FEAR NOT!

I almost died last night...

Alright, I'm being dramatic, but I did have an "exciting" adventure. On Sunday's we go to eat dinner at a members house, and they live down a steep, rocky road. Going up, you have to put the gear in 1, and it still bounces all over the place. Well, last night it rained and the hill was slippery. So, we are going up and all of a sudden the truck starts to slide down. I put the brakes on, and it was still slipping. I tried to steer it, but the the hill had control. And then I hear a big THUNK! The back end of the truck went into a ditch. (If I hadn't turned the tire a certain way, the whole truck would have took a backwards dive into a gully. Mom, Dad, don't freak out. haha) 

So, of course this happens, and then at least 30 people come out from their houses, and a whole soccer team shows up, people start calling each other on their phones. I just sat there, in the drivers seat, trying to hide my face. A whole group of men start trying to rock the truck back and forth, mind you, I'm still sitting in the truck. And then someone brings their truck, and they start tying a rope to both. Everyone is yelling at each other, I have no idea what is going on. Sister Coleman is talking and laughing with some ladies while I'm having a heart attack. A bunch of people get into the back of the other truck, by this time there are about 50 people watching. I am directed to put the truck into 1st again, and let off the clutch and break and press on the gas. Finally, I get up the hill and everyone is laughing and yelling, as I get out of the truck to inspect, a guy walks up to me and says he wants to marry a white girl.

Yes, another, average day in the life of a missionary in Jamaica. 

So, I've reached my five month mark of my mission. You would think by five months you might have the hang of everything, but nope, not even close. Time has flown. I feel like everything has just been  a dream. Good thing for these letters and me writing in my journal each night, or I wouldn't remember a thing. Everything starts to blend together. I'm learning so much, I'm having a lot of fun. In case anyone cares, I bought a scale. I'm dropping some pounds. (I started taking a container to members houses and asking them if I can take some of it home to eat later). So far, no offense taken. I made sure with Sister Coleman if doing that would be bad, and she said it's totally fine. So, I solved my stomach problems, I solved this weight gain problem. Too bad it took me 5 months to find a solution.

So, having a Jamaican companion is an experience. Remember how many, many letters ago, I mentioned that Jamaicans are awful singers? Well, Sister Coleman is no exception. I can say these things, because I too, am an awful singer. But, I think I found someone worse than me. Anyways, we always sing a hymn in the morning before companionship study and I have to carry the tune. And then, she starts to sing words wrong or out of tune, and it messes me up so bad. I just try to sing really loud so that I block that, because I can't sing while someone else is singing a different thing. My mind isn't that skilled. 

This last Wednesday we had Zone Meeting. It was awesome, as usual. I learned a lot, felt the spirit. Something that stuck out to me was an Elder said something along these lines, "Fear and faith can not go together." This is so true. I reflected on myself, and things I fear. I fear people disliking me, I fear uncomfortable situations, I fear stress, I fear failing, I fear having regrets, and the list can go on and on. My fears stem from self doubt, something that I have always struggled with despite my confident aura that I try to convey. When I was thinking about how fear and faith can not go together, I was thinking of ways that I could stop having my fears. I turned to the scriptures and read about the Brother of Jared. I read about all the people who were healed from the Savior. I learned that if I can be completely faithful to the Lord, there will be no room for fear. Those fears might creep in, but my reliance and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will defeat all those stupid fears. 

No offense family, but I don't miss you as much as I used too. haha I mean, yes I miss you a ton, but the homesickness has subsided, and I've made so many great friends out here. I love these people. There is a woman in the branch, Sister Davis. She is amazing. She lost her oldest son in a car accident this last week, and she is so amazingly strong. When we went to visit her, she simply expressed her gratitude for the temple and that in a years time, she can complete his work. My heart aches for Sister Davis. When I heard what happened, I prayed for her, and I felt sorrow. I just can't even imagine the hurt she is going through. 

Oh, side note, I finished reading the Book of Mormon again. It's still true. haha

Gabrinah is still doing well. We taught her about Thomas S. Monson! It went awesome! She basically said that she is grateful for the knowledge that we have a prophet today, just like they had in the Bible. She is still on for the 28th. Pray for her, but mainly her mom, who is a less active. Her mom has a lot of pride and a great lack of faith, but still has a testimony of the Gospel. We talked to her, and she kinda got mad at me for telling her that she needs to increase her faith. Sorry ma'am, that's my job... Haha, I'm declaring repentance unto all people. Anyways, all is well, her mom isn't angry, I just think that she feels guilty because she knows what she needs to do. 

