Junction Here I Come!

Okay, for the first little bit of this email I am going to complain: 

1. I caught the worst cold and now I can't speak.

2. I hit my head on a bike while lifting it into the back of our truck.

3. I bought brand new shoes and now they are completely covered in red dirt.

4. I have a mosquito bite on my butt.

Other than those little things, I have had one of the most eventful weeks on my mission, so far. I don't know if I'll be able to do it justice, so I'll try to recap by days, because it has been quite fun.

Tuesday: Said goodbye to some members in Linstead. Sad, sad day. I will miss them dearly. Saw some other people. Packed up the last of my stuff. Ate at a members house, it was delicious.

Wednesday: We had to be in Spanish Town by 12:30ish, so we had some time to stop by a couple peoples houses. A rasta man we call, Papa Davis, gave me a big bag of apple bananas. We drove to Spanish Town and had transfers! Anyways, I am now with Sister Tominey and Sister Collier. It takes about two hours to get from Spanish Town to Junction. Junction is awesome. It is so country. Sometimes we park in random fields and trek through bushes to get to peoples houses. They don't live in neighborhoods here, it's more like... villages. Most people don't have electricity and it's a super safe area. 

Thursday: We went out all day. I actually can't really remember what happened.... haha

Friday: We had Zone Conference in Savannah La Mar, which is a three hour drive. So we were in the car for like 6 plus hours. It was great. Elder Anderson, from the seventy was there. Many awesome things were talked about. Right in the middle of Zone Conference, I started feeling really light headed and started sneezing. I just thought it was allergies. Anyways, ended up being a full blown cold.

Saturday: We went out teaching with this man in the branch named Brother Collins, and another lady came with us as well. Brother Collins is awesome. He is blind, but will walk with us through sketchy paths. He loves going out. (And I was complaining about sickness). I've met quite a few of the members now, because there isn't very many out in these parts.

Sunday: Church. It was good. Tiny branch. In Linstead about 150ish would show up, now here in Junction, maybe 20? Anyways, everyone is so nice! And so humble. I love it. After Church my companions had to go to Spanish Town to practice for the upcoming Christmas musical, and I had to go to Mandeville on tradeoffs for the evening. I was put with a Sister from Linstead who just got out on her mission like 3 days ago... So she had no idea what she was doing, and I had no idea were we were going. But we survived! And I made friends with the taxi man. His name is Andrew and he used to date a danish woman name Sonia. 

Today! (Monday): Had to wait in our apartment till our Landlord fixed something. Oh, btw, our Apartment is nice! I feel like I'm in a hotel. It's so clean and new. Also it has warm water. Sadly, I have the top bunk, because the other sisters were there first. I hate the top bunk...

Okay, everything is crazy. I don't feel like we did much missionary work this week, because so much happened. It was hectic. But, I am in love with Junction. I think my companions think I am crazy. I sound like a man right now, because of my voice. They are super nice, sweet girls. I am loud. I think I balance things out a bit. I have laughed so much this last week, it's been great. 

Oh, and Thanksgiving is this week! We are planning a feast! I'm excited. I'm really happy to be here in Junction. I'm excited to get to work and start finding and teaching! Also, Sister Nautu served here in Junction, and everyone is like, "You look like Sister Nautu! Long dark hair!" 

Blessings,

Sister Pitt

Time To Turn Over A New Leaf!

After 7 months in Linstead, the Lord has finally decided to move me. I am going to a little obscure place called Junction, in the parish of St. Elizabeth. Apparently I am going to an extremely rural area, full of country bumpkins! I'm so excited. I will be in a trio with Sister Tominey and Sister Collier. (I think I spelled both of their names wrong). I was praying for a change, but the thought of leaving Linstead is weighing heavy on my heart. I have learned so much here, and have connected with so many wonderful people. 

Before I start crying, I will recap this week. It started off extremely rough. I was feeling a bit homesick, I was feeling a bit down on myself as well. Sometimes I get into these little depressing moods, that are really hard to get out of. It got harder because at Zone meeting they were talking about what we need to be doing better, and it made me feel so inadequate. I know those things are there to inspire me to work harder, but I was feeling like the goals that were set were impossible. Man, Satan was really getting me down. I decided to ask for a blessing from Elder Daniels (our District Leader). The blessing was amazing. It was exactly what I needed to hear. Immediately after, I wrote down what I remembered. Here is a small part of my list:

-Heavenly Father loves me.

-He is proud of me. 

-He knows what is in my heart.

-He wants me to know that I have made an impact on people here in Linstead.

