May 20, 2013 Inspirational training mtg and my new Puerto Rican Driver's license

Mon. May 13:  Night time, we drove to Bayamon, by ourselves, a 3 hour drive, but thankfully, we got to Bayamon in 2 hours because there was no traffic!  We found Sis. Wilson's house and slept at her apartment!

Left to right:  Elders Varner, Ovatt and Zenger

Tues. May 14:  We had THE BEST training for new missionaries at the Bayamon office!  Three return missionaries, Elders Zenger, Varner, and Ovatt came and taught great lessons!  Brother Zenger is an MTC Teacher in Provo!!  HE is an INCREDIBLE teacher!  WOW!  I have great notes about his talk!  :)  One of the things he said was, "This work should matter to you, as much as it does to Him."  :)  I said the closing prayer after the 5 hour meeting, and afterwards, some American missionaries commented how I sounded fluent… (hahaha I wish!).  

I then had several things to have done at the mission office, such as getting my documents to get my Puerto Rican Driver's License (next P day)!  Elder Pietz helped us fill our tires with air, and we then drove back to Mayaguez!  We visited Lourdes, who gave us stew for dinner, and then had Ward Council meeting in the chapel.  I talked about the people we're meeting with and what their different needs are, IN SPANISH!  Yeh!

Wed. May 15:  Morning studies were regular, and then we visited with a recent convert “C”, who has a very forceful aunt who attacked me with questions about the church.  She wanted to “Bible Bash” about different doctrines.  I just listened and prayed she would calm down.  (It was kind of sad and also alarming – Christians may disagree about points of doctrine, but to “attack” one another over it?  The Savior taught us to be peaceable. To be contentious like that is to be so…not like Jesus.)  Well, we got out of there alive!  We then drove up the mountains to visit with “M” - a 15 yr old who is interested in the church. We taught her the Plan of Salvation and I used my big diagram! :)  IT WAS AMAZING!  Best lesson I ever gave in Spanish.  Visuals are genius!!!  I also extended the invitation to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by proper priesthood authority, and she said YES!  :)  We're hoping for June 8th! :)  

Thurs. May 16:  A lot of people weren't home, so we didn't get to meet with most of our appointments.  We did meet with Sis. Lugo (Relief Society Pres.) and she gave us a list of some people to contact. :)  Then we spent the rest of the evening with Ana R. who talks in very fast Spanish, so I was completely lost the whole time.  haha.

Fri. May 17:  We biked along the freeway to the University!  GAH!  Cars driving 60+ miles an hour three feet away from you... Oh man.  It was terrifying.  But we lived!  We did our studies at the University, and then biked/walked back to our house.  (The walk back is mostly uphill.  Killer!)  We had 10 minutes to wait for a member to come with us to see “M,” so I quickly bought another SD card for my camera. :)  We taught The Doctrine of Christ (2 Nephi 31) and again, it was a nice visit.  She is such a positive person!  She's ready.  :)  We then met with “T” - another investigator, age 17.  She says she has a testimony, and enjoys the members, but doesn't want to come to church, or get baptized just yet.  We will continue to help answer the questions that she has, and help her to come closer to Christ.  We want to help her experience all the blessings of the restored gospel.  :)  

Sat. May 18:  A little silly for me to say, but… I colored my toe nails this morning before studies.  :)  I wear closed toed shoes 24/7, so it's pointless, but it makes me happy.  haha :)  After studies, we met with Yamari.  I tried to focus on her, but a crazy crocodile feature was playing right next to her head.  Crazy distraction!  (When trying to feel the spirit, or just communicate, turn off the media!) Then we met with Dayanara and her daughter N.  Dayanara knows me as the white hermana who scratches her back.  haha :)   We studied The Book of Mormon and talked about the verses we read. :)  We then tried to meet with Ana R. again, but she wasn't there. Instead, six kids, ages 9 to 16 were sitting by her apartment door.  Sister Flores taught them the Restoration, the example to be baptized, and answered their questions, all under an hour!  WOW!  I gave them all the Restoration pamphlet, and they want us to come back sometime next week! WOW!  That evening we went to the chapel to support Cristian getting baptized.  He was taught by Elders Acor and Mendez. :)  It was a great experience.  We watched the older 20 minute version of The Restoration.  :)  

Caba Rojo ward party

After Cristian's baptism, we followed others to Cabo Rojo and had a fun rest of the evening with the members!  We had dinner, a fun luau-type party, and I also got MAIL!  THANK you Mom for the journal, card and photos, and to Lonette, and Melissa for their letters! :)  I LOVE mail!!  Great way to end the day!