We attended a baptism for the Elders on Saturday! It was great. The spirit was strong. Lot's of people came. The kid who got baptized is 15, and living with some members. He had this great desire to change his life around and follow Christ. The first few times I talked to this kid, Alex, he was just an average hooligan. But, on his baptism and at his confirmation, he was glowing. You could just see the happiness in him. He told me he wants to serve a mission someday. It is awesome to see people change and come closer to Christ. Also, I believe the future of the church in Jamaica lies within the youth here, a lot of the older generation are very stuck in their ways. That is why it's the mission presidents goal to get as many Jamaicans out on missions as possible. 

Okay, so sometimes on a mission you get really tired, and when you are reading a scripture you mess up your words... Okay, maybe it's just me, but I was reading, "Let your good works glorify your Father in Heaven," and I accidentally said, "Let your good LOOKS glorify your Father in Heaven." So, I started cracking up to myself. It was hilarious. Nobody really got it though. Oh well, at least I make myself laugh. 

Oh, and here is a nice scripture:

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." (D&C 6:36)

Love, 

Sister Pitt

I Almost Died!

A Few People Who Showed Up in the First Few Minutes!

People Helping to Pull Out Our Truck!

Guava Season!

Alex at His Baptism!

I Laughed So Hard When I Saw This

Jamaicans Just Ask You To Take Pictures of Them

Sister Chandler

Sister Coleman's Food?

 

These Lizards Can Jump So Far

Go Amongst Thy Brethren, The Jamaicans.......

When there are huge groups of Jamaicans out on the road, you better believe that they are all gathered there to cast out a demon from a little girl. They beat drums, they yell, they start yelling nonsense and claim they are speaking in tongues, somebody similar to an exorcist comes, the mother is weeping, and so on and so forth. I think somehow Jamaica got stuck in the 17^th century, but everything else is advancing around them.  (This legitimately happened in the neighborhood I live in…) You would think with the amount of ganja they are smoking, they’d be more relaxed.

Having a Jamaican companion is an adventure. Sometimes, a bunch of other Jamaicans and her will just start talking patios about Jamaican things and I will just start zoning out because half of it, I don’t understand, and the other half… Well, I won’t even try to pretend, I still don’t understand. I get the words they are saying, but sometimes I just don’t get what they are talking about, because they speak of things I’ve never experienced. It’s fun though, she’s teaching me some Jamaican sayings, and I teach her some good old Hawaiian pidgin, “If can, can. If no can, no can.” “Eh, howzit unko!” “Brah, ainokea.” I’m the only white woman for miles, minus the fat white lady I see in Linstead sometimes.  (No, I’m not passing any mirrors).

I had to speak in the Branch on Sunday. It went well. I told the story, “You are Special.” It is the one about the wooden puppets and the wood carver. Anyways, I tied it into the fact that everyone wants to be special and have a purpose, and the Gospel can bring that to others. It was better put in the meeting,  and I can’t really recall, I was just going by the spirit, obviously… haha

I was reading in Alma 26, and I came across these verses, and I reflected on the past few months:

“Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said, Go amongst thy brethren, the Jamaicans, and bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success… We have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills. We have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon… and all this that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul.” (Refer to Alma 26).

I knew a mission would be hard, but I didn’t think I’d care so much. I just assumed I would be okay with people having free agency, and just move on. The more I have learned about the Gospel, the more it pains me to have people reject it. I mean, I don’t linger on it forever, I just feel sorrow.  I know there are a lot of denominations out there, and I know that someone can find truth wherever they seek it, but I do know more than ever that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is the Lord’s Kingdom. I know that it holds all the saving ordinances along with the priesthood authority.  I know that as we abide by the standards and precepts of the church, our life will be magnified to excellence.  Now, I’m not here to just increase membership for this church, I’m not here to say, “I had so many baptisms on my mission.” I’m definitely not here to prove that I’m right and others are wrong. That isn’t it at all. I’m here because I just genuinely believe that it is only through our Savior Jesus Christ that we can inherit eternal life. I want everyone to know that. So, I’ve come to terms with the present “lack” of success, and realized that if there is one soul I’m saving, it’s my own. I’ve come to find success in other places rather than what is written down in my planner or progress records. 