There was more that was said, and a lot more that was felt, but I am so thankful for the priesthood. I am so grateful for that direct communication from God. After this blessing, my perspective really started to change. Sometimes I just need reassurance that Heavenly Father loves me, even if I know it, it's nice to hear it directly from the source. 

I went and said goodbye to Brother Walker the other day. Oh, it was great. He wrote me a poem, I recorded him saying really funny things about me, and he told me that I am now a part of his family. It was all happy until he started to tear up. He hugged me and said that I'm the best missionary in the whole world. I wasn't able to get this old man to come to church, but I was able to have him feel my love. 

In this mission, every missionary has a journal that when you leave an area, members and whoever you feel like signs it. It's kind of like a year book idea, minus the pictures. Anyways, I've been having everyone sign it, and I took it to Gobrena to sign. While she was writing a letter to me in it, she started to cry. Oh man, then I started to cry. Then we were just hugging each other and crying. I'm going to miss her so much. Lot's of people have signed it so far, and the things they have written about me has made all the hardships of the last seven months completely worth it. One little girl wrote, "I remember when you helped me write my talk. I will always remember that. I love you." Another person wrote, "Your smile always brightened my day and whenever you are around, I have to laugh at your jokes." Now, I don't say these things to brag or to make myself seem like a great missionary (because I'm not), but I finally feel like this last seven months have been completely worth it. There was so much more written and said to me in the last few days that has touched my heart in so many ways. I am sad to leave Linstead, but I will always come back to this place to see these people. They have left many, "footprints on my heart." 

Well, it's time to turn over a new leaf. It's time to work harder, be better, do more. I have learned so much here, now it's time for me to take what I've learned to Junction, and add on to my knowledge. I am excited to start fresh and become a consecrated missionary. I realize now that you can't just expect to be a good or even great missionary all at once, it takes a lot of time and trials to shape you. I realize that I probably won't become the best missionary until the day I leave this mission. Line upon line, precept upon precept. 

How grateful I am for this opportunity to serve Heavenly Father and His children. I use to think the phrase, "lose yourself in the work" was cheesy and overused, but as I was reading in Mattew 16:25, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." 

Blessings,

Sister Pitt

After Church

Brother Dailey

Carb Overload, But Look, Spaghetti!

Georgia's Baptim Day!

Chilling With Bryan!

My Dear Gobrena!

Psalm 41

Sadie Is Crazy

Sister Coleman And I!

Spiritual Prozac

Brother Walker quote of the week:

"Sister Pitt, I'm pretty sure you are part negro."

In America we are taught to say, "please and thank you." We are taught that men should open doors for ladies. Welp, not here in Jamaica. So many times has a guy cut in front of me and pushed me to get through a door. So many times someone has said, "Give me that." It's funny too, because Jamaicans can sense when you have manners, because they try to walk all over you. Thank heavens I know how to be slightly rude while smiling at the same time. Hopefully I don't bring any of these traits with me home. 

Something I really pondered on this week is Satan. Yeah, weird that I've been thinking of the master of all evil, but there is a reason for it. First of all, I realized that Satan is more aware of the atonement than any of us are. Satan can testify to God's power, because he is constantly fighting it. Satan understands that light always triumphs over darkness and that once there is a glimmer of light, we have hope. Satan believes in forgiveness more than we do, because he sees it happen every day. That is why he works so hard to tempt us. Satan will do everything he can to lead us by a string and eventually drag us down to hell, once those strings turn into chains. Yet, nothing is more powerful than Christ offering himself up as a sacrifice. Christ literally breaks those chains that bind us. I started reading the New Testament, and in Matthew when the Devil is tempting Jesus to turn a stone into bread, to save himself, and to receive the riches of the world, Jesus doesn't even bat an eye. He simply dismisses the thought. The devil even says, "IF thou be the Son of God." He uses 'If' to try to make Jesus wonder if he really is the Son of God. Satan uses doubt, fear, inadequacies and sorrow to trap us. 

Overall, it was an alright week. I'm not going to lie, it was rough. Sometimes it gets tough. Is it so bad that when I asked an investigator, "How do you feel about what we taught you today," she said, "I guess it's true," I just didn't even believe her. The spirit just wasn't there. Maybe I over analyze things. Maybe I'm waiting for some amazing spiritual manifestation, but working with investigators is so hard, when they are not prepared. I'd rather spend my whole mission working with a few prepared people than talking to those who just want to debate or talk to a white person. Argh. I'm letting negativity and doubt creep in. Remaining positive all the time takes its toll on you. I guess the thing that keeps me going is prayer and the scriptures. I like to call them spiritual prozac.