Sun. May 19:  Church was regular, very wonderful!  We had a long Ward Mission meeting afterwards, but it, too, was so wonderful!  Brother Rosario (age 24) is a phenomenal teacher! He's very, very helpful with teaching things clearly, and using visuals.  He can speak both Spanish and English.  After the meeting, and lunch back at the house, we visited with Wanda, a recent convert, and talked to her for a little bit about Temples.  Then we picked up Flor and Abby (Young Women) and we visited with “M” again, mostly answering her questions and reading from the scriptures.  :)

Mon. May 20:  7am we had a Zone Conference in the Cabo Rojo chapel.  Around 11am, we drove to Aquadilla (about a 30 minute drive), to Cesco, which was a very hard-to-find Driver's License building.  After many phone calls to Elder Acor, we eventually found the building, did all the paper work, visited the eye doctor, got my picture taken, and waited (about 4 hours total), to get my Puerto Rican Driver's License!  Yeh! :D   But it was hard to say g'bye to my Utah License, MY FIRST ONE!  :(  

After we got back to Mayaguez, I got Hermana Flores and myself Chocolate Nutella malts (chocolate makes everything better).  :)  I am NOW emailing at Betsy's house (a member), ’cause the University is closed.  It's later in the day, but all is well. :)  I won't EVER have to get a driver's license during my mission again (hopefully, haha), so next week should mostly be a normal P day for us (to get more stuff done)! :)

 I LOVE YOU ALL!  I'm working and doing what I can!  :)  I'm trying each day, and finding more light and happiness during the trials and hard times.  :)  Have a great week!!!

Love, Hermana Bean  

May 13, 2013 Teaching wonderful people, Spanish improving, Mother's Day skype!

What a week it's been!  It's been the slow-fast happy-nervous type week!  haha  Here's the info!

Can't get over how GREEN Puerto Rico is!

Mon. May 6:  Mom and I have been able to plan by email when the best time to skype will be (for Mother’s Day!) and who's skype account to use, etc...  :)  After email, Sis. Flores and I went to the pueblo (store) and then to Walgreens, and I contacted several women there!  :)  That night we met with Hno. Harry who is inactive.  He said he'll come to church on the 12th!!! 
Before we drove home, we contacted a family, and I guessed every kids’ age correctly (there were like 5!)  :)  Haha

Tues.May 7:  I felt super sick and dizzy after exercising- I'm pushing myself too hard.  Well, we eventually did weekly planning and had lunch.  It RAINED AND RAINED all day!  Our house got inspected by lovable Elder and Sister Espinosa, who brought chocolate, donuts, and a jug of OJ, for us!  They're the bomb.  (I never use that term unless I mean it. haha!)  We visited with a guy -I forgot his name- and while there, I saw his fish (in the tank) kiss!!!  Fish actually "kiss?!" It's not just a Disney thing!  haha We then tried to meet with Ana, but she was not home.  :/  BUT I left my first successful voicemail for her, IN SPANISH!!  Well, we then tried to meet with a family who live UP the winding mountains, but it was dark, and raining, and we were lost... So we went back down for Ward Council meeting. 

Young Women and "orange" theme

Then we went and joined the SPUNKY fun Young Women for their mutual night!  It was orange themed, (everything orange, including the food!) and we celebrated Flor's 16th bday! :)  Feliz Cumpleanos!! :)  It was nice to eat cake (after how long?).  :)

Wed. May 8:   I made my first Plan of Salvation diagram!  :)  I'm super proud of it!  Unfortunately, we haven't been able to use it yet, but we will!  And it's ready! :)  Teaching with visuals:  it’s my best friend! :)  After studies and lunch, we met with member Hno. Daniel who followed us up to Hna. Hilda's house.  I bore a long testimony during that lesson, and used words I hadn't ever used before!  It was a real growth builder for me.  :) 

