked for that. Woohoo!

Well, that's about it for this week. Sorry. I just can't think of what to say. Oh! I tried elote this week. It's life changing. Find a panaderia somewhere in Utah and find elote. It was delicious....

And: one of the newest Elders (of last week's transfer) looks like half Daniel Radcliffe, half Wyatt Duclos. I'm not sure how it's possible, but it is.

Now that's it. Love you all! The Gospel's true!
- Hermana DeBuck

P.S. The title of this week's email is courtesy of an Elder from Italy.