Monday, July 28, 2014

What Does It Feel Like To NOT Sweat?

Dearest Adoring Fans, 

I feel like I don't have a whole lot to talk about this week. All the days feel like they are meshed into one. July is ending. It is hot. Not like cook an egg on the pavement hot, but like I'm drowning in my own sweat hot. What does it feel like to not sweat? I forget... haha The only time I'm cooled is in the nights, except for the nights when the power goes out. Thank heavens Portmore is windy all the time. If it wasn't for that, I think I would roll over and die. I really don't mind the heat, or at least I think I keep trying to tell myself that every single day. Seriously though, if you just tell yourself something long enough, you start to believe it. So everyday I say, "It feels great! I love sweating! Life is good!" (Life really is good, by the way).

One of my favorite things about Jamaica is when you are squished in a taxi, driving past a bunch of bars and people, and the smell of jerk chicken enters your nostrils. Mm. So wonderful. I'll miss that smell. The one smell I will not miss is urine in the hot sun. (Men pee everywhere here). Also, have I mentioned that Portmore just kinda stinks? I think the sewage is all connected or something. But, like I said, thank heavens for the wind, because it blows it away. I miss the country, where the worst smell was goats. 

We went to Kingston this week for Zone Meeting. It was good. I actually kinda like Kingston. So from our house we take a bus to a place called Half-Way Tree. It is where the big bus depot is. Half-Way Tree is the hustle and bustle part of Kingston. From Half-Way Tree we walk about two miles to the Constant Spring Chapel. We see lots of things. We get begged money all the way there. We witnessed a fight, but we got out of there quickly... haha There are some really neat shops on the way. Cars honk like crazy. I think it's very entertaining. Zone Meeting was good, as always.

We are just working the best we can, and being diligent. We dropped an investigator and he was so funny about it. He looked all sad and was like, "Are we breaking up?" I swear when, you tell an investigator that you will not be visiting them anymore until they start showing desire, it feels like you're breaking up with someone. Well, that kid was so lazy, so sadly he just isn't ready to be a member, but hopefully one day!

We are teaching a man who recently lost his girlfriend. She was shot and killed in Kingston. I know I shouldn't mention that, because hearing those stories could worry you... Anyways, it is pretty common out here that someone knows someone who has been killed. He is so broken up. They have children together, and now they are left without a mother. He isn't the most amazing father in the world, he is just a typical Jamaican man, but I think her death has really hit him in the face. I wish they would have been married so we could explain being sealed in the temple, but basically it's hard to do that out here, because nobody gets married. Unless of course they are devout christians or higher up in society. In fact, we are teaching a 19 year old girl who told us she is never getting married. She said, "Why would I get married if it just ends in divorce?" How sad. I told her about all the amazing examples of good marriages I have seen in my life. I talked about my father and mother writing love letters to each other. I talked about my grandparents on both sides having been married for 50 plus years. I went on and on, just trying to convince her it can work. I just think satan has really made people believe that marriage is a thing of the past. But yes, we have lots of investigators with lots of problems resulting from their sins or somebody else's sins. It makes me sad in my heart. 

Pioneer Day was this last week. It is a holiday that we don't really celebrate in Hawaii. But I know it is popular in Utah. While walking long distances, I thought about the early saints and the tremendous sacrifices they made to establish Zion. Their testimonies of the restored Gospel were fierce and unwavering. They fought so many emotional, spiritual and physical battles. I admire them for heeding the prophets call to come and join together. I wonder if I lived during that time if my faith would have been as strong as theirs. But, then I reflect on my mission, and anyone who has ever served a mission. We leave behind what we know, go somewhere else, in hopes to establish Zion. We have to rely on God, and we have to endure different trials. I have not been a perfect missionary or person in my life, and I know for sure the pioneers were not either, but they had a lot of desire to do what they felt was right. My journey has been different than the pioneers, but my faith has grown, just like how their faith grew. I have been tested and tried, but I have been made strong. I sometimes feel like giving up, but I know when I reach my destination, heaven, it will be absolutely glorious. I wish I could have been with the saints when they reached the Salt Lake Valley. Can you imagine their joy? I get chills thinking about it. I think that happiness and relief they felt is what it will be like when we finally reach our Celestial home.