 Hermanas Bean and Flores with Hna Martinez

We then met with Hna. Martinez, and in her growling car, we drove to some houses (no one was there) and eventually we visited with a woman named Milde.  I had the opportunity to share a mini lesson with 2 children.  One of them, “J, ” is 11yrs old, and I absolutely adore him - and I don't know why.  I shared some info and my testimony with him and his sibling, by myself, while Sis. Flores taught Milde.  GAH!  Before we left, I called over a cat, and it instantly came running to me.  The 2 children were amazed haha.  So I speak cat.  Great!  Another language I actually know!  hahaha.  
Well, Hna. Martinez drove us back to her house, and we had sandwiches and juice. :)  We then visited with the Lopez couple and watched a DVD about temples.  :)

Thurs. May 9:  President Alvarado called and talked to Sis. Flores.  He wants me to start a Young Women's CHOIR!!!  WHOA!?!?!  [Tues. the 14th- Pres is gonna tell me more info/details about this project!]  We did our studies for the day at the University (at the table- Attack of the flies!!)  We got member Nellie and visited with Yardin, a 19 yr old mom.  We then went back to Nellie's house, and Sis. Flores made real Mexican enchiladas for us. :)  I had a great conversation with Sis. Lugo, and she gave us unique, legit gems, brooches, and earrings for do-it-yourself projects.  We then visited with a large family (with a crazy hyper puppy -like the Taoha's dog!) .  I also met with Jennifer F, who has been home one week from her mission. :)

Fri. May 10: The first half of the morning not much happened, other than I got terribly sunburned arms and legs (even though I was wearing sunscreen!).  :(

Riding my bike along the streets of Mayaguez.
(This was the day I got so sunburned)

Ouch!

Later, we met with Dayanara and her kids (nine yr old girl and her brother).  We asked them to come to church with us this Sunday.  Maybe! :)

The Rupertos live high on the mountain

Then that night, we had a big ward Mother's Day dinner! :)
The food, music, and people were wonderful! :)

Sat. May 11:  We drove to the Conde family and gave service.  We cleaned their kitchen cupboards for them.  We stayed and had lunch there, and before we left, the Elder gave us a doughnut.  (They always have doughnuts or pizza...) 

Then we went contacting by the OCEAN!  We met with Joann.  She has a rare skin and heart condition, and has a roller coaster life story!  Well, we got member Wanda, and met with a couple more people - including ínactive Marta.  :)  They're so nice.  Wanda gave me a plant that has healing gel in it!  You put this plant residue on your burns and it heals them!  I haven't tried it yet, but the plant leaf is in our refrigerator!  Marta's daughter also gave me a commercial gel for sunburn.  :)  It was nice ’cause my burns REALLY hurt.  haha

By the ocean

Standing along the rocky shoreline

Sending love across the ocean to Utah!

My twin David is serving a mission in Brazil!!!! Sun. May 12:  

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!  
At church, Hno. Harry came and Hna. Dayanara, too!  WOOOT!  I had a great chat with friend Adiana N (a return missionary from Temple Square!)  We had lunch, and then just enough free-time for me to read in the Liahona magazine.  We met with Rose in her apartment, and then drove to the Lugo's house where I got to SKYPE my family!!!  I SAW my twin Elder David!!  It was so good to see him and talk with him!  I'm so proud of him and am soo glad we're serving our missions together!  Being a twin is such a wonderful blessing!  

Grandma, Mom (holding Gypsy, our cat) and Jonathan

And I saw my family in UTAH!  I talked to Mom, Jonathan, Grandma, and saw each of my 4 cats!  Oh yes!  It was the best blessing!!  They are all doing so well, and I love and miss them a lot!  How blessed I am to have been given permission to skype two different accounts (rules generally only allow one skype connection).   I had some tears after skyping, but we drove to the Bishop's and had a great big dinner with lots of people!  It was good for me to focus on that. :)  It was a great Mother's Day!!!

Mon. May 13:  We had a meeting in the chapel, then did our laundry and washed & vacuumed the car.  We then RACED to the university to email! :)

And that's my week! 
I love you all!  I'm starting to write more letters to family and friends - I hope you’ll write me back! :) 

Hope you have a great week!  LOVE YOU!  The gospel is true!!  
Hermana Emily Bean

Even the mean biting red ants on this beach could not spoil the beautiful view.

May 6, 2013 Second week in Mayaguez

Here is my second week in Mayaguez with Hermana Flores! :)  Enjoy!!

