I'M IN SWEDEN!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!So... it's a good thing we bought those boots and that nice down coat because I'm spending my winter in Sundsvall. This city is the furthest north they'll send sisters. I know. You're all laughing yourself silly right now. Go ahead. The temperatures are actually pretty nice for now. Winter should probably hit in about a month, so at least I'm not going through shock with a major climate change right away. The really ironic part is that all the elders wanted to come north, and they're all way down south, most of them as far south as they can go. Saying goodbye to the Elders was really hard. Yes, I sobbed like the big baby that I am. I was really upset that they all got to stay together while I was sent so far away all alone. But doing the work doesn't really leave time to think about that much, so I'm doing just fine.
As for the Sundsvall area - it's pretty fun so far. It's HUGE. It's about the size of the Charlottesville Stake, and there's only one tiny branch for all of it. One of the big challenges here is that the members go inactive because the chapel is hours away, and they really CAN'T get to church. Syster Kester and I are also the only missionaries in the whole area. Yes, we are Team Kajser and Kester! (I'm ordering new name-tags and changing my name's spelling to 'Kajser' because all the Swedes are really confused by the 'i' in 'Kiser'. They're not sure how to pronounce it. My name looks like 'Sheeser' to them.) The next closest missionaries are two elders in Ornskoldsvik, which is a couple hours away, and their area is about the same size as ours. So, ya. The North is a little sparse. There are a total of four companionship's covering the whole northern half of Sweden.
My trainer and I are getting along great. She's a real sweetheart - I guess one of us would have to be. We've agreed that whenever we need a good cop/bad cop approach, I'm the bad cop. We really might need one. A lot of our investigators seem to be really flaky. We invited over 12 to come watch General Conference with us at the church, and none showed up. But that's okay because they'll all be at church next Sunday (you know, since they got all their important stuff out of the way this weekend).
In the 3 days I've been here, we've taught about 5 lessons, which is better than I expected (especially since one of those days was all conference). My favorite appointment so far was with a Muslim family (Arab husband, Swedish wife, with two GORGEOUS little girls). They fed us dinner, and then we discussed the importance of prayer. They also gave us a Qu'ran, which I think is both funny and cool. They're very devoted to their traditions, so it was really interesting that the husband stated he would happily change his religion if he found a better one. I think people must be able to sense that there's more out there to religion than what they've been given so far, even if they don't realize they feel that way.
Life's little ironies continue to thump me on the back on the head when I'm not looking. I told you that I spent my first month in the MTC with one of Nate's cousins, right? Well, on Tuesday, we went to the Stockholm Temple, and I met ANOTHER of his relatives. (This one related through marriage, but still, it's enough to remind me after I've tried so hard to keep such things off my mind.) I think Fate's picking on me.
In other news: one interesting thing I've discovered since being here is that we Americans put way too much sugar in everything. I know, I know. I add sugar to my hot chocolate all on my own, but what I mean is: I never noticed that EVERYTHING at home does have sugar in it - the juice, the bread, the sauces, the jams and jellies, the snacks especially. I'm discovering all sorts of new flavors here because they're not overpowered by sugar. And weird as it sounds, I might actually LIKE it. One thing Chynna would love is that they put ketchup on EVERYTHING. Apparently they don't use tomato sauce here, so anything we would put tomato sauce in at home, they cover with ketchup instead.
Anyway, I need to take off. P-day only comes once a week, and it doesn't last very long. There are still a lot of things to do, like shopping and laundry, and writing up a report for my Mission President.
I love you very much, and I can't wait to hear from you. Take care.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
Monday, October 25, 2010
6th E-mail
Dear family,
It's no surprise to hear you're all busy up to your eyeballs. When will Rich know whether or not he gets the new job? And how did the triathlon go?
I'm sorry Casey's still being difficult. Honestly, I think buying him clothes was too nice of you. If he wants to live with Dad, then it's time for Dad to be the parent. I know it's awful, Momma. I'm sorry all your kids turn into boneheads before we start growing up a little bit. Just remember that the Lord knows where we are and where we're going to go, and He IS working to get us all through these rough stages, even if it's hard for us to see how.
I'm not sure who to start giving condolences for first. Let Jennie know that I'm keeping her name on the prayer list in the temple. And I'm praying for Dad-Dad and Uncle Jesse too.
As for what i need - pictures of family. People are constantly asking me if they can see pictures of you guys. I'd love to have my photo album too. (The big one with my college pictures.) And a cardigan or two really would be great. I'd love to have one in white, and one in color. I don't care which. I'm just starved for color right now. I've really been gritting my teeth because now that we're here, the MTC presidency's announced that the clothing guidelines for sisters are changing. Apparently they don't want us to look like Mennonites (or polygamists) anymore, so they're encouraging us to wear colors and patterns and look feminine. And our skirts don't have to cover the shin anymore, just the knee. That would've been WONDERFUL to know when I was running all over two states looking for long, plain, dark skirts in the middle of July. Grr.
