Week 35: "Malo Tau Ma'u Pongipongini!! (I speak Tongan now)"

Dearest Anyone and Everyone, 

Happy P-Day! It's been a busy week! Of course, that's how it always feel. I admit, the days on the mission feel long. Really long. But then the weeks fly by! It is entirely not right. How has time passed? Yesterday I had sort of an awakening. I've been out on my mission for 8 months! I have only 10 months to go, it is ridiculous in all manners of the word. 

The Bel Air ward feels like home. Things continue to progress. It's been an interesting week. FINALLY - yesterday - both Sister Fiefia and I were feeling 100% better. No more sickness, please. But it's still been a good week! 

Wednesday we went on leadership exchanges. We had a training in the morning about the Holy Ghost, and applied it out in the work. Well, I learned some interesting things that day.

A question I like to ask of late to those we teach is, "Do you have a desire to know if the Book of Mormon is true?" I've found a lot of people don't know. This time though in a particular appointment with a lady who has met with us to learn more. I felt impressed to ask her, "If you prayed about Book of Mormon, and God told you it was true, would you act on it?" Her answer, to my surprise, was a no - she would not be willing. Well, as hard as that may be to hear, it was good to see where she stands. I love it when people are honest though. That was a unique experience. It's been wonderful talking with her though, just to learn her views, although we've agreed to meet only one more time. She told us we are very good representatives of our faith. 

In contrast to that experience, Wednesday night we had our mission President's wife, Sister Winder come out with us! Oh how I love that woman. :) We were able to have a wonderful lesson that night with another of our investigators about the Spirit. We watched the "Patterns of Light" videos by David A. Bednar. Pretty powerful. I think it was a wonderful moment for our investigator to recognize that the feeling of love and peace she has when she meets with us is the Spirit. This was all the more evident in a lesson we had with her later on in the week. I had a feeling to stop talking (sometimes I get ahead of myself) and let my companion share. Well, Sister Fiefia spoke from the heart, more so than I've ever heard her before, and it was probably one of the most spiritual lessons I've been in on my mission. 

I've found that no matter how much opposition or negativity we face, those moments where we help others feel and discover that incredible love of God - those moments where I can see someone else's eyes light up - those moments make it all worth it. 

I've also rediscovered what a powerful influence music is in my life. One night after we got home I just felt flustered and a little anxious. I decided to try listening to an old CD that the Andrus's have. Well, almost immediately after doing so, I calmed down and was able to relax - despite how old fashioned and "not quite my taste" the music was. ;) I think that music will always play an important role in my life. Out here they are offering free piano lessons for missionaries every PDay! Sign me up! That's going to be such a blessing. I'm sick of almost, but not quite being able to play songs. I have improved out here though! I've taught myself how to better read music. Hopefully with the lessons I'll be able to progress faster. 

Speaking of music, the other day we were in a home where "Frozen" was playing in the background. Yes, I was able to not be distracted by it, but oh man was it tough. ESPECIALLY when I kept on hearing snippets of the song "Let it Go", which I've never heard before except when children sing it to us. I need to watch that movie the moment I get home. 

Lastly, I gave another 5 minute talk about Pioneers, and mentioned Andrew Watson in it! (Is he my great great grandfather?) What an incredible man. I love the story of him falling in the snow in exhaustion, and two women from his party noticed he was gone. They came back several miles in the snow to find him, put him on their handcart, and brought him back to safety. He was so cold he didn't notice his clothing had caught fire when he was put by it to get warm. Without the courage and love of those two brave women I would not be here. I have much to thank for the sacrifices those pioneers made. :)

AND...that's all folks. I love you all! Know that you're in my prayers! Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Love, 

Sister Bennett

P.s. I always think of all I need to say to you all...and then I forget it all when it finally comes to emailing! Oh well, press forward. :) 

Patterns of Light: The Light of Christ

Patterns of Light: Discerning Light

Patterns of Light: Spirit of Revelation

Week 34: "Half-Hatched Duck Egg"

Dear Family,

Who knew that my mission would be so exotic? I'm training a Tongan, and this week we are going to eat dinner at a Phillippino lady's house. (Hopefully - fingers crossed.) She's not a member of the church, but she's famous for having missionaries over, and feeding them half-hatched duck egg. I have to try it. I want to experience as many cultures as I can while being out here. :) The other week we got taken out to a rather delicious Indian restaurant. I'm a big fan of trying things from different cultures. 