Mon. April 29:  We did our laundry at the Lopez's house, and during that time, I wrote some letters. :)  We also went to Kmart to get some food for the week.  We met with a couple of people in the evening, and I got to share more about the lesson, and symbols of scriptures etc.. :)  I'm getting more and more into the conversation/discussion!  I still need my comp to give me the "Look" so I know to say something- but sometimes, on occasion, I can jump in naturally! :)  Perhaps this means I'm understanding more bits and pieces???

Tues. April 30:  We did Weekly Planning (planning on finding more investigators), and then we had lunch at Wanda's house.  After other lessons, we met with a football-type man who used to come to church, but has become inactive. Since sister missionaries never enter a house with just a single man (any age) there, we couldn't enter his apartment, so we had a lesson sitting awkwardly at his doorstep. :) haha.  That evening we had a meeting at the capilla (chapel) for Ward Mission Council.  MAN it's a council!  There were like 15 people there!  It was good, and before we started, Bishop wanted to give all the new missionaries blessings.  So, I got my first Spanish blessing. :)  It was special.  And I did understand a couple things. :)  I'm grateful for that.

Hermana Flores

Wed. May 1st!!!:  It's MAY!  We prepared and mailed our monthly car and miles report to the mission office, and then went to a nearby park to study.  Then we met with a spunky woman who is a recent convert and has become inactive.  "H" said she didn't need to go to church- that she was fine.  And that she can still feel the spirit even if not keeping all the commandments (such as the Word of Wisdom - a code of health that member’s commit to observe prior to their baptism).  Hmm.  Well, we talked and shared scriptures and personal testimonies, and during our good long visit, she had some tears, and said that actually she'd like to come back to church!  It was a very spiritual experience. :)  Before we left, she gave us juice. (Her refrigerator is in her bedroom!  That's how small her house is.  But she makes the most of it!)  :)
Later that evening, we met with Betsey, a great, wonderful motherly-type member.  She's from New York, and has a Brooklyn type accent- even when she speaks Spanish!! :)  She told us her conversion story- it's pretty complex!  I shared with her my family photo album, and briefly explained the eternal and huge blessings that came when my mom and her family joined the church.  :)  So thanks Grandma, Aunt Kim, Uncle Mark and Mom! :) 

Thur. May 2:  Happy Birthday Rosa Laureano (my friend and teacher from the Dominican Republic)!!!  Hermana Flores and I had regular studies the majority of the morning, and at lunch time, I got kinda sad about home again.  I've had a crying moment, missing home each day, always around lunch time.... but I get over it enough to focus on the lessons and stay dry-eyed.  But goodness, it's hard.  :)  Around 5pm we followed a member up into the twisty, narrow mountains!!  GAH!  There's barely room for one vehicle on the road, let alone 2 cars!!!  We had a great first lesson with an older man (by the name of Tomas).  Then, we drove back down the mountain, and had a lesson with a 15 yr old investigator T., and her member friend F, and their moms/other family members.  T likes to teach me words, like colors and body parts.  Haha She's pretty awesome, and reminds me A LOT of Rachel Arteta.  :)  At 7:30pm we drove to the capilla for an ward activity with 25+ people. :)  We had a lot of refreshments afterwards (including hot chocolate... WHY??), and there was one woman who kept putting food in my hands.  At one point, I stood outside the door to avoid her  - haha!  Puerto Ricans love to feed us!  :) 

With the Balle family (on his 72nd B-day)

Fri. May 3:  We contacted for a good long while, in the hot blistering sun.  I had the opportunity to scare 30+ pigeons – heehee! – so I did!  :)  We had lunch at Wanda's again, and showed her a couple video clips from the Family Home Evening DVD (Noche de Hogar.)  Her cat slept on my stomach during the meeting.  Haha.  It seemed that everyone wasn't home or something the majority of the evening, We stopped at Coldstone for 5 minutes, and I got a Strawberry Smoothie with gummy bears in it.  (HOW I miss Jamba Juice!  haha).  We then visited the Balle family!  Today was his 72nd birthday!  They're members and are so sweet and polite!  We sang Happy Birthday and then sang Feliz Cumpleanos!  I gotta learn that song!!  Afterwards, our District Leader, Elder Acor, called and told us to dash home and pack for the night and tomorrow morning, for a sudden conference in Aquadilla (20 mins. Away from Mayaguez)!  So we packed, and drove to the sister missionaries in that area, and slept there for the night.  I was exhausted, and had a DEEEEP sleep that night.  Loved it!!

