Madre,
Estoy aqui! I am in the mission field! And I am actually in a trio, again. Hnas [Sisters] Ghan and Voigt are great. Yesterday we got in [to Mesa] and after a little while at the Mission home, we headed out. We actually went to the Christmas lights at the temple and talked to people, most of the time I was on my own. It was really neat, tiring, and stretching. I actually talked to a couple of gentlemen in Espanol. They said that they already had the missionaries coming over at the end of the week, so asked if I could practice my Spanish on them by bearing my testimony of Jesucristo with them. Of course they said yes and it was really cool to do that. And everyone is right. These people are so patient and kind. I told them I was learning Spanish and whenever I stopped to think, they just waited patiently.
We were at the lights from 5 to 10. And it got pretty cold. Luckily it didn't get as cold as Utah is right now, but my hands were cold by the end of the night. It was really cool, but a lot. I wrote in my journal that it was the weirdest day of my life. I may revise that, because today has been really weird too. Mostly it feels like I am in a whole other life, living as someone else, and not understanding a lot of what people say. But it's fun! We unpacked this morning and so I'm pretty well set up. We had two appointments (citas is so much shorter) for earlier, but neither of the people were home. But we met up with Luis, a member from our ward. He was supposed to be our "member present", but instead we checked up on referrals from the luzes de Navidad. It was really fun and we actually made a cita to come back and teach someone on Saturday. We have three more citas for tonight. By-the-way, all these people have baptismal dates for January. Amazing, I know. We are apparently one of the highest baptizing missions. They had more than 1,200 baptisms this year! And they are all retaining. It is absolutely amazing.
I am in the Liahona 3rd ward and our area is all of about one square mile. Our area goes from about Broadway to Main to something else that I can’t remember right now. We live two blocks from the temple. We walk to the chapel and the temple, which is in our area. This is actually a biking area, so we are going to be finding another bike and buying me a helmet soon. I don't know exactly what the address is, but I'll find out by next week. This is an incredible experience.
I have no idea what else to say. Other than, I love this. I understand more espanol than I thought I would. But it is really hard to understand natives because they speak so fast and don't pronounce all the sounds. But I catch about 45% of what they say. Luis is quite the character. He is a YSA [young single adult] rep, and just very funny.
Well, te amo! I forget when p-day [preparation day] is. I think it is usually Thursdays. This week is weird because of the luzes de Navidad and the holiday. I really think that our p-day is Thursday. We'll find out, I guess!
Le amo mi familia! Les amo mis padres!
Ella (sounds like Aya [Andrea’s nickname in the family], but means “she”, I like it!)
Estoy aqui! I am in the mission field!
Why I am on a mission.
A hand written letter from Andrea dated 16 Diciembre 2009
!Hola familia!
!Te Amo! The second package was timed perfectly. I had been getting worried. We are also going to have an early Christmas tonight. I’ll have my companions open some of the gifts.
We will finally be able to drink the hot chocolate that we received because Sister Jensen loves us. Sister Jensen is one of the wives of our branch presidency and she visits us a couple times a week, This Sunday she came and visited and wanted to know if there was anything she could get for us. I couldn’t think of anything but she seemed like she really wanted to do something for us. Well, all three of us have been sent packages of hot chocolate but we don’t have any cups in the residence halls. So I asked her to bring us some cups for hot chocolate. We all laughed and she told us that she had never been asked for cups before but she would see what she could do. Well, last night she stopped by our classroom with a bag for us. She told us almost apologetically that she couldn’t find any Styrofoam cups so she gave us each a mug that they weren’t using anymore. We all laughed and gave her hugs. The branch presidency wives are the only ones we are allowed to hug. We love them so much. We three are soon going to be the only Hermanas in the zone/branch. At the moment there are five of us. We are treated very well.
