26 Oct 2010

Querida familia,

Greetings from Yakima, once again. Things are well here and always looking up. The area is picking up slowly, but surely and once the apple season and other fruit/veggie seasons are over, it's going to explode. I just know it. The problem is is that all the Hispanics are in the fields working til late at night and that kind of puts a damper on the work. But once it's over, BAM! It'll be amazing!

Haha, I'm glad Andrew liked the letter. I wrote it really fast and I hope that you could read my handwriting. And I loved the letter that you sent. I read part of it to my companion and we just laughed at him running away. He's such a good kid. I'm glad that he's not all into that stuff. You know, it's fine to like girls, but they make it so much harder on a mission. I can't tell you about the countless elders that I've seen just get distracted by girls and what not. So, it's always better just to leave them as friends rather than something more. But, I'm sure it won't be a problem. Andrew is a good kid. =)

I'm stoked that your Conference was awesome! I got gypped out of another Stake Conference this fall. I barely missed Yakima's and Vancouver's was coming up a few weeks after I left, so I don't get another one. Which I'm kind of upset about because I love them and the spiritual feast I get to enjoy. But, you know what, there'll be more. One day. I'll get to have one right before I come home.

We had interviews this week and they went really well. President says that Yakima is doing me well. Which, I like to hear, because I'm still unsure of the area and the people and I'm trying my hardest to get it going and such. But, it was great. The only thing that kind of stunk was that he reminded me of how little time I have left. As of the 3rd, I'll have 5 months left on my mission and I'm not okay with that. Haha. I'm excited to come home and see all of you, but if I could just take a vacation, see my family, and then come back and be a missionary, that'd be okay with me. But, I'm setting some goals for my last little bit and working to meet them.

I really like what you told me about love and how you can't fall out of love. It's so true. I've been learning a lot about charity on my mission and what charity really is. I love the Bible dictionary's definition of charity. It's so true. Or maybe it's the index. I don't remember. But either way, it's awesome! I was always like 'charity, blah, blah, blah, pure love of Christ.' Yeah, didn't really have any deeper meaning, but after studying it and looking into it more, I've definitely seen the deeper meaning and have found that charity is the only way to be an effective missionary. It all starts with love.

Well, I'll work on finding the I heart Yakima t-shirts. I want one and I know Erin wants one and I want Clare to have one so we'll all have matchy matchy shirts. And if you want one, too, then okay. You can be twinners with us, too. =)

That's really sad about the baby dying. Especially with Brooklyn babysitting. I don't know what I'd do. That's sad and scary and wow. I don't even know how I'd react to that. That's so crazy. One time, when I was in Vancouver, Hna. Dunoskovic and I were saying goodbye to this old lady who had just had surgery and she told us to come sit on her bed with her and while we were, I swear she almost died like 3 times. It was scary.

11:11. Make a wish.

In other news, Hna. Salmon and I have received a new car. Yeah, a 2011 Malibu. It's beautiful and it's the newest car I've ever driven in my life. They must really trust me, because I've had two brand new cars on my mission so far that they've given to me while I've been the driver in the area. Yeah, I wish that I was wealthy enough to purchase one. Haha. Maybe in the next life.

And one last thing. Thank you for allowing me to come on a mission. I know it's a sacrifice for all of us and not just me. I get thanked all the time for my sacrifices, but in reality, if it wasn't for my family sacrificing, I wouldn't be here. But, thank you so much. I truly love my mission and even though it's coming to an end soon, I love it more and more each day. It will be a sad day when I have to leave my Washington and my family here, but I've learned so much and come so much closer to my Savior. I'm grateful for the Atonement and it has become more real to me on my mission than any other time in my life.

I love you all and I miss you.

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

19 Oct 2010

MOM
Things here have been going good. I went on an exchange last night with Sister Hendricks and it was awesome. It was fun to teach and interesting to work in English. It was my first time and just exciting. We had fun together and even though I was awoken by a coo coo clock every half hour, it was still fun. Oh, I also woke up with some sort of goopy junk in my eye. It's never happened before and now my eye is all red and pink. And it kind of hurts. Yes, I slept with my contacts in, but I've done it before and this hasn't ever happened. Just curious.

I wrote Erin about the whole staying in Idaho thing and so...yeah. I just told her what I thought and all that jazz. I don't know if it'll help or anything, but we'll see. Umm, let's see...what else.

Well, I've been working on re-committing myself to the mission again and focusing more. I've started over as a greenie and I'm just starting at the beginning. So, it's going to be exciting and I'm putting the Lord to the test to expect miracles. That didn't really
make sense, but you know what it means. Haha.

