It's official! I just got my reassignment!
Sister Dunn:
At this time, we have not received your visa to travel to your mission. You will be serving a temporary assignment in the.... OHIO CINCINNATI MISSION!
Oh my gosh you guys! I'm going to Cincinnati! I have no idea where Ohio even is! This is so exciting and so scary and I'm so shaky, and I didn't even cry! I opened mine last cause I was so scared, and everyone was just waiting for me to cry, but I was so nervous that I didn't even shed a tear, odd. Ha! I can't even believe this. I'm going to Cincinnati!
So I'll be serving there until my visa arrives. I have to report to the travel office on Wednesday at 2:30 am to get my plane ticket and then I fly out of Salt Lake on Wednesday, September 4 at 6:25 am. I fly to Dallas, Texas and have an hour layover and then fly to Cincinnati! I'll arrive at 3 in the afternoon. This is so unreal. This is all just a dream, I can't believe it!
I have two from my district going with me to Ohio! Elder Nickell and Elder Shirtz (the ex District Leader, and the current District Leader), and then Elder Williams (my Tongan friend)!
This is crazy people. Crazy!
I am able to call when in the airport, so it will be early in the morning! So all I'm saying is you better answer any call that is ringing in the wee hours of the morn! We call when at the airport, so my guess is it'll be around 5 am my time, but that's not a definite, I have no clue, I'm just guessing. I'm so excited to hear your voices. I miss you guys so much! I can't wait to just get to talk to you!
Well okay! Tomorrow is my P-day, so I'll be printing off emails early in the morning and then emailing back the same time I emailed last week! (:
I love you all SO much! Can't wait to talk to you!
Sister Dunn (the missionary who gets to serve two missions! Cincinnati and Curitiba and Clara!)
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
E-mailing Early Today! August 23, 2013
So like I said, emailing isn't a set time, it's when I can. So I can right now! So I'm doing it! (:
Okay, responses to things said!
Okay, responses to things said!
Mom, I love you SO much. You really are such a role model to me! Just read your email, and your story about you running out on that track was amazing! You make me push forward! Ya, I'm out here on a mission, and everyone else is doing other things, but who cares, how many other people are out here serving?! Just like you running! So I'm doing it. You and me momma, you and me! AH! Just saw your craft cabin picture! I LOVE IT! You and Sydney are beautiful, holy cow! Lucy sent me pictures of our family last week, and I realized that I hadn't seen your faces in THREE WEEKS! Come on guys, that's sad! Hahah. So I love when you send pictures. Thank you! (: And I miss Peener SO much! I talk about her to my district, it's hilarious. She's so cute. Mom, I miss you so much. I always do. I love you. You asked about Emma!! I meant to tell you, she sent me a letter because she had gotten her call, she's going to the Singapore Mission, speaking English! AH! Holy smokes! What an awesome mission. Foreign, but English speaking! It's perfect! I'm so excited for her. I've been thinking a lot about her, I'm offended because it's been like two weeks and I haven't gotten a letter back from her. I think she reports to the MTC in November. She's going to be awesome. I'm so glad I have a close friend who is doing this with me. It's nice to have that support. We can help each other through this. Ha! Also, Anika is getting married on September 6th! So that's coming up soon! I'm so excited for her. Wish I could be there, I'm excited to see pictures from that. But that's all I've heard from BYU friends.
Sydney. Let me tell you, I love you! You sent me DearElders! I got some two days in a row! And they were the best. They were perfect. Thank you! So I'm gonna respond to some stuff. Money, save it! I wish I had. So you should. There's my advice. We all know how good I am at spending money, don't be like me! (: I miss our dance parties. It's actually a rule in the MTC that you can't dance. What?! Ya. Rule. It's SUPER annoying. People of the MTC, I'm a dancer! I must dance! But no. Now whenever someone dances it's super weird and out of place. Ha! Oh the bubble of the MTC.
Just saw all the girls camp pictures. Oh my gosh! Looks like so much fun! AH! You guys are goofs, I love it! How fun!
Dad, I love you. Thank you for your emails. Through this really big and scary journey, I've learned I'm weak, and a baby when it comes to being cut off from my family, but your emails, and moms, and Lucy's and Sydney's, everyone's really, they help me so much. I need them. Thank you. Dad, you're the best. Really. I have the best dad ever. And you're such an example to me. At times when I think I can't do this anymore, when I want to quit, which happens often, I think about how strong you were and how you served. You made the decision to serve a mission as well and went out and did that. How awesome! And you are such an example to me. A member of the 70 Presidency came and spoke to us, and his wife, Sister Nancy Maynes said, "What a great tradition you are starting for your family." I loved that! My great grandparents served, Grandma and Grandpa served, you served, Cooper served, and I'm serving. That gives me hope. I want to be able to be an example to my children like you are to me Dad. Thank you.
Also, make sure Erika Sullivan sees this! Because she sent me the best letter ever that I really needed. My gosh. I love her so much! It was nice to hear about how someone else has gone through this, and how she was able to get through it. It really helped. Erika, I love you. Please keep sending me things like that, because I sure do need it. You asked about my teachers, companion and district. I haven't talked much about them, so here we go! Teachers are amazing, I have two. One Irmã (sister) and one Irmão (brother). They are incredible! They're both hilarious and make class fun, so that's a perk. They've really helped me learn and get excited to serve. They also become our investigators so they act like someone they taught on their mission and then we teach them. So it's way cool. My companion, Sister Hymas. Phew. Yes we were meant to be together, but sometimes I wonder why! haha. It's always going to be hard with a companion, I accept that. It's just finding a balance. And that's a challenge. I love silence, I don't need to talk all the time, she loves to talk, small talk about everything. So it's a challenge. But we're working on it! I LOVE my district! We have all gotten really close! I don't think I ever mentioned, we started with 14 people and then 2 elders went home within the first 2 weeks, so we have 12 now. 4 of us are sisters. And I love our Elders. We've just become best friends and I love them all. I would have to say though, I've become good friends with Elder Fagersten. We sit next to each other, and we like to joke around. We're real similar in the since that we are the quiet ones in the companionship and our companion is the talkative one. He's helped me get through this. I could go on about all the elders and how they've helped me. I just love them (:
So I heard that my blog was launched online! Woo hoo! And also....eeek. Because I complain a lot in these emails I feel. I'm such a weakling and I'm embarrassed that people read how sad I am. Ha! It's not all that difficult, there are some happy moments scattered in there. So I thought I'd just talk a bit about the MTC! So the campus is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! We are blessed. If it wasn't, it'd honestly feel like jail.. yuck. But the landscape is incredible! Trees, grass, plants, flowers, everywhere! Being outside is heavenly cause it's just pretty. The flowers are great. Lucy, you would love it! However, because it's so beautiful, the little finch birds live here... yuck! They are so used to people they don't mind flying reallyyyyyy close to you! Let's just say I've had multiple heart attacks and freak outs. I hate birds! And there are so many of them! You don't even understand! They're cute if I can look at them at a distance, but once they start flying and get close to me, it's all over! Oh! Mom, thank you SO much for that scripture case!! It's perfect! And super cute! I am in love with it. Another Elder in my district, Elder Daines, he's great, and also one of my favorites, I was so excited and just wanted to show him. Hahah. He's nice and went along with it. Then I continued to show all the elders just how cute it was, they agreed. But momma, I love it. Thank you SO much! Also, I see Sister Alexis Kaegi all the time, we're actually in the same branch. So we see a lot of each other. I see Sister Kati Stone as well. She's so dang cute. And I looked everywhere all the time for Elder Spencer Ebert! Our schedules were too off to get to actually see each other. I was so bummed! I looked at every meal for two weeks. And I heard he was looking for me. We talked through Sister Stone, who would see us both. Ha. It was sad. So tell Tina Westlund, that I will search with all my heart for soon to be Elder Kyler Westlund. Tell him to look for me! We WILL find each other. It's going to happen! Also, Tina Westlund, you are so sweet to me! I got your treat yesterday. And it was perfect. I was having such a hard time, and a rough day, and then I got a package and it was the cutest little boxed up cookie. Thank you! It was just what I needed, I love you.