Speaking of cultures, I've learned a couple unexpected things about Tongan culture this week. 1) If you compliment each other specifically about an item of clothing, the recipient of that compliment feels obligated to go out and buy that same item of clothing for them. Luckily I found that out sooner than later. I don't want my companion to feel obligated to buy me anything, much less her entire wardrobe! 2) Gifts are very private. There is no "opening presents" at birthday parties and the such. It's just between the giver and the receiver. That's really cool to me, however different it may be from our culture! 

The other good news - I'm feeling better. Sister Fiefia has been seeing a chiropractor (for free I might add - he is the kindest soul on this hemisphere I swear.), and he offered to adjust me too. It's been fabulous. When I had my major headache, it almost went away for two days (two glorious days that I could go out and work), but then Friday it came back with a vengeance after district meeting. I didn't even feel safe driving. One of the other Sisters in our district suggested I go see a chiropractor because my nerve may have been affected, and she was right. Friday night I was sick, but Saturday I toughed it out (with the help of a generous amount of pain killers), but after seeing John, he did something that I swear made me taller, and I've been great ever since. Hallelujah. However, part of what I had on July 4th - July 8th must have been a virus, because Sister Andrus (the lady I live with) is now down with the same symptoms. It's no fun.

The other good news part 2 - We had a baptism this weekend! The first I've seen in this area! Patsy, at 71, chose to be baptized. It was a powerful experience. People can change their lives, even in their old age. Her good friend Ed (more commonly known as "Mr. Ed") baptized her. I had the opportunity to sing at the baptism as well. I sang, "Savior Redeemer of My Soul." I'm so glad to have been able to share that with Patsy. The Spirit was incredibly strong there. The only thing that didn't run exactly smoothly was the baptism itself - we made sure we had 2 extra, able bodies young men in the font with Patsy and Ed, just in case either of them lost their balance. Well, nobody lost their balance, however, they must have not rehearsed exactly how Patsy was to go in and out of the water, for basically she just bent at the knees until she was fully immersed, and then came back out. It was cute, but it worked. :) She was radiant afterwards. Her daughter and grandkids who are not members came to support her. That was nice to see. Turns out her daughter was a theatre major! And by accident as well! She had never taken drama in high school, but in college she decided to take an intro to theatre class for fun, and by the end her teacher offered her a full ride scholarship in it! Naturally, she accepted! Amazing. After her twins are grown she wants to go back into that field. It was so cool to talk to her about that. She has a lot of questions about the Church that she wants to ask us as well. 

This week we'll be working hard. We've been kind of held up these past few weeks due to circumstances as well as cancellations, but these next few weeks will for sure be busier. It's all about serving those around us as much as we possibly can. I love unplanned opportunities to serve. Those are the best. 

I know that serving others brings so many blessings. I am so grateful for those who have reached out to serve us. When I was sick, a Tongan family made Sister Fiefia a meal - a piece of home. Today when we were getting groceries, a lady in our ward paid for our groceries. Man, sometimes it's hard for me to accept gifts of service like that, but it sure was an incredible blessing at this time. I just hope I can help and give to others as much as I've been given. It reminds me of the hymn, "Because I Have Been Given Much." I don't think we'll ever be able to repay just how much we've been given. 

I also had the opportunity to sing in church Sunday, and our less-active adopted grandmother came!! I was so happy - it felt like having family there. At first - and even as I sang - I was slightly disappointed because I didn't see anyone we had invited to come there, but after the meeting we saw Lana in the back! I adore her! She honestly feels like a family member.  Also, funny moment of the song - during the last line, a fly kept on flying and hitting my face. It was determined to stop everything I'm pretty sure. I think I kept my composure well - until the very last word - where it decided to land on my eyebrow. Good one, fly. Needless to say, my last note wasn't as extended as I intended it to be. :) The bright side is that nobody noticed I was having troubles! 