Keep me in your prayers. Keep these stubborn Jamaicans in your prayers.

Love, 

Sister Pitt

Sometimes Jamaicans Don't Smile In Pictures

Mr Thomas Is A Stylish Dude!

The Lost Boys

 

Toshi!

'Mormon Helping Hands'

I've been eating healthy everyday, so I decided to reward myself with a treat. I bought a box of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch. I was going to space it out, instead I ended up eating all of it, in one sitting. You all should be extremely impressed. Next time I'll just buy a Snickers or something. 

We participated in a 'Mormon Helping Hands' service project this last week. The members in our branch, and us missionaries went and cleaned up a basic school. Of course I helped, but somehow I ended up playing tag with two little boys. They kept yelling, "YOU CANT CATCH ME, NANANANANA!" So, of course I had to get them. They were egging me on. Anyways, it turned into a full on battle and they started pretending to shoot me. They even tackled me to the ground. It was really funny. Children, no matter what race, nationality or upbringing, are the same all over the world. They just want to have fun and play. Reminds me of the scripture which talks about becoming like a little child to enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

Halloween was this last week, except they don't celebrate it here. Many reasons for that. Main reason is that they believe it's a devils holiday. The second reason is that it is way to dangerous to be out at night in certain areas. The third reason is that all the candy that would be collected by kids would be being sold on the streets the next day. haha Anyways, I pretty much forgot about Halloween, until Sister Savage texted us in the morning. 

We had a family home evening with the Wallace family, in our branch, this last week. It was really fun. We played this game that I made up called keep the commandments. I wrote down a lot of funny commandments on strips of paper, and you had to keep them by doing what they said. "Thou shalt sing a Bob Marley song and dance around like a Rasta." "Thou shalt sing the Jamaican national song while doing jumping jacks." ect... It was really funny, and we had a nice lesson about doing what the Lord wants us to do. 

WE NEED NEW INVESTIGATORS. We are going through a dry spell. I guess it's mainly my fault. I've been too relaxed on certain things lately. I need to really be trying to get referrals, and be a good example to Sister Coleman. As bad as this sounds, I'm just so tired of Linstead. haha, I can't wait to get to a new area. I'm going to work as hard as I can to leave this area better than I came to it though. (That is if I leave, which I assume I will, I've been here forever...) I beat myself up a lot about things, especially when the numbers are not great and stuff. I need to focus more on serving and loving. I need to do so many things better. 

So, the Elders are teaching a girl named Shakear, and the story of her is really funny. She is a Sunday School Teacher at her church, and for the past year, she has been teaching lessons out of our churches Gospel Principals book. That reminds me of this other story some elders had. They gave this guy a Book of Mormon, and he liked it so much he started preaching with it at his church. (He was a preacher). Funny stuff happens in Jamaica. 

Yesterday, Sunday, was a great day. It was fast and testimony meeting. Everyone that bore their testimonies said good things! Bryan bore his testimony! It was awesome. Bryan is amazing. He is such a good example to me. Since his baptism, he has faced so many trials, yet he doesn't complain. If he has no money, he walks to church. The distance is like from Velzy Land to Kahuku. Bryan is always the first one at service projects. He pays his tithing when he gets odd jobs. He passes the sacrament each week. I just love him. I'm a better person because I know him. I wish other people had an eternal perspective like Bryan. The other day (November 1st), he proudly exclaimed, "I've been baptized for five whole months!" It made me reflect to his baptismal day. Oh how sweet a day that was. SO much joy. 

Anyways, this last week was great. Every week is great. I saw this nice little poem the other day, and it caused some serious reflection:

"His precious blood He freely spilt;

His life He freely gave,

A sinless sacrifice for guilt,

A dying world to save."

Oh, I love Jesus. SO MUCH. 

-Sister Pitt

Family Home Evening

Bryan is a Boss

Creepy Drugged Sponge Bob

Ghetto Weight Lifting

Extra Finger

Mormon Helping Hands!

Elders Posing

Intense Service

My Boyfriend!

He Wanted Me To Take His Picture

Obedience Brings Blessings!

Well, if you want to make a Jamaican laugh, talk in a Texas accent. They think it's hilarious. One of our investigators is always like, "Talk like Sandy from Spongebob again!" (Sandy is from Texas, on the show). After talking like someone from Texas they are like, "Talk British!" It turns into a game called, Let's Make the American Talk in Different Accents Because She is REALLY Bad at it. 

