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!

EXCLAMATION POINT!

I don't have a funny story to tell this week. I have a tragic story...

We went without water for 72 hours or so. I didn't wash my hair, because it was too difficult. But, I did get to take some awkward bucket showers. We have plenty of drinking water stored, so we were fine in that area. The worst part is having to fill up buckets and carry them in to flush the toilet. It gets worse when the power goes out, with no water, on a extremely humid night. I'm not complaining, just stating fact. I'm sure I will look back on all this with fond memories, just like how I look back with fondness on how my family lived in the garage for a few months. Good times!

So, can someone please explain to me why time flies by so quickly? It's already October. I've been out six months on the 10th of this month. What the heck?! I have ONE year left... That hurts my heart. Transfer calls came this weekend, Sister Coleman and I are together for another transfer. We have to finish up her 12 week training. Without a doubt, I'll leave Linstead in six weeks. I think it will be good for me to go to a new area, start fresh, have new goals, etc.. I feel like I've been here forever, but at the same time it feels like yesterday I was in the mission home, eating soup and completely exhausted from the MTC.

Got to see Sister Nelson this week (Gobrena's mom). She explained how 16 years ago, she was extremely offended by something someone said, from the church, and that is why she has been gone for so long... Seriously? I'm trying to not be judgmental, but that is ridiculous. Anyways, all that aside, she told us that the feelings she felt at Gobrenas baptism reminded her of her baptism. She said it was the best day of her life, and she is so thankful for her 15 year old daughter, who willingly accepted the Gospel. She told us that she is not giving up on the church again. Wow. What a blessing. My prayers have been answered. This whole experience is a miracle. I'm serious, Heavenly Father led us to find Gobrena. Heavenly Father prepared Gobrenas heart to receive the message of the restoration. Miracles do happen, they are real. You just have to be patient, they will come.

The relationship between Sister Coleman and I is improving. I'm not going to lie, sometimes she annoys me, but I'm trying to push out every ounce of selfishness and judgement. I'm trying to be meek, humble, and loving. I've been mainly trying to get to know her. The contention that was previously there is now gone. I feel like we are slowly becoming friends. At times it's still not perfect, but Heavenly Father is helping. He has answered my prayers by softening her heart, as well as mine. 

Conference was amazing. Everyone should give me a pat on the back, because I didn't fall asleep at all. I think this is my first time doing that. Before conference, I made a list of eight questions I have had in my mind:

1. How can I be a better follower of Jesus Christ and a better missionary?

2. How can I be better at keeping and achieving my goals? 

3. What are things I can do to have more confidence and less negative thoughts about myself?

4. How do you know if you've been forgiven completely? 

5. How can I more fully love everyone, especially those closest to me?

6. What are things I can do to always have a joyful spirit and countenance?

7. What are things I can do to help my family?

8. How can I avoid being complacent with the Gospel? Or, in other words, how do I keep the Gospel alive in my life, always?

Each one of these questions was answered so directly by words or by the spirit of the Lord. Conference was special this time round. Mainly because I took the time to make it special. I loved all the talks. Can you believe, 15 million members and 80,000+ missionaries?! AMAZING. EXCLAMATION POINT!

Anyways, I'm done typing for today. I love this Gospel. It is true. I love God. I love Jesus Christ. They are real, and they are always there to listen to our prayers. 

In the words of Bill and Ted, "Be excellent to each other!"

(Alright, way to kill a spiritual ending to a letter, Caressa. Geez)

Love,

Sister Pitt

These Two Kids Are Insane!

I AGREE!

In Between Conference Sessions!

Intense Mud Soccer!

Mud Soccer!

Sister Coleman Happy About Her Banana!

Spider Webs Are Everywhere!

 

The "Elder Fowkes Is Leaving" Pose

Striving For The Gospel!

Thou Knowest That I Love Thee!

“God is not dead, but he’s aliveee. God is not dead, but he’s aliveeeee. God is not dead, but he’s aliveeeee! I feel it in my hands, I feel it in my feet, I feel it all overrrr me! Yeah yeah yeah!”