Love you forever and always, AMEN
-Sister Pitt


The District!
Kallie Sent Me This!
It's Fitting Because I Am Returning With MORE Hair!
 
Party Masks!
Birthday Girl Shada


We Focus On Jesus!

What A Cute Little Boy!


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

I Just Love Life!

This was a good week. It went faster than Usain Bolt can run. I'm trying to soak in every precious moment and learn from everything, so that I can really have even more improvement as a person in these next few months. It seems as if I am offering more prayers of gratitide up to the heavens, rather than asking the Lord for things. I am filled with thankgiving every single day, no matter the difficulties that I face. 

Monday: Sister Lewis and I had a great time walking to the beach near our house. This beach isn't a tourist beach, it is more for the locals. It was a really neat place. So many fish shacks selling fried fish and festivals, rastas fishing with beer bottles and nails, the ever present smell of marijuana smoke rising in the air, tons of children laughing and playing, popular reggae music blasting, and so much more. It was an interesting place, but so full of culture and vibes. Afterwards we had family home evening at the Pummels home. Sister Pummels invited some neighbors, and we had a really great time. The spirit was really felt as we taught about prayer being a commandment. We then proceeded to play a great game of "keep the commandments." Basically like charades, but the commandments are written on pieces of paper. For example, "Thou shalt be a gorrilla," or "Thou shalt sing a love song to Sister Pummels." It was super funny wathcing old ladies do these things, they were great sports. 

Tuesday: I can't really remember. But I was told I was wife material. Pretty average day. haha

Wednesday: I taught at district meeting. I chose to talk about talking to everyone. I shared stories from my mission about how when we got the courage to talk to a person, that person ended up being interested in learning about the Gospel. You never know who will want to learn, all we can do is open our mouths and ask. I explained that the more we talk to people, the less scary it gets. I am at the point where I have no shame. Honestly, if you are just genuinely interested in the person, it becomes easy to talk to that person. I love my district. They just make me laugh. It is nice to know you have friends that are striving to do exactly the same thing you are doing. We had some great lessons this day. My favorite was with this guy named Jermaine. I talked about him last week, (he is the police officer). He is just a diamond in the rough. He doesn't drink, smoke, or agree with sex before marriage. Wow. That is hard to find in Jamaica. haha He is part of a church already, but he told us that he just felt like he needed to talk to us. He commented on how when he saw us, his spirit took us (he got good vibes from us). He said we are so honest and pure and dedicated. He basically said he recognized us as servants of the Lord. I don't know how ready he is for this Gospel, because he is really into his denomination, but he said we really inspire him because we have taken up the cross. He wants to do that more in his life. Hopefully a miracle will happen, if not, we are planting a great seed.

Thursday: Had an interview with President Brown today. It went really great. I made him cry... Haha I was telling him about all the positive experiences we have been having, even the midst of the adversities. He thanked me so much for my attitude. He basically said the sisters that were here before were extrememly negative about Portmore. He commended me for having the maturity to not have listened to those sisters. He thanked me for forming my own opinion instead of pre-judging. He told me of the growth he has seen in me. I have been praying and asking God if I am doing all I can, and this interview was an answer to my prayers. I know I'm not perfect, I have so much to improve on, but I really am doing the best that I can. President Brown proceeded to share with me Helaman 10:4-5 (I think). He explained that I should not just be faithful to the Lord till the end of my mission, but for the rest of eternity. My mission for the Savior will never be over. That is my ultimate priority. Complete dedication to God and His beloved Son and the Holy Ghost, no matter what. 

Friday: This day was my mothers birthday. It has been a while since I've been homesick, but I felt some pains in my heart this day. I really miss her, and I can't wait to see her again. You think I'd be over the whole, "homesick," thing, but I really am thrilled at the idea of seeing my amazing mother very soon. As for now, I'm just trying to give others the same happiness that my dear parents have given me.

