Good morning, Momma!
It's been a pretty slow week in Halmstad. Every investigator we have is either out of town, or was too busy, or just didn't show up if they did set an appointment with us. It's the first week (and hopefully the last) that I didn't have a single teaching appointment. So with some of that 'free time', we've put together a ward mission plan. We're going to put a lot of emphasis in this ward on finding and reactivating the members that have fallen away. At least, that's our plan. I think it's a good one. All the members seem to agree that there's not much point to bringing in new people when we can't keep the old ones.
Yes, I've heard from Nate, but apparently our mail's having some issues right now. I heard nothing from him at all this month, and then about 3 days ago, I got two letters at once that were both about a month old. I hope its just a hiccup and not standard Halmstad mail service. I guess another week or so will tell. Anyway, he says for me not to worry about wedding plans, and to defer you to his department if anything to do with it comes up. ;-)
No, you didn't tell me about your dream. But I do know what you mean when you say you're having paranoia. I went through it back in February. It's one of the main things the mission therapist helped me sort out. It's anxiety, and it's part of the grieving process that comes when you've been too stressed too long. Your whole system just feels attacked and gets stuck in defensive mode. There were a number of weeks when I just felt scared all the time. I would get panicky in any kind of crowd and was constantly on the look-out for danger, because I felt sure it was coming at any moment. I even had a few panic attacks, and on one occasion, thought we were about to be bombed by terrorists in the train station. I was especially worried because I couldn't tell whether or not my fears were just me, or warnings of danger from the Holy Ghost, which is so important for anyone, but maybe even a little moreso as a missionary. Elder Taylor (the therapist) helped me recognize that Heavenly Father knew how stressed and confused I was, and He wouldn't send me a warning or a prompting I needed to follow in a way that would just confuse me further. At that time, I couldn't rely on my feelings because they were all over the place, so when it came to promptings, I could discard my emotional senses, and trust that if there was something Heavenly Father wanted to tell me, he would make it clear in another way. I also found it helpful to trust in my companion's ability to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost, knowing that if we were in danger, the Holy Ghost would be telling her as well as me. I can tell you from first hand experience, it will pass. The fear doesn't go away all at once, but gradually your system will relax again. It goes faster as you make a decided effort to recognize the positive and be appreciative, and also as you calmly, logically work through those moments of panic. It also helped me a lot just to have Elder Taylor to talk to, as it vented out the stress I was feeling about EVERYTHING. I would definitely suggest having someone to talk to right now. And I know exactly what you mean about being strong too. Everyone has told me how strong I am, and how much they admire me for the way I've kept going, but frankly I just felt like I had no other choice but to do what I was doing. When you're between a rock and a hard place, you either keep breathing or you get squished. Sometimes I wanted to just give up and get squished, but I wanted to breathe more. Remember: "This too shall pass."
And I think "Casey's Song" is beautiful. Please tell Mary I said so the next time you see her.
I love you so much, Momma. Take some time to sit down and relax this week, okay? And don't feel bad about it, even if there are some things that need to get done. Your body and spirit just need it right now. Pass on my love to the rest of the family.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Re: Momma
Dear Momma,
Good Morning!
Have you seen Chynna's old future husband in the Apostolic group?
As for my future husband... I haven't heard from him in over 2 weeks. If you do email him today, let him know my companion really doesn't mind me getting mail - she wishes I were getting something at this point.
And provided that I see some mail soon, I think Nate and I will manage to pick out our own date just fine, thanks. I want him and me to plan our wedding together, Momma. It's the first big thing for us to do as our own family, and it's the only wedding we're ever going to have. I want it to be something that really is mine and his.
Anyway, things over here a going well. Halmstad's a rainy little town, so I'm grateful the sun's shining today.