I went to 2 Jamaican prayer meetings (something they have before a funeral) and 2 funerals this week… I learned some great clap-tastic, stomp your feet, joyful gospel songs. It was a good time. I also got to bear testimony about the Plan of Salvation in front of 50 or more people from different faiths at the prayer meetings. Of course, the Elders took it upon themselves to sing, “If You Could Hie to Kolob.” It sounded good, but I’m sure everyone was confused. Overall, I love prayer meetings. I do NOT like Jamaican funerals. They are the most disorganized events. Funerals have an amazing opportunity to be spiritual and special, but not in Jamaica. My favorite parts are the people who do musical numbers, but are tone deaf. Whatever floats their boat, I suppose. Meanwhile, since I was sitting on the stand, I had to put my face in my hands to control myself from not laughing in front of an entire congregation of mourners.

(Side note: Since funerals are so boring, I declare that I will have a FUN-eral. It will be full of fun. None of this boring, sad stuff. It will have bouncy houses, cotton candy machines, and my body will be propped up in a chair on the side holding a golden staff and I will have on a crown.)

Things with my dear companion are improving. I'm trying to do things with her that are fun and simple. For example. We made lists of qualities we want our future husbands to have. (It's cheesy, I know, but I was trying to think of something that would maybe bring up some similarities). And, it worked. We had a lot in common in that area. I got to talk to her about a lot of things this week. I am doing my best, and praying every single day so that we can be more united. We went to KFC, to take a break from cooking. If there is awkward silence in the car, I turn the church music up and sing it at the top of my lungs. She thinks it's funny. So, it's working out. I am doing everything I can, so if it still doesn't work over time, then at least I know that I did my best! :)

Alright. So about the "surprise" last week, it's know longer anything. What happened is that last week Sunday, Christina got a blessing and chose October 5th as her baptismal date, and by Saturday, she had changed her mind. SHE IS FULL OF EXCUSES. Ergh. Well, I've learned a lot from teaching her, there is really nothing else we can do for her, she has free agency, so it's her choice. I've really learned how to just accept the Lord's will. I just have to let things go, and move forward with faith. I don't want to bring anyone to baptism, unless they are "begging" to be baptized...

And speaking of baptism... GOBRENA GOT BAPTIZED! It was an amazing day. She got baptized Sunday, September 29th! First of all, she brought her less active mom. Second of all, she was so excited. Somehow, baptisms end up being really stressful on my part. We filled up the font the night before, and it almost all leaked out by morning! EEK! But, luckily we got there an hour early, and we started filling it again. She still had to be baptized sitting down. But, it was amazing. I just felt so happy and excited for her. After she went into the bathroom all wet, she was crying tears of joy. Her mom turned to me and said, "This reminds me of my baptism. I know the celestial kingdom is real, and I want to go there, with my family." Oh man, it was soooooo amazing. I got to bear my testimony about baptism and when I looked at Gobrena, I started tearing up, because she had tears streaming down her face. Gobrena felt the spirit, strong. I challengend her to write down every feeling she was feeling in her journal, so she can look back on it when times get tough. Gobrena is an elect, choice spirit. She was so ready to receive the Gospel. Everything just clicked for her, and she is so intelligent. It was a pleasure teaching her, and moments like her baptism, make all the hard times, one hundred percent worth it.

So many of my prayers were answered. I felt the spirit as I was able to witness beautiful Gobrena make promises with Heavenly Father. It made me reflect on all the promises I've made with God. I have really contemplated the baptismal covenants and temple covenants I have made. I watched the Relief Society broadcast, and it put a lot of things in perspective. It talked all about keeping our promises, and as we do so, God keeps his promises towards us.

I love what Sister Linda K. Burton said in the broadcast, "On judgement day, I imagine that God will ask us what Christ asked Peter, "Did you love me?" I know as we keep the promises we make with God, we will be able to say without doubt and fear, "Thou knowest that I love thee."

Love,
Sister Pitt

Before Gobrena Got Baptized!

A Joyful Day!

Gobrena And I!

A Cute Little Letter From A Cute Little Girl!

COOOOOL

Driving Up a Mountain

Would Ya Look At That View!

The MARMONS!

I Found Father Abraham Again!