I can't believe that Jenny McGraw is home! That's insane! I knew she came home in October, but that seemed like it would never come. Yikes! Happy Birthday to Andrew yesterday. I have a letter I wrote to him that's got to be sent out. We share the same birthday. I turned 11 months yesterday. Where has the time gone? It's going so fast and I'm savoring each moment and using it so that I can be a better missionary.

Nuts about everyone getting their mission calls. I can't believe that. Poland. Russia. Dang, I'm glad that I'm in the US and speaking Spanish. Haha. I feel blessed. But it's still super funny because some days I wake up and I'm all, I can speak Spanish! And it's just funny. I don't know. I still wake up too some days and think I'm a
missionary. I'm a real missionary. And I still love being a missionary. It's great!

The work is moving and the area is growing. I'm excited to see what happens. It just needs some help and I'm so excited about seeing the area basically explode with awesome-ness. Oh Yakima. The work is going good and things are going awesome. I don't have too much to report this week. I'm sorry that my emails are getting shorter and
shorter, but I guess that's just what happens as the mission goes on. Ahh! I feel so bad. But, I'll write better next week. Sometimes I just am like AHH, I'm done writing emails. Haha. But, oh well. It will slow down...I hope.

I got the box, thanks! I loved it. And one day when you send a box again, can you put my leggings in there so I'll have them for the winter? I really want them because I'm already starting to get cold and it's getting chilly at night and I want leggings to wear under my skirt. And I don't really want to buy any because I've already got a
black and green pair at home. Just send both of them.
Well, I love you all so much. Thank you for all your support and all you do!

12 Oct 2010

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

12 Oct 2010

Oh Mom. Well, greetings from Yakima. I'm sure in Yakima even though it's dangerous. Haha. Nah, it's been really exciting. The couple of times I've been in Yakima, I've seen some exciting cop things. Well, I'm sure that if Clint wants to keep a job forever, the Gourleys could move to Yakima and he'd sure have lots of action. Yeah, it's insane, but you know, I've got the name tag with Jesus' name on it, so I'm sure I'll be fine...even if I do get freaked out a little bit. But, it's exciting.

I'm with Sister Salmon right now and I'm LOVING every single bit of it! She's awesome and I'm so excited to serve with her! We're just starting the area up and getting to know it all. Thanks for sending the stuff. I'll just send the Beltrans a letter because...well, I could just write a short email. Won't be too big of a deal. And, is there any way I can use the GPS? I don't know where I'm going and Sister Salmon doesn't really either. But, if not, no worries. We'll figure it out.

Let's see. Well, oh, I have to ask. Lloyd Zilch. Do we know him? Because he served here and a member in the branch presidency was asking about him. So, I hope so, because I want the connection. =)

The Branch here is so great! I love it! It's bigger than Vancouver and the people are just great. It reminds me of home a lot, actually. I love it. But, as always, not a huge amount of time. I love hearing from you all and am excited that you're doing well and everything is going well.

I love you!

Hna. Pleshek

5 Oct 2010

Wow. Sounds like your weekend was busy. Wish I could have been there to experience it with you! I sure do love Utah and visiting for Conference. I'm so jealous that you went to my mission reunion and saw my Annie and the Belnaps. And that Sara and Erin were there and you guys all had amazing seats! Wow. It sounds like a weekend and on top of that, Conference was great! I'm so sad that I missed it.

Well, this week here has been insane! I got the call on Saturday that I was being transferred. I don't know where I'm going or who will be my companion. Don't know why they're doing it this way, but whatever. We just do what we're told. All I know is that I do NOT want to go English speaking. But, part of doing the Lord's will is going where He needs me. And if I have to go English, so be it. It'll be an experience, that's for sure.

Well, these past few days have just been nuts! We've been seeing a lot of people and saying goodbye. I am going to miss Vancouver so much. I've put everything I've got into this area and I've worked so hard to build it. I'm going to miss it here and the amazing people that I've come to know and love. They're like my family and it's going to be hard to leave them.

The Conference was amazing! And...I couldn't have asked for better things to hear. Well, I better get going. We've got a million and one things to do today and no time to breathe! I love you all and thank you for all you do for me. Oh, the Beltrans. 2411 Neals Lane #303 Vancouver WA, 98661 I think that's the zip. I'll double check for sure next week when things are less crazy! Love you!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

28 Sep 2010

Clare wrote me and said that you probably told me about your birthday. What happened? Oh HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I was meaning to send you a letter, but it never happened because it's been still oh so crazy! We've got people on date and we're planning baptisms and things are really picking up in the area! I'm so excited to be here! I just love it. We have transfer calls coming this week and so I'll be letting you know what's happening next week. I really want to stay to see things progress and move forward, but as always, I'll do whatever the Lord wants and go wherever He needs me.