I've got to say, the elders in my district might be my favorite thing about the MTC. My companion's got a calling that separates us while she's in meetings a few times a week, and whenever that happens, I've got my own 11-man team of body guards. Nothing makes a girl feel more important than walking, surrounded by 11 men, darting around corners with their 'guns' at the ready, sniping down any 'potential threats'. I'm actually starting to worry that Sweden might be boring after this.
There's a lot more I want to say, but I'm running out of time. I'll try to get the rest of my thoughts on paper and stick it in the mail.
I love you. Work hard. Play hard. Pray hard.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
It's no surprise to hear you're all busy up to your eyeballs. When will Rich know whether or not he gets the new job? And how did the triathlon go?
I'm sorry Casey's still being difficult. Honestly, I think buying him clothes was too nice of you. If he wants to live with Dad, then it's time for Dad to be the parent. I know it's awful, Momma. I'm sorry all your kids turn into boneheads before we start growing up a little bit. Just remember that the Lord knows where we are and where we're going to go, and He IS working to get us all through these rough stages, even if it's hard for us to see how.
I'm not sure who to start giving condolences for first. Let Jennie know that I'm keeping her name on the prayer list in the temple. And I'm praying for Dad-Dad and Uncle Jesse too.
As for what i need - pictures of family. People are constantly asking me if they can see pictures of you guys. I'd love to have my photo album too. (The big one with my college pictures.) And a cardigan or two really would be great. I'd love to have one in white, and one in color. I don't care which. I'm just starved for color right now. I've really been gritting my teeth because now that we're here, the MTC presidency's announced that the clothing guidelines for sisters are changing. Apparently they don't want us to look like Mennonites (or polygamists) anymore, so they're encouraging us to wear colors and patterns and look feminine. And our skirts don't have to cover the shin anymore, just the knee. That would've been WONDERFUL to know when I was running all over two states looking for long, plain, dark skirts in the middle of July. Grr.
I've got to say, the elders in my district might be my favorite thing about the MTC. My companion's got a calling that separates us while she's in meetings a few times a week, and whenever that happens, I've got my own 11-man team of body guards. Nothing makes a girl feel more important than walking, surrounded by 11 men, darting around corners with their 'guns' at the ready, sniping down any 'potential threats'. I'm actually starting to worry that Sweden might be boring after this.
There's a lot more I want to say, but I'm running out of time. I'll try to get the rest of my thoughts on paper and stick it in the mail.
I love you. Work hard. Play hard. Pray hard.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
Sunday, October 24, 2010
5th E-mail
Hejsan, familj!
It sounds like you're all crazy-busy... so business as usual, I guess.
As for Chynna's health - I really hope she starts getting better soon. Tell her she might be healed of she writes to me. ;) As for the pills, they've been great for me. I haven't had any pains since I started using them. So she's off to school at last. The refund sounds awesome! I'm sure it'll help a lot. I wonder how she'll like dorm life. As for Jon's jealousy, we knew that was coming. Just be patient. And be nice. Chynna -is- a smart girl when she's not being stubborn. She'll figure things out (it sounds like she already is, to some degree). It'll work out right in the end, and if it hasn't worked out yet, it's not the end.
How are you doing with a quiet(er) house? Of course, it can't really be quiet with Keira and the pets around. How's Keira's first week of 1st grade been? The poor kid sounds like she needs some knee pads or a helmet or something. Did you take her to get stitches later, or are you just gonna let the kid be disfigured for life?
I would love to have my jewelry. I didn't bring any because I didn't want to have to worry about losing it, but I just miss it too much. I'm so excited for that package - and I really would love to have some pictures too. I don't know why I didn't think to bring any.
As for how I'm doing - I love my life! Our Swedish teacher finally came back on Monday, so our language progress has picked up a lot these last few days. We had another English Fast yesterday, and it went really well. I'm constantly being surprised by the new things I'm able to say. Swedish is kind of a tricky language. It bears a lot of resemblance to English because they're both Germanic-based languages, but Swedish is more like Old English, especially the way sentences are built. We say things like: "Fore klassen, goar vi till frukost." ("Before class, go we to breakfast.) and "Varfor har du en froagor?" ("Wherefore have you a question?" - 'wherefore' = 'why'). It's fun, but it's hard to remember to rearrange sentences while speaking, in addition to translating the vocabulary.
I only have a few minutes left, but I have to tell you the most amazing thing! Last night, we filled up the gym for our Tuesday night devotional, and JEFFREY R. HOLLAND walked into the room! Elder Holland's my hero! I think I could be happy to let him chew me up and spit me out spiritually all day. He just speaks so POWERFULLY! Sitting at an apostle's feet and hearing him say "I love you. I respect you. And I thank you." has to be one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. If I've had a greater experience, I can't think of it now.