Sister Sprague and I are starting to feel at home here. We've got some fun investigators. There's this paranoid lady named Annette; she's got a baptismal date set, but she refuses to give out her number or tell anyone at church where she lives just to make sure no one pressures her to get baptized. We have two other with baptismal dates, but we haven't met them because they're on summer vacation. Then there's Marketta - a super sweet little Finnish lady with a huge alcohol problem. She's NEVER sober, and the poor woman can't remember anything we tell her. She sometimes calls us in the middle of the night, then hangs up right away. It would be funny if it weren't so sad. Let's see... who else? We're teaching a Buddhist kid. He believes in the skinny Buddha, not the fat one. Did you know that there's more than one Buddha? I sure didn't. Then there's Ingvor - an inactive member we're visiting who believes in reincarnation. Not sure how that one slipped through the baptismal interview questions. And Kelvish, the newly baptized member who believes that everyone's just out to pick on him. I asked the bishop yesterday if our Elders Quorum President has autism. Turns out he doesn't, but the bishop thought it was really funny that I asked. Sometimes as a missionary, I feel like I'm running a grown-up day care center. Anyway, we were over at the bishop's house for dinner yesterday. They let us fill a big bowl with cherries and wild strawberries from their yard, and we got to pet their neighbors' horses. Actually, Sister Sprague petted them. I was too chicken. Especially after Sister Sprague's arm touched the electric fence and the shock went through her and into the horse. That was not a happy animal.
I love you very much, Momma. I love the work I'm doing, and I'm grateful that you're supporting me in it. Thanks so much for your prayers and your love and the resources you've given. I love you the most.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
Good Morning!
Have you seen Chynna's old future husband in the Apostolic group?
As for my future husband... I haven't heard from him in over 2 weeks. If you do email him today, let him know my companion really doesn't mind me getting mail - she wishes I were getting something at this point.
And provided that I see some mail soon, I think Nate and I will manage to pick out our own date just fine, thanks. I want him and me to plan our wedding together, Momma. It's the first big thing for us to do as our own family, and it's the only wedding we're ever going to have. I want it to be something that really is mine and his.
Anyway, things over here a going well. Halmstad's a rainy little town, so I'm grateful the sun's shining today.
Sister Sprague and I are starting to feel at home here. We've got some fun investigators. There's this paranoid lady named Annette; she's got a baptismal date set, but she refuses to give out her number or tell anyone at church where she lives just to make sure no one pressures her to get baptized. We have two other with baptismal dates, but we haven't met them because they're on summer vacation. Then there's Marketta - a super sweet little Finnish lady with a huge alcohol problem. She's NEVER sober, and the poor woman can't remember anything we tell her. She sometimes calls us in the middle of the night, then hangs up right away. It would be funny if it weren't so sad. Let's see... who else? We're teaching a Buddhist kid. He believes in the skinny Buddha, not the fat one. Did you know that there's more than one Buddha? I sure didn't. Then there's Ingvor - an inactive member we're visiting who believes in reincarnation. Not sure how that one slipped through the baptismal interview questions. And Kelvish, the newly baptized member who believes that everyone's just out to pick on him. I asked the bishop yesterday if our Elders Quorum President has autism. Turns out he doesn't, but the bishop thought it was really funny that I asked. Sometimes as a missionary, I feel like I'm running a grown-up day care center. Anyway, we were over at the bishop's house for dinner yesterday. They let us fill a big bowl with cherries and wild strawberries from their yard, and we got to pet their neighbors' horses. Actually, Sister Sprague petted them. I was too chicken. Especially after Sister Sprague's arm touched the electric fence and the shock went through her and into the horse. That was not a happy animal.
I love you very much, Momma. I love the work I'm doing, and I'm grateful that you're supporting me in it. Thanks so much for your prayers and your love and the resources you've given. I love you the most.
Love,
Syster Hillary Kiser
Re: Momma
Dear Momma,
Sorry I wasn't around this morning. We've been running all over Halmstad trying to figure out where things are and how they work. We won't be able to get library cards until my greenie's personnummer (kind of like a social security number) arrives in the mail, which could be this week or next or the week after... don't really know. But until it does, we won't have a regular emailing time.