So, last week. Ugh, this story. Haha. So E. Ahart and I were kind of playing soccer/keep away with some other missionaries. And I cornered him and stole the ball away from him. I passed it to Sister Ulrich and he steals it from her...again. So, I go and I try to kick it away and I end up kicking his shin. Which, no big deal, except I just fall down because of the PAIN that is coming from my ankle/foot. Anyways, there's a HUGE dent where I kicked his shin and I'm like dang. Instant bruise. Well, an hour later, the dent swells and like half of my foot is just engulfed in this bruise/swollen red painful spot. Let's just say it was really pretty and it's only continued to get prettier. The bruise has spread to almost all my foot and ankle and it's really funny because everything asks what happened to me. Anyways, Ahart feels bad, but it's really cool. Probably the coolest bruise I've ever gotten. I'll send you a picture next week!

That's quite the flood! We haven't had a really good rain here for a while. But those are some fun pictures!!! I really enjoyed looking at them...even if they were small. but that's okay. I hope you enjoyed the pictures I sent last week...hope you got them.

Well, things are pretty nuts around here and I wow. The whole thing with Matt....that's nuts. Creep. I just, whatever. That's old news and I'm done with it. Bigger and better things, right? Sheesh. Is he still living at home?

I'll send you the address for the Beltrans next week when I remember it. I know the address, but not the zip code. And...can you send me some more contacts? Things have randomly happened [like when Hna. Dunoskovic threw mine away, etc] and so now I'm down to one pair and the ones in my eyes and the ones I have in are hurting like a mother. I have a box that I'll need to send home...especially if I get transferred. I don't need to cart that stuff around with me. But, that's that.

Anyways, I love you all so much! Sorry this is short, but things are going well here. I'll let you know what all happens with transfers. I love you!! And I miss you!

Love,
Hna. Pleshek

21 Sep 2010

Man, I'm so lucky. I just have an awesome family and this email is EXACTLY what I needed this week!

Well, sounds like you guys are all keeping yourselves busy. My companion and I are too! We had an awesome week and oh man, it was so great! On Sunday, we had 4 investigators at church and it was so awesome! We've got a baptism coming up and I am so stoked! We had at least 25 lessons this past week and it was so great. I also tried to construct a play set without instructions or pictures. I called it the apostosy. Haha. Funny how the gospel goes into whatever you're doing.

Who else had a wedding on the same day as Ethan's? Sure does sound like Kellie will fit right in with that family. Haha. But, all the better. Oh man, Mom. Speaking of temples. Can I get that beaded temple of the SLC sent out? I really want it before I leave because I'm about 90% sure that I am leaving. Actually, there's nothing in me that says I'm staying. Just that 10% [which is my heart] that longs to stay in Vancouver and just to be here with my family. But, I think that the Lord needs me somewhere else. And...weddings. Haha. So, yesterday, we were at the Hibbard's and I said goodbye to them. Don't know if I'm leaving or not, but I just figured since I was there, I should say goodbye. Anyways, they're such amazing people!! I sure do love them a lot! And it makes me sad that I have to leave them. =( but, we do what we have to, right?

Aww, man. Andrew. Makes me cry. For real, that's amazing! I just...wow. I have no words. And you know me. I ALWAYS have words!! But, that's awesome. I can't tell him how much I really do appreciate all he does for me. I'm sorry I'm such a slacker writer and that I haven't written him since I'm been on my mission, but I'll do better with that.

Dang, I feel so gross! I've been sick since like Saturday night and I just can't shake it. And the thing is, I HATE being sick when I'm not home. It doesn't feel good at all! And I just...ugh. Well, enough complaining. It's been an interesting week, to say the least and I sure am ready for the transfer. It's been nuts and I'm ready for a new start and just...the whole shabang!

Well, I take it that Brett's not married, then? I kind of stopped writing him. Because I wrote him about every month until I got to Vancouver and then I just, I don't have enough time to write to people who don't write me back. I don't even have enough time to write back to people who do write me. But, that's cool that he should be starting classes soon.

That's awesome about the church tour! How did it go? I've been wanting to do one, but the thing is finding the time when the lady doesn't work. Well, all you can really do is just get the two married. Even if he doesn't want to be baptized. But, that's so exciting! I love the work of a missionary!