Speaking of being treated well, I have decided that we are the favorite district of the whole MTC. We are so loved. We are going to clean the temple on our P-day before Christmas. We also have a couple Elders that are going to be singing in a special thirty-two person choir for one of the Christmas devotionals. We are ushering for the Christmas devotional where an apostle is most likely to show up. That means we will be sitting in the front now, well, most of the district will be in the front row. I, and four others will be on the stand because I am going to be giving the closing prayer. Elder Smith will be giving the opening prayer and four companions will be sitting with us. We are all sooo excited!
We had an incredibly spiritual experience with teaching on Sunday. Every Sunday afternoon we have a district meeting where one of the companionships teaches a gospel principle to the rest of the class. Well this Sunday it was our turn. We had been assigned the topic of the resurrection, judgment, and eternal life. Well, I started with the resurrection. I told about the story connected with the second verse of the hymn, “Sunshine in My Soul”. The Spirit entered the room with incredible force. I asked two questions: “What can we do with this body that we won’t be able to do without it?” and “What about this body holds us back?” We had some really good discussions about that. The elders shared some really incredible experiences and points of view. Then we read Alma 11:43-44 and discussed that a little bit. After that Hermana Taets led us in an inspired visualization activity. She had taken a childhood education class and learned how to do an effective visualization activity. She wrote out an activity about meeting Christ at judgment. The Spirit was incredibly strong. Every single one of our beloved elders cried at some point during the lesson. After she finished the visualization she had us all write in our journals for several minutes. Then we had some more powerful discussion. Hernana Wardle then finished beautifully by leading a discussion about eternal life. We read Matthew 25:21 and talked about whom would be in the Celestial Kingdom to greet us. Then we read Doctrine & Covenants 18:15-16, 10, 14, 21; 4:2. We had a powerful discussion about who we need to share the gospel with so we can greet everyone with joy and have no regrets. It was the most powerful (if you couldn’t tell) lesson I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. I may send you a copy of the scripture Hermana Taets used/wrote for the visualization activity. It really was incredible.
We also did a very interesting activity last week. It was called the “Silla de la Humildad” or “Chair of Humility”. And it was a very humbling activity. Each of us had to sit in a chair in front of the class and listen to every other person say something they liked about us. There were some very cool things said. We are a pretty complimentary group anyway, so the things that were said went a little deeper. I love my district to pieces. They are always inspiring and helping me, even when they don’t know it. Here is a list of some of the things my wonderful Elders and companions said about me.
They appreciate that…
I am always close to the Spirit and God (that really helped!)
I love music just as much as Elder Rupp.
I am a good example.
I am honest and not afraid to speak up.
I am optimistic.
I am positive.
I have no malice.
I have a strong testimony.
I am willing to sing in the bathroom with Hermana Taets. (the elders laughed at that)
I always have good things to say about everyone.
I am willing to stand for what’s right.
I was kind of surprised, not so much at what my elders said, but at how sincere and humble they were as they told me these things. We are such a loving group. We are always telling each other that we love each other and feel like a family. That is part of the reason we are so excited to be here, together, for Christmas. Probably the thing I like the most about the “silla de la Humildad” is that I told Elder Rupp that he is like a brother to me and afterwards he said that I am like a sister to him. We aren’t sure exactly why but, it’s true.
I love the MTC. I love my elders and hermanas. I love that I have so many really powerful spiritual experiences. I love learning about the gospel. I love to see the Don del Lengua in action. I am able to communicate effectively in Spanish about a lot of things, and the two most important things that I can say I know how to do quite well: Pray and testify. It is amazing to me that after only one and a half months I can understand almost everything my teachers say. Granted they speak clearly, but still it amazes me.
God is so good. One thing that I was told a while ago is that while God promises to bless us if we follow him and obey certain principles some times he blesses us “just because”. I can feel that here with such force as to literally make me want to shout praises to the heavens. I love my Heavenly Father more than I can ever express. He loves me and sent His Son to die so I can live. You are doing a little of the same thing. There is a saying: “A missionary is someone who leaves his or her family for two or one and a half years, so other families can be together for eternity.” Thank you so much for everything. I love you so much and I want others to feel the kind of love, joy, and hope that I do. That is why I am on a mission.
