Vancouver and such...

Weekly Highlights

·   My new companion/Trainer:

Hermana Grass from New Mexico. She is a great...a ginormous relief. She likes to work and clean and me likey that mucho. Our dynamic with teaching is going well and she has only been out 6 months on the mission. I'm sure I will have more stories of ours in the future, but so far we have no complaints about each other. :) We are in the only sisters in our area and the only other spanish speaking companionship so we cover a wide range.

·   We live with Sister Wise:

An english member from Vancouver who is probably in her 60's and her husband passed 6 years ago. She is very easy going and loves her dog, Molly and she has severe pain from Fibromyalgia (spelling?) and really misses her husband. She teaches a small preschool out of her home to 5 kids since she was a school teacher all of her career and had 6 kids. Since living alone and being physically challenged it seems that she has kind of left her home alone...so I am glad to know how to clean, I just wish I had more time to do so. Ok, one funny thing and one spiritual thing about her and her home this week. So, above the her living room T.V. is a painting of her husband...but it is a painting of a picture of him and he's got these awesome 80's glasses on...but the thing is that it totally reminds of Magnus' painting that chases Trunchbull on "Matilda!" A bit creepy...but he's the center of the room and I have to just look everywhere else, otherwise I will laugh or scream. Haha! Ok, spiritual thing with her...so we had a couple of our evening teach appointments fall through on Saturday and we are not supposed to go home early. So, we kept trying to visit other people etc. and nothing was working and this week has had a lot of changes in the mission that have prevented us from really planning or studying or organizing anything to be better prepared to teach. So finally, Hermana Grass said that we'd go home and do that so that we wouldn't be giving up early, but still doing what we needed to do at home. Well, we walk in the door and Sister Wise is trying to put lights on a small Christmas tree and just looked totally depressed and sad. So, we immediately start helping and she gets all cheery and says, "Thank you. I have not felt like putting any Christmas decorations up since my husband passed and having you here is the first year." She told us stories about each ornament and admired the tree the rest of the night. Although we didn't find more people to teach that night, we think the spirit forced us home to be there with her.

 MTC Stuff I wanted to tell ya:

  First, here's a picture of Hermana Wright & I in our silky robes.

  Okays, so finally in the MTC I begged and forced everyone to watch Elder Holland's "The Miracle of a Mission" and finally we did on our last night in class and everyone was enthralled and afterwards it was the most spiritual meeting our District ever had together as everyone shared some pretty personal and cool stuff about serving. Afterwards everyone thanked me and I just told them to thank my brother who actually talks, acts and thinks just like Elder Holland. 

Current Missionary Work

·   Maiah - 28 year old gorgeous girl who started dating a recent (2yr.) Latin convert and noticed that his family had a happiness and wanted to know more so she came to church twice and then the Hermanas before me taught her a week and 1/2 and then she got baptized last weekend. So all of that happened in less than 3 weeks...basically while I was at the MTC. Anyway, we are continuing to teach her and Hermana Grass kept telling me about her and she was a "golden investigator", then I met her and I call her a "gleaming gold" because she is the happiest, most loving person I have met because of the gospel in her life. She and I really click and she actually only speaks english. We are continuing to teach her, but she is really meshing with the branch.

·   Francesca - Early 30's, from Mexico and has 2 young boys. She is very confused why everyone claims to have the truth and she was very interested in the concept of Modern day prophets. I told her that she reminds me of a man called Joseph Smith who was also confused...BINGO! However, she is very angry with God and has not prayed to him in 2 years because she feels that he has not blessed her for leaving her family behind in Mexico. This has been my most spiritual lesson because I was able to answer many of her questions through listening to her and the spirit very intently and answering clearly and concisely. In the middle of her explaining her past, she suddenly stopped and said to me...your gaze is so intense and so loving...you really believe in what you are doing here! That touched her and she is letting us come back. I found out later from Hermana Grass that she has been approached before but nobody could get through to her and having me there, Hermana Grass was amazed that Francesca shared so much and wanted to hear more. We've had a couple more of the same kinds of situations where Hermana Grass can't believe that after chatting with me that they are letting us come back! I am not magic...but of course I instantly feel the love that God feels for His children when I meet them and apparently they can feel that through me, so at least I am doing that right...I'm still getting used to the mission...it is weird...but it is good. Haha!

