Good news! We have another letter from Braga!!!
Haha... Sarah seems to be doing well even though things are a bit frustrating... You can read below for yourself, but I know that she would love to hear some encouragement right now. Also, just as a thought - I am going to fast for her and her mission on the next Fast Sunday... Anyone who would like to join me in this, that would be wonderful and mean a lot to her and to me.
I hope that things are going well with everyone and life is treating y'all well! I send my love along with Irma Ray's love! :) - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
"January 12, 2009
So we had our first holiday free week of the transfer, and we still ended up running around like Chickens with our heads cut off. It is amazing how no matter what you plan for, it will surely change. We have had quite the frusterating days this week since apparently everyone decided they don´t want to investigate the church anymore. We blame it on Irmã Souza leaving, they just all liked her better. Actually we do have some people who are just great, but it is amazing how many things will come up in their lives to keep them from us. We are working with a woman who is fantastic and pretty much already a member of the church but her husband will not let her come to church or even think about being baptized. We had Sam (Lynda Marinho´s daughter that served in Lisboa) with us at one lesson this week, and she was hillarious after we left. We were talking about how we could help Maiusa get to church and Sam suggested it would be easier if we just knock off her husband right now and do his work in the temple next year.... Too bad I don´t think President would go for that. We are doing a lot of praying though, and hopefully things will turn around. We actually had a really good lesson with her this week, she is an awesome woman. We had to push Ludimila´s baptism back, which was a bit frusterating, but we are still aiming for this month...we will see. Right now we are hoping for my birthday...what a sweet present that would be :)
As for other news...IT SNOWED IN BRAGA! not just a little, a good old snow storm that stuck and everything. That hasn´t happened in the city in over 30 years at least...if ever. It was great until we had to go outside and work, but such is life. Irmã De Mac and I have mastered the art of wearing long underware under our skirts. We have figured out the exact length that we have to pull them up so you can´t see it when we sit, but so that we get the maximum warmth. Go team Irmãs. So we hear from the members that apparently all of Europe is caught in a death grip of ice and cold. It is way colder all over Europe than pretty much ever before and no one knows why, but I definitely believe it. Fortunately this freezing spell is supposed to end sometime this week. That would be greatly appreciated since our propane tank died- which means no hot water or stove. This happened about the time I got the shampoo in my hair in the shower. IT got really cold really fast....not a fun experience. On the upside though, since we didn´t have a stove, and the oven has never worked, we are now the proud owners of a convection oven AND a microwave. It was a proud day for our little Braga apartment. THe funny part would have been watching us try and get it home from 2 miles away...I´m sure we made quite the picture trying to lug this huge box across Braga when I. De Mac is even smaller than I am. I think it was about as big as us.
The other good news is the post office is finally open again (don´t worry it was only closed for almost two weeks) so we are getting mail again....yay! We got several christmas packages this week....better late than never. So thank you to all of you who sent cards, they have definitely brightened the week.
Oh, ps I have to speak at Zone conference....again. Second time since i got in the country. Bummer, because this time it is in Portuguese... We will see how it goes. Everyone else seems to think I speak well, but I know better...lots of practice in the future. All in all it is still an awesome experience and I am loving being here. Portugal is amazing, the people, although sometimes obnoxious, are really quite open and kind people and the work is moving forward. I can hardly believe that we are in week 4 of the transfer. I am so thankful for the gospel in my life and the way I can see it effecting the lives of others. What a blessing we have. Love you all and have a marvelous week!
Irmã Ray"
The following are the options for writing Sarah. Here is what to do:
1) You can use the dearelder.com website. This requires Postage to Portugal (94 cents). You will need to set up an account with money in it and then it will subtract the correct postage from it each time you send a letter .
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Portugal Porto and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
5) Again, this requires postage so you have to set up an account and put money into it and then it will substract each time you write.
OR
2) The alternate way for sending anything (i.e. letters, packages, etc) through the mail is below. This is her address in her current area (Braga):
Sister Sarah Ray
Rua Padre Antonio Vieira
Nº91 5º Tras
Braga 4710-374
Portugal
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
News from "Heaven's Diaper!"
Here is the latest and greatest from Miss Sarah Ray over in Portugal - After her general email I posted a quote she sent in MY latest letter with some scriptures she suggests for the tough times... Enjoy and remember to write!!! :) *muah* - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
"OLA!
So once again we have made it to Monday in the wonderful world of Portugal. This week has been LONG, but we are really excited to start a new one. It seems that Satan has decided my honeymoon period of my mission is over. No more appointments for us, and we were pretty much told to take a hike by two investigators. I think we were stood up on appointments every time except for one in three days...BLAST! The good news however, is that means we will now have to opportunity to find new investigators, and I get to practice Portuguese with people who don´t know that I am just learning. Well, at least until I open my mouth, then it is pretty obvious I think. Although, everyone seems to think I am English and not American...go figure!
Well, something that I learned this week is that Braga has another nickname....yes I know, this makes a lot. Unfortunately this one is a bit less flattering. The Bishop enlightened us to the fact that Braga is fondly referred to as "Heaven´s Diaper" because pretty much all it does here is rain. I´m not sure I really like the mental image you get with that name when it is raining.