I want to say so much more about it, but I'm about to be kicked off. I love you so much.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
It sounds like you're all crazy-busy... so business as usual, I guess.
As for Chynna's health - I really hope she starts getting better soon. Tell her she might be healed of she writes to me. ;) As for the pills, they've been great for me. I haven't had any pains since I started using them. So she's off to school at last. The refund sounds awesome! I'm sure it'll help a lot. I wonder how she'll like dorm life. As for Jon's jealousy, we knew that was coming. Just be patient. And be nice. Chynna -is- a smart girl when she's not being stubborn. She'll figure things out (it sounds like she already is, to some degree). It'll work out right in the end, and if it hasn't worked out yet, it's not the end.
How are you doing with a quiet(er) house? Of course, it can't really be quiet with Keira and the pets around. How's Keira's first week of 1st grade been? The poor kid sounds like she needs some knee pads or a helmet or something. Did you take her to get stitches later, or are you just gonna let the kid be disfigured for life?
I would love to have my jewelry. I didn't bring any because I didn't want to have to worry about losing it, but I just miss it too much. I'm so excited for that package - and I really would love to have some pictures too. I don't know why I didn't think to bring any.
As for how I'm doing - I love my life! Our Swedish teacher finally came back on Monday, so our language progress has picked up a lot these last few days. We had another English Fast yesterday, and it went really well. I'm constantly being surprised by the new things I'm able to say. Swedish is kind of a tricky language. It bears a lot of resemblance to English because they're both Germanic-based languages, but Swedish is more like Old English, especially the way sentences are built. We say things like: "Fore klassen, goar vi till frukost." ("Before class, go we to breakfast.) and "Varfor har du en froagor?" ("Wherefore have you a question?" - 'wherefore' = 'why'). It's fun, but it's hard to remember to rearrange sentences while speaking, in addition to translating the vocabulary.
I only have a few minutes left, but I have to tell you the most amazing thing! Last night, we filled up the gym for our Tuesday night devotional, and JEFFREY R. HOLLAND walked into the room! Elder Holland's my hero! I think I could be happy to let him chew me up and spit me out spiritually all day. He just speaks so POWERFULLY! Sitting at an apostle's feet and hearing him say "I love you. I respect you. And I thank you." has to be one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. If I've had a greater experience, I can't think of it now.
I want to say so much more about it, but I'm about to be kicked off. I love you so much.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
4th E-mail
Happy P-Day!
So much happens here, I spend all week thinking about what i want to tell you about, and then when P-day comes, I can't remember any of it.
As for what make me sick, the doctor said it's most often picked up from another antibiotic, so I probably got it from one of the other medicines I was taking this summer. I took the last pill on Monday, and I am so happy to FINALLY get that awful half-rootbeer-half-metal funky taste out of my mouth! I'm sure it doesn't surprise you that as soon as I was over that, I picked up a cold. I've been sniffling and sneezing all week, but I can tell I've been coming out of it since Monday. Now everyone else in my class is starting... Oops.
I haven't seen Nick for about a week, but I will keep an eye out for him, and I'll try to remember to get his MTC address for you. Jeremiah left about at about 5 this morning. I saw him last on Monday. My companion and I somehow got turned around and ended up in the farewell fireside for all the missionaries who were leaving this week, and I found him sitting in the row behind me, so it turned out to be a mistake I was happy to make.
So how are the new glasses? Are they the same style of are you changing it up?
Thanks for keeping me posted on my bank account.
I'm pretty sure the two things I have laughed the hardest over in the last two weeks were the stories you've sent about Keira. And my companion loves them too. Make sure you keep sending those little gems in your letters. They totally make my day!
And thank you so much for the package! The dried fruits and toblerones are pretty much the best things i could hope for in a package. I am happy to share all but the toblerones with my companion and roommates. ;) And you can can let Keira know that her drawing is sitting proudly on display on my desk.
For future packages, I wouldn't mind having a little of my jewelry sent. I didn't realize how much I was going to miss it. Also, I'd really love to have some pictures. It was a big mistake not to bring any with me.
Poor Jennie. Let her know that she is in my prayers please. I didn't have time to write a letter for Paw-Paw last week, but I am writing one today.
Yes I have some VERY interesting Elders in my district. We spend all day every day together, so it's becoming hard to imagine what it would be like not to have them around. They're super funny, and they're really solid, spiritual young men. Since a lot of them are fresh out of high school, some of them are just starting to figure out that we have answers in the scriptures to the deep doctrine questions, and I really enjoy helping them figure out where to look for those things since I've taken so many religion classes. They're going to do amazing things in the field. As for the water incident, no, I haven't forgotten what doing dishes is like. The kitchen staff actually asked the Elders to wash the glasses themselves, which they were happy to do.