MTC: I'm Outta Here

So, I jet out of this joint on Tuesday, November 29. I'm flying on Delta and have a quick flight to Washington, with no stops. I'll be there by the early afternoon.

Now time to fill you in on more MTC life...

DISCURSO:

So each Sunday after Sacrament, our Branch President randomly announced missionaries to give talks on the theme. That means that during the week we all individually prepare a 5 minute talk in Spanish on the week's theme. Last week's was "The Gift of the Holy Ghost by the Laying on of Hands" and guess who he called up....ME. :) I knew it before he even announced it. Hahaha. It went well...a little less casual than I would've liked since I wanted the doctrine to be clear in spanish...anyway, it is good to have the talks prepared each week even if you don't speak because then you have them for your mission because randomly having to speak will not become so random anymore for a missionary.

DEVOTIONALS/THANKSGIVING:

Elder Christofferson of the 12 apostles spoke to  us on Tuesday...I was stoked! And I sang "Come Thou Fount" (Alex's favorito) with the choir. He started his talk out by telling us that one time he was visiting a Spanish Ward and the pulpit had a sign by the mic that read, "Please speak slowly, you are being translated." HAHAHAHA! Love the gospel jokes...but really that's a good one. :) He discussed D&C 112 and thanked us over and over again for serving...that we are companions with the 12 and the Quorums of 70, "We are honored to be your companions. We go shoulder to shoulder in this apostolic work." He also talked about serving his mission in Argentina and how Elder Richard G. Scott was his mission president, so that was cool. Also he talked about yielding our hearts to God (Heleman 3:25, 35) and said "Everything that ocurrs to you in your mission will be swallowed up in the Joy of Christ." referring to Alma 31:38. He then felt impressed to bless us and that was really special telling us that God is who gives us the increase and carries the burden, "Do what He asks; it is not that much." "Bind yourself to Him and it all comes out well."

Then if that was not enough, Elder Nelson and his wife Wendy surprised us Thanksgiving morning...I can barely describe to you how it feels to have one of the Lord's special witnesses walk in and to stand in silence...we were all so full of gratitude...best way to celebrate. Of course Elder Nelson's address was amazing as he shared the miracles that happened when he was a Junior apostle called to open up missions in Communist countries and specifically in Russia. It would take too long and be too complicated to type...so just trust me. However for me, Sister Nelson was the real heart surgeon yesterday...full on open heart surgery on Hermana Alard. I was enthralled with her and her words. She gave 4 situations of where men were asked to do something the Lord's way and not after the manner of men.

1. "Nephi's Impecable Obedience" - He had no clue how to do what the Lord asked...EVER. (Laban, The Ship, His brothers etc.) 1 Nephi 17:8

2. Joseph Smith building temples - The Architect disagreed with circular windows and said that that made no sense, but Joseph knew what the Lord had shown him.

3. Dr. Russel M. Nelson (Elder Nelson) - He honored the scriptures more than his medical textbooks and pioneered "open heart surgery" against conflicting medical views/beliefs because passages in scripture inspired him to think on how this could be done and the Lord showed him how. Also, when he was called to be an apostle, he immediately "Laid down his nets" (Matthew 4) because he did not want to live his life after the manner of men and he closed his practice after he was a world renowned surgeon accomplishing incredible medical feats.

4. Parley P. Pratt - had a dream of a man asking him to join a greater work, the Lord's work and to CEASE working on his crops and fence...but he ignored the dream and planted his crop. Later he wrote, "I never reaped." meaning literally from his crops and spiritually from the Lord's work because he followed after the manner of men.

