November 27, 2012

Kumusta Pamilya

This week has been good.  The language is coming along.  I'm still working on being able to say my prayers and testimony in Tagalog without looking at the book.  The words are starting to stick a little bit more now.  We all bought a hymn book in Tagalog so we can sing a hymn at the beginning of each class period.  Its kinda fun.  A lot of our sacrament meeting is in Tagalog.  (Everything but the speakers).  We have to write a 3-5 minute talk for every Sunday just in case we get called on to talk.  Luckily I haven't been called on yet.  (knock-on-wood)  We are supposed to write them in English and then translate them into Tagalog.  I haven't translated mine in Tagalog yet because I haven't had alot of time (and I don't really know how to haha)  I have to laugh at myself alot because I still don't understand very much.  Otherwise I would be very frustrated with the language every day.

Paul B. Pieper came to talk to us on 11-20-12 (He is a member of the first quorum of the seventy) that was pretty cool.  Jeffery R. Holland and his family came on Thanksgiving.  Sister Holland and Jeffery Holland talked to everyone at the Thanksgiving devotional.  We also got to hear from a couple of their family members.  I felt so blessed to be there when they first walked in.  It brought tears to my eyes.

I'm glad you guys had a good Thanksgiving.  I wish I could have spent it with you.  I was half tempted to to go spend the day with all of you haha.

Thanks for all the emails and support everyone.  I love getting them.  I look forward to be able to read them on p-day because they are what keeps me going.  I'm super nervous to go to the Philippines.  The more time that goes by then reality sets in more haha.

Oh ya Kelli, me and Sister Tupa'i are going to the same mission but Sister Edwards is going to the Bagio Mission.  Thanks for setting up a blog for me.  It is much appreciated.  How do I put the letters on there? 

Thanks Bec for the Package.  It is much needed and appreciated.

Joe, I'm getting pretty good at my 3 pointers.  We will have to play when I get home.  Some of the Missionaries were playing elimination and right when I started playing I got a couple of the Elders out haha.

I won't be able to send pictures this week because I haven't received my usb cord but hopefully next week.  Anyways I better go.  I love you and miss you guys soo much!  I can't wait to get your emails next week.  :)  Mahal Kita (I Love You)

Love Sister Stowell

November 20, 2012

Hey Everyone!

How are you all doing?  I'm doing good!  Life in the MTC is super busy.  Every minute of our day is scheduled for us pretty much, but its good.  I'm scheduled to leave for the Philippines on January 22.

The language is super rough.  The first day I got to the MTC I walked into my class and the teacher spoke nothing but Tagalog while teaching the class.  Most of the lessons are taught in Tagalog but the last couple have been part English.  I have two companions.  Sister Edwards (from New Zealand) and Sister Tupai (from Samoa).  We have been teaching this investigator.  Its super rough cuz we can't understand her and she can't understand what we are trying to say to her.  We taught her again last night and it turned out really good.  I have to write down different phrases I want to say to her cuz if I don't I just sit there all confused.  haha.  oh ya, the food here is really good!  haha.

So what do you guys have planned for Thanksgiving?

Well this letter is going to be super short cuz I forgot to get a usb cord to send you pictures so I want time to do that as well.

Hope all is good!  Love you all tonz!

Welcome to My Blog

I decided to make a blog with all the weekly letters of my mission for all of those that want to see how I am doing out here if the field.  This may be an easier way to update everyone without having to spend all day on my Preparation Day writing a massive amount of letters to all of those that want updates. Thank you so much for all of your love and support!  I really appreciate it. So stay tuned and my family will update my progress.  I'll see you in 18 months! 

- Orlean