So get this. I've been in the MTC for a month now. And when people get their Visas, they literally leave the next day. So, as you can guess, I have not received my visa. So believe it or not, I get my reassignment next week! Holy smokes guys! People of the world! I get another mission call next week! They usually come in on P-day, and when we get them, they allow us to email home to let you know. So next week, you'll be hearing where I'm being sent off to. Then the following Monday to like Wednesday is when people fly there. So a week I get my assignment, a week and a half I leave for the field! That's weird. I don't like thinking it because I'm scared to death. Sometimes I still debate if I want to do this, and if maybe I should come home and just say I did the MTC, cool, mission done. Ha! We'll see. I'm just scared.
So that seems about it. This was a long email. And I still have others to email. There is no time! Grr. I go to the temple this afternoon, I'm excited. I love the temple. Also, just so people don't think I neglect Lucy, I send her a separate email. I don't know why, I just do. I'm sure she shares it with the family, but I don't want others thinking I just forgot about my older sister. Ha! And by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Lucy, I woke up this morning thinking about you and how it's your special day! I'll be thinking of you. I hope your day is happy, and your go-kart party fantastic! I'm jealous, and sad I won't get to be there. So enjoy it for the both of us. Have extra fun! I love you (:
Okay, that's it, I think. I always have so much to say, and then when I leave the computer lab I remember things I forgot. Oh! The language is coming along. It's a challenge, and it will be for the first like year of my mission. Ha! But I'm picking it up. It's really pretty. I love it. It's just a lot of work.
I love you. So much. Thank you for the support and kind words. They honestly get me through this. This is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I could not do it without the help and support of my family and friends. Thank you so much.
Eu amo vocês! Muito!
Sister Clara Kay Dunn!
I can do hard things! (:
Sydney. Let me tell you, I love you! You sent me DearElders! I got some two days in a row! And they were the best. They were perfect. Thank you! So I'm gonna respond to some stuff. Money, save it! I wish I had. So you should. There's my advice. We all know how good I am at spending money, don't be like me! (: I miss our dance parties. It's actually a rule in the MTC that you can't dance. What?! Ya. Rule. It's SUPER annoying. People of the MTC, I'm a dancer! I must dance! But no. Now whenever someone dances it's super weird and out of place. Ha! Oh the bubble of the MTC.
Just saw all the girls camp pictures. Oh my gosh! Looks like so much fun! AH! You guys are goofs, I love it! How fun!
Dad, I love you. Thank you for your emails. Through this really big and scary journey, I've learned I'm weak, and a baby when it comes to being cut off from my family, but your emails, and moms, and Lucy's and Sydney's, everyone's really, they help me so much. I need them. Thank you. Dad, you're the best. Really. I have the best dad ever. And you're such an example to me. At times when I think I can't do this anymore, when I want to quit, which happens often, I think about how strong you were and how you served. You made the decision to serve a mission as well and went out and did that. How awesome! And you are such an example to me. A member of the 70 Presidency came and spoke to us, and his wife, Sister Nancy Maynes said, "What a great tradition you are starting for your family." I loved that! My great grandparents served, Grandma and Grandpa served, you served, Cooper served, and I'm serving. That gives me hope. I want to be able to be an example to my children like you are to me Dad. Thank you.
Also, make sure Erika Sullivan sees this! Because she sent me the best letter ever that I really needed. My gosh. I love her so much! It was nice to hear about how someone else has gone through this, and how she was able to get through it. It really helped. Erika, I love you. Please keep sending me things like that, because I sure do need it. You asked about my teachers, companion and district. I haven't talked much about them, so here we go! Teachers are amazing, I have two. One Irmã (sister) and one Irmão (brother). They are incredible! They're both hilarious and make class fun, so that's a perk. They've really helped me learn and get excited to serve. They also become our investigators so they act like someone they taught on their mission and then we teach them. So it's way cool. My companion, Sister Hymas. Phew. Yes we were meant to be together, but sometimes I wonder why! haha. It's always going to be hard with a companion, I accept that. It's just finding a balance. And that's a challenge. I love silence, I don't need to talk all the time, she loves to talk, small talk about everything. So it's a challenge. But we're working on it! I LOVE my district! We have all gotten really close! I don't think I ever mentioned, we started with 14 people and then 2 elders went home within the first 2 weeks, so we have 12 now. 4 of us are sisters. And I love our Elders. We've just become best friends and I love them all. I would have to say though, I've become good friends with Elder Fagersten. We sit next to each other, and we like to joke around. We're real similar in the since that we are the quiet ones in the companionship and our companion is the talkative one. He's helped me get through this. I could go on about all the elders and how they've helped me. I just love them (:
So I heard that my blog was launched online! Woo hoo! And also....eeek. Because I complain a lot in these emails I feel. I'm such a weakling and I'm embarrassed that people read how sad I am. Ha! It's not all that difficult, there are some happy moments scattered in there. So I thought I'd just talk a bit about the MTC! So the campus is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! We are blessed. If it wasn't, it'd honestly feel like jail.. yuck. But the landscape is incredible! Trees, grass, plants, flowers, everywhere! Being outside is heavenly cause it's just pretty. The flowers are great. Lucy, you would love it! However, because it's so beautiful, the little finch birds live here... yuck! They are so used to people they don't mind flying reallyyyyyy close to you! Let's just say I've had multiple heart attacks and freak outs. I hate birds! And there are so many of them! You don't even understand! They're cute if I can look at them at a distance, but once they start flying and get close to me, it's all over! Oh! Mom, thank you SO much for that scripture case!! It's perfect! And super cute! I am in love with it. Another Elder in my district, Elder Daines, he's great, and also one of my favorites, I was so excited and just wanted to show him. Hahah. He's nice and went along with it. Then I continued to show all the elders just how cute it was, they agreed. But momma, I love it. Thank you SO much! Also, I see Sister Alexis Kaegi all the time, we're actually in the same branch. So we see a lot of each other. I see Sister Kati Stone as well. She's so dang cute. And I looked everywhere all the time for Elder Spencer Ebert! Our schedules were too off to get to actually see each other. I was so bummed! I looked at every meal for two weeks. And I heard he was looking for me. We talked through Sister Stone, who would see us both. Ha. It was sad. So tell Tina Westlund, that I will search with all my heart for soon to be Elder Kyler Westlund. Tell him to look for me! We WILL find each other. It's going to happen! Also, Tina Westlund, you are so sweet to me! I got your treat yesterday. And it was perfect. I was having such a hard time, and a rough day, and then I got a package and it was the cutest little boxed up cookie. Thank you! It was just what I needed, I love you.