Saturday: Walked and walked and walked and walked. Did a whole lot of walking for a whole lot of nothing. I just kept saying, "Yes! Burning calories!" I received personal revelation this day while I wrote in my journal. I think that even just our righteous presence will influence someone and plant a seed in someones heart. Maybe a child we pass on the road and say hello to will remember our kindness. Maybe an old lady will see our smiles and diligence and accept our message on the other side. I don't think we as missionaries really understand how far our influence will reach, but it will reach someone, somewhere. I know that, because the holy spirit whispered that to me this last week.

Sunday: Sister Jospehs (sister Colemans mom) fed us. It was the most food I've had in a long, long time. It was like I was back in Linstead. I was stuffed. We had a huge plate of rice and peas, jerked chicken, oxtail, fried plantain, salad, and june plum juice. It was true Jamaican food. Sister Colemans mom is an amazing cook. It was so hard to walk after that. Thank heavens I didn't gain a pound from it when I weighed this morning (monday).

So yes, it was a great week. I have been really feeling great about myself and about life. It is so difficult, but I am loving it. I just love life. I love being a missionary. I love my companion, Sister Lewis. 

"It is not enough to preach the Gospel. One must also live this Gospel."
"There is seemingly no end to the expansive capacity of our love."
"God will rarely do for us what we can do for ourselves."

Respect and blessings,
Sister Pitt


Loving The Ocean!

Fishing For Dinner

If You're Not Living On The Edge...
You Are Taking Up Too Much Space!

Look How Scared The Fish Look

We Are So Cute!


Jah Bless!

LION Rawr!

I Still Don't Get How People Do This
 
Our Little Home!

All Of That In My Stomach!

Mi Belly Full

Sister Lewis Struggling With Her Plate

Such A Cutie!


Monday, July 14, 2014

I LOVE IT!


Fifteen months down. Three more to go. All of a sudden I'm having panic attacks and crazy dreams. It is insane how little time I have to go... I don't like it. I love Jamaica, and it pains me to have to think of leaving. I won't lie though, I can't wait to see my family. No matter how long or how little time I am away from them, I miss them with my whole being. It brings many emotions thinking about when I will be able to embrace my parents who have prayed unceasingly for me as I've been away. 

Oh fun fact. I've been asked at least four times if Sister Lewis is my daughter. EXSQUEEZE ME? How old do these people think I am? Most people guess anywhere from 25-30. They always look so surprised when I say 21. They say, "But you have such a big, mature body." Awkward... (Especially when men say that haha) But, everyone thinks Sister Lewis is like 14 or 15. We just laugh, all the time.

We talk to a lot of people, get their numbers, and then call them and get the ever popular response, "I'll call you..." YEAH RIGHT. I know you will never call us. I have developed trust issues. 

This week we were teaching a police officer, and all of a sudden he's like, "Hold up, my gun is hurting my side.." He then proceeds to switch his gun in his pants to the other side. I was in the middle of explaining something, and I totally got distracted because it was so random to see him trying to adjust a gun underneath his regular clothes. It was just so unexpected, because I had no idea he had a gun on him. He is a pretty cool guy though. He is Pentecostal, but he says he felt like he needed to talk to us. He invited his friend, because he wants his friend to learn more about God. I guess that is a good sign. We just get new investigators, and I don't even know what to think about them these days. We are just diligently searching for someone who is prepared and ready for the Gospel. Everyone is all wishy-washy at this point. I don't mean to sound negative or pessimistic, but it's the truth. I'd rather spend the rest of my mission looking for people to teach who have potential than teaching a bunch of people who are not ready for the Gospel. Plant the seed and move on. I have so little time that it makes no sense to waste it. 

Portmore is growing on me. I really miss the country though. People there are generally more respectful and nice. People here have agendas and are sometimes straight up rude. My whole mission I just have figured that smiling really big at people, even if they don't like you, works wonders. Even if they don't want to listen, at least we were nice.