Lesson number two of the week: NEVER get married in Portugal. We had a wedding in our ward this week, but in Portugal you have to be married civilly before you can go to the temple in Spain. SO, the whole ward has been knocking themselves out to pull this thing together and Saturday was the day. Everyone arrived on Portuguese standard time, combined with Mormon standard time, so we started about 45 minutes late. Then they realized that not everyone was there...the government official that has to be present had decided that it was not on her priority list for the day. So, while the families were running around trying to get a hold of her, they started to program from the back to the front, with the family all giving advice and such. Well, that was all finished, and still no official...so then we took pictures, then we did the reception....still no Portuguese government lady. I´m pretty sure that I would have been a mess by then if it had been me, but Daniela was very composed. Not to worry, they finally found a replacement and the happy couple was married 5 hours late, but didn't have to reschedule for another day- which apparently is common. CRAZY!
Anyway, the work moves forward, the missionaries freeze, but hey we will thaw out in April. We are hoping to have one of our investigators marked this week for Baptism, so hopefully that will be a bright spot this week! Other than that, we just keep on working, come what may. I´m thinking if the rain keeps up like this, we can just let the streets flood and baptize the whole city! The church is true, the gospel is worth everything that happens, and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to share the message with others. Happy New Year to everyone!
Love
Irmã Ray"
"Alma 7:11-13 and Section 121 are two things that have really helped me during the tough times here..." - I really appreciated this, so feel free to feed from these words as well! :)
The following are the options for writing Sarah. Here is what to do:
1) You can use the dearelder.com website. This requires Postage to Portugal (94 cents). You will need to set up an account with money in it and then it will subtract the correct postage from it each time you send a letter .
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Portugal Porto and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
5) Again, this requires postage so you have to set up an account and put money into it and then it will substract each time you write.
OR
2) The alternate way for sending anything (i.e. letters, packages, etc) through the mail is below. This is her address in her current area (Braga):
Sister Sarah Ray
Rua Padre Antonio Vieira
Nº91 5º Tras
Braga 4710-374
Portugal
Get your letter on! :)
"OLA!
So once again we have made it to Monday in the wonderful world of Portugal. This week has been LONG, but we are really excited to start a new one. It seems that Satan has decided my honeymoon period of my mission is over. No more appointments for us, and we were pretty much told to take a hike by two investigators. I think we were stood up on appointments every time except for one in three days...BLAST! The good news however, is that means we will now have to opportunity to find new investigators, and I get to practice Portuguese with people who don´t know that I am just learning. Well, at least until I open my mouth, then it is pretty obvious I think. Although, everyone seems to think I am English and not American...go figure!
Well, something that I learned this week is that Braga has another nickname....yes I know, this makes a lot. Unfortunately this one is a bit less flattering. The Bishop enlightened us to the fact that Braga is fondly referred to as "Heaven´s Diaper" because pretty much all it does here is rain. I´m not sure I really like the mental image you get with that name when it is raining.
Lesson number two of the week: NEVER get married in Portugal. We had a wedding in our ward this week, but in Portugal you have to be married civilly before you can go to the temple in Spain. SO, the whole ward has been knocking themselves out to pull this thing together and Saturday was the day. Everyone arrived on Portuguese standard time, combined with Mormon standard time, so we started about 45 minutes late. Then they realized that not everyone was there...the government official that has to be present had decided that it was not on her priority list for the day. So, while the families were running around trying to get a hold of her, they started to program from the back to the front, with the family all giving advice and such. Well, that was all finished, and still no official...so then we took pictures, then we did the reception....still no Portuguese government lady. I´m pretty sure that I would have been a mess by then if it had been me, but Daniela was very composed. Not to worry, they finally found a replacement and the happy couple was married 5 hours late, but didn't have to reschedule for another day- which apparently is common. CRAZY!
Anyway, the work moves forward, the missionaries freeze, but hey we will thaw out in April. We are hoping to have one of our investigators marked this week for Baptism, so hopefully that will be a bright spot this week! Other than that, we just keep on working, come what may. I´m thinking if the rain keeps up like this, we can just let the streets flood and baptize the whole city! The church is true, the gospel is worth everything that happens, and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to share the message with others. Happy New Year to everyone!
Love
Irmã Ray"
"Alma 7:11-13 and Section 121 are two things that have really helped me during the tough times here..." - I really appreciated this, so feel free to feed from these words as well! :)
The following are the options for writing Sarah. Here is what to do:
1) You can use the dearelder.com website. This requires Postage to Portugal (94 cents). You will need to set up an account with money in it and then it will subtract the correct postage from it each time you send a letter .
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Portugal Porto and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
5) Again, this requires postage so you have to set up an account and put money into it and then it will substract each time you write.
OR
2) The alternate way for sending anything (i.e. letters, packages, etc) through the mail is below. This is her address in her current area (Braga):
Sister Sarah Ray
Rua Padre Antonio Vieira
Nº91 5º Tras
Braga 4710-374
Portugal
Get your letter on! :)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year from Braga!
Here is a little New Year's gift for ya'll! Actually, I am not sure is anyone reads her blog because I am sure that everyone who would read it already gets her emails... Nonetheless, now at least SHE has a copy of all of her adventures that she emailed to everyone. Haha...
In case anyone DOES read this, Sarah is doing really well and seems to be having some funny experiences to share - or at least she is presenting them in a more positive and funny manner... haha! She has let me know that MANY people think she is doing great with the language, but I can tell she is still a bit frusterated with understanding it. It'll come more in time - she's amazing so she will be great! :) Below is her most resent update and a picture of her heading into the field - Hope everyone has a very Happy New Year! :)
"December 29, 2008
So hello once again from the wonderful land of Portugal. Well, I was going to report that I must be a good luck charm because I hadn´t been rained on yet, but Mother Nature took care of that one. I think we hit a record this weekend for being the coldest, wetest missionaries that Braga had ever seen. Yes, we were bright enough to forget our umbrella on the day that we didn´t have an appointment till 8pm so we were outside ALL DAY. We could have picked up one of the discarded ones along the side of the road...they get turned inside out a lot, so people just dump the broken umbrellas on the side of the road. It was cold, and wet, but hey, we had fun.... I have to have something to tell stories about in 10 years....I was just missing the barefoot part, but I´m pretty sure that we got the uphill both ways, since pretty much all of Braga is hills both ways.