I've still got my greenie, Sister Sprague (sounds like egg), but the other companion got emergency transferred at the last minute. We're not really sure why. Apparently President Newell just thought she needed to be somewhere else. (And yes, I've met President Newell a few times now.) Anyway, Sister Sprague's a sweetie. She's excited to try out all the new things, and we're getting along great. She fetches things for me, washes my dishes, thinks I have fantastic Swedish... It's awesome. Kind of interesting - my Swedish does seem to have improved remarkably this week. It's pretty cool. Also, Halmstad's BEAUTIFUL! It's a little beach town that really is just made to be on postcards. It might be the prettiest place I've ever been. The ward's teeny - about 15 people, I think. But they're a strong little bunch. They've been really nice.
Glad to know you and Nate have mapped out my whole future for me. Thanks. Are you appeased now that he's asked? Nate already knows I'm a total goofball. I don't know if he'd be surprised by any stories you'd tell on me.
Dusty with a girlfriend, huh? Will miracles never cease?
Anyway, since we're sharing one computer, I need to finish and give Sister Sprague a turn. I love you bunches, Momma. Take care.
Love,
Sister Hillary Kiser
Sorry I wasn't around this morning. We've been running all over Halmstad trying to figure out where things are and how they work. We won't be able to get library cards until my greenie's personnummer (kind of like a social security number) arrives in the mail, which could be this week or next or the week after... don't really know. But until it does, we won't have a regular emailing time.
I've still got my greenie, Sister Sprague (sounds like egg), but the other companion got emergency transferred at the last minute. We're not really sure why. Apparently President Newell just thought she needed to be somewhere else. (And yes, I've met President Newell a few times now.) Anyway, Sister Sprague's a sweetie. She's excited to try out all the new things, and we're getting along great. She fetches things for me, washes my dishes, thinks I have fantastic Swedish... It's awesome. Kind of interesting - my Swedish does seem to have improved remarkably this week. It's pretty cool. Also, Halmstad's BEAUTIFUL! It's a little beach town that really is just made to be on postcards. It might be the prettiest place I've ever been. The ward's teeny - about 15 people, I think. But they're a strong little bunch. They've been really nice.
Glad to know you and Nate have mapped out my whole future for me. Thanks. Are you appeased now that he's asked? Nate already knows I'm a total goofball. I don't know if he'd be surprised by any stories you'd tell on me.
Dusty with a girlfriend, huh? Will miracles never cease?
Anyway, since we're sharing one computer, I need to finish and give Sister Sprague a turn. I love you bunches, Momma. Take care.
Love,
Sister Hillary Kiser
Re: Momma
Dear Momma,
Please give my love to Lyle and the boys. I'll definitely be praying for them. Could you send me their address so I can send them a card?
So, as you can see, I'm writing this on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Our brand new mission president (just arrived last Friday) is shaking things up around here. He moved the transfer forward to tomorrow instead of Thursday, so we're packing and trying to cram everything else in today. As for the transfer itself... things are pretty crazy. I'm finally leaving Uppsala, which I'm pretty excited about. I've only got 3 transfers left, and I want to see as much of Sweden as I can. We're whitewashing an area (meaning we're new to the area, and know nothing about it aside from the notes left by the last companionship). We're going down the south end of Sweden to Halmstad. I think I'll be close enough to Denmark that we'll get to go to the Copenhagen temple! I'm going to be the senior companion in a trio. I've got Sister Vistaunet (a really bubbly, sweet girl who's just finishing her greenie transfer) AND I'm training a greenie! As far as anyone in the mission can remember, no one's EVER done this before. We all thought it was crazy enough to whitewash and train at the same time. No one's ever trained in a trio before, nevermind whitewashing on top of that! Interestingly enough, EVERY trainer in the mission is from my MTC group. Since the elders are only half-way through their mission, that says a lot about them. They're a bunch of real super stars.
I love 'em to death!