Now, that was the past, and now it is the present, and the present is showing us a ton of opportunities to teach people. First, Gabrinah is awesome. She texted us on Saturday saying she didn't have enough taxi fare to get to Linstead to spend the night, so she was going to try in the morning. I prayed so hard. I prayed she would have the faith to get up and wait for a taxi. Then, walking into church, she was one of the first ones there! Prayers really are answered. Some could say it was all by chance that a taxi happened to be there, but I know better. I know that God made it possible. We taught Gabrinah the word of wisdom, and we committed her to live it and all she says is, "I already do. No problem." Oh, everything is wonderful with her. The branch is going to help her family out by having someone pick them up for the baptism on the 28th. Now we just have to talk to Gabrinahs mother, because I think she is worried she won't have enough money by that day. Gabrinah expressed her desire to serve a mission as well. She told Sister Coleman and I that she admires our efforts to share the sweet message of Jesus Christ. Oh, and I wish I could explain to you the way Gabrinah prays. It is like she pours out her whole heart and has a conversation with Heavenly Father. It's beautiful, and the spirit is always felt. She's always so humble and says things like, "I know it's not going to be easy, and I'm not asking you to do anything for me, but just hold my hand and comfort me through everything." Oh, she just understands how the Gospel works! 

Update on Christina! She referred us to one of her friends, and we invited her to come with us. We treated Christina like she was already a member, and had her testify of the Book of Mormon and how she has come to know the church is true. It went so well! Afterward Christina told me that she is considering being baptized sooner than she previously thought. She told me that she has been reading more of the Book of Mormon, and it's so good. Anyways, I just got to continue praying for her. I even said to her, "Christina, if the Savior was sitting right here and asked you to be baptized, what would you say?" She was like, "I'd say yes." So hopefully we will see some good come out of that. 

We have been finding a lot of people to teach! Everywhere. Well, I need to be a good example to Sister Coleman, so I am talking to EVERYONE I pass. Right now the church here in Jamaica really needs priesthood holders, so I'm hoping that we can find some of those as well. President Brown really put it into perspective for me. There are 2.8 million people here, and only 5,500 or so are members of the church, there are ALWAYS people to see and teach. I've just got to be always talking to everyone! Sister Coleman is such a funny teacher, sometimes I get nervous and have no idea where she is going with things, but she is improving each day. She also can just immediately relate to the people, something I can't do at all, because I've always had everything. (Thanks to my hard working father and mother). But, I have discovered how easy it is for me to love people out here. It's hard sometimes, but I just have to accept them for who they are. 

Oh gee. If anything good comes from this mission it is me just becoming a more appreciative person. I am just so thankful for everything that I have. I'm thankful I have a father who loves my mother. I am thankful he works hard and honors the priesthood which he holds. I am thankful for my mother who would never settle for less, and got married in the temple. I am grateful that both of my parents have stayed true and faithful to each other, despite hard times they may have faced. I'm grateful I was raised in a Gospel centered home. There are just so many problems out here with families, and it breaks my heart. Men and women living together, with children, and the men don't work, they just drink and smoke. The women have to work to provide for their children, while suffering mental, emotional and sometimes even physical abuse. Such sad situations.

Oh man, I'm just enjoying everything right now. I am enjoying learning. I am enjoying Sister Coleman, who is so easy to get along with. I am enjoying having a washing machine. I am enjoying the peaceful feeling I have each day when I get to testify to someone. It is so great. Heavenly Father is real. Jesus Christ is real. The Gospel is real nice. Like sugar and spice.

Adios,

Sister Pitt

Silly Faces With Some Local Hoodlums!

How My Shirt Looks at the End of the Day

A Rasta Reading Our Pamphlet With a Joint in His Hands!

Pouring Rain ALL Day!

Journey Through The Jungle of Jamaica!

Goodbye Sister Wolff - Hello Sister Coleman!

Before I get to my new companion, how transfers went, and what not, I will explain the start of last week. It was quite fun and hectic.

Alright, so we were visiting with a less active member, who joined the church in his teens. He is now Rasta, obviously the easier path as far a religion goes. I mean, what do you do as a Rasta besides grow out your hair, become a vegetarian, smoke weed, and praise Jah? Sister Woolf said to him, "You know, you are still a member of the church." And he responded, saying, "You can't tell me what I am." I was trying to be funny and I was like, "Once you are Mormon, you are Mormon forever. Mwahahaha!" (I really did do that evil laugh). He didn't think it was as hilarious as Sister Woolf and I did. I still am trying to remember that most people probably don't realize I'm joking around. 