As far as the Gospel goes, I love it. I say that I love it at least five times a day. Ask any of my companions. I'm serious when I say that this is the only church with the fullness. There are so many people who have such a small, in the dark, understanding of God. I just feel like because of the Prophet Joseph Smith, we understand so much. We know the true nature of God. We know the plan of Salvation. I frequently am told by 7th day adventist that I am going to hell because I don't worship on Saturday.  Well they don't say that, but it is very much implied. I just laugh inside, because God won't send anyone to hell for that. God is just, but he is also very loving. If we do what is right, if we love those around us, we will have a place with him. Eventually everyone will accept this Gospel. There is nothing else. Many good people from other churches or places will one day come to realize that the fullness of the Gospel includes more saving ordinances than just baptism. They will either obtain this knowledge in this life or the life to come. They will not be damned because they didn't completely understand this doctrine. I'm just glad what we preach is very hopeful and loving. We don't preach, "hell fire, and damnation."

Being a missionary is not easy. It has been the toughest thing in my life, thus far. I have had many struggles. Some have been emotional, many have been spiritual. But, it was all worth it. Every drop of sweat, or every tear shed, was worth it. I reflect on Jesus Christ, and his atoning drops of blood. That was worth it. I will never take the Savior for granted. His suffering and anguish was a million times more difficult than my minor feelings or doubt or insecurities. He has paid the price, and I hope that my time here has helped repay my enormous debt to him. How grateful I am for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Love you all, forever and ever,
Sister Pitt


Grace On Her Baptism Day!

Haha! Inside Joke, FIBER

Sour Sop For Breakfast!

Watching Boys 2 Men In A Taxi

Always Doodling

Sweet Scripture Case
A Lady Made For Me!

Monday, July 7, 2014

How Do I Know?

I have never been so tired on my whole mission. My arms hurt, my legs hurt, my butt hurts. After spending over a year sitting down, it becomes a little difficult to adjust to 5-10 miles of walking everyday. I have blisters on my toes that are developing blisters. I never stop sweating. I didn't even know that my upper lip sweated, until being in Portmore. But I can honestly say as Nephi of old stated in his first chapter, last verse, "the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." (Or something like that...)

First of all, everyone asks us if we want water. A random guy (who honestly was hitting on us) gave us a nice cold coconut with a lot of water in it. YUM. Investigators gave us watermelon. An old lady we helped gave us cranberry soda. Plus everyone wonders why we are out walking, so lots of conversation starters. It is really warm here in Portmore. It's mainly that the air is just heavy. But it isn't awful. The wind is always blowing, thank heavens. The nights cool down a lot. We got our electricity back last Monday, so hallelujah. Overall, I know it's tough, and I have a lot of things I could complain about, but I'm alive, I'm happy, and I will do anything the Lord wants me to. 

I can't say that things in Portmore are getting easier. It's tough to build up a legitimate teaching pool. I have a feeling this transfer will be a lot of trial and error, but I have faith that good things will come. The other day we had everything fall through, and I knelt down to plead with Heavenly Father to help us know what to do. I didn't get any type of revelation, but it turned out to be a productive day. The members in our area are weak with missionary work, but hopefully we will be able to help them find that fire to share the Gospel. We have a few investigators. Our best one, is going to the country for summer vacation. Sad day. Pray that we will be led to people who are prepared to receive the Gospel. 

Oh, yes, fourth of July was this last week. Sister Lewis and I bought an Apple pie. It was glorious. I haven't had that for a long time, well my whole mission. Pie isn't really popular here, so it was a little expensive, but it was yankee doodle dandy! That same night, our ward had a games night. It was sooo much fun, and lots of people were there. This branch does a good job coming together. Even at church on Sunday, it was great. It was testimony Sunday, and the spirit was so strong. I really enjoyed it, and I love the members here with my whole heart.

This last week a lot of people kept telling us, "Yeah, well how do you know your church is the right one? Every denomination says they are the right one. If we all worship the same God, why does it matter where we go to worship?" Oh my dear people, it does matter. It does matter what church you are a part of. The reason for that is because, yes every christian denomination is worshiping the same Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, but there is only one church which has legitimate power and authority from God. There is only one church that has prophets, apostles, temples, continuing revelation, etc... That is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I don't say this to make it a competition or anything. It goes back to the first question they ask me, "How do you know that your church is the right one?" How do I know? Well, that is easy. The Holy Spirit has manifested the truth unto me. I have been enlightened, my understanding has been opened. I have had my prayers answered about this question in a very spiritual way. I know of a surety that this really is the Lord's Kingdom here upon the earth. I do not doubt. 