So get this. I've been in the MTC for a month now. And when people get their Visas, they literally leave the next day. So, as you can guess, I have not received my visa. So believe it or not, I get my reassignment next week! Holy smokes guys! People of the world! I get another mission call next week! They usually come in on P-day, and when we get them, they allow us to email home to let you know. So next week, you'll be hearing where I'm being sent off to. Then the following Monday to like Wednesday is when people fly there. So a week I get my assignment, a week and a half I leave for the field! That's weird. I don't like thinking it because I'm scared to death. Sometimes I still debate if I want to do this, and if maybe I should come home and just say I did the MTC, cool, mission done. Ha! We'll see. I'm just scared.
So that seems about it. This was a long email. And I still have others to email. There is no time! Grr. I go to the temple this afternoon, I'm excited. I love the temple. Also, just so people don't think I neglect Lucy, I send her a separate email. I don't know why, I just do. I'm sure she shares it with the family, but I don't want others thinking I just forgot about my older sister. Ha! And by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Lucy, I woke up this morning thinking about you and how it's your special day! I'll be thinking of you. I hope your day is happy, and your go-kart party fantastic! I'm jealous, and sad I won't get to be there. So enjoy it for the both of us. Have extra fun! I love you (:
Okay, that's it, I think. I always have so much to say, and then when I leave the computer lab I remember things I forgot. Oh! The language is coming along. It's a challenge, and it will be for the first like year of my mission. Ha! But I'm picking it up. It's really pretty. I love it. It's just a lot of work.
I love you. So much. Thank you for the support and kind words. They honestly get me through this. This is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I could not do it without the help and support of my family and friends. Thank you so much.
Eu amo vocês! Muito!
Sister Clara Kay Dunn!
I can do hard things! (:
Sunday, August 18, 2013
HEY! (: August 16, 2013
I love p-days because I get to email you guys! I miss you guys SO much, and reading emails and sending emails makes me feel like I'm closer to you! I love it!
So first I'm gonna start with responding to questions and things mentioned in previous emails and DearElders! (:
Dad! That was so nice of Elder Jorgensen to ask how I'm doing! It's good to know that he hated the MTC, ha! But we actually tease about the English speakers cause they're only here for like a week and a half maybe two weeks and we joke that they don't even know what the MTC is like! I'm here three times longer than they are! 6 weeks. That is so long stuck in a little gated area sitting in a classroom. We really get to know the MTC (: Haha. But it's fun. Our districts get real close, and I love that. Speaking of being here sick weeks, I passed my halfway mark! I have been here a little over 3 weeks! HALFWAY! I can't even believe that. So weird. We say that days last forever but the weeks go by quick. Which is both annoying and nice. Also dad, thanks for the setting apart blessing! I really needed that!
Momma! THANK YOU FOR THE PACKAGE! Ah! I was so excited to get it! I love it! Thank you (: It was perfect and just what I needed! Also, yes to that scripture bag! I love it! It's super cute! I actually need two, I need one for my English scriptures and then one for my Portuguese scriptures, which are shaped a little different. But I think there are some in the book store for those that I can get. So if you'll order that cute one for my English ones, I would love that! Thank you! (: So tell Syd that I've been looking for Spencer Ebert everywhere! I have not seen him! He may have been on West Campus. But I don't often come in contact with English speakers going stateside. There are so many Portuguese speakers, and they just lump our schedules together. So it's hard seeing someone outside of Portuguese. Mom and dad! Way to be working out that early in the morning! HOLY COW! I thought it was bad getting up at 6:30, but getting up a whole hour and 15 minutes before that sounds yucky! But awesome! You guys are tough! Mom, if you keep that schedule up, you'll totally be ready to run that 10k! And you'll kick butt doing it! So you asked if I get to work out, I do. We have an hour of gym time every week except Sunday. So I usually will go run a mile and a half on the elliptical and then work my abs a little and then stretch. Nothing too extensive. Just to get my heart pumping. However, I have been SO sick these past two weeks. It's been wretched! I've had to skip classes and study time to go back to my residence and sleep. It's been terrible. It's hard to focus on learning and teaching when I feel miserable and just want to sleep. It was really nice though because I asked some elders in my district to give me a blessing. It was their first one (: And they did great! And it honestly really did help! I was so grateful for them. So thankfully I'm on the up side of getting better. I still have a bad cough though, and it's annoying. So I was going to wrap that all around by saying I haven't been working out the past week because I don't want to over exert and then just make things worse. So I've been taking it slow.
Sydney! I love that you mentioned I believe in Christ, so come what may. It was perfect timing because I have been thinking the same. And we've sung the song a couple times, only in Portuguese, so it's Creo em Cristo. And I love it. I've been thinking a lot about it, and I may either sing it or read it to one of my investigators. I think she'd like to hear that. But absolutely Sydney! I BELIEVE IN CHRIST, SO COME WHAT MAY! And usually, what may is good things! (: Also Sydney, you are so spiritually mature! You have great thoughts, and I love them! That's awesome.
Sydney, college is going to be great! You may be kind of scared, but we can get through this together. Because I absolutely positively know how you feel. And it's hard. The thought that you're by yourself, everything is new, you don't know whats happening, but you know what? You learn! And then you get comfortable! I am going through the same thing! Being here in the MTC was SO scary, and I hated it, and I just wanted to go home (still kinda do, but I tell myself I'm here, I'm doing this, so do it!), but you learn to get comfortable. And now I'm scared to leave the MTC! Hahah! Going to Brasil?! HA! Ya right! I'm not doing that! But we can! We can make it! And we will love it. And we can email and tell each other how scared we are but how much we're learning! We can do hard things! (: VAMP DIES! OH MY GOSH! Sydney! Good remembering! I can't even believe it. Grr. And I'm gonna miss it! The lucky thing about you is while you're at college you'll still have tv to watch (which is a comfort, at least to me, ha), and a phone where you can call home ANY time! I love that! And besides, you'll make great friends that will last you your life, I know I have (: Also, try the major. It doesn't hurt to just test the waters. If you don't like a class, go talk to your counselor early to know when the last day is to drop a class and add another one. Just work hard! And also, I hope you are number zero for that ballroom class! (:
So here are some things that happened this week! Dad, I love that you gave me a Richard G. Scott quote, because guess what?! On Tuesday, for devotional, he came and spoke to us! It was AMAZING! He talked about prayer, and it was so spiritual! It was great! And guess what he did?! He gave an apostolic blessing to all those learning a language, that we will be able to learn quickly and be able to communicate efficiently if we have the faith and work! And apostle blessed me! AH! Now I can't ever doubt myself and my language skills, because and apostle said I can do it. So I can! And I think I'm actually doing really well. We talked with a girl who served in Brasil, and she asked how long we'd been here, and we told her 2 weeks and she was so shocked that we could understand everything she was saying and talking with such ease! It made me feel so good! So I think I'm doing alright (: I met with my language teacher, Irma Tirrell, and she told me she was like me, just scared and wanting to go home and doubting myself and my abilities, and she just comforted me. She said that I could do it. That she made it through and she thought she was worse than me. I just have to keep pushing through. She's really sweet, she told me I could come talk to her whenever I'm feeling down or that I don't want to be here, so I'm definitely going to take advantage of that! It was sweet, I met with one of the brothers in my Branch Presidency, and I told him I still am having doubts that I should be here, that it's just so hard and I'm unsure. And this is what he said to me, "Then you must be really important. The Lord must really need you. Because if Satan is working that hard on you, you must really be needed somewhere." It was so sweet and just what I needed to hear. It helped a lot and I can just tell myself to push through. I can do this.
