Maclaine has arrived to her destination and today (Sunday) will meet her first companion and get to work.
In a short email message to her family last night, she said that she felt so welcomed and was so relieved to make it to the mission field.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Out in the field
We just received exciting news that Maclaine is leaving tomorrow and will be officially "out in the field." This was a surprise to us all. We can't wait to hear Maclaine's side of the story.
Here is some of her letter for the week. ( She wrote a cute little story about Andy which is posted on his site. I hope she had a chance to say good-bye.)
It has been an interesting week at the MTC. I'm with a new district - an intermediate district thats been here for about 6 weeks - so its definitely a different pace/atmosphere. They play a few games in class to know the Spanish and it actually is pretty fun and a good review for me for vocabulary. My teachers are amazing though. Hna. Semmons (She is from Dad's country - Me-hi-co) and Hno. Simmons. But, the challenge has been to not loose steam. It was kind of hard last week but I made some goals of things I want to accomplish that will help me in the mission field so this week will be great.
I think I might have already mentioned this, but the elders here are really great. I kind of had this idea that there would be a kind of separation between the elders and sisters, but there isn't! I feel like everyone is friends. I respect the elders so much and they respect us. I appreciate so much more now all of the sacrifices they make in giving up 2 years of their lives to serve. It's funny how much they mature once they are called to be missionaries. Well, I guess everyone does- sisters included.
Hmm.... what else? "Oh yes" (the youngest son on Swiss Family Robinson). We had a fireside on Sunday, which I always love. But, I went in and I was sitting on the first row of the stadium-style seating. And I saw a microphone positioned a few feet away. Last week they allowed a few elders to come and share their favorite hymn. So I knew something like that was going to happen. Then, as I was writing in my study journal a couple of notes the speaker said, "Now, I'm going to axk the sister in the orange dress right there on the aisle to help me by reading the words to this hymn" It was me! In front of the entire MTC! Anyway, I ended up being up there for about five minutes reading and then replying to a couple of questions that he had! Crazy! The funnest part was being " famous" in the MTC for that night and on Monday. Everyone told me I did a good job, but who knows if they are just saying that. Hahaha. anyway, it was definitely something to remember.
The fireside was really great though - It was about "feeding the sheep". Christ talks to Peter and I can't remember the exact scripture, I think it is in Luke, and he says "lovest thou me more than these (being a fisherman)" Peter replies "yes" and Christ replies, "Feed my Sheep". That is what I am here to do. It made me so excited. Anyway, I've got 20 seconds!
I love you so much and I know the gospel is true!
Here is some of her letter for the week. ( She wrote a cute little story about Andy which is posted on his site. I hope she had a chance to say good-bye.)
It has been an interesting week at the MTC. I'm with a new district - an intermediate district thats been here for about 6 weeks - so its definitely a different pace/atmosphere. They play a few games in class to know the Spanish and it actually is pretty fun and a good review for me for vocabulary. My teachers are amazing though. Hna. Semmons (She is from Dad's country - Me-hi-co) and Hno. Simmons. But, the challenge has been to not loose steam. It was kind of hard last week but I made some goals of things I want to accomplish that will help me in the mission field so this week will be great.
I think I might have already mentioned this, but the elders here are really great. I kind of had this idea that there would be a kind of separation between the elders and sisters, but there isn't! I feel like everyone is friends. I respect the elders so much and they respect us. I appreciate so much more now all of the sacrifices they make in giving up 2 years of their lives to serve. It's funny how much they mature once they are called to be missionaries. Well, I guess everyone does- sisters included.
Hmm.... what else? "Oh yes" (the youngest son on Swiss Family Robinson). We had a fireside on Sunday, which I always love. But, I went in and I was sitting on the first row of the stadium-style seating. And I saw a microphone positioned a few feet away. Last week they allowed a few elders to come and share their favorite hymn. So I knew something like that was going to happen. Then, as I was writing in my study journal a couple of notes the speaker said, "Now, I'm going to axk the sister in the orange dress right there on the aisle to help me by reading the words to this hymn" It was me! In front of the entire MTC! Anyway, I ended up being up there for about five minutes reading and then replying to a couple of questions that he had! Crazy! The funnest part was being " famous" in the MTC for that night and on Monday. Everyone told me I did a good job, but who knows if they are just saying that. Hahaha. anyway, it was definitely something to remember.