Sat May 4:  We had our conference with President Alvarado in the Aquadilla chapel.  It was mostly a powerpoint/discussion on how to plan and use time more wisely.  After the conference, I got mail!  Thank you Mom for the FANTASTIC CD, and the wonderful little Temple Calendar!!  I had an interview with President before leaving Aquadilla.  He asked how my twin brother is doing- and said they're opening 2 new missions in Brazil!!  David, did you know that??  :)  We then had a very spiritually uplifting talk, and he said some powerful things to me that I needed to hear.  He told me, "It's okay to cry, longing for home.  You have a soft heart, of love and care. And Jesus wept. It's okay to cry sometimes.  It's Christ-like to cry for others." :)  So, now I don't feel bad for being homesick.  It's just my time getting through the hard stuff. :)  So, life is okay. :)  And I'm feeling better, little by little. :)  We drove back to Mayaguez and had a great lunch at the Bishop's house.  We then drove up the terrifying mountain to visit with the Tomas family again.  :)  A few hours later, we saw and heard a very crazy loco guy screaming (in Spanish), "I am god!  Stop what you're doing and worship me!!"  It was interesting, and a bit alarming!  I think someone called the police Haha.  We then met with a couple other people (including 2 twin girls that like David's picture!  Haha!).

Sun. May 5:  CINCO de MAYO!  Testimony Meeting was nice!  The members in Mayaguez are so faithful and strong. :)  After church, we had a Ward Mission Meeting: us, the Elders, and Hermano Rosario (who speaks English too.)  He had Elder Acor and me do a lesson/get-to-know role play IN ENGLISH!  I felt a lot of relief go off my shoulders as I freely and happily did the role play.  :)  It was the best!  And afterwards, Bro. Rosario told me, that he received an answer to a personal question that he had about his life, while I was talking to him. :)  THAT'S what I want to do for the people of Puerto Rico- ! So, I just GOTTA learn Spanish.  That's what I'm lacking the most, and it is very difficult.  :)  Sis. Flores and I had lunch at the Bishop's again (he gave us a hot dog, hamburger, fries, juice, and a milkshake!!!  TOO MUCH!)  Later that evening as we were contacting, a creepy guy started to hit on me and was like, holding my hand too long, wouldn't let go, kept staring at my eyes without blinking... yeah.  The Elders can visit him... We're not.  :)  And at the end of the evening we met with Marta and her family (including a cute 8 yr old boy who was doing random tricks to show off! haha)!

Mon. May 6:  We woke up at 4:15am to clean the house and wash the car.  6:40am we drove to the Cabo Rojo chapel and had a District Meeting about monthly planning (a new system they're trying out.)  From 10am -12:30pm, we did laundry at the Lopez's house, and during that time, I wrote 5 and 1/2 letters to family/friends. :)  My hand hurts, but I'm SOO happy about that!  And well... that's about it!  Later today we're hoping to buy some much needed groceries, and do our weekly planning!  :)  Life is hard, but good and I'm trying and trying each day! 

I love you all!  Thank you for your prayers, love and support!  I'm grateful for this experience!  I can feel myself being stretched! 

 Love you!  Have a fantastic week!

Love, Hermana Emily Bean

April 29, 2013 Healthy food, fat cats, hot chocolate and zone conference

Hermana Flores and Hermana Bean - assigned to work on the PR west coast

Mon. Apr 22 -  Sis. Flores and I bought healthy food!!  I’m so excited - ! – (it is way too easy here in PR to buy fast food). We also met with a wonderful elderly couple.  They have super fat cats!!

Tues. Apr 23 -  We did a lot of contacting!  We soon met Giovanni- and we helped him wash his car haha!  In skirts!! 

 
Wed. Apr 24 -  During companionship study, Sis. Flores sweetly corrected me, “ ‘Um’... no!  No ‘um’.... No ‘um’...."  :) Haha.  I say a lot of UMS ’cause, well... uhhh...I don’t know Spanish very well (and ‘um’ is a way of kind of searching for the next word).  But Hna Flores wants me to try and not say “um” to fill in the space, because it makes it harder for other people to understand what I’m saying...(you know... um... in between...um... words).  Haha!  So I’m working on that.
:)