You know the drill. :) I love you all.

-Sister Bennett

We helped a family with the baptism of their granddaughter!

This is the most incredible landscaping I've ever seen done by someone who didn't hire professionals. His yard is a masterpiece. 

A cave, conveniently a part of the landscaping. 

Week 33: "Drink Lots of Water"

July 7, 2014

Dear Everyone,

Well, this week didn't go quite how I wanted or expected it to go. You see, July 4th I woke up not feeling well. We stayed home most of the day, and only went out briefly. It was fun to be in America for their Independence Day. Saturday, I woke up still not feeling well. However, I still took my companion up to a service project we had. I tried to do some weeding in my corn patch, but I just wasn't feeling well enough to continue. Instead, I had a conversation with Joe, who told me his background, and about his long (one might say eternal) investigation of the Church. It was a great conversation. He also gave me some good advice for the future.

I ended up sleeping the rest of the day, and cancelling the rest of our appointments. I couldn't eat very well either. We just went home. Well, Sunday we made it to church for sacrament, but then left. I just wasn't feeling well enough to stay. That night, a Tongan family had invited Sister Fiefia and I to come over, which I was excited for because Sister Fiefia had been feeling quite homesick, and I knew this would help her with her culture shock. Well, when the time came I just wasn't feeling well enough to go, so I had our Sister Training Leaders go on an exchange with us. During that time, I started feeling REALLY sick, and we ended up going to a Health Care facility - I was having symptoms of heat exhaustion. I could barely move without help. So, moral of the story is: Drink water. And don't work outside for extended periods of time in hot weather 100 degree weather. So now, I'm on doc's orders to remain at home and rest for the next couple days. That'll probably be good for me. I'm feeling a little better today.

One miracle this week: Two weeks ago we taught a lady who wanted us to know that although she wanted to learn, she had no intentions of joining a church, because she couldn't do the whole, "attend church" thing. This week though, she said that 1) She's been happier since she's been meeting with us, and 2) She's thinking about attending one of our meetings, in her own timing. That was amazing to hear! Small and simple things. :) She also told us her friends think she's crazy for meeting with us. Man, if it weren't for peer pressure, I think a lot more people would be open to talking with us. Oh well. All is well. :)

Well, I can't think of much more to say today. You know how much I love you. Remember who you are and what you stand for!

<3 Sister Bennett

Week 32: "I still get to hang out with Will Smith"

June 30, 2014

Dear F&F's! 

I'm not being transferred! Hallelujah! I still get to spend a little more time here in Bel Air. I'm so happy about that. This most likely will be my last transfer here, so I hope to work hard! There are some wonderful things in the works, I've really been blessed to see some people change and grow. But there is still so much more to do. I guess that's the manner of this missionary business. :) Sister Fiefia is staying here with me, so I get to finish her training, and continue teaching her English! I'm happy about that. 

Oh. This is a priority: HAPPY CANADA DAY!! I'm sorry I'm missing it, but I'll do my best to represent down here!! I love my country! You have to tell me all about it! The family I'm living with promised to fly my Canadian flag on that day. Oh, and Happy Fourth of July as well! I've never experienced one in the States before. I hope it's good. 

SO. Question for all Albertans this may pertain to. Has anyone seen Cardston theatre this year? How is it? Who is performing in it? What shows are they doing? Is there a children's theatre in Waterton? Some food for thought. It just hit me that around this time last year I was there, and about to open my mission call! Time flies, and learning comes so quickly. Being in Cardston last summer most definitely helped prepare me to be serving my mission. 