Get this! So we get to go to the temple on p-day, today, so in a couple of hours. But there was a sister who I had sat next to in sacrament meeting and we talked and really bonded, and she found out that she would be leaving early this morning, so she wouldn't be able to attend the temple. And the Provo temple had been closed for maintenance, so she hadn't gone. But they told her she could go on Thursday before she left, and so she invited me to go with her! It was SO sweet! I was so honored and so excited! So I was able to go to the temple last night, and again this afternoon. And let me tell you, it was AMAZING! Scary, because it was a temple that I didn't know, but comforting because everything is the same. And I really needed the temple that day. It felt so good. And the new film! OH MY GOSH! SO GOOD! There was just so much more emotion and I understood things better and really felt what was happening. I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to go in again this afternoon. I wrote in my journal about an experience that happened in the Celestial room, and instead of retyping it all, I just took a picture of the page, so you can read it (: But the picture thing isn't working right now, so I may have to switch computers and try sending it through a different email. But it was great, I loved it.
Well this week has been good. Can't believe that I'm half way done. I'll be getting my reassignment in a couple weeks, which is crazy! But I'm still pushing through. It's hard, and it always will be, I just have to remember why I'm here and all the blessing that I'll receive. That helps. And keep sending DearElders, I honestly love those. Thank you! I love you all so much. I miss you like crazy, and I wish that I could just be with you, but I'm so glad that you are receiving blessings as well for me being out here.
I love you,
Sister Clara Kay Dunn.
P.S Pictures:
Me with Elder Kesler and Elder Williams!
Classroom 201, where I spend a lot of my life in now (:
The temple and the sunset last night was beautiful!
So first I'm gonna start with responding to questions and things mentioned in previous emails and DearElders! (:
Dad! That was so nice of Elder Jorgensen to ask how I'm doing! It's good to know that he hated the MTC, ha! But we actually tease about the English speakers cause they're only here for like a week and a half maybe two weeks and we joke that they don't even know what the MTC is like! I'm here three times longer than they are! 6 weeks. That is so long stuck in a little gated area sitting in a classroom. We really get to know the MTC (: Haha. But it's fun. Our districts get real close, and I love that. Speaking of being here sick weeks, I passed my halfway mark! I have been here a little over 3 weeks! HALFWAY! I can't even believe that. So weird. We say that days last forever but the weeks go by quick. Which is both annoying and nice. Also dad, thanks for the setting apart blessing! I really needed that!
Momma! THANK YOU FOR THE PACKAGE! Ah! I was so excited to get it! I love it! Thank you (: It was perfect and just what I needed! Also, yes to that scripture bag! I love it! It's super cute! I actually need two, I need one for my English scriptures and then one for my Portuguese scriptures, which are shaped a little different. But I think there are some in the book store for those that I can get. So if you'll order that cute one for my English ones, I would love that! Thank you! (: So tell Syd that I've been looking for Spencer Ebert everywhere! I have not seen him! He may have been on West Campus. But I don't often come in contact with English speakers going stateside. There are so many Portuguese speakers, and they just lump our schedules together. So it's hard seeing someone outside of Portuguese. Mom and dad! Way to be working out that early in the morning! HOLY COW! I thought it was bad getting up at 6:30, but getting up a whole hour and 15 minutes before that sounds yucky! But awesome! You guys are tough! Mom, if you keep that schedule up, you'll totally be ready to run that 10k! And you'll kick butt doing it! So you asked if I get to work out, I do. We have an hour of gym time every week except Sunday. So I usually will go run a mile and a half on the elliptical and then work my abs a little and then stretch. Nothing too extensive. Just to get my heart pumping. However, I have been SO sick these past two weeks. It's been wretched! I've had to skip classes and study time to go back to my residence and sleep. It's been terrible. It's hard to focus on learning and teaching when I feel miserable and just want to sleep. It was really nice though because I asked some elders in my district to give me a blessing. It was their first one (: And they did great! And it honestly really did help! I was so grateful for them. So thankfully I'm on the up side of getting better. I still have a bad cough though, and it's annoying. So I was going to wrap that all around by saying I haven't been working out the past week because I don't want to over exert and then just make things worse. So I've been taking it slow.
Sydney! I love that you mentioned I believe in Christ, so come what may. It was perfect timing because I have been thinking the same. And we've sung the song a couple times, only in Portuguese, so it's Creo em Cristo. And I love it. I've been thinking a lot about it, and I may either sing it or read it to one of my investigators. I think she'd like to hear that. But absolutely Sydney! I BELIEVE IN CHRIST, SO COME WHAT MAY! And usually, what may is good things! (: Also Sydney, you are so spiritually mature! You have great thoughts, and I love them! That's awesome.
Sydney, college is going to be great! You may be kind of scared, but we can get through this together. Because I absolutely positively know how you feel. And it's hard. The thought that you're by yourself, everything is new, you don't know whats happening, but you know what? You learn! And then you get comfortable! I am going through the same thing! Being here in the MTC was SO scary, and I hated it, and I just wanted to go home (still kinda do, but I tell myself I'm here, I'm doing this, so do it!), but you learn to get comfortable. And now I'm scared to leave the MTC! Hahah! Going to Brasil?! HA! Ya right! I'm not doing that! But we can! We can make it! And we will love it. And we can email and tell each other how scared we are but how much we're learning! We can do hard things! (: VAMP DIES! OH MY GOSH! Sydney! Good remembering! I can't even believe it. Grr. And I'm gonna miss it! The lucky thing about you is while you're at college you'll still have tv to watch (which is a comfort, at least to me, ha), and a phone where you can call home ANY time! I love that! And besides, you'll make great friends that will last you your life, I know I have (: Also, try the major. It doesn't hurt to just test the waters. If you don't like a class, go talk to your counselor early to know when the last day is to drop a class and add another one. Just work hard! And also, I hope you are number zero for that ballroom class! (:
So here are some things that happened this week! Dad, I love that you gave me a Richard G. Scott quote, because guess what?! On Tuesday, for devotional, he came and spoke to us! It was AMAZING! He talked about prayer, and it was so spiritual! It was great! And guess what he did?! He gave an apostolic blessing to all those learning a language, that we will be able to learn quickly and be able to communicate efficiently if we have the faith and work! And apostle blessed me! AH! Now I can't ever doubt myself and my language skills, because and apostle said I can do it. So I can! And I think I'm actually doing really well. We talked with a girl who served in Brasil, and she asked how long we'd been here, and we told her 2 weeks and she was so shocked that we could understand everything she was saying and talking with such ease! It made me feel so good! So I think I'm doing alright (: I met with my language teacher, Irma Tirrell, and she told me she was like me, just scared and wanting to go home and doubting myself and my abilities, and she just comforted me. She said that I could do it. That she made it through and she thought she was worse than me. I just have to keep pushing through. She's really sweet, she told me I could come talk to her whenever I'm feeling down or that I don't want to be here, so I'm definitely going to take advantage of that! It was sweet, I met with one of the brothers in my Branch Presidency, and I told him I still am having doubts that I should be here, that it's just so hard and I'm unsure. And this is what he said to me, "Then you must be really important. The Lord must really need you. Because if Satan is working that hard on you, you must really be needed somewhere." It was so sweet and just what I needed to hear. It helped a lot and I can just tell myself to push through. I can do this.