We sure do have a lot of missionaries from our ward. What the heck? I feel so old! Kaegan and Sam Fuller and Matt Rickert? These are all kids that Erin graduated with or younger. Sheesh. That sure does make me feel super old! Speaking of mission calls. Yesterday when we were at the Hibbards, their son Keith had received his mission call a few days earlier and opened it up. And he made us watch the video of where he was going. It was so exciting to see! He's going to New Zealand! And he's super stoked. Doesn't have to learn a new language. Haha. But it was fun just to watch the excitement of missions and opening mission calls all over again. I still remember holding mine in my hands, shaking as I was opening it. Wah!

Well, duty calls. I love you and I'm so glad all is well at home! I'll send some pictures along this week! Les quiero mucho!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

14 Sep 2010

OH MY GOSH!!! Mom! I'm super stoked about the whole Miracle of Forgiveness thing. It's a common trend in my fast and always a necessity at the temple. We got to go to the temple today and it was lovely! I learned more things, as always. Not quite the experience last time I went, but you know, we can't always have those kinds of things happen to us. But anyways, it was still great as ever and I've decided that I'm getting married in Portland because of the cool reflecting pool. Joke. But still, it's really pretty...especially when it's not raining.

I sure did get that message from Jocelyn and I screamed. I was pretty stoked and can't wait to come home and see it. It'll be great and I'm super stoked! I can't believe it! But, I'm excited. I'm going to have my Spanish lessons all ready so I can teach it to be bilingual. =)

I just have a message from Elder Bair. He says that he was Elder Bair once in the letter that you typed, but I told him not to make fun of my mamma. So, it's okay. Nah, he's funny. I sure do enjoy having him in my district. He's my sanity. Too bad he lives in Arizona.

I'm sitting next to Elder Pixton, too. He's a funny kid. He always asks me 'How art thou?' and it makes me feel all happy. He's a cool kid. He's writing a book. Not sure where he's from, but enough about the people that are sitting next to me.

Yeah, the whole GPS thing. That's nuts. But, you know, I'm sure I'll be fine. I've got Elder Bair to give me directions if I need to get up in his area, but other than that, I'm good. I've been here for almost 6 months and know the roads pretty well. Even the shortest distance. And who knows what'll be happening next transfer, but it'll be fun.

I can't believe that I've been in Vancouver for so long. It's been crazy and I really do think that I'm headed up to Yakima for a while. Which is alright with me...even though Yakima is NUTS! All sorts of gangs and craziness. But, oh well. I'll be good. I can't believe how fast this time flies. We're already halfway through the transfer and I'm pretty sure we just had them last week. Oh well, you know how it goes. They say that it goes even faster after the mission...not sure how excited I am about that.

Well, I'm glad Nichola and Corey are planning a temple wedding. I wrote her a letter last week and asked her about all of it and what not. But, I'm glad they're shoting for the temple. I'm so proud of her! I sure hope that everything works out for her and that she's happy. She deserves it and I just love her stinkin' guts!

Yesterday was awesome! We were teaching back to back appointments all day long. No one flaked on us [first time ever!] and we were just busy! I love it because I'm starting to see the fruits of my labors here. We're doing so well and the area is doing awesome! We're getting people to church and that's awesome! I just, I couldn't be more happier than to see things coming around after working so hard for 6 months. But, I hope I can stay around to see it continue to grow. Every day is finding and teaching and it's just...wow. It's intense and I love that I can see myself growing. Not only in the gospel, but teaching it to other people. I'm a lot more confident in my abilities to do it...especially in English. Speaking a different language definitely brings out the first language confidence. Haha. If that makes sense.

I couldn't be more happier to hear things are going well at home. Things just keep getting more and more busy and maybe one day they'll slow down and I'll have time to breathe. I had an interview with the Greers on Friday. I fell apart in Sister Greer's hands. I've been feeling the last couple of weeks like just kind of as a failure as a missionary. Like it would be more beneficial to come home. ANd I know that's not true, but Satan was kicking me while I was down. That I'm positive of! But, things have turned around and maybe all I needed was a good cry to my mission mom. I didn't have you, so I had to go somewhere. But, anyways, things have been a lot better this week and I'm feeling back in the game!

Well, I love you all! Thanks for all you do for me and I couldn't be more happy to be a missionary! The Lord is truly mindful of us and all that we do. I love seeing His hand in the work every day and looking for those baby miracles.

Con amor,
Hna. Pleshek