In Sister Woolf's and I's companionship, I killed the bugs. The other day in our apartment a HUGE centipede (A.K.A 40 Legger, to Jamaicans), was crawling across the floor. I had to grab the machete and chop it up into tiny pieces while Sister Woolf stood on the chair and screamed. It was hilarious. What is she going to do without me? Wait... What am I going to do without her?! We had a little TOO much fun. Another incident that happened on Tuesday evening was we were driving to see someone, and there was a goat on the side of the road, and his rope was tied to the other side of the road. Tiana (a girl who comes out teaching with us) told me to just drive over the rope. BIG MISTAKE. The rope got caught on something and the truck started to drag the goat under us. I heard a thunk, and I thought I killed the goat. I screamed so loud and we had to hand Tiana the machete to cut the rope and I had to drag the goat out. Yes, it was an eventful night. And, somehow a machete is always involved here in Jamaica. (Machete A.K.A. Cutlace to Jamaicans).

Big things are happening in our apartment. First off, we got a washing machine! One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! We also got a new shower head. So, now I can actually get completely soaked, instead of having to put one limb in at a time. The water is still cold, but I'm completely used to it now. Sister Woolf was mad that this all happened right when she was leaving. Oh well. I will be here for 2 more transfers, so I'm stoked. (3 months). 

Transfers were on Wednesday. We drove to Spanish Town to meet the newbies. We sat around all day, because they were taking forever in Kingston with interviews and what not. It was fun, we just sat in air conditioning and talked until the new people came. My new companion is Sister Coleman. She is from Port Moore, Jamaica. She is as Jamaican as it gets. Sister Woolf and her are complete opposites, the drastic change is actually quite humorous. Sister Woolf wasn't much of a cook, and Sister Coleman makes huge Jamaican meals all drenched in oil. Also, sometimes I can't understand Sister Coleman's accent and patios, but that's okay, I'll get it. She has been teaching me some patios sayings, so that has been fun. Maybe I will come home talking like a Jamaican. It's crazy how no matter how different Sister Coleman and I are, we have something that is exactly the same, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Oh man, Gabrinah, our investigator is just progressing like it's nobody's business. She understands everything, perfectly. I organized a place for her to stay on the weekends. (At a families house who her mom knows). A lot of people have been willing to help me set it all up. Because I'm training, right now I have to figure a few things out for myself, as Sister Coleman gets used to everything. We have been non-stop busy. So many people to see and so much to do. We have been teaching lots of lessons, meeting lots of new people. The work is really moving forward in Linstead. Yesterday, Sunday was an amazing Sabbath day! SO MANY people came to church. Lots of members, less actives, and investigators. Even random people who showed up out of nowhere. It was awesome and everyone seemed to love being there. 

Overall, everything is great. I don't have much to say this week. It's been busy, fun, interesting, and an adjustment. I miss my dear Sister Woolf, but Sister Coleman is great. Only downside, she snores... hahaha oh well :) I have been learning a lot from the scriptures and from Preach My Gospel. I feel a lot of responsibility as a trainer, and it's really nerve racking. I like taking charge though, I've never really enjoyed being in the passenger seat. It will be awesome to see Sister Coleman blossom. Hopefully I can be the best example for her and learn how to help her take charge as well.

Much Love and Aloha,

Sister Pitt

Bye Bye Sister Wolff!

Enough Said!

I Can't Find My Companion!

I Made Salsa and Ugly Mini Tortillas
But They Were Good!

Matching Jamaican Shirts!

When It Rains It Pours!

Hello Sister Coleman!

Sister Pitt in Jamaica!

The Walkers!

Transfers....I'm a TRAINER!

Transfer calls are in and... I'M PREGNANT WITH A DAUGHTER! (Or should I say, training a new Sister!) So, um. I'm nervous. Linstead has been rough, but hopefully with all your prayers, and our diligent efforts, we can get this place rolling along. Sister Woolf is going to Boulevard (Kingston) to be a Sister Training Leader! Anyways, I find out on Wednesday who I am training. There are four Jamaican sisters coming out, and one from England. I could be training a Jamaican and then they can teach me how to make Jamaican food, so someday I can cook it and you can all see how gross it is. hahaha Okay, it's not all bad, but the more you consume it, the more you are sick of it. I consider it a love hate relationship. Jerk is good. Rice and peas are good. And... That's about it. ha.