She then had us all promise to our Heavenly Father outloud, "I will serve my mission for the Lord after the manner He will show me and not after the manner of men." This was super powerful. That's all I have time to tell you but, this topic was amazing because this is something that I have really been studying and working on because all the things that used to work for me being effiicient at church, work etc. do not seem to be working for me here and so my "best"/Raven's way has been futile...it must be done in the Lord's way.

Ok, I'm over my time...Love you all and please pray for me! LOVE YOU and hope to talk soon!

MTC Week 1

Nov 17th, 2011

As of Monday I have been moved to Advanced Spanish and will be leaving the MTC in 2.5 weeks. I am in the same Zone, but a 

different District which means new companions, new room and new Mailbox #.

·   Zone 47, District D

·   Companions with Hermanas Franck (Fresno, CA Mission) and Harding (Phoenix, AZ) spanish speaking

·   Mailbox #284 (My address stays the same, just the Box# changes.)

·   Residence 17M, Richards Building

·   Class 7M, Kimball Building

·   Pday on Thursdays

The cafeteria served Graham Canyon Ice cream for lunch and Marionberry for dinner...that is the extent of my excitement these days...oh, and the temple was great of course!

I'll have to tell you about the craziness of the Spanish class they placed me in when I get back...but I feel so grateful because I love my first District so so so much! A huge blessing in my life...and then this whirwind happened and I have fun with the Advanced District (Elders all 1/2 or full Latin and Sisters both white). The class is at my level and although I get frustrated with myself teaching, the new companionship is trying my patience the most. But it is all good...I am adaptable and the Lord knows what is best and the sooner I can serve the better. I do miss my other District a ton though.

The MTC is not my fav...but it is not terrible. :) I mostly just don't like so much sitting, standing and eating (processed/heavy foods)...I use gym time to the MAX! I love Predicad Mi Evangelio...it is the BOMB and I would die without it. I also really love the CHOIR! Singing has been a major stress release and the Director is super duper funny! We sang "Be Still My Soul" for the devotional Tuesday and me and Alex's old Raintree Stake President conducted the choir that night. He is incredible..booming voice/testimony and I sat on the front row and he asked me to pray...it was cool. And I am trying to get out of the habit of saying "Guys, Dudes, Gals, Ladies" etc. and use Elderes y Hermanas. I call my new district Elderitos/Doritos...they love it and they love me. :) Most of all I am in love with the Sabbath...the sacrament and Music and the Spoken word rock my soul. ;)

Just going on a mission...that's all.

I have been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Washington Kennewick Mission, Spanish Speaking and I report to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) on November 9, 2011! My mission scripture is Doctrine & Covenants 6:36-37.

My best friend Carmen will be posting my mission information and my letters on my blog if you feel so inclined to know what I am up to. Otherwise, I'll see you in 18 months...but I would love to hear from you too! It doesn't have to be long, just a quick update on a postcard or a note will do.

MTC (I am scheduled to be there 9 weeks/end of December 2011)

WRITE ME FOR FREE ONLINE HERE!

Sister Raven Alard

MTC Mailbox # 340

WA-KENN 0110

2005 N 900 E

Provo, UT 84604-1793

MISSION HOME/OFFICE (Since I will be a vagabond, you can always rest assured that whatever you send to this address will eventually get to me.)

WRITE ME ONLINE (Regular Postage Costs Apply)

Sister Raven Alard

Washington Kennewick Mission

8656 W. Gage Blvd Ste 205

Kennewick, WA 99336

United States

"Come On, Come Out"

So, yes I skipped a week or so... not that there wasn't oodles of stuff happening, but this blog is basically for my "family fans" and I had chatted with most of them. But anyway, to recap the latest, would probably be that Carmen has ditched me and gone to have her Linguistics research adventure in the Marshall Islands, but before she jet out of here we squeezed in some fun and from what I can tell she is having a blast in the South Pacific!

