March 26, 2013 - Don't Drink the Water!

FAMILIA!!!!!!!

 

Y'all. We are not in America anymore.

 

This has been the craziest and the most insane week of LIFE. I flew into San Diego Tuesday and we spent all day in the mission home (side note-Elder Ballard is my mission presidents father-in-law. I slept in the bed he sleeps in. I'm famous. Is that creepy?) and on Wednesday was transfer meeting. Our mission added a whole new zone that meeting (now we're up to 11!) and that one is all spanish-speaking (by Chula Vista). We met up with our new companions and went on our way!

 

I'm in the Imperial valley, which is about 2 hours east of San Diego and right on the border. And when I say "right on the border", I mean RIGHT ON THE BORDER. Like, walk 20 feet and I'm illegal. We can't drink the tap water. We cover El Centro, Calexico, and have a few investigators in a small town called Holtville. It is unlike anywhere I have ever been in my entire life and I've been quoting "We're not in Kansas anymore" all week. It's a very, very humble area, and the people don't have much. I think I am one of 6 white people in the area, and the other 5 are missionaries so we definitely stand out. It's also very hot. 90 degrees today and it gets to 120 in the summers. Oh my shoot dang....

 

This mission isn't a tracting mission, which suprised me. We work only from referrals from members. I thought that we wouldn't have a lot of people to teach, but these members are AMAZING and they give us new names every week.

 

The mexican culture is so different from ours. They are very loving (especially the women) and will give you everything they have. It's pretty humbling, because they don't have much and yet they offer the missionaries everything they can. Another fun little quirk is that nobody ever shows up on time, EVER! We didn't start church until 10:30 (it starts at 10), so that will definitely be something to get used to, haha. My favorite part is meeting the members of the ward! All the hermanas came up to me and said "ooooh Hermanita Hermosa!! Muy muy hermosa!!!" (Beautiful, beautiful little sister!) and hug you and kiss you on the cheek. I've given a lot of hugs this week....Hispanics also like to talk. A lot. Like, they will tell you their entire life story your first visit there and share everthing they are thinking with you. Silences during lessons do not exist here.

 

Everyone here is COMPLETELY obsessed with my blue eyes. Especially the kids! I don't think they have ever seen blue eyes before, so when we teach they just stare at them. It creeped me out at the beginning. Now I just think it's funny.  

 

I have my own bathroom. Not suffering.

 

I'm not gonna lie. This is hard. Missionary work is hard. We've taught alot of people this week who have said "I'm not interested in joining your church. I just invite you over because you are nice and you have a nice message". The catholic church is very prevalent here, and they are very strong members. We've been teaching about prophets and the restoration of the priesthood a lot, and even though they believe it's true, they're not ready to give up their church. Family is VERY prevalent here, catholic families especially, and people are not willing to join the church even though they believe it to be true because they don't want to lose that familial support. So yaaaaay.

 

I'm grateful for my companion. Her spanish is amazing (even though she's only been out 12 weeks) and she's a great trainer! Not gonna lie, I don't understand a shoot dang WORD anyone here says, and that is a lot more frustrating and discouraging than I thought it would be. Patience with myself is something I am working on. My saving grace is the 2 english-speaking famlies that we teach, the Morales family and the Diaz family. It's the only time I really feel like I add a lot to the lesson. I can basically bear my testimony haha.

 

Well family, I love you. I've been missing you alot this week. I hope you realize how much love I have for you, and there have been days where that is the only thing that keeps me going.

 

The insurmountable love I have for you, I send to you.

 

Hermana Hess

March 21, 2013 - Kelsey is safe in San Diego!!

Dear Brother and Sister Hess,

We are so excited to have Sister Hess serving with us in San Diego. She arrived in great shape, and we wanted you to get this photo as soon as possible. She will also be sending a letter today by regular mail. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We love your daughter already!

Sincerely,

President and Sister Clayton

California San Diego Mission

 

 

March 13, 2013 - Now Let us Rejoice!

FAMILIA!

 

Now is a time for much rejoicing in all of the lands near and far, because this Hermana has got her TRAVEL PLANS. HOLLABACK.

Anyways, this Tuesday I'll be lugging all of my bags (which, by the way, I'm pretty sure exceed 50 pounds each. The airport shall be a blastyblast.) to the opposite end of the MTC to get on a shuttle at 5 in the AM (don't ask me about my feelings on that one....) and head to the SLC airport, where I will get on a plane and fly to San Diego, arriving at approximatly 9:30 in the morning.