So Christmas was grand fun. We made it down to Porto for a zone conference, which was actually in English- go figure. We ended up with a lot of the sisters on the same bus leaving the stake center so we actually started and impromptu caroling session, which was a lot of fun. It was one of our desperate ways to contact people since this week has been pretty much a waste when it comes to missionary work. We spent a lot of time with the ward and less actives, but pretty much everyone we are teaching is gone, and no one wanted to be bothered at Christmas time. We did get to spend the Christmas Eve with members though. The Portuguese celebrate Christmas on the 24th, and everything happens at midnight. Of course, we were back in our apartment by then, but there was no way we were sleeping through the massive amounts of fireworks that were going on ALL night. They really really like fireworks here, but it was fun. As for the rest of the week, we have pretty much been getting Irmã Souza ready to go home. Our apartment looks like a packing bomb went off, but we are headed down to Porto to drop her off at the office. Of course that means we don´t get much of a P-day, but we did just have Christmas. Anyway, the work goes on no matter what, and I am so lucky to be a part of it. Now if I could just speak Portuguese.... Love you all and Happy New Year!
Irmã Ray"
The following are the options for writing Sarah. Here is what to do:
1) You can use the dearelder.com website. This requires Postage to Portugal (94 cents). You will need to set up an account with money in it and then it will subtract the correct postage from it each time you send a letter .
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Portugal Porto and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
5) Again, this requires postage so you have to set up an account and put money into it and then it will substract each time you write.
OR
2) The alternate way for sending anything (i.e. letters, packages, etc) through the mail is below. This is her address in her current area (Braga):
Sister Sarah Ray
Rua Padre Antonio Vieira
Nº91 5º Tras
Braga 4710-374
Portugal
In case anyone DOES read this, Sarah is doing really well and seems to be having some funny experiences to share - or at least she is presenting them in a more positive and funny manner... haha! She has let me know that MANY people think she is doing great with the language, but I can tell she is still a bit frusterated with understanding it. It'll come more in time - she's amazing so she will be great! :) Below is her most resent update and a picture of her heading into the field - Hope everyone has a very Happy New Year! :)
"December 29, 2008
So hello once again from the wonderful land of Portugal. Well, I was going to report that I must be a good luck charm because I hadn´t been rained on yet, but Mother Nature took care of that one. I think we hit a record this weekend for being the coldest, wetest missionaries that Braga had ever seen. Yes, we were bright enough to forget our umbrella on the day that we didn´t have an appointment till 8pm so we were outside ALL DAY. We could have picked up one of the discarded ones along the side of the road...they get turned inside out a lot, so people just dump the broken umbrellas on the side of the road. It was cold, and wet, but hey, we had fun.... I have to have something to tell stories about in 10 years....I was just missing the barefoot part, but I´m pretty sure that we got the uphill both ways, since pretty much all of Braga is hills both ways.
So Christmas was grand fun. We made it down to Porto for a zone conference, which was actually in English- go figure. We ended up with a lot of the sisters on the same bus leaving the stake center so we actually started and impromptu caroling session, which was a lot of fun. It was one of our desperate ways to contact people since this week has been pretty much a waste when it comes to missionary work. We spent a lot of time with the ward and less actives, but pretty much everyone we are teaching is gone, and no one wanted to be bothered at Christmas time. We did get to spend the Christmas Eve with members though. The Portuguese celebrate Christmas on the 24th, and everything happens at midnight. Of course, we were back in our apartment by then, but there was no way we were sleeping through the massive amounts of fireworks that were going on ALL night. They really really like fireworks here, but it was fun. As for the rest of the week, we have pretty much been getting Irmã Souza ready to go home. Our apartment looks like a packing bomb went off, but we are headed down to Porto to drop her off at the office. Of course that means we don´t get much of a P-day, but we did just have Christmas. Anyway, the work goes on no matter what, and I am so lucky to be a part of it. Now if I could just speak Portuguese.... Love you all and Happy New Year!
Irmã Ray"
The following are the options for writing Sarah. Here is what to do:
1) You can use the dearelder.com website. This requires Postage to Portugal (94 cents). You will need to set up an account with money in it and then it will subtract the correct postage from it each time you send a letter .
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Portugal Porto and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
5) Again, this requires postage so you have to set up an account and put money into it and then it will substract each time you write.
OR
2) The alternate way for sending anything (i.e. letters, packages, etc) through the mail is below. This is her address in her current area (Braga):
Sister Sarah Ray
Rua Padre Antonio Vieira
Nº91 5º Tras
Braga 4710-374
Portugal
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!!!
... And I have the PERFECT gift for y'all! Sarah's first email from the MTC is up and posted for you to read!!! She is doing really well and having MUCH success - especially with the language. Everyone is very impressed with her! However, I know she is struggling to feel use to Portugal and the culture... She brushes it off as though it is nothing, because she is awesome like that, but I know it is tough for her right now. THEREFORE, the job I have for YOU is to WRITE HER! Write her right NOW! Haha....