A lot has happened this last week. First off, I got an interview with President Brown, and I don't know what it is about that guy, but he always makes me cry. He has never interviewed Sister Woolf and I, so he wanted to get to know us. Can I just say, President Brown is the best Mission President, ever. He is so amazing! Anyways, I guess he could tell I was a little discouraged, and I just told him everything that has been going on in my mind and what not. I'm not going to lie, and my family knows this already, but I get really down on myself. President Brown told me what he thought of me when he first met me, and he told me of my potential and power. I felt like I was back home, with mom and dad telling me these things. It was comforting, and really gave me a sense of motivation to be better each day. Believing in myself has proven to be the most difficult part of my mission, but I know that any doubt comes from Satan, and I just have to always be positive. 

We have been giving Christina space, because if she isn't ready for baptism, we can't force her. We can only hope she will keep progressing and the members will always remember her. She called us the other night and said, "Hi Sisters! I think I have something like a... testimony. Yeah. I have a testimony to share with you girls." She then proceeded to tell us about a dream she had about the Book of Mormon. Apparently she was in water (she can't swim) and she was holding onto the Book of Mormon and it was keeping her afloat, and this guy kept telling her to let go, and she was yelling that she would never let go of the word of God. She said when she woke up she was reading the Book of Mormon and just started crying. She kept telling us that she believes that it is true. I then asked her, "Well, Christina, now that you know that this is the word of God, what are you going to do about it?" She then said, "Well, I have to come to church more. I have to repent and be baptized." What?! Yes! But, wait, it's not over... We went to visit her the next day and extended a baptismal date for her and she was like, whoa whoa, too soon. So, once again, slow progress with Christina, but I can only hope that someday in the future it all works out. 

We started teaching the girl named Gabrinah, who is 15 years old. She is AWESOME. Her mom is a Less Active, with a great testimony still. The problem with her mom is that she is super poor and gives all of her money to her children so they can travel to school. They live 30 minutes away from the church. Her mom's husband doesn't make much money, so the money they do make goes to maintaining their lives. It's so hard to say, "If you have faith, you can do it," when I've never been through what they are going through. Anyways, we are trying to figure out how Gabrinah can get to church. She was going to come on Sunday, but there are NO taxis in her area on Sunday. Rough stuff. Since Sister Woolf is leaving, me and my new companion are going to work with the branch president to find a member her mom knows that she can stay with on the weekends. Gabrinah wants to be baptized and she is so sensitive to the spirit. I love teaching her. Her baptismal date is September 28th! Pray that things will work out :)

The first thing Brother Walker said to me the other day was, "Sister Pitt, YOU ARE FAT!" Hahaha, if someone would have said that when I first got here, I would have been so offended, now i'm so used to it. They even call skinny Sister Woolf fat, so no big deal. But I said to Brother Walker, "No I'm not!" And he was like, "I have eyes, I'm not blind." I laughed for 10 minutes. Somehow I always get on the topic of my weight gaining abilities in these letters...

Sacrament meeting yesterday was great. The Elders in our area are doing awesome! They had seven investigators at church and 5 less actives! Church was full on Sunday. During the blessing and passing of the sacrament, I really tried my best to focus on the prayers and remembering all the promises I've made the Lord over the years. It was a tender moment, and I felt the spirit. As I waited for the water, I asked Heavenly Father to forgive me for all of my inadequacies and mean thoughts. When the water got to me, I paused for a minute, and then drank it. All at once I felt forgiven, I felt peace, I felt clean. My mind reflected back to my baptismal day. I remember going into the ocean, I remember dad, I remember the white dress, I remember the food afterward (of course), I also remember seeing the Temple in the distance. I remember mom talking at the little devotional thing at the visitors center. I think every sacrament meeting we should think about our baptism and the covenants we made with our Father in Heaven that day. It's so important to do this, and I know as we do it, we will feel the presence of the Holy Ghost. 

Overall, I can't believe it's another Monday. In a few weeks I'll be at 5 months. Sometimes, when I'm just sitting listening to goats and chickens, I can't believe I am here, in Jamaica, on my mission. I've been telling people for years about my desire to serve, and here I am now. I'm doing it. I'm accomplishing a goal. It all feels like some sort of dream, but it is a reality. It's like inception, with the little spinny thingy going round and round.

Alright (<how Jamaicans say hello and goodbye),

Sister Pitt

3rd Nephi 5:13

Laborers In Linstead

Almost American Food

Crazy Lil Casey!

Inner Peace

Just Chilling!

Nicasia

Sister Pitt the Pig Whisperer

Stuck In The Mud

Teaching Brother Walker

Wicked Tan Lines!

Tender Mercies!

The Joys of Missionary Work!