Enough about Canada (for now.) This week was a good one! However....we had a major hold up. We had spent a good amount of time getting Patsy's baptism ready. We were so excited for it! However, when we went to fill the font, there was no hot water! Some construction workers had cut off the gas main without letting anyone know, and we weren't about to put a 71 year old in cold water, so it got postponed last minute. That wasn't too fun, but no fear, we will have this chance again in two weeks from now. I guess that was just meant to be. It'll be an even better experience than it was going to be if we held it that day I guess. :)  

I feel like I have a unique role as a missionary, to help teach people who have some misconceptions about the church. Although these people have let us know they have no desire to join a church, they've agreed to listen, and come to more of an understanding. I respect them so much for that, for I feel it's so important to just understand, and respect what people believe, even if it is strictly educational for them. I hope, by example and through teaching, to help people see and understand what we truly believe, and who we have faith in. I am so truly grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the chance I have to share that message with others. :) No effort is wasted. For example, we are teaching a really cool woman who is a retired university professor. She has a jewish and catholic background, although she was raised something else, and has no structured religion she attends now. I feel like I learn as much from her as she is from us. 

Other experiences: We got accused of not being Christian, a semi-drunk man called out to us on the street to come teach his buddy who "needs more Jesus", made a great street contact with a young adult named Jesus (Spanish pronunciation) who told me I didn't look local because, "those eyes.", we're now teaching a 7 year old who loves Call of Duty and learning about the gospel, and was surprised by an investigator who I love dearly that she is seriously considering being baptized! 

We were surprised twice this weekend with Tongan food! I'm so glad. Sister Fiefia has missed it. 

Well, that's all for this week. I feel like I need to keep tabs during the week so I remember everything! 

Love you! Sing the national anthem loud and strong for me! 

- Sister Rachel Ann Bennett

Week 31: "The Call"

June 23, 2014

Dear ALL, 

Aloha! Once again, from the land of Idaho, your own living and true Sister Bennett! As of Thursday, I have been serving my mission for 7 months. I cannot believe time passes so quickly! That's not allowed. I think I've forgotten my first name. I never want to stop being Sister Bennett! (Or Sister Canada, whichever you prefer.) 

It's been a good week. I CANNOT believe it's already almost been an entire transfer since Sister Fiefia became my companion. Time flies when you have fun! And when you learn a lot. I have much yet to learn about being a trainer. 

For some reason, much of our success is among the senior population of our area. It's pretty incredible to see people in their 70's have a desire to change. It's also humbling to have them express gratitude for the help we are giving them. It's amazing that the Lord trusts us, just kids in our 20's, to do His work. Particularly, I'm grateful that we bring the Spirit with us, and that others recognize that. We couldn't do this work without it. Even one of our younger investigators who wasn't sure if she believed in God even feels it. I told her that even if she didn't recognize it, she feels the Spirit when she is with us. She wholeheartedly agreed, and told us that is why she likes us to come over so much!

 

I've also learned that being open, honest, and bold always seems worth it, and almost always is taken well if you show others that you truly love others and care about them. It's amazing how much being a missionary increases your love for others. 

I'm not ready to leave this area. I've been here for 4 and a half months, and I want to stay for 6 or 7 and a half. There is still work to do!

 

This weekend Patsy's being baptized! I'm excited for that. We've been working towards that for a while now. She's ready.

This Wednesday we went on exchanges - so once again I had the chance to spend the day with the amazing Sister Haas. I've never met anyone so motivated and hardworking. We had fun contacting many of our potential investigators. 

Remember when I told you that I planted an entire corn patch a couple weeks ago? Well, I went to follow up, and Joe told me it hadn't come up. I was taken aback. However, when I went to actually take a look, it had almost all come up! It looked great! I spent a good while weeding it, and making sure the rows were clear so nobody would kill them. I love that corn patch. It's mine. 

This Friday our ward put on a Dutch Oven cookoff. They decided to have us sing - which was exciting - but unfortunately it didn't work well in the setting due to sound issues. They apologized, but we were fine. Live and learn. :) At least I have some more sheet music to work with now! It's more fun songs too. I'm sure it will come in handy someday. By the way, the food at the activity was SO GOOD. Particularly the cobbler made in the dutch ovens. Now I've said too much. Mmm. 