Thanks for sharing Nate's email with me. I really enjoyed it. He's so sweet, and he's trying so hard to make a good impression on you. You be nice to him, 'kay? :-P It's probably a good thing I'm going to be up to my eyeballs in my new transfer assignment. It'll keep me focused on the mission work, which has been a little hard, since I'm engaged to the most amazing guy ever, and the work in Uppsala's been slow recently.
Hm, what else...?
Happy 4th of July! We have 7 Americans in the ward here, so we all got together for a little barbeque yesterday, which was fun. The hosts had a huge patch of daises in their yard, and we all learned how to make flower wreaths.
I'm sure there are other things I could share, but I really just can't think of them with all this transfer stuff going through my head, so I'm going to wrap this up. I love you so much, Momma. I hope you all have a wonderful week. Don't forget to pray and play a little bit too.
I love you!
-Syster Hillary Kiser
Please give my love to Lyle and the boys. I'll definitely be praying for them. Could you send me their address so I can send them a card?
So, as you can see, I'm writing this on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Our brand new mission president (just arrived last Friday) is shaking things up around here. He moved the transfer forward to tomorrow instead of Thursday, so we're packing and trying to cram everything else in today. As for the transfer itself... things are pretty crazy. I'm finally leaving Uppsala, which I'm pretty excited about. I've only got 3 transfers left, and I want to see as much of Sweden as I can. We're whitewashing an area (meaning we're new to the area, and know nothing about it aside from the notes left by the last companionship). We're going down the south end of Sweden to Halmstad. I think I'll be close enough to Denmark that we'll get to go to the Copenhagen temple! I'm going to be the senior companion in a trio. I've got Sister Vistaunet (a really bubbly, sweet girl who's just finishing her greenie transfer) AND I'm training a greenie! As far as anyone in the mission can remember, no one's EVER done this before. We all thought it was crazy enough to whitewash and train at the same time. No one's ever trained in a trio before, nevermind whitewashing on top of that! Interestingly enough, EVERY trainer in the mission is from my MTC group. Since the elders are only half-way through their mission, that says a lot about them. They're a bunch of real super stars.
I love 'em to death!
Thanks for sharing Nate's email with me. I really enjoyed it. He's so sweet, and he's trying so hard to make a good impression on you. You be nice to him, 'kay? :-P It's probably a good thing I'm going to be up to my eyeballs in my new transfer assignment. It'll keep me focused on the mission work, which has been a little hard, since I'm engaged to the most amazing guy ever, and the work in Uppsala's been slow recently.
Hm, what else...?
Happy 4th of July! We have 7 Americans in the ward here, so we all got together for a little barbeque yesterday, which was fun. The hosts had a huge patch of daises in their yard, and we all learned how to make flower wreaths.
I'm sure there are other things I could share, but I really just can't think of them with all this transfer stuff going through my head, so I'm going to wrap this up. I love you so much, Momma. I hope you all have a wonderful week. Don't forget to pray and play a little bit too.
I love you!
-Syster Hillary Kiser
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Re: chat
We've had a lot of fun things happening over the last week. We had Midsummer, the second biggest holiday of the year in Sweden. We had a combined stake activity, and all the missionaries around the Stockholm areas got together. We made flower wreaths, played football, and sang and danced around a maypole.
And then Sister Dabb and her greenie stayed the night with us! I took Sister Dabb and we surprized Bahman. (You remember him? Our super-positive investigator from Iran who got scared and stopped meeting with us a few months ago.) He was really miserable, and looked terrible. He said he's realized that he was a lot happier before, so he's agreed to start over with us! I'm so excited to have him back!
And then Sister Dabb and her greenie stayed the night with us! I took Sister Dabb and we surprized Bahman. (You remember him? Our super-positive investigator from Iran who got scared and stopped meeting with us a few months ago.) He was really miserable, and looked terrible. He said he's realized that he was a lot happier before, so he's agreed to start over with us! I'm so excited to have him back!
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