Enjoy the Christmas post and as she said, think of the reason we really celebrate Christmas and rejoice in that! Remember to SHARE the good message of Christmas with those around you, just as she is doing... Merry Christmas!!! - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
"From Sister Sarah Ray
December 22, 2008
Family and Friends!
I feel very overwhelmed at the moment here in Braga, but I know it will get better. The ward is fantastic...we have already been fed 3 times. Our ward also has 5 missionaries out and serving right now. Rock on Braga! We have the strongest ward in the mission so i´m really going to be spoiled after this. Right now I am in a tripla for one more week. Irmã Souza goes home a week from today to Brazil. I´m actually kinda bummed because we are doing a good job of teaching each other the language. She only talks to me in English and I only talk to her in Portuguese. It is grand fun trying to describe things to each other to get the right words.
So, we have 6 investigators right now that are progressing and 1 marked for Baptism. Unfortunately she has now left the country for Christmas so we might end up pushing the date back...she has to come to church first. I don´t know a whole lot about them right now because I can only understand about 60 percent of what anyone says. Everyone keeps telling me my language is a miracle but I still can´t understand. Everyone keeps asking me where I am transfered from and when I say the US they get really confused. No one believes me that I am fresh out of the MTC.
So, speaking of speaking, yesterday I made my first solo contact in a street meeting. It was SCARY! Also wans´t very successful because I probably answered the wrong question knowing my skills with Portuguese. It is also way hard because Braga is SUPER Catholic. the city has two names.... the city of many churches- which are all Catholic or better yet the Rome of Portugal. Needless to say we talk to a lot of really Catholic people, but it is fun.
Portugal is interesting, the entire city is paved in cobblestones, and there is no such thing as insulation or heat. It is pretty cold here, and even colder in the houses. The only heating that we have is our one little space heater that we have in our bedroom. We keep the door shut and wear lots of layers- Dad you would be proud. We need to be dressed in our Prosyliting clothes before we do study so we faithfully get ready every morning. Then we put our PJ pants back on under our skirts, hoodies, slippers, blankets and anything else we can find while we are in our study room. Mom, you would die. We also don´t really have hot water. We have a tiny little gas heater that we have to turn on before we take showers, but it only gets kinda warm. it is very similar to the water flow out of a broken sink faucet. However, we get by, plus it makes great stories. Especially since out bathroom door is broken- so it is quite the adventure to get it open.
Let see, other fun facts about Portugal...I can not eat enough to satisfy the member here...I keep trying, but I keep failing...I think it would take both Bryan and Andrew to satisfy them. We also eat at about 9 at night. In the Europe west area our time is different so we don´t get up till 7 and we are out until 9:30 or 10 if necessary. Last night our lesson didn´t end until 10 becasue one of our new members was really struggling so we were working with here. Well, we are supposed to be in our appartment by then at the latest so we sprinted home. Irmã de Macedo was already at home with a member (she is on bed rest with her foot- we aren´t quite sure what she did, but she can´t really walk so thank heavens we can do splits and irmã souza and >I can still go out) so there was the two of us running as fast as we could to get home in time. I kinda wish I had a picture.
I´ll have to start keeping a list of things that are funny or strange so that I can keep you aware of how things go in Portugal. Can´t wait to talk to you this week. Pray that it all works out okay! I know that we are all being blessed for this, even though it is really hard at times. LOVE YOU ALL and remember the reason we celebrate Christmas! ~~
Irmã Ray"
Her Portugal Address:
Portugal Porto Mission
Rua de Amalia Luazes N 23 Sala 1
4200-052 Porto
Portugal
SEND HER SOME CHRISTMAS LOVE!!!
Enjoy the Christmas post and as she said, think of the reason we really celebrate Christmas and rejoice in that! Remember to SHARE the good message of Christmas with those around you, just as she is doing... Merry Christmas!!! - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
"From Sister Sarah Ray
December 22, 2008
Family and Friends!
I feel very overwhelmed at the moment here in Braga, but I know it will get better. The ward is fantastic...we have already been fed 3 times. Our ward also has 5 missionaries out and serving right now. Rock on Braga! We have the strongest ward in the mission so i´m really going to be spoiled after this. Right now I am in a tripla for one more week. Irmã Souza goes home a week from today to Brazil. I´m actually kinda bummed because we are doing a good job of teaching each other the language. She only talks to me in English and I only talk to her in Portuguese. It is grand fun trying to describe things to each other to get the right words.
So, we have 6 investigators right now that are progressing and 1 marked for Baptism. Unfortunately she has now left the country for Christmas so we might end up pushing the date back...she has to come to church first. I don´t know a whole lot about them right now because I can only understand about 60 percent of what anyone says. Everyone keeps telling me my language is a miracle but I still can´t understand. Everyone keeps asking me where I am transfered from and when I say the US they get really confused. No one believes me that I am fresh out of the MTC.
So, speaking of speaking, yesterday I made my first solo contact in a street meeting. It was SCARY! Also wans´t very successful because I probably answered the wrong question knowing my skills with Portuguese. It is also way hard because Braga is SUPER Catholic. the city has two names.... the city of many churches- which are all Catholic or better yet the Rome of Portugal. Needless to say we talk to a lot of really Catholic people, but it is fun.