Also, yesterday I had the chance to teach Gospel Principles. It was on the Holy Ghost, and so we had two volunteers that we took outside and blindfolded. Then, we altered the classroom to make it a maze, and had our volunteers try to make it, 1 at a time, through the classroom to an opposite door. They were told to listen to me - I shook my keys, and they had to follow the sound to safety - after they recognized that it lead them in the right way. However, I had everyone else in the room try to guide them away from the right path. One volunteer I would only shake my keys occasionally, and she was led astray for a while. The other I consistently shook them, and he wasn't dissuaded from the path. It was our little object lesson on the Holy Ghost, and the difference it makes to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was fun. 

I love you! I can't believe it's been a year since I've gotten my call, but am I ever grateful for it. There is no place I would rather be. Good luck with everything! I would love to hear from you. :)

Love, 

Sister B. 

p.s. I forgot to tell you all about the highlight of my week! It was when we got to go to the temple as a district! It honestly felt like a vacation. I love going to the temple. Here are some pictures. :) The Boise temple is small, but very pretty. Of course.

Our district at the temple!

The "Danny Bennett" pose.

Fun at the Fife's. We had a special guest.

AND picture time.

Our district leaders.

All the Elders in the Zone.

I hate Chihwawas. As you can tell by my inability to spell it remotely correctly. They happen to be my least favorite dog of all time. But this baby one is so darn cute.

Week 30: "Ofa atu!"

June 17, 2014

Dear my ridiculously gifted and good-looking family and friends, 

This week has been a busy one! First off, Thursday was Sister Fiefia's birthday! What better way to say, "Welcome to North America" like throwing as many parties as possible? One Thursday, we did a surprise district lunch for her. We also ate at our Stake Patriarch's home. What an amazing couple. They had served a mission in Tonga for a few years, and so Sister Fiefia felt right at home with their pictures and home decor. They know plenty of people she knows! As we left they called out, "Ofa atu!" which means, "I love you!" in Tongan! That made her cry. (But in a good way.) It was a lovely night. Friday the ward also threw a potluck dinner party for her! A handful came, but it was a good night. 

Sister Fiefia has had some pretty incredible experiences. I would love to share one of my favorite stories she tells. A group of Tongan Elders and Sisters who were about to serve missions (about 10) went to Fiji to obtain visas. One of the days when they went to the shopping center (It was called Taboo House) to go buy mission clothes, they were stopped outside by four men, covered from head to toe, holding guns. They stopped the group, and one man said, "If you don't answer my question, I will shoot you." One of the Tongan Elders replied, "If the question is from the scriptures and the Bible, I will answer it. That's what we are here to study. If it is not, if it is about the world, we will not answer." The man then asked them to answer how many spokes were on a bicycle that was nearby. The Elder speaking replied,  "We are not here to count how many spokes are in the bicycle. We are here to serve our missions. If you want to shoot me, shoot me." The man said, "Go." So they went. 

She's overcome more than just a few closed doors to stand up for her faith, that's for sure. It's inspiring. She's definitely an example. 

We also had the chance to do a HUGE service project for Joe. He's not a member, but he's one of the coolest people I've met out here! Our entire district stayed at his acre lot from 8am to 4pm moving 6 cords of wood. (And that was only about 2/3's of the entire wood pile we were hauling!) We're talking about 7 or 8 years supply of firewood. It was awesome! My arms were aching by the end. As a matter of fact, they're still probably recovering. We get to finish up this Saturday! 

We made a goal on Wednesday to set aside a time where we just walked, and talked with EVERYONE that we came in contact with. It was awesome! I'm not a shy person, but I definitely can get out of my comfort zone more. The funny thing is, once I do it, I realize it's not a hard thing at all! 

Thursday morning we got up early to go play basketball. It was great! There was mostly Elders, but a girl from the area who plays on a college team joined us! It was a blast! Afterwards (since we went up against each other) we didn't even introduce ourselves, we just hugged, and said, "That was awesome". It was so much fun to play a good game of ball, especially when everyone is playing well. (Our team won the first game and lost the second.) What a good day. 