Get this! So we get to go to the temple on p-day, today, so in a couple of hours. But there was a sister who I had sat next to in sacrament meeting and we talked and really bonded, and she found out that she would be leaving early this morning, so she wouldn't be able to attend the temple. And the Provo temple had been closed for maintenance, so she hadn't gone. But they told her she could go on Thursday before she left, and so she invited me to go with her! It was SO sweet! I was so honored and so excited! So I was able to go to the temple last night, and again this afternoon. And let me tell you, it was AMAZING! Scary, because it was a temple that I didn't know, but comforting because everything is the same. And I really needed the temple that day. It felt so good. And the new film! OH MY GOSH! SO GOOD! There was just so much more emotion and I understood things better and really felt what was happening. I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to go in again this afternoon. I wrote in my journal about an experience that happened in the Celestial room, and instead of retyping it all, I just took a picture of the page, so you can read it (: But the picture thing isn't working right now, so I may have to switch computers and try sending it through a different email. But it was great, I loved it.
Well this week has been good. Can't believe that I'm half way done. I'll be getting my reassignment in a couple weeks, which is crazy! But I'm still pushing through. It's hard, and it always will be, I just have to remember why I'm here and all the blessing that I'll receive. That helps. And keep sending DearElders, I honestly love those. Thank you! I love you all so much. I miss you like crazy, and I wish that I could just be with you, but I'm so glad that you are receiving blessings as well for me being out here.
I love you,
Sister Clara Kay Dunn.
P.S Pictures:
Me with Elder Kesler and Elder Williams!
Classroom 201, where I spend a lot of my life in now (:
The temple and the sunset last night was beautiful!
P-DAY! August 9, 2013
Okay, so I'm doing one mass email, so it doesn't take up much time! If there are spelling or grammer errors, ignore them! I'm typing away at the speed of light!
First off, MOMMA! (But also everyone else to read. Hah!)
First off, MOMMA! (But also everyone else to read. Hah!)
I get an hour to email. But what we do is in the morning, while our clothes are in the wash, we go print our emails out so that we can read them outside of the lab so that it doesn't take up time! So it would be best if you emailed before like 8 in the morning. If not, I've found ways to go around it. For instance today, I finished stuff early and got to read all the emails sent today! (: yay!
I'm excited for your crafts! I think that is so cool that you are doing that! They sound awesome! Even better that they're awesome because everyone would be doing crafts if it was hailing! Holy cow, that is such a bummer! So bravo mom! You'll probably become the craft cabiner for the next 10 years, so get ready! (:
I'm excited for your crafts! I think that is so cool that you are doing that! They sound awesome! Even better that they're awesome because everyone would be doing crafts if it was hailing! Holy cow, that is such a bummer! So bravo mom! You'll probably become the craft cabiner for the next 10 years, so get ready! (:
Sleeping is okay. I dream A LOT! And I sleep talk. And walk. I don't know if I told you, but my like second night here I got up out of bed pointed at my pillow and yelled Portuguese at it. Ya. It was weird. HA! Sleeping is hard cause you are so tired at night and ready to sleep, but your brain just keeps going! It drives me crazy! We all just lay in bed. So I've been taking medicine to help. But get this! So apparently the Lord thought it was funny that I thought the MTC was hard because He allowed me to get both sick and be on my period this week! YAY! So I went to the doctor on Tuesday and he prescribed me some meds which have conked me out at night, so that's nice. But it's miserable. I know now how easy I really had it. I hate being sick! And having to work. I just want my mommy. Yesterday I had to skip class cause I was feeling so gross and I just slept for 3 hours. It felt SO good! I really needed it.
If the doctor prescribes something for you, you get it for cheap. I got a cough syrup and some decongestant for 7 dollars! Awesome! Sister Hymas and I got to take a trip OUTSIDE the MTC to pick it up. It was nice (:
The food is good. It was nice at first, but now it's getting kind of old. I mean it's good for cafeteria food, but it's kinda the same things just arranged differently. We surprising haven't repeated much meals, they're just all similar. I eat too much. I need to stop. I'm going to get fat. Sometimes, I eat 4 chocolate chip cookies at lunch. FOUR! Fat.
Also, I need glasses wipes that you get from walmart please! I wear my glasses all the time, they help me see! But they get dirty (: Also, get that photo album a crackin with pictures! I miss seeing my family. I'm starting to forget what you look like! (;
Momma, I love you so much. Your letters mean so much to me. Thank you.
DADDY!
If the doctor prescribes something for you, you get it for cheap. I got a cough syrup and some decongestant for 7 dollars! Awesome! Sister Hymas and I got to take a trip OUTSIDE the MTC to pick it up. It was nice (:
The food is good. It was nice at first, but now it's getting kind of old. I mean it's good for cafeteria food, but it's kinda the same things just arranged differently. We surprising haven't repeated much meals, they're just all similar. I eat too much. I need to stop. I'm going to get fat. Sometimes, I eat 4 chocolate chip cookies at lunch. FOUR! Fat.
Also, I need glasses wipes that you get from walmart please! I wear my glasses all the time, they help me see! But they get dirty (: Also, get that photo album a crackin with pictures! I miss seeing my family. I'm starting to forget what you look like! (;
Momma, I love you so much. Your letters mean so much to me. Thank you.
DADDY!
Thank you SO much for that story about President Hinckley. Really. That made me feel so good. If it was hard for him, and he was wanting to go home, and he became a prophet, then I for sure can do this! I'm tough. Gotta keep telling myself that (:
The MTC is hard, but I'm working and gaining really great habits that will benefit my life. So that's great!
Also, DearElder is working great! I get all your letters. And can I just tell you, they're AMAZING! Tell the todo mundo to send me letter through DearElder.com. It's fantastic! And can I just say, of my whole district, which has 12 people, I get the most letters! WOOP WOOP! I love you family. But it's also cause I need them the most. I am so down on myself all the time and it is just so hard, that the letters keep me going. So keep going! Even if it's something little, anything helps! It lifts my spirits (:
I miss girls camp, I always loved bishop night, especially cause you were my bishop. Made it fun. You always know what to say. That's a bummer that the weather hasn't been too nice. With the hail and the fires. That's crazy. I can't even imangine what it's like with all the fire! Seriously, insane! And scary. I think I'd think the world were to end. I hope it clears up quickly! It's hard to imagine because the weather here is amazing! It is beautiful! Sun shining blue skies status. Personal study outside is fantastic. I love it!
Dad, I just want you to know that I love you. And thinking about how you were able to do this, and that you made it really keeps me going. If you can do it, I can do it.
SYDNEY!
I have been waiting to hear from you! So glad you emailed me. (; Can I just tell you that I love you. I really miss goofing off with you. Also, I like your emails. They're hilarious! They make me smile, so thank you!
Also, remember how I'm on a mission?! Ya weird. Sometimes I forget and I go... WAIT A MINUTE! I CAN SPEAK PORTUGUESE! It's still weird to think.
And tell me everything all the time! I love hearing about everything. Don't think that because I'm a missionary I can't think certain things, I just gotta keep them under control (; HAha!
Sydney. Teen Wolf?! Really?! Hahah! Remember when we'd make fun of it?! Hahaha! I'm so glad you're watching it. It helps when there are cute guys in it. Haha. And I miss Ian. I miss cat photos too.. I also miss Facebook and music. And my phone. Ha! But that's okay.
VAMP DIES THIS FALL! I'm so excited for you to watch it! I can't even remember what happened. You should also watch The Originals! Tell me how it is.
Lucy told me about fast Sunday. I love you. I wish I could have been there to see it. I love you two, and I can feel the love you send me. So please keep sending it!
LUCY!