Portugal is interesting, the entire city is paved in cobblestones, and there is no such thing as insulation or heat. It is pretty cold here, and even colder in the houses. The only heating that we have is our one little space heater that we have in our bedroom. We keep the door shut and wear lots of layers- Dad you would be proud. We need to be dressed in our Prosyliting clothes before we do study so we faithfully get ready every morning. Then we put our PJ pants back on under our skirts, hoodies, slippers, blankets and anything else we can find while we are in our study room. Mom, you would die. We also don´t really have hot water. We have a tiny little gas heater that we have to turn on before we take showers, but it only gets kinda warm. it is very similar to the water flow out of a broken sink faucet. However, we get by, plus it makes great stories. Especially since out bathroom door is broken- so it is quite the adventure to get it open.
Let see, other fun facts about Portugal...I can not eat enough to satisfy the member here...I keep trying, but I keep failing...I think it would take both Bryan and Andrew to satisfy them. We also eat at about 9 at night. In the Europe west area our time is different so we don´t get up till 7 and we are out until 9:30 or 10 if necessary. Last night our lesson didn´t end until 10 becasue one of our new members was really struggling so we were working with here. Well, we are supposed to be in our appartment by then at the latest so we sprinted home. Irmã de Macedo was already at home with a member (she is on bed rest with her foot- we aren´t quite sure what she did, but she can´t really walk so thank heavens we can do splits and irmã souza and >I can still go out) so there was the two of us running as fast as we could to get home in time. I kinda wish I had a picture.
I´ll have to start keeping a list of things that are funny or strange so that I can keep you aware of how things go in Portugal. Can´t wait to talk to you this week. Pray that it all works out okay! I know that we are all being blessed for this, even though it is really hard at times. LOVE YOU ALL and remember the reason we celebrate Christmas! ~~
Irmã Ray"
Her Portugal Address:
Portugal Porto Mission
Rua de Amalia Luazes N 23 Sala 1
4200-052 Porto
Portugal
SEND HER SOME CHRISTMAS LOVE!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Watch Out Portugal - Here She Comes!!!
Here is Sarah's very last MTC email! She seems to be doing well and I hope that all of you are writing her, especially around Christmas!!! Here it is:
"December 12, 2008
Well, the time has come that my entire district has started to freak out. I guess that happens when you are down to 4 days before departure. Half of our time has turned to packing, making sure we know where everything actually is, and trying to figure out what to cut out of our suitcases so we don't go over weight.
We had our last pretend teaching appointment, and I actually feel as if I may be able to do this....maybe. I know I need a lot of help, but luckily the Lord looks out for us, and I know I will get the help I need. I figure if we can get to the point, in two months, that we can communicate decently in a different language, we can do anything.
Anyway, as for the funny moments in life, the good times just keep on rolling. Mom, I got the jump rope in the mail- who knew that they sent jump ropes with instructions. First, it teaches you how to jump up and down without the rope. Good thing, because jumping in place could be hard for some people. Needless to say there are 7 pages of progressively more advanced steps that eventually carry the reader to the wonderful world of jumping rope. If anyone is confused about how this works let me know and I'll send you the instructions :)
Top ways to know you have been in the MTC too long:
10. You have started to forget your own 1st name
9. You vaguely know what cell phones and cars are, but you don't really remember how they work.
8. You completely plan your schedule based around when you can wear jeans.
7. You can predict the opening song of every devotional- okay that one isn't hard. Every week it is Called to Serve.
6. The clothes your brought have mysteriously shrunk in your closet.
5. You know the menu and can predict what you will be attempting to eat.
4. You have a favorite shower based on different times of the day.
3. You know where all the secret computer labs are- so you don't have to wait
2. You have figured out exactly which washers are the fastest during laundry time.
1. You pick the Sunday night movie based on which Joseph Smith is cuter
Yes unfortunately, all of these have been contributed from actual experiences of those around me. I know, we are sad. However, we are also very happy people, and I have loved the MTC experience. I also can't wait to get to Portugal in 4 days, even if I can't speak the Language quite yet. I know that will come.
Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope that you have an amazing holiday season. One thing I have learned is that the best way to enjoy the season is to serve other people! Hopefully everyone will find an opportunity to do that. Love you all and it is great to hear from you.
Love
Irma Ray
PS. so we had a devotional last nigt that was really quite inspiring. Apparently there was a prophecy about Portugal by someone in the 12 that is will become the lighthouse of Europe in relation to the Gospel. I don't have the direct quote, but our devotional was on that last night, and it was very motivational. I feel blessed to be able to be part of this work! We went to the temple today for the last time before we leave, and I really have realized yet again how blessed we are to have the gospel in every aspect of our lives!
So funny story... I have been assigned as the travel leader for our group. Besides making sure that no one does anything stupid or gets lost/misses the plane, I am in charge of assigning companionships for the journey. My packet stipulates in large letters that one Elder and one Sister are never to be assigned as companions. Well, my travel group consists of Elder Roberts and I....and that is it. This leaves me with a small dilemma in assigning companions, but I am happy to note that I have solved the problem. For the trip we will both have split personalities! After I suggested this, it was brought to my attention that we did have split personalities....our missionary selves and our real selves...so I guess it will work! Anyway, love you lots, and I thought I would share that little snippet with you! Hope you get a laugh from it!
Irma Ray"
Note from Ridiculouslygoodlooking:
Sarah leaves for Portugal on Tuesday!!! So, if you didn't already send a letter, it is too late for you to send an MTC one. However, she still needs mail in Portugal - probably more so!!! As her dad stated, stay tuned, I will include her new address to write her in Portugal when I receive it. Let's keep supporting Sarah past her MTC experience!!! :)
"December 12, 2008
Well, the time has come that my entire district has started to freak out. I guess that happens when you are down to 4 days before departure. Half of our time has turned to packing, making sure we know where everything actually is, and trying to figure out what to cut out of our suitcases so we don't go over weight.