 

YOU GUYS. IT'S REAL.

 

The same day we got our plans my mission president sent me a letter basically saying "We are so excited to see you and wave to you as you get off the plane!", and detailing our first day. We'll spend the day and night at the mission home just getting to know the presidency and all that, and the next day is transfers, where we will get our companions and head to our area. Oh man, family, I am so excited. I'M SO EXCITED!!!! I can't wait to be in San Diego, and while I'm a tad (understatement) nervous because of the language, I am just plain excited to meet these people. I may not speak the language perfectly, but I can still love people. Bliss.

 

But I am sad to be leaving the MTC and my district zone. But I do believe it's time to go, because I'm getting far too comfortable here. I think it's time to "get out of the garden" and head out to the next adventure. I love the MTC and the spirit that is here, though. It's a place that is very different than anywhere else in the world, and it's come to feel like a different "home". I guess where you are living in a place where all you do is push your limits, you develop a love for it. I've grown up a ton here, and I will admit that I'm sad to leave it. But it's time, so bring on the beach. (we can go swimming, right? :))

 

This week for personal study I've been focusing on the plan of salvation and our purpose here on earth. Man, everytime I study this gospel I leave the room thinking "This gospel is SO COOL!". I think it's incredible that a bunch of 18-21 year olds are teaching about the purpose we have on this earth, when for the rest of the world it remains an uncertainty. Personal study is my favorite hour of the day, for sure. I wish it would last longer because the more I study, the more I realize that I need to learn.

 

I made an "Our Purpose" flowchart. It's colorcoded.

 

Daylight savings is awesome. Really. JOKE.

 

The elders in our district went to the Mexican consolate in SLC for Visa stuff and they came back with "I saw a girl wearing pants and it was WEIRD" stories and a whole bunch of diet coke... I relapsed. I am ashamed.

 

One of the Hermana's in my district's mom sent her a ukulele. Much rejoicings were had!

 

We are studying the commandments this week afterwards our teachers challenged us to give up something for a week so we can somewhat understand what it's like to kick an addiction. Me and the other Hermanas gave up sugar. I'm riding the struggle bus, and it's been 2 days.

 

YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST REALIZED?!?! I GET TO CALL YOU GUYS ON TUESDAY!!!!!!! In the morning. Probably around 7-7:30ish but I honestly have no idea. But I get to hear your voices!! Dad and David, I'm sure mom would let you stay home from school and work, right? Talking to your daughter/sister is important. Plus I would be sad if you didn't. I'm sorry I don't have more details, or even how long I get to talk, but I'm just dang happy that I get to talk to you guys!!!

 

We had an awesome devotional last night by Paul V. Johnson (of the Seventy) and it was all about submitting ourself to the Lord. It may be one of the hardest things we have to do in this life, but it's a commandment for a reason. It's the key to becoming the person we are meant to become, when we CHOOSE to do something that we (the natural man) doesn't want to do. It's hard, because in this world "submitting oneself" is a sign of weakness, but in God's eyes, submitting ourselves is POWER. We will be strong in areas where we are weak (Ether 12:27...I always think of Ty because that one is his favorite), we will become more like the Savior, and we will have power.

 

Here's the thing about submitting ourselves. We have to get lost. We have to get lost in the service of God because that is the only way were are able to truly find ourselves. I know it sounds like it should be on an inspirational poster or something cheesy like that, but I have a testimony of that. When we lose ourselves in the service of God, we find ourselves. That's why we're here! I want you all to know that while I'm here serving the Lord, I want to be completely lost. I think it would be the saddest and most heart-wrenching thing if I don't become the person or the missionary I was supposed to be, because I held on too tight to who I was before. It's not about me, guys (can you believe I just said that?) but it's true. I don't want it to be about me anymore.

 

God is real. Christ is real. They live. There are very few perfect things on this planet but This Gospel IS. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for letting me perform this work.

 

I love you all more than I ever have. It grows everyday!!!

 

With all of my heart,

Hermana Hess

March 6, 2013 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Familia!!

 

Today commemorates the one month birthday of me being here in the glorious empty sea. I shall commemorate by eating three bowls of ice cream at dinner. But seriously, since when did it get to be March? How do I have less than two weeks left? Que en el mundo!?!