I'm really trying to focus on positive energy. I know I sound like a hippie when I say that, but I'm serious. If I try my hardest to enjoy the little moments, then happiness is always at my finger tips. For example, when I'm sitting under the shade of a tree, feeling the warm Jamaican breeze and Bob Marley plays in the distance, I feel really happy. I read this quote by Elder Uchtdorf that says, "We shouldn't wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available -- all the time!" Yes, sometimes it gets hard to be joyful, especially when Satan is trying his hardest to stomp on your face and rip you to shreds... Anyways, as I've been only saying positive things and trying to push out any negative thought or doubt, things are better. As dear Bob Marley would say, "Don't worry, about a thing. Because, every little thing, is going to be alright."

This week was a good week. It was slower, but so it goes. I love cancelled appointments and people hiding. It's fun. (See, I'm being positive.) Haha. Things with Sister Coleman are going good. I think I've learned some serious lessons through this companionship. It has really humbled me, and made me realize that even if I think I'm right, it doesn't matter. It's about me just simply doing what Christ would do. As hard as it may be, I've had to work on developing Christ-like attributes. I've never really had problems with people before, and if I had, I didn't have to be with them 24/7. Dang, missions are tough. haha

I've started the Book of Mormon again, and the idea of obedience has really stuck out to me lately. As the prophets have said, "obedience brings blessings." It's amazing how I've seen people be obedient to God, and they have a very blessed life. They may not have riches or wealth, but they are rich in heart and wealthy in spirit. Then I think about the little things that Heavenly Father has told us to do. For example, not watch rated R movies. I'm completely guilty of this (in the past, not now), and I'm not saying it's an abominable sin, because it's not, but there must be a reason why the prophet has advised against it. That being said, I will probably find myself watching one someday, but I really want to be exactly obedient. Not only as a missionary, but as a follower of Jesus Christ. Ah, I wish I could say I was perfect and I am perfect in this area, but I'm not. I need to be. I guess I will just have to try little by little everyday. 

Anyways, I don't feel like I have much to tell this week. I have been forgetting to write bullet points during the week so I have more stories to tell. Next week will be better, hopefully. 

Family, I love you all. Jamaica is great. Also, apparently it's bad manners to ask a Rasta if he has bugs in his hair or to tell him he dropped his comb. Lesson learned. haha

-Sister Pitt

All Smiles!

Shaka Brah!

Shakeara At Church!

Sister Wallace Requested This Picture!

Some Hawaii Vibe In Jamaica!

Teaching Goats!

The Funniest Five Year Old Ever!

Typical Way Of Cooking!

WHY WALK WHEN YOU COULD FLY?

Having a Jamaican companion who is a convert to the church is... hilarious. That awkward moment when she says something in a lesson that isn't true or really part of the doctrine. I just have to smile and try to focus the lesson back on track. I also have to explain a lot of stuff. For example, Joseph Smith was murdered. The list for random things like that, goes on and on. My favorite was the other night, she told me if she had an albino child, she would give it away. Or a down syndrome child. I was so mad about this I talked to her for like 30 minutes explaining how wrong that is. Oh gosh, I'm laughing typing this. Sometimes the things she says... Jamaicans say the darn dest things. Oh and last of all she was like, "I don't like Harry Potter. Especially the part where they are in the volcano and the one doesn't want to throw the ring into it." HAHA. I guess only a few people will find that funny.

We had to venture to Kingston twice this last week. On Thursday we had a 'sisters meeting.' It was for all the sisters. It was about getting along with your companion and overcoming stress. They fed us lunch and they had VADALIA ONION SALAD DRESSING. I screamed when I saw it. I didn't know they had that magical goodness in this dang country. I might have overreacted, but I was so excited. I almost drank it... Just kidding... Anyways, it was all about forgiving others and not getting offended. I hope everyone was listening. Haha, I'm not perfect, but I am really good at letting things go or just ignoring things. The next day we had to go to Kingston again for another meeting. So, lot's of driving this week...

The work has been going good. We have some good investigators. There is this kid Sean, we are teaching and let me just say, you should never judge a book by it's cover. He looks like a trouble maker, well he kinda is, but he is so willing to listen to the gospel. He has come to church and the second time he came, he brought his sister along. He doesn't have an understanding of the bible, like most Jamaicans, so we have to explain a lot of little things. It's good though. He doesn't question anything we teach, he is just accepting of all of it. He also always makes fun of my American accent. I enjoy talking to him and his sister, and they seem to really enjoy church. Hopefully things go well!