BACHELORETTE! Me and this other sister we SO excited to hear from you. It's all we talked about for like four days. HAhah! We even found some elders who were interested and said when we find out more to find them and update them. And let me tell you, your update was PERFECT! It was detailed, and I loved that! Thank you. I cannot believe what happened! CHRIS?! Really Des? Really? Weird. No. I don't think it will last. I mean I didn't even see them together and I just know that it won't work out. That's ridiculous. They're just trying to make it work because of the show being a show. blah blah blah. I wanna know what Brooks is doing though. Like what will he do now? That was brave of him to leave though. Good for him. Des is just annoying anyways (; And JUAN PABLO! YES PLEASE! Oh my goodness. I was SO excited I squealed! He is gonna be awesome and hilarious and so sweet! I'm sad I'm going to miss it. I am going to have to just watch that right when I get home. Excited to hear about it. He is just so dang cute!
That's something this mission is teaching me. I can no longer think about myself, it's all about our investigators. Reading for them, learning for them, receiving inspiration and revelation for them. Hannah needs to adopt this. It sounds like she just doesn't even care. Being patient is something I am learning too. With my companion. Phew. PATIENCE!
So you asked about leaving for Brazil. I'm like still not sure I want to go. HAhah! It's a scary thought. I mean, I don't know if you know this or not, but it's another country.. Ya. Country. I'm so scared! I have to take it one day at a time, so I don't think too far in advance. Unless I am hating the MTC, which happens, and I have to think about how it will be different in the field. I'll most likely get reassigned, so that'll be cool. I'll serve 2 missions (:
I love your "Worldy Report," and I'm glad I'm not missing out on Selena's cd. I was hoping it'd be cool, but I'm glad it's not casue then I'd be sad that I was missing it. Ha!
Lucy. Fast Sunday. That means so much to me. THis is so hard and knowing that it's already blessed you and our family means so much. This is hard work, and I'm glad that it's paying off for both me and you. I'm glad you're proud of me. Hearing that helps me push along. Thank you. I wish I could have been there to hear it. I love you two so much. Thank you. Keep telling me stories like that. It made me cry. It just means so much to hear things like that. That you guys are proud of me and that it's blessing you. That's all I want. I love you so much Lucy. You mean so much to me. You really are my best friend. You're always there for me. And I'm so glad we got so close these passed few years. I really look up to you. And I just want to make you proud. Oh my gosh, I'm just crying in a lab full of elders and I look ridiculous. But I love you so much. And making you proud means the world to me. I love you Lucy. A lot. Keep writing me and telling me happy things and that I can get through this, because sometimes I don't think that I can. I just have to keep pushing.
I love you Lucy!
The MTC is getting somewhat easier. All your letters have helped me. I just have to focus on the work and know that this is where the Lord wants me. I'm learning so much and growing as a person, this mission will be good for me. And seriously, the two guys I told you about, Elder Williams and Elder Kesler, the tongan and skinny white kid, help me through it. Elder Kesler came up to me a couple days ago and and said he had a story for me, he told me that that morning was hard for him, and he was just having a rough time being here, but that he thought about me and how I said that he helps me get through the hard times, and he said it helped. He thought about how if I could make it through this that he could too. And he just started crying, and his companin, the tongan Elder Williams started crying too. And we all cried together, it was sweet. And now we're all sick together. Friends forever. Hahah!
The language is coming along. When it comes to church words, I'm BOMB! When it comes to real words and conversations.... Awkward. Ha! I need to learn those. But it's only my second week, so I'm doing good. Next week is my half way point! WHAT! Okay, typing that just made me have a panic attack! Holy freakin cow! No. I have so much I need to learn!
We had an English Fast, or a Portugese Feast, where we could only speak in Portuguese (SYL-Speak Your Language). Ya. So hard. But I learned a lot. It helped me become more confident in speaking Portuguese, being less afraid. I definitely would rather mess up and learn here than when I'm in the field. I just need to stop comparing myself. So I've gotten to the point where I know I'm supposed to be here, that this is right. Now I just need to work on wanting to be here. HAH! Not quite there yet. But I'm working on it. Well I hope I answered all your questions and things like that! DearElder me your replies. I love hearing from you all throughout the week. So keep that up! I love you all SO much. I pray for you guys. And I appreciate all the prayers you send to me. I really can feel them. They lift me up. Thank you.
I love you!
Sister Clara Kay Dunn
P.S. PICTURES! There is only one lab on the whole MTC that allows you to send pictures, and I got in! So here are some pictures for you!
Me pointing to the classic map picture of where I'll be serving! (Sorry they're sideways, I can't change it)
My district at the temple on Sunday!
The girls of my district pointing to our missions. There are 4 sisters and 8 elders in our district.
Me with Jan Carter, Lezlie McClure's sister. Forward this email to her, or the picture to her so she can see (:
Me with Elder Thorderson, Anika's sister. You'll have to forward this to her or send it to her on facebook.
Sister Hymas and I at the temple this last Sunday (:
And name tags!
I love you all! Miss you bunches! I stay strong because of your love and support, so thank you!
The MTC is hard, but I'm working and gaining really great habits that will benefit my life. So that's great!
Also, DearElder is working great! I get all your letters. And can I just tell you, they're AMAZING! Tell the todo mundo to send me letter through DearElder.com. It's fantastic! And can I just say, of my whole district, which has 12 people, I get the most letters! WOOP WOOP! I love you family. But it's also cause I need them the most. I am so down on myself all the time and it is just so hard, that the letters keep me going. So keep going! Even if it's something little, anything helps! It lifts my spirits (:
I miss girls camp, I always loved bishop night, especially cause you were my bishop. Made it fun. You always know what to say. That's a bummer that the weather hasn't been too nice. With the hail and the fires. That's crazy. I can't even imangine what it's like with all the fire! Seriously, insane! And scary. I think I'd think the world were to end. I hope it clears up quickly! It's hard to imagine because the weather here is amazing! It is beautiful! Sun shining blue skies status. Personal study outside is fantastic. I love it!
Dad, I just want you to know that I love you. And thinking about how you were able to do this, and that you made it really keeps me going. If you can do it, I can do it.
SYDNEY!
I have been waiting to hear from you! So glad you emailed me. (; Can I just tell you that I love you. I really miss goofing off with you. Also, I like your emails. They're hilarious! They make me smile, so thank you!
Also, remember how I'm on a mission?! Ya weird. Sometimes I forget and I go... WAIT A MINUTE! I CAN SPEAK PORTUGUESE! It's still weird to think.
And tell me everything all the time! I love hearing about everything. Don't think that because I'm a missionary I can't think certain things, I just gotta keep them under control (; HAha!
Sydney. Teen Wolf?! Really?! Hahah! Remember when we'd make fun of it?! Hahaha! I'm so glad you're watching it. It helps when there are cute guys in it. Haha. And I miss Ian. I miss cat photos too.. I also miss Facebook and music. And my phone. Ha! But that's okay.
VAMP DIES THIS FALL! I'm so excited for you to watch it! I can't even remember what happened. You should also watch The Originals! Tell me how it is.
Lucy told me about fast Sunday. I love you. I wish I could have been there to see it. I love you two, and I can feel the love you send me. So please keep sending it!
LUCY!
BACHELORETTE! Me and this other sister we SO excited to hear from you. It's all we talked about for like four days. HAhah! We even found some elders who were interested and said when we find out more to find them and update them. And let me tell you, your update was PERFECT! It was detailed, and I loved that! Thank you. I cannot believe what happened! CHRIS?! Really Des? Really? Weird. No. I don't think it will last. I mean I didn't even see them together and I just know that it won't work out. That's ridiculous. They're just trying to make it work because of the show being a show. blah blah blah. I wanna know what Brooks is doing though. Like what will he do now? That was brave of him to leave though. Good for him. Des is just annoying anyways (; And JUAN PABLO! YES PLEASE! Oh my goodness. I was SO excited I squealed! He is gonna be awesome and hilarious and so sweet! I'm sad I'm going to miss it. I am going to have to just watch that right when I get home. Excited to hear about it. He is just so dang cute!