The fireside was really great though - It was about "feeding the sheep". Christ talks to Peter and I can't remember the exact scripture, I think it is in Luke, and he says "lovest thou me more than these (being a fisherman)" Peter replies "yes" and Christ replies, "Feed my Sheep". That is what I am here to do. It made me so excited. Anyway, I've got 20 seconds!
I love you so much and I know the gospel is true!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sister Neff/Elder Neff
We were thrilled to get this week's - and last week's email, as Maclaine's email didn't go thru last week. She's been keeping us updated though, with written letters which is nice.
Her update is that she was supposed to leave last Monday, but her date has been pushed back a couple of weeks to keep an eye on her wisdom- tooth- gum situation. She developed a "dry socket" a couple of weeks ago and the doctor's want to keep an eye on her for a bit longer. We are praying for a quick recovery so she can get out in the field asap.
She is "SO THANKFUL" for all the love, support, prayers, letters, packages that have been sent to her, as are her parents. She said her district teases her for getting the most mail out of everyone. She is really missing her district that she became so close to the last couple of weeks, as they all left for their different missions on Monday.
Here are a few quotes from her last two letters, you might enjoy!
"Well, this week has flown by! I know, its so cleche... but it is true about how fast the weeks go. This week has been really really good though.
First, I saw Elder Neff on Wednesday! My classroom building is right next to the entrance so when I went out for lunch and then came back I lingered for a few extra minutes to try and see their whole family but I didn't . Even when we were in lunch I was trying to look out the windows as I walked by to try and see them in the line for the capillas (chapels). Hna Venegas finally said, "Hermana, I don't think that we are going to see them." I was bumbed but so happy when I saw Andy at dinner! He seemed to be doing alright. He was sitting down and he went to shake my hand but I gave him a little side hug. We talked for a few minutes, it was great. I saw him the next morning and he definitely looked pretty sleepy! He said that he asked and they told him that he couldn't give me a hug but he gave me a little side hug anyway. I've seen him here and there just passing by and saying hi. I saw him on Sunday and asked him how everything was going and he said it was great and that he really liked the Sundays. Which is totally true. Sundays feel so relaxing. Its funny a teacher read in his journal from the MTC and it said something like " yesterday was sunday and was so great and was a relaxing day. I woke up had breakfast, went to Sacrament mtg, went to preisthood, studied, had lunch, went to a district meeting, studied, walked to the temple, had dinner, went to the devotional, watched a church movie then planned with my companion" To a normal person it doesn't sound that great maybe, but for a missionary that is a pretty great day! That is exactly how my schedule is on Sundays, it is really great."
"This week though has been great. A little challenging at times, but great at the same time. I feel so blessed to have been raised in the gospel and also for my heritage. I am the only one in my district that has pioneer ancestors. I've never really thought about that before but we watched Joseph Smith:Prophet of the Restoration and wow, it was awesome, but It made me so grateful for my ancestors that accepted the gospel.
I am getting really excited to go and share the gospel. We learned yesterday about finding the people who are ready to hear the gospel. Heavenly Father is preparing them to hear it and its our job to go and find them. THere is a scripture in the old testament and in other parts of the scripture that says people are searching for the truth, they just don't know where to find it. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and be an instrament in HIs hands."
We'll keep you posted on when she leaves- have a great week!
Her update is that she was supposed to leave last Monday, but her date has been pushed back a couple of weeks to keep an eye on her wisdom- tooth- gum situation. She developed a "dry socket" a couple of weeks ago and the doctor's want to keep an eye on her for a bit longer. We are praying for a quick recovery so she can get out in the field asap.
She is "SO THANKFUL" for all the love, support, prayers, letters, packages that have been sent to her, as are her parents. She said her district teases her for getting the most mail out of everyone. She is really missing her district that she became so close to the last couple of weeks, as they all left for their different missions on Monday.
Here are a few quotes from her last two letters, you might enjoy!
"Well, this week has flown by! I know, its so cleche... but it is true about how fast the weeks go. This week has been really really good though.