Lastly, this weekend our ward is throwing a Dutch Oven party. I can't wait! It's going to be delicious, and we've been inviting members to invite their friends to join us. :) Also, they asked me to sing! I'm still figuring out all the songs, but I know for sure that Sister Fiefia and I are going to sing a Tongan hymn together!

Well, I love you all! Best of luck, and make the best of the summer! It goes by way too fast!

Peace and love,

Sister Bennett

P.s.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 18! 

The Service Project:

I lost.

My fierce companion. :)

Week 29: "Taber Corn!"

June 9, 2014

Dear Family, Friends, and everyone in between. :)

This week we're emailing a little late due to a little doctor run, but all is well.

 

First item of business: What is happening in the NHL playoffs?!? I'm pretty sure I heard New York Rangers are in the finals, and believe it or not I chose them! AND I've never had a team of mine make it to the finals, so I might win this year! Huzzah!

Alright, and back to the mission. We've had some fun as a district doing a massive farmyard project on Saturday morning! I think we're weed/pulling/whacking professionals by now. I have a lovely farmer's tan from it. We were serving Joe - who's sense of humor reminds me of Dad. I think the highlight of the day was that I became the designated corn planter. Joe had no idea I had come from the corn capital of Canada (and proud of it), but he assigned me to it anyway! I've never planted so much corn consecutively. I must have spent a couple hours getting the rows right how I wanted them. Afterwards, Joe called out, "Hey Sister Canada! I'm going to call that patch Canadian Corn!" I told him that he should call it Taber corn. That's closer to the mark.

For all those that don't care about corn, I apologize, for it will always be a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Yes, I am from a hometown famous for its corn. Yes, I've even been in a local children's theatre production called "Corn Capers". Yes, I used to play hide and seek in cornfields. Corn is just weaved into the fibres of my being I guess. 

This week's been a fun one. I think learning how to train is kind of like learning how to raise a child. You learn as you go. Sister FieFia is on fire though! She's amazing! She has such a fire and passion for the work and for learning the Gospel! I love that girl. I'm trying to help her adjust to American culture, but it's definitely different here. 

Yesterday there was a Stake Priesthood meeting. Of course, we didn't go, but apparently President Carlson (the first Councillor in the Stake Presidency who is in our ward) talked about us Sisters over the pulpit, and he said a few nice (probably too nice) things about us. That made me laugh. All the Elders that attended texted us about it. 

Also, yesterday during sacrament at Heritage (the assisted living facility) we had a new lady who decided to join us with her dog, peaches. Well, she had never attended a service before, and so when the bread was passed she leaned to me and asked if she could feed her bread to her dog. I turned to her and whispered, "I wouldn't judge you for it" but all she heard was, "I wouldn't..." and so she popped it quickly into her mouth. :P I don't know if I've ever seen a dog in Sacrament meeting before now, but it was more than welcome! I think the old folks like it. 

On a more Spiritual note, it's amazing that even on the mission the Sabbath day is set apart. It makes such a difference to me. You see, lately I have been facing some feelings of discouragement because of a few things that have happened (or not happened) in our area. However, after attending sacrament meeting it was as though all those negative feelings melted away. It was a miracle! I'm so blessed to see miracles here all the time. I'm so grateful for the chance to serve, and to see that. I hope my mission continues to change me for the better, because I need to make a lot of improvements. But they will come! There was an interesting analogy given yesterday about a garden. The plants that had the most access to the Sun grew and flourished. That can be just like us. The more we allow the Son in our lives, and to truly feel His influence, the more ability we have to change for the better, and grow to reach our potential. I know that to be true. True change takes time and effort, but it's lasting, and worth it.

A great Message to look up is called, "The Will of God." It's one of my personal favorites. :)

I love you all! Have a great week! Go wrestle some Polar Bears!

<3 Sister Bennett

The Will of God