Sister missionaries with Nellie

Well, anyway, we met with Nellie today (18, from the states, went to BYU).  She's a member who came with us to visit Carmen, a woman who lives RIGHT by the ocean!  I love being able to encourage people to follow their commitments :)  After the lesson, we saw a bunch of creepy spidery crabs in dirt holes! AHHH!  That evening, we had doughnuts and hot chocolate (in Puerto Rico???) with Nellie and her mom.  We can PROBABLY SKYPE AT THEIR HOUSE for Mother's day!!!  :)  

Thurs. Apr 25 -  We were busy visiting and teaching, but plans changed suddenly:  ZONE CONFERENCE!  We madly packed our carry-on cases for the night/next day, and met up with the Elders to drive ALL THE way to Guaynabo (about a 2 hour drive.)  It was dark, raining, and kinda scary at times, but I listened to beautiful music on CD “A Tribute to Joseph Smith” about 3 - 4x through. That helped!  We slept at Sis. Visker's house (I even got my old bunk bed from mid-April!)

Fri. Apr 26 - We got ready and dropped our car off at the Toyota Dealership (all our gas cards in the mission had to be exchanged).  We got in the mission van to go to the office in Bayamon and had Zone Conf. ALL day in Spanish.  Pres. Alvarado talked about many, many different things.  I said the closing prayer (I’m always good for saying a prayer in Spanish). We had a great lunch (chili, nachos, rootbeer floats), and then drove for about 1.5 hrs to Aricibo where Pres. finished the conference.  It was a long drive back to Mayaguez!  

Sat. Apr 27 - more contacting!!  We met with an elderly woman (investigator) who doesn't particularly want to read, or pray, or go to church.
I met fun-loving, spritely return-missionary Adriana N!  She speaks English ’cause she went to Temple Square (in Salt Lake City) for her mission! :)  

This tiny yellow dictionary is very handy!

I used my new, fun, yellow mini Spanish dictionary ALL day!  Thanks, Mom!!  It's perfect!!

And we ended with the Lopez family- who gave us toast and hot chocolate.  (What is it with drinking hot chocolate in the tropics???)

Sun. Apr 28 - In Sacrament meeting, I was asked to introduce myself, and share my testimony IN SPANISH!!  Well, it went okay, and the congregation laughed when I explained “Bean” is "alubia” or “frijole” in Espanol (although I’m not quite sure I said it right) -  Haha :)  The members are so-oo welcoming and nice!  Oh, and it's weird- we start with Relief Society at 9, Sunday School at 10, and Sacrament meeting at 11.  It’s backwards (from what I’m used to)!!  We ended the day with dinner with Betsey & Daniel, two AWESOME members who have a great house and great faith!! :)  

Mon. the 29 - We had District Meeting with goals and discussions.  They always want me to say the prayer.  Haha.  We then went back to our house to clean and study some. And now, I’m e-mailing from the University! :)  LOVE IT! :)  

I love and miss you all so-oo much, and pray for your health and success each day!  Thank you to Mr. A, Carol, Mom, Elder Pena, and twin brother Elder David for your emails!  Thanks to Mom and Melissa B for letters!  I'll be sending out some letters all the month of May! :)  Love you all!  Have a great week!

Love, Sister Bean

Our house has footsteps!

View of neighborhood

Driving right by the ocean edge

Along a tree line path

Puerto Rico sky

Pictures added to previously posted blogs

Note from Hna Bean's mom:  I recently added some pictures to previously posted blogs.  You may want to look back at the April 8 blog entitled "Handcarts and General Conference" and also the April 15 blog "I'm in Guaynabo!" to see the photos that have been added.

A collection of photos sent April 22

The Guaynabo house

This is the twin to my mom's Bonneville in the states! Haha

Rylee is one of the wonderful members I've met here in PR!

This looks like UTAH!

April 22, 2013 Final week in Guaynabo - short but happy time!

Mon. Apr 15  - I cleaned and vacuummed the car by myself - Fun alone time with the water hose! :)  Haha! I had freetime afterwards and I wrote Elder A. Woodruff a letter! :)  That night, we met with Kate and her family, and an 18 yr named Gibran (who speaks some English). :)

Gibran with Hnas Parker and Graham

Tues. Apr 16- We had another training session in the office today!  We waited for hours and hours for President to interview a list of people (Sis. Parker was one of them).  So I chilled out in the office and nibbled on leftover food from On the Border.  We were at the office from 7am - 3:30pm!!  Later we taught Vivian (a spunky 30-yr-old woman) and we taught about tithing. :)  She's so devoted and wonderful!  :)  Later that night, we taught Keshalee, and had some Coldstone before Planning back at the house! :)  [Whenever Sis. Parker cries, we go get some Coldstone.  It's a tradition they've done for the 10 weeks they have been together!]