So it's 3 strikes and then you’re out at the old ball game right? Well, I’ve been to Fenway 2 times to see the RED SOX WIN, so I just have to go at least one more time when my brother Alex comes out for his Birthday and then I'm out of the game...literally; my time is almost up out here! My good friend Tom recently reminded me of the wise words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." So this last weekend I finally had to myself to stop and look around and it was Fantastic! I slept in, went aimlessly running around the Charles River, ate at the famously scrumptious "Grendel's Den", experienced the official "Hahvahd Tour" (a play on the Boston accent) of Harvard's campus with my friend Crystal as the guide and later soaked up a couple of hours at the Museum of Fine Arts studying Egyptian, Grecian, European, Asian and American art and artifacts. I loved having the day to myself; I haven't felt that free in a very long time.

Which also reminds me, I officially graduated from BYU this week, but I walked in April since I knew I'd be out here interning. Micheal Flaherty (Co-Founder & President of Walden Media) found out and threw me a very thoughtful Grad party that also officially made me tear up...hahaha!

Then my roommates took me to Rockport Beach in Gloucester, a seaport city full of FUN and where my dad's family actually stayed for awhile when they came from Cuba years ago! We relaxed by the shore, climbed the rocks, ate fish, and browsed around the neatest shops. This summer we've become attached to a movie called "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds because it was filmed here! So being the film fanatic I am, we searched for the actual locations and spotted, what is known as

Motif Number 1 and the Fudgery from the movie. So, naturally, we took pictures of ourselves reenacting the scenes. If that wasn't already enough for me, we ended the day by watching the sunset on the beach from the lifeguard tower where I met a little boy playing in the sand named Jack. I asked him where he was born (thinking I was making the question simple) and my new friend made his answer simple,

"At the Doctor's." Hahaha! Oh dear, rarely am I that outsmarted and I loved it. Needless to say, this weekend was BLISS. The title of this post is actually a song title, "Come On, Come Out" by A Fine Frenzy because it perfectly describes this weekend if you'd like a listen.

"Ramona and Beezus", "Waiting for Superman" & "New Spice"

So this first week in Boston was really great! Walden Media is doing some good things and I'm excited to be a part of it all. I got to help at the "Ramona and Beezus" movie premiere which was super fun and the film was adorable! I loved reading Beverly Cleary's books when I was young and still now, so it was very satisfying to see a well done film adaptation that can relate to a wide audience today. It makes me excited to see it with my sister Eden! Also on the list of good things is Walden's first documentary, "Waiting for Superman." This documentary strongly promotes children's education, so the cool thing with this is that every time someone visits their website and clicks to see the film, First Book will donate 5 books to a child. So if anyone is even reading this, I'd encourage you to be a "Superman" and give a child 5 books for FREE!

Then, if being a part of all of that here wasn't neat enough, an awesome surprise happened this weekend that actually began back in Provo... I was the Production Coordinator at the Harold B. Lee Library Multimedia Production Unit at BYU. As part of this unit, our crew collaborates to create campus promotional videos. Our latest edition for the library is a parody of the popular "Old Spice" commercial which we have called "New Spice", featuring my friend and stand-up comedian, Stephen Jones. It was posted Friday and we can't believe this video's success on YouTube,CNN, CBS, Facebook etc. I was the Casting Director, 1st Assistant Director and Craft Services on "New Spice." What an opportune time for me just after graduation because hey, you never know, maybe this could be the kickstart to my next job! Check out our "New Spice" blog!

Home Sweet Hopedale & NYC

Well, we made it to Boston a week ago today, just in time to see the "Boston Pops Firework Spectacular" on the Charles river on July 4th! The next day we happily moved into the Hopedale House and then quickly took off to visit New York city for a few days before living life in Allston. We rummaged through the avenues of NYC strolling through Central Park, Times Square, St. Patrick's and The Trinity cathedrals, Wallstreet, The Empire State Building, The Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, Little Italy, Chinatown etc. Then of course we hopped on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. My favorite day had to be when we shopped at H&M, ate Cuban food for lunch, caught a studio tour at NBC and then snapped with the Sharks and the Jets while seeing "Westside Story" that night. I'd say the trip was a jam packed success! Tomorrow is my first day at Walden so I better get to bed, but that pretty much sums up the past week. Wish me luck!