I love you so much! Give everyone you meet, EVERYONE, a hug, or at least a smile from me. That will be my gift to you all this Christmas. I want you to go around hugging each other all day. I don’t want someone to go more than 10 minutes on Christmas without giving or receiving a hug.
!Te amo!
-Hermana Andrea Stephenson
P.S. We just got back from the temple and something that struck me this time is how grateful I am for parents. I realized that Adam and Eve didn’t have parents to turn to for help, comfort, or just a hug. They were truly on their own. I am so grateful for you Mom and Dad. I am grateful for your love, support, wisdom and hugs.
Mushisimas gracias Madre & Padre,
-Sunshine
Feliz Navidad
Hello to all you missionary parents. Feliz Navidad! We are so appreciative of your support and love. We love you and this gospel so much. God lives! Halleluiah!
We are also so appreciative of your good examples and for raising all of us so well. With love from district 4B!
The Message of Christmas
I am so blessed! We are so blessed! I know that God knows who we are and what our needs are. I know He is there. He lives! And that is the message of Christmas.
I also know that we really are the favorite district in the MTC. While I was calling, my companions got to call home to. President Brown is the angel in the MTC. Hna. Taets is the only member in her family and got to call her dad. We are so blessed. Her dad has really softened to her becoming a member. It reminds me of your situation Mom. You should write to her about your experience. Madison Taets, and Rachel Wardle are my companions.
Love,
Andrea
Special Christmas Gift!
On Wednesday, the day we normally hear from Andrea, we waited until very late for her email, which never came. We were a little worried that she was sick or had been sent to Arizona early.
On Christmas Eve, at 2:03 pm the phone rang. The caller id said "Brigham Young University". Phil answered the phone a little worried that something had happened. President Brown introduced himself and asked if Sister Stephenson was home. Luckily she was. He then said that he had Andrea there with him and we had 5 minutes to talk to her.
Turns out she was so busy yesterday that she forgot to email us. After the time had passed she felt so bad she went to the MTC President to ask for special permission to email us. He said she could call us since he didn't want her mother to be worried about her on Christmas.
Caught off guard we scrambled to get the video camera to record the call, but it only had 3 minutes left. Whitney actually had to work so she missed it. Aunt Bonni was here though.
Andrea sounded incredible! She told us how much she is enjoying it there. She said her district loves us and they're all getting fat on the treats we've sent her. She told us that she leaves for Arizona Tuesday morning. She also said that all of the medical trials she's been dealing with are gone and she feels great.
She asks us if she could bear her testimony in Spanish, it sounded absolutely wonderful. She sends her love to everyone.
What an amazing and very special gift for all of us.
Merry Christmas to you all.
An Early Christmas Fiesta
I really am having a great week. We are planning on having an early Christmas fiesta tonight. Hnas Taets and Wardle and I are going to open the backed-up presents and drink hot chocolate. We are going to have a blast, as usual. Right now Hna Taets is writing some riddles in spanish on the board for Elder Lemperle. She hid the three letters that he got because he told her earlier that she wouldn't get any, and he was right. Apparently it happens a lot.
I got a blessing last week that said I would be able to teach with the Spirit and I have been able to feel that. I don't think I have had any brain fog during any of the lessons that we have taught since then.
Hnas Taets and Wardle are going to Houston Texas. Elder Leonard is the only other one going to Mesa.
We are quite sure that we'll be leaving on the 29thish. We will probably be getting our flight plans tomorrow.
Thank you for the letters.
Mucho Amor,
Hna Stephenson
Three Weeks Left in the MTC
I love you all sooooooooooooooooooo much. I am having a blast with the advent and my district absolutely loves you all. Well, they love your treats anyway. :) Tell the Billins, Johnsons, Gustafsons, and Ayers thank you as well. Thank you for the pants.