As a missionary, I feel the responsibility to be completely honest and honorable in all of my dealings. With that being said, I will not lie about how this last week went... I think I had a midlife crisis, or went through some kind of bi-polar depression phase. I know what you are all thinking, "That Caressa, she is so dramatic..." The statement, "when it rains, it pours", has never been more true. I think every single day for the past two weeks I have been thinking, "Well, it can't get any worse." And, then it does. Something new comes a long and presents itself. Sister Woolf seems to be on the same page, and we've both had emotional breakdowns. You know, sobbing, curled up in a ball, and questioning our existence...

Despite all of that, I am still happy. 

I got a blessing from Elder Fowkes (an Elder in my district) on Wednesday because I needed one, bad. I think the first thing he said was that Heavenly Father is aware of everything I am going through. As soon as he spoke those words, I immediately started tearing up. I just felt surrounded by peace and love. I wish I could remember what else he was prompted to say, but the blessing really helped me feel better. 

All I've eaten all week is a banana for breakfast, carrots and peppers for lunch, and healthy choice soup for dinner. I am really sick of eating food. I've reached my limit. If we ate a members house, that is all I would eat for the entire day. So, yeah, I feel much better this week, tummy wise. I wasn't even consuming that much before, it was just not enough balance in my diet. There are just not many options in this country as far as grocery shopping goes. But, if anyone has any idea for easy recipes, please send them my way. 

This last week we went to a training meeting. Everyone who attended will be training next transfer, so I assume because we had to go, Sister Woolf or I will be training. We find out this coming Saturday what is happening next transfer. I'm extremely overwhelmed with that thought. Likely, it could be me because Sister Woolf has been in Linstead for six months now. Anyways, Elder Cornish and President Brown gave the training meeting and it was about how Trainers need to be "perfect" missionaries. He explained that a perfect missionary is simply a missionary who does what they know they should do. I also read this talk given at the MTC some years ago called, "A Consecrated Missionary." In order to be a consecrated missionary, you have to give up yourself to the Lord. You know how certain things can make you feel so good and so bad at the same time? Well that is how the meeting and talk was for me. I felt good, but also guilty. Weird how that works.

We have been slowly finding new investigators. Oh you know, we might have lost all of the old ones we had. Sorry I don't talk about them much, there isn't much to say. We get a new investigator here and there and then they are gone. It's been a struggle, and I don't really like writing about them, because on Monday they are great and then by the middle of the week they've run away. If I wrote about all of them, it would be an endless list of problems they have and things they have to overcome. My favorite investigator was Christina. Oh man, I love that girl. She is great, but I guess she has a lot of things to figure out. She just wasn't ready... YET. Don't worry, everyone will come to the knowledge of the truth. Anyways, we had a few great lessons this week. We talked about the plan of salvation with a lady who recently lost her brother in a shooting. We talked to another lady who used to investigate the church, but stopped. The spirit was felt and it was obviously there. They felt it, now it's their choice about whether they accept it or deny it. Either way, their choice. I'm trying really hard to not let others choices effect my happiness on my mission. It's all up to Heavenly Father. I've just got to keep the faith and trust that Heavenly Father will put people in my path who are ready and prepared. 

Okay, Nancy Negative has been taking over this email. But, I want to share some tender mercies that I have seen and felt recently.

1. Bryan, our recent convert is awesome. He always shares the Gospel, and we are getting some referrals from him. He is at the end of Alma in his Book of Mormon reading, and he is so grateful to be a member. He really loves the church and everyone there. He always expresses his love for the members and the love he feels from them. Bryan was ready for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, he was searching for the truth, he just didn't know where to find it.

2. Sister Clarke, another recent convert to the church verbally expressed her gratitude for Sister Woolf and I during Relief Society. She was so happy that we took the time to talk to her father who was senile and blind. (He recently passed away, and it made me so sad. I loved that old man). She always is glad to see us.

3. Brother Walker, a less active told us that our visits are the best part of the week. He has been coming to church for the past three weeks. He told us that a few years ago he was hungry and had no money for food. He saw a breadfruit really high in the tree, but he is too old to climb up and get it down. He said a prayer and while he was praying the breadfruit dropped from the tree. He said he could barely believe it. Brother Walker is so funny and just tells us stories. We give him short lessons to try to refresh his memory about the church. He looks so excited every time he is at church. 

4. Brother Birch (an older man) recently had a stroke. We went to go visit him and his wife this last week and gave her a little message about trials and Heavenly Fathers love for her. She started sobbing and saying over and over again, "Heavenly Father loves me." She grabbed our hands, looked us in the eyes, and thanked us. 

Those little moments make it all worth it!