I have a great story. There once was a turkey convention. All the turkeys were so excited to attend. At this convention they were having a special guest, the bald eagle, who would teach them how to fly. All the turkeys gathered at the convention center and the bald eagle taught them. Soon all the turkeys were flying around the big convention center. It was a great day. Many learned how to dip, dive and soar. At the end of the convention, the eagle and a few turkeys gave some closing remarks. They all said goodbye and walked away.

They all said goodbye and walked away.

WALKED AWAY.

I heard this story this last week and I laughed so hard. But, it makes me realize that I can't learn something new and have all these great experiences and just "walk away." I need to really take what I have learned and make it change me as a person so I can, "fly away." Why walk when you could fly? Why stay the same when you can progress and become a better person? Too many times in my life I have learned something new about being better, but a few days later I remained the same. This story prompted me to make a list of ways I'm going to be a different and better person when I return from my mission. I already can see the changes that I have made with myself. I know the mission is to help others, but somehow in the midst of that, the person I am helping the most, is myself. 

Family, I miss you all. Friends, I miss you. Carly, my dog, I don't miss you. You are evil. 

Love, Sister Pitt

Cute School Girls!

I Wonder Which Side is Mine!

Caught In A Tropical Storm

My Girl Christina!

Nicasia Is So Darn Cute!

CARBS!!!!

The Miracle House of Jesus Christ

Promised Blessings!

Sounds Legit

A Time Of Reflection!

I have the worst luck with the truck I drive. I've been stuck in the mud multiple times, I've had the oil run out, I've had the battery not start, I've slipped down a hill into a ditch, AND I'VE HAD THE TIRE POP IN A RAIN STORM. Some of these situations would have stressed me out so much at home, but I think I'm just used to it here. My initial reaction was, "Eh, whatever." I then called the Office Elders, and they tried to direct me over the phone as to how to change a tire. Thank heavens some random taxi drivers took it upon themselves to do pretty much all of it for us. 

So, we are teaching this young guy right now named Sean, and Sister Coleman and him speak such thick patios to each other. I get the conversation, but sometimes if I don't pick up on something, they make fun of me. Also, they think it's soooo hilarious that I don't say the 'T' in mountain, Martin, Ewarton, Newton. I never realized I did that until they pointed it out. Gosh, I guess I've picked up on some of my fathers Utah accent without knowing it. Soon I'll be saying hell instead of hail. 

This week was a time of reflection and contemplation. Hohum. Six months, a year ago the prophet changed the mission age to 19. A year ago I never thought I'd be in Jamaica. If the age hadn't been changed I'd probably be at home, maybe starting my mission papers. Probably not, because I'm a procrastinator and I'd wait till I was 21. I'd probably be in school, probably watching television as well. Now, when I turn 21 I will be nine months out on my mission. That is halfway! Seriously insane. Amazing how tiny little things can change your life dramatically. One little age change and I'm a missionary, in Jamaica. I have filled up an entire journal full of adventures. It's just so crazy to think about all that has happened. 

I also was slightly homesick this week. Mainly just because I could really feel an outpouring of love from home. I'm nowhere near my family, but I can literally feel the love they have for me. It's an amazing feeling, and I've been able to feel that same way about Heavenly Father. I can't see him, but I know he loves me. I wish I could explain it eloquently. The love I feel from God is overwhelming. There are times when I'm praying and I just have to sit there and cry a few tears of joy. I can also feel that same love from my family. I think the way I've been able to understand that feeling of love from God, is because I feel that love from my earthly family. I am so blessed. 

I'm almost done reading Doctrine and Covenants. I just don't understand how this whole church and the doctrine just doesn't make sense to people. It's so simple and perfect. I was reading about baptisms for the dead, and it was a letter Joseph Smith wrote to the church. Even if I wasn't a member of this church, I'd always question what happens to people who don't know about Jesus Christ? How are they saved? It makes perfect sense that because God loves all his children, he has prepared a way for everyone to receive the highest degree of glory. It's so promising and beautiful. Don't you people realize that this is AMAZING. People living in China, for example, who don't know anything about Jesus Christ can still be saved! REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THIS LIFE. Christ's atonement was infinite and eternal. It encompasses everyone who has ever walked this earth. AH. It's so awesome!

Anyways, we are just looking for lot's of new investigators. We picked up a few this next week, but we still are always looking for tons of people. I'm excited. I love this work. It is awesome. AMEN. HALLELUJAH.

Ya mon, rastafari fiyahhhh, eryting irie,

Love, 

Sister Pitt

Beautiful Sunset In Jamaica!

Breathtaking!

Gorgeous!

Got Kayla's Painting! I Love It!

Jamaican Baby!

Playing The Game Looty

Shirlette!

Tire Popped!

Taxi Drivers To The Rescue!