I need some prayers right now. I will tell you about it in the snail-mail, but it's not really scary, just frustrating. If you could pray that I will have the ability to focus and feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that would be great.
[Are you still scheduled for the 29th to go to AZ?]
We are hoping the 29th yes. But we're not sure. The spanish program was changed to an 8 week program after we got here. So we aren't sure if we are still on the 9 week program or not. we'll see
Te amo! Te amo! Te amo!
Hermana Andrea Stephenson
Photos from Hermana Stephenson
As promised we have received photos from Andrea. I have updated her photo album and put a few right here.
Our own missionary Hermana Stephenson.
The classic missionary map picture.
Andrea's first missionary companion, Hermana Patterson.
Thanksgiving was incredible
Buenas Tardes mi Familia!
Como estan? Pues, esta semana fue bien. Fue un poco deficil porque Hna. Patterson salio. Pero, esta bien! Estoy muy animada a cerca de mis dones. Muchisimos gracias! Te amo!
Thanksgiving was incredible. Elder Oaks came in the morning and talked to us. It was very funny because at the beginning of the week I guessed that either Elder Holland or Elder Oaks would come to talk to us, and both came during the week. I really hope you got my package with the SD card and that it still had pictures on it. The letter to Whitney describes the experience better.
I am finally completely moved into the new room with Hnas Taets and Wardle. I slept in there for the first time last night. I have been having trouble sleeping lately, any suggestions.
Grant, te amo! te amo! te amo! You are NOT annoying! I love you so much and I miss you so much. Whenever I look around at the missionaries here I think of you and of how much fun you will have here. You are going to be an awesome missionary. I hope you can see the pictures of the elders in my district. Elder Reese and Elder Lemperle remind me of you. They also happen to be two of my favorites. They are both gentle, respectful, cheerful, strong, and always have a rhythm that they are singing just like you. Hey, I was wondering if you could make me one of your braided bracelets. It should probably be a missionary color that I could wear with anything, black or white. You can use Whitney's wrist to measure. I want one so I can think of you everyday. I love you so much! I have some scriptures I want you to read. When you read them I want you to imagine yourself as one of these missionary warriors. Ok, the scriptures are; Alma 53:20-21; 56:45-47; 57:20-21,27. You are amazing, you are great, you are "one of the noble and great ones...[Grant] thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born" Abraham 3:22-23. I love you sooooooo much, give everyone hugs for me. Oh, I almost forgot! You need to say something everyday too! Say, "Soy un hijo amado de Dios, y regresare a El con honor." That means that I am a beloved son of God and I will return to Him with honor. Te Amo!
Te Amo Papa! I just remembered who Elder Rupp reminds me of the most, you! I couldn't figure it out because I love him like a brother, not a father. No one could ever replace you but I am glad I have Elder Rupp because it helps me to not miss you so much. I'll have to think on what you and Mom and Whitney should say to yourselves everyday.
Te Amo Mama! You are amazing. Thank you for everything you have taught me. Thank you for helping me to develop a cheerful and optimistic personality. It has really helped me here. I promise that if I have a problem I will tell you about it so you can learn and grow too. But, I am honestly loving everything about the MTC. Well, except the food and the fact that I have to wear skirts everyday. But really, I love this place. I love my companions, my district, my teachers, spanish, and especially feeling the spirit all of the time. We wrote "Dear Johns" to English this week so I will be using more spanish now, hopefully. Te Amo!
Thank you to Hermana Taets for typing fast for me.
Love, Hermana Stephenson
Christmas Gift from Home
The parents of the missionaries serving from the Laconia ward got together to make some surprises for our missionaries. This is one of the things we did. Click on the picture above to see the video. The lyrics are below, sung to the tune of "Frosty the Snowman".
Abby the hermana, is a jolly happy soul
despite new scriptures and a spider bite she is really still gung ho.
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, Look how Abby goes
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, Dodging the cuchillos
Elder Billin, left his guitar to preach afar.