Love, 

Sister Pitt

The Joys of Missionary Work!

Anthony Getting Us Coconuts

Enjoying Some Coconut Milk!

Brother Walker Tells Us Stories

Lost In Jamaica!

 

Delicious!

Country Roads!

 

Sister Wolff With a one-legged Rasta Man

I KNOW!

Last night was an eventful night, to say the least. I tossed and turned all night, and at midnight, I started getting a really bad fever. My face and neck was so hot, and my whole body was freezing. Sister Woolf was having a hard time sleeping as well, because she got her food allergy again. I went under my blankets and fell asleep for a little bit, and woke up around one, burning. I took some medicine, drank water, and took my temperature. It was high. Then as we were sitting in the dark, we started hearing this really loud noise in our apartment. Then it sounded like it was coming from outside. Instincts kicked in and I ran to the kitchen and grabbed our knife. Sister Woolf started crying a little bit. I said a prayer while holding a knife in my hand. I called Sister Barrett, and told her about the noise. Turns out it was just the wind pushing our bathroom door back and forth. I have no idea why it sounded like it was outside. Can you say OVERREACTION. I have no idea why we got so scared, it was just a really unsettling feeling, but it is a hilarious story to tell, that is for sure. 

This last week was... I actually really have no explanation for this week. It just was. Monday started off in Ocho Rios. We got to go sit at the beach and it made me extremely nostalgic thinking of home. I got to put my toes in the Caribbean Ocean, which was satisfying. We ate at Burger King, saw white people, played Frisbee. It was a good P-Day. This week we had a meal appointment everyday. Something Sister Woolf ate has been giving her the worst food allergy, and I was sick as well, so I had to go to the health clinic, because the mission presidents wife needed to make sure I was okay. Let's just say, I don't like Jamaican health clinics. I had to pee in a plastic drinking cup, in an extremely unsanitary bathroom. hahaha All part of the fun, I suppose. Anyways, turns out my allergies have just been acting up really bad, but I don't understand why I had a high fever last night. 

One of the nights we ate a members house, they fed us mutton (sheep). I know Cameron knows what that tastes like. She also served us some mac n cheese. I thought the mac n cheese had pepper in it, but as I closely examined it, I realized that it was ants. Yummy! But, it was the first night we actually sat at a dinner table. Oh, I'm also used to pigs tail. I never thought that would happen. Oh, and speaking of all this food, when I went to the doctors office and they weighed me, I screamed internally. Let's just say, I'm going to go on a 40 day fast, just like Jesus did. haha

This Saturday, Sister Woolf's food allergy was so bad, we had to stay in. I slept, because I've also been sick, but I also read the entire, "Our Heritage," and some chapters from the "Teachings of Joseph Smith." Oh man, I learned so many things about the history of the church. Joseph Smith faced so much persecution for righteousness sake. I've always had a testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I've always known that the Book of Mormon is true, but I really didn't have that much knowledge of Joseph Smith. Even after taking a Doctrine and Covenants class. (Honestly, I didn't pay much attention). I never felt connected to him or the early saints,  it didn't matter to me. I just went by faith believing he translated the Book of Mormon and prophesied of many things. Sister Woolf has such a strong testimony of the work Joseph Smith did, I felt like I needed to learn more. I can't believe all that he went through! It just proves to me the truthfulness of his work. It proves to me that Satan was trying his hardest to destroy the work of the Lord. I always believed Joseph Smith was a prophet, but I feel after studying and praying about it, I KNOW with my whole heart he was the prophet who restored the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth. I am so thankful for him. 

I also really liked reading about Joseph Smith this week because he writes a lot about people going through trials. I feel like the first four months of my mission have been trial and error, but as I look back, I realize my spiritual growth and the knowledge I've obtained is significant. I've learned that it's not what I want to do, it's what the Lord wants me to do. I've learned that the closest I feel to the Lord is when I diligently pray. I've learned so much from the Book of Mormon, and I can't believe how much the Lord has helped me understand it and apply it to my teaching. I've learned to be patient, and to just trust Heavenly Father. I've had a ton of fun and some amazing times. I can't believe I'm actually pretty used to the Jamaican culture by now. Weird stuff happens, and I barely notice it anymore. 

I have a lot of goals I'm going to work on for the next 14 months. As I've studied my Patriarchal Blessing, I realize there are things I need to improve on. The biggest thing I'm going to do is use the talents and abilities I have to lift those around me. I'm really going to soul search about what those talents and abilities are, and apply them. 

Well, all is well in Jamaica, I love you all, I miss you all.