We had our last pretend teaching appointment, and I actually feel as if I may be able to do this....maybe. I know I need a lot of help, but luckily the Lord looks out for us, and I know I will get the help I need. I figure if we can get to the point, in two months, that we can communicate decently in a different language, we can do anything.
Anyway, as for the funny moments in life, the good times just keep on rolling. Mom, I got the jump rope in the mail- who knew that they sent jump ropes with instructions. First, it teaches you how to jump up and down without the rope. Good thing, because jumping in place could be hard for some people. Needless to say there are 7 pages of progressively more advanced steps that eventually carry the reader to the wonderful world of jumping rope. If anyone is confused about how this works let me know and I'll send you the instructions :)
Top ways to know you have been in the MTC too long:
10. You have started to forget your own 1st name
9. You vaguely know what cell phones and cars are, but you don't really remember how they work.
8. You completely plan your schedule based around when you can wear jeans.
7. You can predict the opening song of every devotional- okay that one isn't hard. Every week it is Called to Serve.
6. The clothes your brought have mysteriously shrunk in your closet.
5. You know the menu and can predict what you will be attempting to eat.
4. You have a favorite shower based on different times of the day.
3. You know where all the secret computer labs are- so you don't have to wait
2. You have figured out exactly which washers are the fastest during laundry time.
1. You pick the Sunday night movie based on which Joseph Smith is cuter
Yes unfortunately, all of these have been contributed from actual experiences of those around me. I know, we are sad. However, we are also very happy people, and I have loved the MTC experience. I also can't wait to get to Portugal in 4 days, even if I can't speak the Language quite yet. I know that will come.
Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope that you have an amazing holiday season. One thing I have learned is that the best way to enjoy the season is to serve other people! Hopefully everyone will find an opportunity to do that. Love you all and it is great to hear from you.
Love
Irma Ray
PS. so we had a devotional last nigt that was really quite inspiring. Apparently there was a prophecy about Portugal by someone in the 12 that is will become the lighthouse of Europe in relation to the Gospel. I don't have the direct quote, but our devotional was on that last night, and it was very motivational. I feel blessed to be able to be part of this work! We went to the temple today for the last time before we leave, and I really have realized yet again how blessed we are to have the gospel in every aspect of our lives!
So funny story... I have been assigned as the travel leader for our group. Besides making sure that no one does anything stupid or gets lost/misses the plane, I am in charge of assigning companionships for the journey. My packet stipulates in large letters that one Elder and one Sister are never to be assigned as companions. Well, my travel group consists of Elder Roberts and I....and that is it. This leaves me with a small dilemma in assigning companions, but I am happy to note that I have solved the problem. For the trip we will both have split personalities! After I suggested this, it was brought to my attention that we did have split personalities....our missionary selves and our real selves...so I guess it will work! Anyway, love you lots, and I thought I would share that little snippet with you! Hope you get a laugh from it!
Irma Ray"
Note from Ridiculouslygoodlooking:
Sarah leaves for Portugal on Tuesday!!! So, if you didn't already send a letter, it is too late for you to send an MTC one. However, she still needs mail in Portugal - probably more so!!! As her dad stated, stay tuned, I will include her new address to write her in Portugal when I receive it. Let's keep supporting Sarah past her MTC experience!!! :)
Friday, December 5, 2008
The ten day coutndown to Porto!!!!!!!
This is the second to last email I will post from Sarah's MTC experience! I also received a letter from her and she is doing well. She had Elder Holland come and speak to them at the MTC and said it was a neat experience, but he looked exhausted and said the world is really becoming a tough place out there... Keep strong, y'all!!!
AND, PLEASE write her this week while she can still get it at the MTC! Otherwise, send her some Christmas love in Portugal!!! :) - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
December 6, 2008
So, the big news of the week is that I get my travel plans!!! Crazy isn't it? The problem is I still can't speak Portuguese! Oh well, I guess I will have to learn over there right? I have 10 days left here in the MTC and then it is back to the real world.
Hmm, lets see if anything interesting happened this week....
The Brazil group got their visas on Tuesday, and Wednesday they were gone. 22 people left and now our zone racks in a whole 20 people. We are little. Of course that also means that once again I am companion-less. I swear I'm a nice person, but apparently I scare away my companions....oops
Funny story of the week. I was in helping the newest district with their Portuguese one morning and there were telling me how they were working on memorizing the first vision. I though, " hey, thats great- good for you." A couple minutes later I was sitting there and I looked at the wall where they had a poster with the first vision written out. After a couple seconds I figured I should ask a question. " Why do you have the first vision up in Italian?" Needless to say, they didn't realize that what they were attempting to learn was not Portuguese. I thought it was funny.
Well, this week has been pretty mellow- I think we are just all a bit nervous that we are leaving soon. The travel plans are the exciting thing of the week. Of course that also means that all of you who have those letters you haven't sent yet have one more week before you have to send them to Portugal! Anyway, hope that everyone is doing well and good luck with Finals that are coming soon--at least I think.
So- Portuguese word of the week is atacadores. It means shoelaces, and always gives me this random mental image of some guy being attacked by the old school high top tennis shoes with really long laces. Thought I would share that- maybe it will give you a laugh.
We have put up the lights and little tree in my room, so we are in the Christmas spirit as well. We are even in the process of re-writing the song "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" to "I'm gonna be in Portugal for Christmas." Quite interesting actually. Keep up the good work, I miss being there, but I'm excited to be here!