That's something this mission is teaching me. I can no longer think about myself, it's all about our investigators. Reading for them, learning for them, receiving inspiration and revelation for them. Hannah needs to adopt this. It sounds like she just doesn't even care. Being patient is something I am learning too. With my companion. Phew. PATIENCE!
So you asked about leaving for Brazil. I'm like still not sure I want to go. HAhah! It's a scary thought. I mean, I don't know if you know this or not, but it's another country.. Ya. Country. I'm so scared! I have to take it one day at a time, so I don't think too far in advance. Unless I am hating the MTC, which happens, and I have to think about how it will be different in the field. I'll most likely get reassigned, so that'll be cool. I'll serve 2 missions (:
I love your "Worldy Report," and I'm glad I'm not missing out on Selena's cd. I was hoping it'd be cool, but I'm glad it's not casue then I'd be sad that I was missing it. Ha!
Lucy. Fast Sunday. That means so much to me. THis is so hard and knowing that it's already blessed you and our family means so much. This is hard work, and I'm glad that it's paying off for both me and you. I'm glad you're proud of me. Hearing that helps me push along. Thank you. I wish I could have been there to hear it. I love you two so much. Thank you. Keep telling me stories like that. It made me cry. It just means so much to hear things like that. That you guys are proud of me and that it's blessing you. That's all I want. I love you so much Lucy. You mean so much to me. You really are my best friend. You're always there for me. And I'm so glad we got so close these passed few years. I really look up to you. And I just want to make you proud. Oh my gosh, I'm just crying in a lab full of elders and I look ridiculous. But I love you so much. And making you proud means the world to me. I love you Lucy. A lot. Keep writing me and telling me happy things and that I can get through this, because sometimes I don't think that I can. I just have to keep pushing.
I love you Lucy!
The MTC is getting somewhat easier. All your letters have helped me. I just have to focus on the work and know that this is where the Lord wants me. I'm learning so much and growing as a person, this mission will be good for me. And seriously, the two guys I told you about, Elder Williams and Elder Kesler, the tongan and skinny white kid, help me through it. Elder Kesler came up to me a couple days ago and and said he had a story for me, he told me that that morning was hard for him, and he was just having a rough time being here, but that he thought about me and how I said that he helps me get through the hard times, and he said it helped. He thought about how if I could make it through this that he could too. And he just started crying, and his companin, the tongan Elder Williams started crying too. And we all cried together, it was sweet. And now we're all sick together. Friends forever. Hahah!
The language is coming along. When it comes to church words, I'm BOMB! When it comes to real words and conversations.... Awkward. Ha! I need to learn those. But it's only my second week, so I'm doing good. Next week is my half way point! WHAT! Okay, typing that just made me have a panic attack! Holy freakin cow! No. I have so much I need to learn!
We had an English Fast, or a Portugese Feast, where we could only speak in Portuguese (SYL-Speak Your Language). Ya. So hard. But I learned a lot. It helped me become more confident in speaking Portuguese, being less afraid. I definitely would rather mess up and learn here than when I'm in the field. I just need to stop comparing myself. So I've gotten to the point where I know I'm supposed to be here, that this is right. Now I just need to work on wanting to be here. HAH! Not quite there yet. But I'm working on it. Well I hope I answered all your questions and things like that! DearElder me your replies. I love hearing from you all throughout the week. So keep that up! I love you all SO much. I pray for you guys. And I appreciate all the prayers you send to me. I really can feel them. They lift me up. Thank you.
I love you!
Sister Clara Kay Dunn
P.S. PICTURES! There is only one lab on the whole MTC that allows you to send pictures, and I got in! So here are some pictures for you!
Me pointing to the classic map picture of where I'll be serving! (Sorry they're sideways, I can't change it)
My district at the temple on Sunday!
The girls of my district pointing to our missions. There are 4 sisters and 8 elders in our district.
Me with Jan Carter, Lezlie McClure's sister. Forward this email to her, or the picture to her so she can see (:
Me with Elder Thorderson, Anika's sister. You'll have to forward this to her or send it to her on facebook.
Sister Hymas and I at the temple this last Sunday (:
And name tags!
I love you all! Miss you bunches! I stay strong because of your love and support, so thank you!
District at the temple
Sisters in her district
Clara with Jan Carter (Sister McClure's sister)
Elder Thorderson
First Letter! August 2, 2013
Okay, so I don't get much time, so if there are spelling or grammer errors, SORRY!
Dad, oh boy do I miss you. I wish you were here to help me and tell me exactly what I need to hear. You're always so good at that. Your letters have really helped me, thank you, keep them coming! Ya! I made it to P-day! FINALLY! I honestly think I've been in the MTC for two years, it took forever to get to this day, but I'm here, I made it!
You are so right, a comp is a great learning tool. I really am learning a lot. Sister Hymas is great, she's really focused and always working, which is great, but she already is so good at Portuguese that it's no big deal, and my brain hurts A LOT ALL THE TIME! I so like breaks and goofing off, and that's not particularly her favorite thing. So it's a challenge finding a good balance. But she's already taught me so much.
Everyone mentioned these forest fires! Holy cow! I can't even imagine what that's like! I hope they're able to control it and have every thing clear up.
Crepes. Yum. I want one!
You telling me I'm a tough chick, and that I'm a Dunn was helpful. I really need to hear that a lot! The MTC is SO hard. Honestly, the MOST difficult thing that I have ever had to do! And sometimes it's hard to keep telling myself that I can do hard things, so it's definitely helpful when you tell me I can do it. It was really bad my first week. I seriously almost quit multiple times. It's just a different lifestyle and you have to change so much and so quickly, and I couldn't do it. I just had this constant cloud over my head, and I felt like I shouldn't be here, that this wasn't right for me. This last Tuesday, I gave in. I told myself that I couldn't do this anymore, so I went to the Front Desk to see what I had to do to go home. I got up there, and felt inspired to call my Branch President, so I called him and told him I needed to talk to him, and we set up a time to talk that evening. He said all the right things. He was so helpful. Part of me was wishing that it was you telling it to me, but President was inspired and knew exactly what to tell me. He then went and got 2 elders and gave me a blessing of comfort. A much needed blessing. I've been doing better now. It's still hard, but the cloud has slightly subsided. I still get in moods of thinking I don't belong here, but they're not as bad. I know this work is true, and I know I would regret it if I came home, so I'm just trying my hardest to push through.
I miss you a lot Daddy. I think about you a lot. I wish that it was you that could've given me a blessing, but I know that the Lord speaks through all Priesthood authority, and I know the blessing that President Brough gave me was the same you would have given me. I just miss you and wish you were here to hold my hand. I think of you a lot, and how you were so strong to be able to leave your family and serve in New Zealand. And how Cooper left and was able to serve in Denver. I want to be added to that list. I will work hard to stay strong. Letters are great. Keep that up.
I love you SO much dad! Keep the prayers coming, I can feel them, and they help.
Your daughter, serving a mission,
Sister Clara Kay Dunn
LUCY! I have SO much to say to you! Seriously. I have like two pages of notes to tell you. If I don't get through them all, I'll have to write a letter to you and send it to you.
I miss you SO much. Seriously. This is so hard. I honestly don't know if I'm strong enough for this.. A lot of times it just doesn't feel right, and I think I should be coming home.. But I don't know. I just keep pushing.