Through dog bites, wrinkles and losing hair, he can show that he still cares.
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, Look at Dakin go
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, Se habla espanol.
Hermana Stephenson, is still in the MTC,
Studying hard in espanol, now that she’s not quarantined
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, Look at Andrea go
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, She can’t wait to go.
William the Elder, eating ostrich and fighting fires
he’s preaching the gospel to every one, and he never, ever tires
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, Look how William goes
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, His shoes, they all have holes.
Marisa the hermana, Solo sister in the MTC
Was a temple square guide just before she left, and now she’s a true greenie
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, Look at Marisa go
Knockity-knock-knock, Knockity-knock-knock, And now she’s in San Diego.
Our missionaries are; Dakin Billin in Osorno Chile, Abby Billin in Concepcion Chile, William Ayer in Mendoza Argentina, Marisa Johnson in San Diego, Spanish speaking and Andrea Stephenson going to Mesa Arizona, Spanish speaking.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hola mi familia,
Te amo! Pues, tengo mucho news. Primera, mi distrito is extraordinarily musically talented. And we love the EFY medley. So I was wondering if you could find the sheet music for it and send it to me. It was on the bottom shelf of the bookcase in my room, I think. There is a talent show on Christmas and we may want to try out for it. And speaking of singing, I was able to sing with Hna. Taets on Sunday. We sang "Soy Un Hijo de Dios." Hna. Wardle played for us. I sang the descant and the alto part. It went really well. Also, I met a Sister Miller who knows Olivia and would love to write to her, but I couldn't remember their address. If you could send that to me, I will get it to her. And I really am sending pictures today. No, really! :)
So, it has been quite the semana. I don't remember if I told you what Hna. Patterson struggles with. She has something called "dissociative disorder". I don't have tons of time, so I will ask you to research it a bit for more information. She talked to one of the counselors here about it, and they decided it would be best for her if she went home and fixed this before serving a mission. So she left yesterday on medical leave. I would appreciate it if you would keep her in your prayers. I love and miss her. She was exactly the companion I needed for the first month at the MTC. Now I am in a threesome with Hnas Taets and Wardle. They are awesome, but I need to get to know them better so I can come to love them more too.
So every Tuesday we have a special devotional with the whole MTC. This week was very special because Elder Dallin H. Oaks came to speak to us. When he walked into the room we all stood and it felt as though the entire room got brighter. I felt as though my spirit grew to be bigger than my body. It was like my spirit, not just my head, recognized him as my brother. One whom I had supported in the life before this to be my leader. It was an incredible feeling. He also gave an excellent talk. I got out of it that we all need to truly always remember who we are, as children of God and as set-apart servants of the Lord. We also need to remember our divine heritage and the potential we have to become like our Father. I love this gospel so much. I have truly felt here, God's love for me. I know that He knows who I am and what I need. I love Him. I also know Jesus is my Savior. I have learned more and gained a better personal understanding of the Atonement. I have felt its healing, comforting, and supporting power. I know that the Holy Ghost is real and can truly ALWAYS be my constant companion. Elder Oaks told us to make sure that on our missions we remember to let the Holy Ghost be our senior companion.
Nancy, te amo! You are a most beloved daughter of God. He knows who you are and what you need. He loves you more than you can even imagine. I have a challenge for you too. I want you to say, every day, "Soy una hija de Dios, y El me ama." That means " I am a daughter of God, and He loves me." I know that is true. I also want you to read 2 Nephi 9:3 and remember to be grateful. Whenever I am feeling down or discouraged, I say a prayer of thanks. I try to thank Him for as many things as I can. That helps me to be humble and to learn and to be happy. Te amo mi hermana.
Y te amo mi familia!
Mucho amor,
Hna. Andrea Stephenson
Ahloooooha!
Okay so mi subject is in Hawai'ian. Oh well.