I truly love this Gospel. I love it with my whole heart. I love that I was privileged enough to be brought up in it. Like that same Nephi I mentioned earlier, I was born of goodly parents who taught me of these amazing truths. I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. 

Love,
Sister Pitt


Lovely People!

Sister Coleman's Family


Sketch Bridge

Sunburn! YIKES1

Sweet Painting We Found On The Ground

Red, White And Blue!
 
The Cutest Girl At Church

Watch Tan

Apple Pie! YAY!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Best Friends!

Bored During Studies!
REEF!

Cactus

The Beautiful Ocean!

Elders

Hanging Out At The Beach!

PDay!



Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Onward, Ever Onward....

ATTENTION: THERE IS ROOTBEER IN PORTMORE. I REPEAT, ROOTBEER IN PORTMORE. So there I was, browsing the store, looking for a snack to eat. All of a sudden my eyes rested upon the most heavenly item, Mug Rootbeer... Tears came to my eyes as I walked towards the can and gently caressed it. 'Oh yes,' I thought, 'my prayers have been answered.' 

Haha, I'm joking, but I haven't had rootbeer in over a 14 months, so I got really excited.

Oh, this week was crazy. So much happened. Good news, they moved us to a different place. We now live in a really nice gated community just a little outside of Portmore. It's called Hellshire, and it is really near the ocean. The only sad part about it, is that they moved us so suddenly, that the electric company hasn't connected our power. We have been without electricity since Thursday last week... It is so hot... I sleep on the tile floor in the back room every night because a breeze blows in and the bed is too hot. We are supposed to get it either tomorrow or Wednesday. So fingers crossed, because sleeping without a fan and on the ground isn't the most comfortable thing in the world. I wake up with sweat dripping down my neck almost every night. 

We had Zone meeting this week. It was an adventure figuring out how to get to Half Way Tree in Kingston. I really enjoy these adventures. It is really exciting. After Zone Meeting we went to Chillitos (the Jamexican food resturant) with the other sisters. The guy at the front remembered me from last time, and he ran up behind me and gave me a hug, I laughed for like a minute, because I responded so awkwardly and was not expecting that at all. There are just some things in life you cannot control... ahha

I am getting a really awful modest farmers tan. 
I've lost some weight, so yay. 
A lot of people here say, "big up yah self." 

Oh, so we get begged money a lot. And this old man walks up to me and starts to beg money. I explain to him our rules and what not. And then he starts saying that we are breaking a commandment if we don't give him money. He starts saying that nobody will have to find out and yada, yada. I explained that God will know, and then he went on about how the rules we have are made by man and not God. Oh, if only this poor little man knew that we are a part of the true church which receives revelation for us missionaries. We tried to share the Gospel with him, but after that he wanted nothing to do with us. But this whole situation made me think about what he said, "nobody will find out..." If we have that attitude, then we are slowly dragging ourselves down to our own private demise. Heavenly Father sees everything we do. He knows everything within our minds and our hearts. He is very much aware of our desires. Do we fear man more than God? If you fear man more than God you will do whatever you want, and just hope you don't get caught. But, if you fear God and love Him, then you will live your life true even when nobody is watching. I want to always be true to my Father in Heaven. 

Sister Lewis is doing great. She is adjusting little by little. After training Sister Coleman, and Sister Barlow, and now onto Sister Lewis, it really is amazing how different each sister is. Every single person is so individual. Sister Lewis has a wonderful spirit and she will blossom into a fabulous missionary. I remember how different I used to be when I first got out. I have changed a lot... More than I ever thought I would. I am grateful for these changes. 

Portmore is great. So much work to do. So many people to talk to. Yeah, we have some investigators. I don't know how interested they are. So far, nobody wants to accept the true Gospel, but we will keep pressing forward. Onward, ever onward...

Jehovah-Shalom
(The Lord is Peace)

-Sister Pitt