Wed. Apr 17- For Gym, we ran around a nearby track!  :)  It's very nice!  We had extra (training) study in the park a few hours later, as it RAINED on us!  We were stuck under the pavillion for a couple hours as the rain just poured down!!  Later that evening, we taught J (an older lady from the smaller islands who wants to be baptized by the restored and proper priesthood authority, but still attend her other church (she doesn’t quite understand baptismal commitments yet). We then helped a recent convert Sylvia move a couch upstairs in her apartment to the downstairs main room.  The Elders came to help 'cause the couch could only be hoisted off the edge and dropped down in front of the building, then pulled onto the balcony and taken through that way (if that makes sense).  Well, anway, we then taught a great lesson with Miquel.  And then taught Gibran again (he's progressing and really finding a lot of faith!)

One of the biggest apt bldgs I've ever seen - Gibran lives here

Thur. Apr 18 - For extra companion study, we went to Krispie Kreme!!  Haha that was very nice!  :)  Sisters Parker and Graham do alot of fun things like that. 

Happy trio of missionaries at Krispy Kreme!

We met with Sonia and Tatiana, had a short lesson with Dora (a recent convert), and then we were with Gibran from 5 till 7:30pm. He had a lot of questions to ask and get answered.
We arrived late to our Ward Mission Meeting, but we got there in time to celebrate our Ward Mission Leader's B-day! :)  Before planning, (back at the house) we tried but couldn't find the coqui (little frog) chirping in the palm tree.  I WANNA SEE ONE!! Haha!

Fri. Apr 19 - Mid-morning, we went on the train (not a lot of successful contacts.)  We met with Lulu (a spunky woman who reminds me a bit of Ellen DeGeneres).  Our day ended with teaching Shaida (I’ve met so many new people this week I can hardly recall it now).  Although this day was a bit slow, I am getting a lot of questions answered by my companions about how to do our work. :)  I'm so grateful for these two wonderful sister missionaries!

Sat. Apr 20 - We had language study and extra study at the train station, and then contacted on the train.    I talked to an older couple, a young family, and a single woman. I gave a pamplet to each of them. :)  First contact I did by myself!  I humbly say, I'm proud.  :) 
We then went to a small BBQ at Jorge's house (a member) and had a great dinner with his family.   Transfers will be early next week, and both Hna Parker and I will be tranferred.

Jorge's BBQ

  Afterwards, we visited the B— family. They reminded me so much of my Uncle John and Aunt Kim!  Even their house too!!, and then we met with Sis. A, who is very sweet (but at that point I was zoning out from further concentration on Spanish. Haha). Right before planning, we had Coldstone, one last time (as a companionship). :)


Sun. Apr 21 - We sister-missionaries were asked to teach the Relief Society lesson today, so I read Ch. 8 of the Teachings of Lorenzo Snow book, and prepared some notes and a lesson plan. :)  The other hermanas wanted to follow my lesson plan. :)  I said the opening prayer in Sac. mtg and then taught the RS lesson. :)  It was good!  (And it was in English!!  It's the Metro ward!)  We met with friendly, talkative- Anna Marie, and her cat Split (who was very loving and friendly to me, haha). :)  So cute. 

Our trio with Paria and Maggie

We had dinner at the R—'s (members) with Maggie and Paria (investigators) and taught the Doctine of Christ. :)  It went great!  We then went home, and Sis. Parker and I packed our stuff for tomorrow's transfers.  Whew. 

Mon Apr 22 - We said g'bye, and Sister Parker and I drove to the Mission Office first, switched cars, drove to Ponce to do some more switching, and then I drove with MY NEW COMPANION Sis. Flores to Mayaguez!!  I'm in Mayaguez!  The far, far left side of Puerto Rico. :)  And Sis. Flores is so sweet! :)  I'm excited!  And we have an entire house to ourselves!  EEE!!
I'm typing in the University computer lab. :)  Love you all!  Hope to hear from you all! :)  Keep smiling, and pressing on!  I'm glad I"m on a mission!

Till next time,

Love, Sister Emily Bean