Mi familia amado,
Sí, you were right with the te quiero but te amo would (hopefully) be more correct. You use amar in only three instances, when speaking of God, spouse, or family.
I have a lot of thoughts I want to get down, so I have actually written out my letter on paper, and am just transcribing.
Primera, quiero to thank Nana and Grandpa and Mom for accepting and living the gospel. It has blessed mi vida more than I know. Also, I want you all to know how much I love you.
Lydia, I carry your worry rock almost everywhere. I want you to know that you are a much loved daughter of God. I have a challenge for you. I want you to learn how to say something in Spanish, and then say it everyday. You can ask Whitney for help with pronouncing the words right, but here they are. I want you to say, Dios es mi Padre Celestial y me ama. It means, God is my Heavenly Father and He loves me. Te amo mí hermana.
Okay, some logistics. I am going to take some more pictures and then send the card to you, hopefully, by next week. I leave the MTC on December 29th. So, if you send me any gifts, I would suggest sending them to Arizona, so I don´t have to leave any behind because my luggage is too heavy.
Okay, now some lighter things. We have had some nieve several times. It is usually gone by the afternoon, but still. The buildings, because of the ventilation systems, sound like you are in a jet airplane alllllll the time. I really do expect someone to come on the PA at some point and say pressurizing cabin. Muy divertido! I am feeling much better, but I still have a very annoying cough. I explained Chronic Lyme Disease to Doctor Brown and he said that he would be willing to watch Under Our Skin, but he wouldn´t be willing to pay to buy it. So, if you are comfortable with sending me the DVD, I could lend it to him and then send it back. It´s up to you. The first week here, I agreed with Elder Garret about the food, but now I am more siding with Elder Parkinson. I have also been craving applesauce, weird, yo sé. I would love some cranberry orange relish for Thanksgiving! Oh, and Hna. Patterson would like to try SuperTonic. I was also wondering if you could send me my favorite jeans and a belt and maybe my tech shirt. Not necessary, but they would be nice. I have gotten into a pretty good routine with the meds, and am feeling pretty good, but if you want to switch me back, está bien. I would also love it if you could give Rachel and Kierra hugs for be. Solamente porque. Whitney, if you want some new music, go to lds.org, and click on Mormon Channel, entonces Programs. There is some really good music on there.
Okay, I want you all to take some time to stop and feel your Savior´s love. Just do as it says in D&C 101:16, Be still and know that I am God. Mom, I want you to read the first part of that verse too. Te amo.
Also, my last request is about Christmas. What I want for Christmas, is for you to, as a family, give at least one person un Libro de Mormón. Les amo. You can do it!
Yo sé que Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial y que Jesucristo es mi Salvador. Le amo. Y, as Hna. Taets says, k ciao! It means k bye!
Mucho amor,
Hna. Andrea Stephenson
Four minutes, that was fast. I really am having the time of my life. It is amazing here. Grant, you are going to love it when you get to come here. My testimony has grown so much. I have had some very special spiritual experiences, and I really KNOW that God knows and cares about me, Andrea. I know that He knows you too, and He wants you to know that I am being taken care of, and I love you and He loves you. I know it.
Les amo!
I'm ALIIIIIIVE!!!
Hola mi Madre!
I love you! I am feeling much better. In fact they just let me out of quarantine. Hermana Patterson is so excited to have me back. She says that the whole district has been praying for me all week. They are so good. I slept for about 85% of the time I was in there. That would be part of the reason it went so fast for me. I'm sorry you have been worrying so much. I watched one the devotionals that I missed and it talked about taking time to slow down and feel Heavenly Father's love. Think of the Children's Songbook I Feel My Savior's Love. Stop the hustle and bustle for a little bit, and just feel His love for you.
I got the flip-flops and they are perfect. You have no idea how excited I was to get them. I love getting mail. However, it means I haven't missed you at all. You are always right there when I need you. Oh, it is Hermana Amber Patterson.