My MTC departure date is on September 27. That's pretty much set in stone. I really am going to need these next 6 weeks. The language has been the biggest hurdle by far. Last week's English Fast kind of fell through. It was a lot harder than anyone expected, and the district agreed to cut it short by early afternoon because our brains were completely fried. (It didn't help that our teacher's on vacation, and that was her last day to try to cram EVERYTHING we should've learned in this 2-week period into one day. I don't think I approve of our teachers having real lives outside the MTC so much.) Anyway, since then (Thursday), I was feeling really stressed about the language and a little afraid to try with it. But Monday, we had an activity where we had to hold an all-Swedish conversation for a full 10 minutes with a native speaker. Once I HAD to do it, I was surprised by how much I knew. I didn't know I COULD come up with 10 minutes worth of Swedish until they made me do it. So now I'm feeling a lot better, and my confidence in using it is growing again.
I'm going to get booted from the computer in about 60 seconds, so I have to wrap it up now.
I love you very much, and I want you to know I do pray for you.
~Sister Hillary Kiser
P.S. could you save all of my letters in a box or something so I'll have them all when I get home?
So much happens here, I spend all week thinking about what i want to tell you about, and then when P-day comes, I can't remember any of it.
As for what make me sick, the doctor said it's most often picked up from another antibiotic, so I probably got it from one of the other medicines I was taking this summer. I took the last pill on Monday, and I am so happy to FINALLY get that awful half-rootbeer-half-metal funky taste out of my mouth! I'm sure it doesn't surprise you that as soon as I was over that, I picked up a cold. I've been sniffling and sneezing all week, but I can tell I've been coming out of it since Monday. Now everyone else in my class is starting... Oops.
I haven't seen Nick for about a week, but I will keep an eye out for him, and I'll try to remember to get his MTC address for you. Jeremiah left about at about 5 this morning. I saw him last on Monday. My companion and I somehow got turned around and ended up in the farewell fireside for all the missionaries who were leaving this week, and I found him sitting in the row behind me, so it turned out to be a mistake I was happy to make.
So how are the new glasses? Are they the same style of are you changing it up?
Thanks for keeping me posted on my bank account.
I'm pretty sure the two things I have laughed the hardest over in the last two weeks were the stories you've sent about Keira. And my companion loves them too. Make sure you keep sending those little gems in your letters. They totally make my day!
And thank you so much for the package! The dried fruits and toblerones are pretty much the best things i could hope for in a package. I am happy to share all but the toblerones with my companion and roommates. ;) And you can can let Keira know that her drawing is sitting proudly on display on my desk.
For future packages, I wouldn't mind having a little of my jewelry sent. I didn't realize how much I was going to miss it. Also, I'd really love to have some pictures. It was a big mistake not to bring any with me.
Poor Jennie. Let her know that she is in my prayers please. I didn't have time to write a letter for Paw-Paw last week, but I am writing one today.
Yes I have some VERY interesting Elders in my district. We spend all day every day together, so it's becoming hard to imagine what it would be like not to have them around. They're super funny, and they're really solid, spiritual young men. Since a lot of them are fresh out of high school, some of them are just starting to figure out that we have answers in the scriptures to the deep doctrine questions, and I really enjoy helping them figure out where to look for those things since I've taken so many religion classes. They're going to do amazing things in the field. As for the water incident, no, I haven't forgotten what doing dishes is like. The kitchen staff actually asked the Elders to wash the glasses themselves, which they were happy to do.
My MTC departure date is on September 27. That's pretty much set in stone. I really am going to need these next 6 weeks. The language has been the biggest hurdle by far. Last week's English Fast kind of fell through. It was a lot harder than anyone expected, and the district agreed to cut it short by early afternoon because our brains were completely fried. (It didn't help that our teacher's on vacation, and that was her last day to try to cram EVERYTHING we should've learned in this 2-week period into one day. I don't think I approve of our teachers having real lives outside the MTC so much.) Anyway, since then (Thursday), I was feeling really stressed about the language and a little afraid to try with it. But Monday, we had an activity where we had to hold an all-Swedish conversation for a full 10 minutes with a native speaker. Once I HAD to do it, I was surprised by how much I knew. I didn't know I COULD come up with 10 minutes worth of Swedish until they made me do it. So now I'm feeling a lot better, and my confidence in using it is growing again.
I'm going to get booted from the computer in about 60 seconds, so I have to wrap it up now.
I love you very much, and I want you to know I do pray for you.
~Sister Hillary Kiser
P.S. could you save all of my letters in a box or something so I'll have them all when I get home?
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