I am so thankful for the ability that the gospel has to bless lives. We have a mock investigator that we have been teaching for a couple weeks now, and it is amazing how, even though it is fake. I am so excited when he finally received a confirmation that the Book of Mormon is true and when he said that he could see the effects in his life. I know I'm a nerd, but it really made my whole day! The church is true and the gospel is worth it- no matter what it happens to be! Love you all!
Irma Ray"
The following is Sarah's contact information while in the MTC. She is scheduled to leave for Portugal on the 16th of December. Write her now while it is still free.
The best way to write Sarah, which is free and probably the easiest (letters only) is:
1) On the internet go to dearelder.com
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Provo-MTC and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
Again, this is free and is valid during her time at the MTC.
Her contact information for US mail (letters and all packages) is:
Sister Sarah Ray
MTC Mailvox #157
POR-PORT 1216
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
AND, PLEASE write her this week while she can still get it at the MTC! Otherwise, send her some Christmas love in Portugal!!! :) - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
December 6, 2008
So, the big news of the week is that I get my travel plans!!! Crazy isn't it? The problem is I still can't speak Portuguese! Oh well, I guess I will have to learn over there right? I have 10 days left here in the MTC and then it is back to the real world.
Hmm, lets see if anything interesting happened this week....
The Brazil group got their visas on Tuesday, and Wednesday they were gone. 22 people left and now our zone racks in a whole 20 people. We are little. Of course that also means that once again I am companion-less. I swear I'm a nice person, but apparently I scare away my companions....oops
Funny story of the week. I was in helping the newest district with their Portuguese one morning and there were telling me how they were working on memorizing the first vision. I though, " hey, thats great- good for you." A couple minutes later I was sitting there and I looked at the wall where they had a poster with the first vision written out. After a couple seconds I figured I should ask a question. " Why do you have the first vision up in Italian?" Needless to say, they didn't realize that what they were attempting to learn was not Portuguese. I thought it was funny.
Well, this week has been pretty mellow- I think we are just all a bit nervous that we are leaving soon. The travel plans are the exciting thing of the week. Of course that also means that all of you who have those letters you haven't sent yet have one more week before you have to send them to Portugal! Anyway, hope that everyone is doing well and good luck with Finals that are coming soon--at least I think.
So- Portuguese word of the week is atacadores. It means shoelaces, and always gives me this random mental image of some guy being attacked by the old school high top tennis shoes with really long laces. Thought I would share that- maybe it will give you a laugh.
We have put up the lights and little tree in my room, so we are in the Christmas spirit as well. We are even in the process of re-writing the song "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" to "I'm gonna be in Portugal for Christmas." Quite interesting actually. Keep up the good work, I miss being there, but I'm excited to be here!
I am so thankful for the ability that the gospel has to bless lives. We have a mock investigator that we have been teaching for a couple weeks now, and it is amazing how, even though it is fake. I am so excited when he finally received a confirmation that the Book of Mormon is true and when he said that he could see the effects in his life. I know I'm a nerd, but it really made my whole day! The church is true and the gospel is worth it- no matter what it happens to be! Love you all!
Irma Ray"
The following is Sarah's contact information while in the MTC. She is scheduled to leave for Portugal on the 16th of December. Write her now while it is still free.
The best way to write Sarah, which is free and probably the easiest (letters only) is:
1) On the internet go to dearelder.com
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Provo-MTC and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
Again, this is free and is valid during her time at the MTC.
Her contact information for US mail (letters and all packages) is:
Sister Sarah Ray
MTC Mailvox #157
POR-PORT 1216
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Monday, December 1, 2008
Merry Christmas Season!!!
Hey there freinds and family of Irma Sarah Ray! I recieved the weekly email today as well as a letter from here on Saturday - so, needlesstosay, I was a happy camper this weekend! Haha... She is doing really well and would, as always ask, love to hear from you - especially during this Christmas season. I know she will be missing home right around now, so any contact will bring her a lot of Christmas JOY! She's only got about three weeks left and then she will be off to Porto, Portugal to teach the people there. I am very excited for her!
Anyway, here is her weekly email - posted and ready for you to read right here, right now. :) In the words of Sister Ray, Merry Christmas season!!! - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
"November 28, 2008
Hi Family and Friends!!!! Merry Christmas Season!The lights here at the MTC are officially turned on and the nativity scenes are all over now. I know more than to hope it is that way at home since I'm not there to do it! I hope that your thanksgiving was grand and that everyone had some awesome opportunitites. Thanksgiving at the MTC was definitely a unique experience. It was my first thanksgiving that involved no football or pie. BUT, we did have the opportunity to do service. We worked with the Humanitarian projects from the church and put together 10,000 first aid kits to send to Cuba and Haiti. It was very similar to the kitchen kits we did. (Was that last year?- our stake actually made it into the humanitarian presentation for the Katrina stuff. The movie also talked about the wheelchair program which of course made me cry remembering my wonderful people from Ecuador.) It was pretty much the best Thanksgiving ever as far as not thinking about myself went. We also had a whole bunch of devotional speakers and spent most of our time doing that.
As for the top 5 of the week
1. Funny Portuguese moments courtesy of district 54-B: Elder Terry in recounting the first vision dropped an E out of a word so that along with a little bit of mispronunciation told the investigator that God the Father said to Joseph Smith " This is my Beloved Son, Egg" oops. We all had a pretty good laugh over that one. Of course- since i'm perfect, I don't make mistakes....okay so thats a lie, I just get to control what goes out from my email...so I don't share my embarrasing moments. I'm sure that I will have many more coming since I leave the MTC in 17 days.