Thirty minutes is not nearly enough for me to get all my thoughts out in an organized fashion, so bear with me. So, I have been craving applesauce, weird. They definitely don't abide by the BRAT diet in Quarantine. So in the first week of the MTC I would have agreed with Elder Garrett about the food, but after quarantine I definitely agree with Elder Parkinson.
I have been craving some Christmas, too.
I had a whole list of things I wanted to say and I left it in my room. I will be sending more pictures as soon as I get some. I will also take some pictures of my journal entries so you can get some more information.
Honestly, I can't think very well, right now. There are quite a few distractions. I feel bad, but I really love you. I love you all.
love love love love love love love love,
Hna. Stephenson
Update from the MTC
We got a call from the MTC President, Saturday afternoon. He was just calling us let us know that Andrea has developed more of a fever and is now in "sick bay". To limit the spread of any illness they have a building where those who are ill stay. Doctors and nurses check on them, they give them laptops with language programs and other training materials so they can continue to study. They have TV's in their rooms that link to any firesides or devotionals they might miss. The MTC president said she was just achey and had a fever, no intestinal issues so he felt like she would be out of there quickly. They will call us again when she is better.
Hermana (Sister) Stephenson's first letter home.
Hey Everyone!
Thank you so much for all the letters and goodies. My companion is amazing! We are a lot alike. Hermana Patterson is from Colorado and is pretty hilarious. I have seen both Hermana Johnson and Elder Mender several times each. They are having fun and say "hi". We have been so busy that I haven't had time to be homesick at all. Busy, busy, busy!
We have a lot of class time and study time. Spanish is coming along faster than I thought possible. I am so grateful for the Gift of Tongues.
So the most exciting thing that has happened other than some incredible teaching experiences, is that I got sick, the same day that you sent me the letter warning me against the flu. So, I wasn't going to go to the clinic, but Hermana Patterson was really worried so she brought me. Doctor Brown told me to get to bed around nine. So I had to miss some class, but I slept really well until about 11:30. Then I woke up sweating and feeling like my stomache was really tight and painful. So I decided to go to the bathroom. I got off the top bunk and took about three steps before feeling like I was going to pass out. So I got down on the floor and after some moments of indecision I called out to the Hermanas in our room. Sweet little Hermana Conley from Texas was right there and helped me. She fanned me and got help. She walked me down to the front desk and we called Doctor Brown. I felt so bad that we had to call him so late at night. He told me to come in the next morning. So we went in and I was still achey, etc. So they tested me for swine flu (again)(it was negative) and they took a urine test and they drew some blood. I didn't even pass out! I told the nurse that I usually pass out and she told me a trick she had learned from another Elder. She put a cold-pack under my neck and I didn't even feel nauseas. Have Whitney try it. It was amazing. (I'm wearing my Minnie shirt today, by the way.) Anyway, they aren't sure what's wrong, though it's probably just stress and lack of sleep. So I have to go back today.
I told the Doctor and Hermanas Patterson, Conley, McGuire, and Jarrett (my roomates) about Lyme disease. Hermana Patterson really understands. She is very "organic", as Hma. Conley says. She reminds me of you, Mom.
I have gotten about as much mail as the rest of the district combined. Hma. Patterson has gotten none. I'm sure they would appreciate letters from you and anyone else that wants to write a missionary. I have the best district ever! You should "Dear Elder" them. We all have the same mailbox number so there are: Hermanas Patterson, Taets, and Wardle; and Elders Reese, Jones, Leonard (he is also going to Mesa and is from South Africa), Colvin, Stone, Lemperle, Smith and Rupp. I'm sure they would all appreciate letters.
I was wondering if you could send me some flip-flops. They don't have any women's in the bookstore.
I love you, I love you, I love you!!!
Hermana Stephenson
Sister Stephenson is in the MTC
Andrea gets her mission call!
Andrea gets her mission call to Mesa Arizona Spanish speaking. She goes into the MTC (missionary training center) on October 28th 2009 and will come home in May 2011.