 

You know as I look back on the last month here, it has both been the longest and shortest month of my life. The days all run together and I don't remember what I ate for breakfast this morning, but all I know is that cool things happen in the MTC on a daily basis. Most people smile, and those who don't aren't doing it right. I feel bad for those missionaries. Dad in your last e-mail to me you said something that has stuck with me and will undoubtedly stick with me for a very long time. You said "Isn't it cool when you smile for the right reason?". I'm here to tell you that it is indeed very very cool to smile for the Right Reason. life is Good when you're doing what Heavenly Father needs you to do.

 

My nephew is one week old and I fully expect him to say my name before Russell does. I'm glad that everyone is doing great!! I'm especially glad that he's a quiet baby, and that Russell hasn't thrown him yet. Because he likes to throw things. I can't get enough of those pictures and I show them to everyone who wants to see them and everyone who doesn't! Hollaback!

 

We learn a lot about "inspired questions" here. I knew what they were and I knew how important they were to missionary work, but actually being in a lesson where a question pops into your mind and it completely changes the course of the lesson is one cool experience. I think it's my favorite part of the lessons, actually. Asking a question sent from heaven and the entire lesson going in a different direction than what you planned is a cool thing! Heavenly Father puts words into your mouth, people! Even in Spanish!

 

The MTC's water is getting shut off tonight. That's going to be awesome.

 

You know what's also going to be awesome? Daylight savings this Saturday.

 

I have a testimony of the "sharing shelf" that is on our floor. Last night we scored a full bag of tortilla chips and an unopened bottle of queso. Nasty in real life, heaven-sent in the MTC.

 

Fast Sundays here are the bomb as well! Fasting till 6 is a new delight that I have discovered, but there is definitely power when you fast for a reason. I knew that before, but I have quite a few things that I need help with now more than ever, and Heavenly Father answers those prayers. Fasting is no longer a nuisince (the more Spanish I learn, the more my knowledge of the English language goes down the ditch). Although that night for dinner I will not tell you how many bowls of ice cream I ate.

 

To my uncles: Still not suffering. Sorry.

 

One of my greatest fears in life is the fear of Missing Out. I hated missing out on the fun stuff in college because I was studying, I hated missing out on important days for people because I was away at school, I hated missing out on things that would create amazing memories for years to come. I think that was what I was afraid of most when I came to serve a mission. I didn't want to miss out on things going on in Logan with my roommates or my friends or my work, I didn't want to miss out on Jacob being born or the countless other "big deals" that are undoubtedly going to happen the next 17 months. Life was the best it's even been before I came on a mission and I didn't want to miss out on that, either. But the more I'm here the more I realize something.

 

I am not missing out on anything.

 

Not one thing, because I know that the work I am preparing to do right now is one of the most important works on the planet. I reflect on the past 4 weeks and I think to myself "Man. Look at what I would have missed out if I didn't come here." I remember being so sad leaving Logan and home, and while I still miss both of them with all of my heart, I'm glad I'm here. Whenever I get letters from family and friends, I am constantly reminded that I get the best of both worlds! I get to keep my Logan friends and experiences and my family with me as I'm out here in P-Town and soon-to-be-San Diego. So really, I'm not missing out on anything. Because I get to keep you guys with me wherever I go. Cool, huh?

 

Another thing that I have learned this week. "Kelsey Hess" was known as the "Utah State Aggie who Sings a lot and is Happy All The Time, who is really Loud and Likes To Stand On Couches while She Belts Opera In Her Apartment". I established a name in Castle Rock and in Logan that I was pretty happy with. I was happy with who I was and what I was accomplishing.

 

I think it's cool how very very few people here know your first name. I'm not Kelsey Hess anymore, but Hermana Hess. I'm no longer the loud girl who likes to make people laugh and who sings all the time. I'm Hermana Hess whose only goal for the moment is to bring others closer to Christ. Not only are missionaries expected to give up 18 or 24 months of their life, but they are expected to give up their name, who they are. I'm one of a thousand "Hermanas" here, but I am a part of something that is unlike anything in this world. It's a pretty neat feeling, let me tell y'all!

 

K. Enough of the rambling. P-day is Nap-day. I'm gonna go make my bed (I DO THAT NOW) and then write you letters because I love you all.

 

I've said this before and I'll say it again. I've never loved you all more than I love you now. Funny how missions make your heart bigger.

 

All the love that I have,

Hermana Hess