First, I saw Elder Neff on Wednesday! My classroom building is right next to the entrance so when I went out for lunch and then came back I lingered for a few extra minutes to try and see their whole family but I didn't . Even when we were in lunch I was trying to look out the windows as I walked by to try and see them in the line for the capillas (chapels). Hna Venegas finally said, "Hermana, I don't think that we are going to see them." I was bumbed but so happy when I saw Andy at dinner! He seemed to be doing alright. He was sitting down and he went to shake my hand but I gave him a little side hug. We talked for a few minutes, it was great. I saw him the next morning and he definitely looked pretty sleepy! He said that he asked and they told him that he couldn't give me a hug but he gave me a little side hug anyway. I've seen him here and there just passing by and saying hi. I saw him on Sunday and asked him how everything was going and he said it was great and that he really liked the Sundays. Which is totally true. Sundays feel so relaxing. Its funny a teacher read in his journal from the MTC and it said something like " yesterday was sunday and was so great and was a relaxing day. I woke up had breakfast, went to Sacrament mtg, went to preisthood, studied, had lunch, went to a district meeting, studied, walked to the temple, had dinner, went to the devotional, watched a church movie then planned with my companion" To a normal person it doesn't sound that great maybe, but for a missionary that is a pretty great day! That is exactly how my schedule is on Sundays, it is really great."
"This week though has been great. A little challenging at times, but great at the same time. I feel so blessed to have been raised in the gospel and also for my heritage. I am the only one in my district that has pioneer ancestors. I've never really thought about that before but we watched Joseph Smith:Prophet of the Restoration and wow, it was awesome, but It made me so grateful for my ancestors that accepted the gospel.
I am getting really excited to go and share the gospel. We learned yesterday about finding the people who are ready to hear the gospel. Heavenly Father is preparing them to hear it and its our job to go and find them. THere is a scripture in the old testament and in other parts of the scripture that says people are searching for the truth, they just don't know where to find it. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and be an instrament in HIs hands."
We'll keep you posted on when she leaves- have a great week!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Compelled.
As a father, I feel compelled to write a quick note.
I've got to come clean. I don't like to talk too much about the Tender Mercies of the Lord. Actually, I do. But I like to label it differently - if only to avoid the over-use of the terminology.
That said, today was a day of many small, refreshing and miraculous tender mercies sent to our little family by a knowing, loving creator. Without any details to share, suffice to say that time and time again on this very day, we have been witness to the individualized love our Heavenly Father has, and in the most timely ways displayed for our missionary daughter.
The compilation of so many little tender mercies is almost more than this father can either bear or comprehend. The day's events gives voice to the following scripture that we so frequently and easily pass by and then lay aside:
"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in ALL things, and obey not his commandments."
I've got to come clean. I don't like to talk too much about the Tender Mercies of the Lord. Actually, I do. But I like to label it differently - if only to avoid the over-use of the terminology.
That said, today was a day of many small, refreshing and miraculous tender mercies sent to our little family by a knowing, loving creator. Without any details to share, suffice to say that time and time again on this very day, we have been witness to the individualized love our Heavenly Father has, and in the most timely ways displayed for our missionary daughter.
The compilation of so many little tender mercies is almost more than this father can either bear or comprehend. The day's events gives voice to the following scripture that we so frequently and easily pass by and then lay aside:
"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in ALL things, and obey not his commandments."
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Address at the MTC
Sister Maclaine Neff
MTC Mailbox #99
PUR-SJUW 0821
2005 No. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
MTC Mailbox #99
PUR-SJUW 0821
2005 No. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Week One.
Maclaine and the rest of the family survived the MTC last week. She sent us a letter that we got on Friday. It was her first assignment to write home to the family. We loved getting a letter from her.
She said she has a great companion whose parents are both from Chile, so she speaks great English and Spanish. She is from Toronto and Maclaine said, " so how long have you lived in Texas?"
Brian said you sure can tell the difference between an Elder's mission experience and a Sister's. Maclaine said that it was so nice because when her and her companion had gotten to their room, their roommates had made their beds and put a little treat on it.
We got our first p-day email this week. Maclaine had a little adventure in the oral surgeon's office due to a dry socket from her wisdom teeth that she got out a few weeks ago. Here are a few paragraphs about her dental experience and her first week in the MTC.
"But, as I was saying, it was pretty involved. I got a few shots and they took me into the surgery room and waited for everything to go numb while I was on the laughing gas. Then, they actuallly did a little mini-surgery it felt like. I won't tell you all of the details, maybe if Dad wants to here them I tell him. I know it would make mom queesy. It took about 20 minutes. They covered my eyes with a towel and everything. The whole time I was trying to recite the 1st vision, but the laughing gas was making it hard to focus so I couldn't get past the first line "vi una columna de luz mas brill......" then I would just keep doing it over and over again!"