2. My roommates gave me a Swedish name this week. Unfortunatly I can't type it because it has cool sweedish letters in it, and I don't know how to get them on the computer. Triste
3. Um, my companions all left me. I'm not sure that is a happy thing, but it took up a big part of the week. They are all in Portugal now...and there wasn't room in the suitcase for me. It was a cool site to send them off though to see the bus loads of missionaries headed off (at 4:30 am) to different places all over the world.
4. I got a new companion. Her name is Sister (yes, she is a sister- going to Brazil) Hunter from New Mexico. She is great, but watch I bet she gets her visa and leaves before I do!
5. Thanksgiving was great...I already mentioned that we had a great time, but I have been constantly reminded this week of how important it is to count your many blessings. Not only will it make you realize how wonderful life really is, it makes you more willing to help others. I would include a list of things i'm thankful for, but I don't get 10 hours on the computer- SO, to sum them all up. I am super thankful for my family and for the gospel in my life! And all of you great friends!
Have a fantasic week everyone and I Love all of you!!!!
By the way...I get travel plans this week- SCARY!
Irma Ray
P.S. I have gained so much more of a testimony this week that our Father in Heaven knows each and every one of us and what we need. I know that prayers are answered and that all we have to do to receive help is to ask. We are so blessed to have that opportunity. Don't take it for granted!"
The following is Sarah's contact information while in the MTC. She is scheduled to leave for Portugal on the 16th of December.
The best way to write Sarah, which is free and probably the easiest (letters only) is:
1) On the internet go to dearelder.com
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Provo-MTC and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
Again, this is free and is valid during her time at the MTC.
Her contact information for US mail (letters and all packages) is:
Sister Sarah Ray
MTC Mailvox
#157POR-PORT
12162005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Anyway, here is her weekly email - posted and ready for you to read right here, right now. :) In the words of Sister Ray, Merry Christmas season!!! - Ridiculouslygoodlooking
"November 28, 2008
Hi Family and Friends!!!! Merry Christmas Season!The lights here at the MTC are officially turned on and the nativity scenes are all over now. I know more than to hope it is that way at home since I'm not there to do it! I hope that your thanksgiving was grand and that everyone had some awesome opportunitites. Thanksgiving at the MTC was definitely a unique experience. It was my first thanksgiving that involved no football or pie. BUT, we did have the opportunity to do service. We worked with the Humanitarian projects from the church and put together 10,000 first aid kits to send to Cuba and Haiti. It was very similar to the kitchen kits we did. (Was that last year?- our stake actually made it into the humanitarian presentation for the Katrina stuff. The movie also talked about the wheelchair program which of course made me cry remembering my wonderful people from Ecuador.) It was pretty much the best Thanksgiving ever as far as not thinking about myself went. We also had a whole bunch of devotional speakers and spent most of our time doing that.
As for the top 5 of the week
1. Funny Portuguese moments courtesy of district 54-B: Elder Terry in recounting the first vision dropped an E out of a word so that along with a little bit of mispronunciation told the investigator that God the Father said to Joseph Smith " This is my Beloved Son, Egg" oops. We all had a pretty good laugh over that one. Of course- since i'm perfect, I don't make mistakes....okay so thats a lie, I just get to control what goes out from my email...so I don't share my embarrasing moments. I'm sure that I will have many more coming since I leave the MTC in 17 days.
2. My roommates gave me a Swedish name this week. Unfortunatly I can't type it because it has cool sweedish letters in it, and I don't know how to get them on the computer. Triste
3. Um, my companions all left me. I'm not sure that is a happy thing, but it took up a big part of the week. They are all in Portugal now...and there wasn't room in the suitcase for me. It was a cool site to send them off though to see the bus loads of missionaries headed off (at 4:30 am) to different places all over the world.
4. I got a new companion. Her name is Sister (yes, she is a sister- going to Brazil) Hunter from New Mexico. She is great, but watch I bet she gets her visa and leaves before I do!
5. Thanksgiving was great...I already mentioned that we had a great time, but I have been constantly reminded this week of how important it is to count your many blessings. Not only will it make you realize how wonderful life really is, it makes you more willing to help others. I would include a list of things i'm thankful for, but I don't get 10 hours on the computer- SO, to sum them all up. I am super thankful for my family and for the gospel in my life! And all of you great friends!
Have a fantasic week everyone and I Love all of you!!!!
By the way...I get travel plans this week- SCARY!
Irma Ray
P.S. I have gained so much more of a testimony this week that our Father in Heaven knows each and every one of us and what we need. I know that prayers are answered and that all we have to do to receive help is to ask. We are so blessed to have that opportunity. Don't take it for granted!"
The following is Sarah's contact information while in the MTC. She is scheduled to leave for Portugal on the 16th of December.
The best way to write Sarah, which is free and probably the easiest (letters only) is:
1) On the internet go to dearelder.com
2) There is a drop down box on the right hand side down just a couple inches. Enter her mission which is Provo-MTC and then click "write a letter" just below where you select the mission.
3) On the next screen enter your return address and Sister Sarah Ray in the address line, add your email in the email box below the envelope.
4) Write your letter in the text box and then hit the "send letter" box under the text box to send it on.
Again, this is free and is valid during her time at the MTC.
Her contact information for US mail (letters and all packages) is:
Sister Sarah Ray
MTC Mailvox
#157POR-PORT
12162005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
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