Share letters between you and mom and dad. Spanish helps, kinda. You just have to say words with a different accent.
BACHELORETTE! I was freaking out on Monday cause I was dying to know what happens! I really hope that Brooks left to be with a Mormon girl, cause that would be great! And a smart decision. Not just cause I'm a missionary and am all for Mormons, but cause it's a smart choice on his part. Hahah! I'm really eager to know now what is going to happen next week. I'm so sad I'm missing all of this! So keep up the updates because now I'm eager to know what Des does! So it's Chris and someone else left.. ya? Excited!
So sad I can't see your new visors. Really. I am so excited for you that now you don't have to be blinded and that the passenger is able to see more out the window. Haha. That was nice of Jesse to do for you.
My comp is great. We don't always see eye to eye, which can be difficult. She likes to do everything her way, and she progresses in Portuguese SO quickly so I feel behind and get down on myself.. It's sad. And she really takes charge, which is nice sometimes, but is annoying when she does things a way I don't want to. I also like to have fun and goof off.. That's not something she particularly likes. Especially when in our planner it says, "Study." Haha. But I'm learning so much from her. And she's been there for me when I need to talk. And she's helping me learn a lot. So it's all inspired. We were totally meant to be put together. It's just learning to be with someone honestly 24/7.
Part of me thinks that a mission isn't right for me, that I need to come home.. I've kinda been depressed a bit and I feel bad becasue I don't want to bring everyone around me down.. I don't know if I'm strong enough for this, or that it's my right time.. I don't know. Presiden'ts blessing helped, definitely, but I still kinda have a constant feeling in the back of my head that this isn't right for me. I don't know. I pray a lot.
Tell people to send me letters to my address, or through DearElder.com. DearElder is great because if you do it before like 12 or something, I can get it that night.
You are so right, a comp is a great learning tool. I really am learning a lot. Sister Hymas is great, she's really focused and always working, which is great, but she already is so good at Portuguese that it's no big deal, and my brain hurts A LOT ALL THE TIME! I so like breaks and goofing off, and that's not particularly her favorite thing. So it's a challenge finding a good balance. But she's already taught me so much.
Everyone mentioned these forest fires! Holy cow! I can't even imagine what that's like! I hope they're able to control it and have every thing clear up.
Crepes. Yum. I want one!
You telling me I'm a tough chick, and that I'm a Dunn was helpful. I really need to hear that a lot! The MTC is SO hard. Honestly, the MOST difficult thing that I have ever had to do! And sometimes it's hard to keep telling myself that I can do hard things, so it's definitely helpful when you tell me I can do it. It was really bad my first week. I seriously almost quit multiple times. It's just a different lifestyle and you have to change so much and so quickly, and I couldn't do it. I just had this constant cloud over my head, and I felt like I shouldn't be here, that this wasn't right for me. This last Tuesday, I gave in. I told myself that I couldn't do this anymore, so I went to the Front Desk to see what I had to do to go home. I got up there, and felt inspired to call my Branch President, so I called him and told him I needed to talk to him, and we set up a time to talk that evening. He said all the right things. He was so helpful. Part of me was wishing that it was you telling it to me, but President was inspired and knew exactly what to tell me. He then went and got 2 elders and gave me a blessing of comfort. A much needed blessing. I've been doing better now. It's still hard, but the cloud has slightly subsided. I still get in moods of thinking I don't belong here, but they're not as bad. I know this work is true, and I know I would regret it if I came home, so I'm just trying my hardest to push through.
I miss you a lot Daddy. I think about you a lot. I wish that it was you that could've given me a blessing, but I know that the Lord speaks through all Priesthood authority, and I know the blessing that President Brough gave me was the same you would have given me. I just miss you and wish you were here to hold my hand. I think of you a lot, and how you were so strong to be able to leave your family and serve in New Zealand. And how Cooper left and was able to serve in Denver. I want to be added to that list. I will work hard to stay strong. Letters are great. Keep that up.
I love you SO much dad! Keep the prayers coming, I can feel them, and they help.
Your daughter, serving a mission,
Sister Clara Kay Dunn
LUCY! I have SO much to say to you! Seriously. I have like two pages of notes to tell you. If I don't get through them all, I'll have to write a letter to you and send it to you.
I miss you SO much. Seriously. This is so hard. I honestly don't know if I'm strong enough for this.. A lot of times it just doesn't feel right, and I think I should be coming home.. But I don't know. I just keep pushing.
Share letters between you and mom and dad. Spanish helps, kinda. You just have to say words with a different accent.
BACHELORETTE! I was freaking out on Monday cause I was dying to know what happens! I really hope that Brooks left to be with a Mormon girl, cause that would be great! And a smart decision. Not just cause I'm a missionary and am all for Mormons, but cause it's a smart choice on his part. Hahah! I'm really eager to know now what is going to happen next week. I'm so sad I'm missing all of this! So keep up the updates because now I'm eager to know what Des does! So it's Chris and someone else left.. ya? Excited!
So sad I can't see your new visors. Really. I am so excited for you that now you don't have to be blinded and that the passenger is able to see more out the window. Haha. That was nice of Jesse to do for you.
My comp is great. We don't always see eye to eye, which can be difficult. She likes to do everything her way, and she progresses in Portuguese SO quickly so I feel behind and get down on myself.. It's sad. And she really takes charge, which is nice sometimes, but is annoying when she does things a way I don't want to. I also like to have fun and goof off.. That's not something she particularly likes. Especially when in our planner it says, "Study." Haha. But I'm learning so much from her. And she's been there for me when I need to talk. And she's helping me learn a lot. So it's all inspired. We were totally meant to be put together. It's just learning to be with someone honestly 24/7.
Part of me thinks that a mission isn't right for me, that I need to come home.. I've kinda been depressed a bit and I feel bad becasue I don't want to bring everyone around me down.. I don't know if I'm strong enough for this, or that it's my right time.. I don't know. Presiden'ts blessing helped, definitely, but I still kinda have a constant feeling in the back of my head that this isn't right for me. I don't know. I pray a lot.
Tell people to send me letters to my address, or through DearElder.com. DearElder is great because if you do it before like 12 or something, I can get it that night.
And I'm actually really anxious to get a response from you, so if you could be the best friend sister that you are, and respond to all my questions that I asked in this email, ALL of them, and send it to me to DearElder, that'd be great. I get lonely, and letters are nice cause it's like you're here. And I just want to hear from you. Your letters are my favorite. They're perfect (:
Also (: Your "Worldy Report" was fantastic! I loved that! hahaha. I will need that because seriously, I am in the most mormon bubble of all the world. I get HYMNS STUCK IN MY HEAD! HYMNS! Although I started singing Miley Cryus, "We can't stop" song, and it was great. Hahah! An Elder in my district started singing along with me. It was great. Ha!
I love you SO much Lucy! I wish you were with me every day. I miss your love. And our conversations. So please keep the lettering up. It's really happy.
I love you,
Your sister,
Sister Clara Kay Dunn.
Also (: Your "Worldy Report" was fantastic! I loved that! hahaha. I will need that because seriously, I am in the most mormon bubble of all the world. I get HYMNS STUCK IN MY HEAD! HYMNS! Although I started singing Miley Cryus, "We can't stop" song, and it was great. Hahah! An Elder in my district started singing along with me. It was great. Ha!
I love you SO much Lucy! I wish you were with me every day. I miss your love. And our conversations. So please keep the lettering up. It's really happy.
I love you,
Your sister,
Sister Clara Kay Dunn.
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