D+C 10:5 

Love,

Sister Pitt

Chilling In Ocho Rios

Name Tag In The Sand

District Day!

Companions In the Sand

Ocho Rios

Amros And His Backyard

Reeva Did My Hair!

The Wisdoms and the Richardsons

Jamaicans Are TERRIBLE With Directions!

Jamaicans are terrible with directions. TERRIBLE. So this is how a conversation played out with a guy we saw on the side of the road:

Me: Hello, Where is Ivy District?

Guy: Down the road, up the hill, take the deep turn.

Me: Um... Do you know Carrie-ann? She said to ask for her over here.

Guy: I know lot's of Carrie-anns.

Me: Carrie-ann with a baby?

Guy: I know lot's of Carrie-anns with babies. My sisters name is Carrie-ann and she has two babies.

Me and Sister Woolf: (laughter)

Me: Well, your directions don't make sense. Where is Ivy District?

Guy: Down the road, up the hill, take the deep turn, keep going.

Me: ... Haaa 

We spent a good half an hour looking for this girl "Carrie-ann." Turns out her name is actually Kareen, we just heard it wrong. Finding places is nearly impossible when Jamaicans give you directions. "Past the coconut trees, keep going." Um, okay...

Anyways, this week was good. I've come to realize that teaching investigators is a lot like a relationship. It starts off all wonderful, the person is promising, and then bam, they run away from you or tell you it's over. Sometimes we have to avoid them, or they avoid you. It's a huge mess. It also plays with your emotions. I'm going to be used to this kind of heartbreak when I get home. Haha

Yesterday we went to teach this woman who is married to a less active member. She is from Jamaica, but has been in Georgia for the last 10 years. Anyways, her husband, Everton, really wanted us to meet her and talk to her about our church. We said sure, but he warned us she isn't too fond of us. I figured he meant she just didn't know things and was unsure, but she HATES Mormons. It was so awkward. We started talking with her, and she told us her church, Church of God (Protestants), teaches her all about our religion. Apparently we are polygamist, racists, and we praise Joseph Smith. She went on and on about how Joseph Smith received revelation from the Devil. She was pretty much yelling at us, It didn't help that I was laughing about it. I was like, "Woman (I can't remember her name), we only teach people who are willing to learn, you obviously aren't." She was so rude so we just left. I don't think she knows that her husband has been baptized into our church and he was just sitting there awkwardly, because we always visited him when she was in the States living. Anyways, fun times when people decide to bash your religion. 

What else? Hmm. Yesterday a former investigator of ours showed up to church soaking wet with a huge guy next to him. We were in class and he asked Sister Woolf and I to step outside and talk to him. Anyways, the big guy asked our investigator to sell some things for him, and our former investigator tried to steal it. So yeah, somehow we got dragged into that, and it was so funny because these two men were acting like children. Sister Woolf asked if they are friends, and the big guy was like, "No. We are enemies." I lost it, I started laughing so hard. I have no idea why they decided to come to church and tell us about their problems. Anyways, by the end of church they were friends again. But, there is a reason why we dropped the one that came soaking wet, he is crazy.

So, a lot of really exciting and fun stuff happens on a daily basis in Jamaica, as you can see. We have been struggling back and forth with investigators, less actives, and whatnot. So it goes. Something I've been trying to work on is just to be patient. Patience is so hard, and I probably failed at it many times during the week, but I'm trying. Yesterday as I fasted, I prayed for it. I am trying to focus way more on what God wants, rather than what I want. 

Something I saw in an Ensign article the other day really caught my eye it was a quote that said, "Isn't it amazing how His wounds can heal our wounds." I've been really trying to study the atonement and how amazing it is. I feel like I could study it my whole life and not really wrap my head around how infinite and eternal it is. Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me, enough to die for me! He died for everyone so that we all may live. I love teaching people about the atonement. The thing with Jamaicans, is they all know about it, but it's a great feeling to really help them understand it. 

Anyways, a lot more happened this week, but I forgot my journal at home. Usually I bring it with me to look back, but I can't remember a thing. Wait. We had Zone Conference this week and President Brown said that if we can get 60 worthy, tithe paying, priesthood holders, we will be getting a Stake here in Jamaica by early next year. Whoa. Progress! That would be awesome! The work is hastening in Jamaica.

One Love, 

Sister Caressa Ann Pitt

Intense Chocolate Milk Drinking!

Jamaican Lychee or Ginips?

Sister Wolff and I

Sister Wolff's Little Prank!

Typical Home in Jamaica!