"Will you guys pray for me that it doesn't and that I'll still be able to go to Puerto Rico? That would be awesome. I know that Heavenly Father wants the best for us and listens to our prayers. "
"The funny part of the story is that my face looks like a lopsided chipmunk! We went to Rite-Aid to pick up some medication after and I was really hoping that I wouldn't see anyone that I knew. (I didn't end up seeing anyone) But I had a mouth full of gauze and a make shift ice pack trying to communicate with the pharmacy then trying to still speak Spanish with my companion. I am totally smiling about it right now as I am thinking about it. My voice was really nasally for a while- it was like I was the guy from the 33 street joke!"
"Well, as for the rest of the week, its been really awesome. Already I feel like my testimony has grown so so much. It was more of an adjustment that I thought it would be but I think I'm used to everything now. It wasn't really the waking up at 6:30 was hard, it was just a lot to take in and do all at once. We are always busy, but we should be. This is totally the Lord's time and I am His servant and so happy to be His servant. THis whole week has just been a testament of how much God loves His children. He gave us prophets, He sent His Son, and He's given us prophets and His gospel again. Its so neat."
"I come away everyday just so excited to go and serve. My comp and district are great. There are eight of us. There are actually only two 19 year olds in the whole group. The others are just those who have waited a little while to go on a mission, but their stories are really neat. They all have sacrificed a lot to serve the Lord. One is a convert of just a year and sold his car, apt, everything to come on a mission!"
If anyone is reading this post this week, I hope you can join your thoughts and prayers with ours that Maclaine's gums will heal and that she will be able to go to PR as planned. Thanks!
She said she has a great companion whose parents are both from Chile, so she speaks great English and Spanish. She is from Toronto and Maclaine said, " so how long have you lived in Texas?"
Brian said you sure can tell the difference between an Elder's mission experience and a Sister's. Maclaine said that it was so nice because when her and her companion had gotten to their room, their roommates had made their beds and put a little treat on it.
We got our first p-day email this week. Maclaine had a little adventure in the oral surgeon's office due to a dry socket from her wisdom teeth that she got out a few weeks ago. Here are a few paragraphs about her dental experience and her first week in the MTC.
"But, as I was saying, it was pretty involved. I got a few shots and they took me into the surgery room and waited for everything to go numb while I was on the laughing gas. Then, they actuallly did a little mini-surgery it felt like. I won't tell you all of the details, maybe if Dad wants to here them I tell him. I know it would make mom queesy. It took about 20 minutes. They covered my eyes with a towel and everything. The whole time I was trying to recite the 1st vision, but the laughing gas was making it hard to focus so I couldn't get past the first line "vi una columna de luz mas brill......" then I would just keep doing it over and over again!"
"Will you guys pray for me that it doesn't and that I'll still be able to go to Puerto Rico? That would be awesome. I know that Heavenly Father wants the best for us and listens to our prayers. "
"The funny part of the story is that my face looks like a lopsided chipmunk! We went to Rite-Aid to pick up some medication after and I was really hoping that I wouldn't see anyone that I knew. (I didn't end up seeing anyone) But I had a mouth full of gauze and a make shift ice pack trying to communicate with the pharmacy then trying to still speak Spanish with my companion. I am totally smiling about it right now as I am thinking about it. My voice was really nasally for a while- it was like I was the guy from the 33 street joke!"
"Well, as for the rest of the week, its been really awesome. Already I feel like my testimony has grown so so much. It was more of an adjustment that I thought it would be but I think I'm used to everything now. It wasn't really the waking up at 6:30 was hard, it was just a lot to take in and do all at once. We are always busy, but we should be. This is totally the Lord's time and I am His servant and so happy to be His servant. THis whole week has just been a testament of how much God loves His children. He gave us prophets, He sent His Son, and He's given us prophets and His gospel again. Its so neat."
"I come away everyday just so excited to go and serve. My comp and district are great. There are eight of us. There are actually only two 19 year olds in the whole group. The others are just those who have waited a little while to go on a mission, but their stories are really neat. They all have sacrificed a lot to serve the Lord. One is a convert of just a year and sold his car, apt, everything to come on a mission!"
If anyone is reading this post this week, I hope you can join your thoughts and prayers with ours that Maclaine's gums will heal and that she will be able to go to PR as planned. Thanks!
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