Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
April 7th Letter
Hola familia!
How goes life in Colorado? We celebrated our OFFICIAL hump day on Saturday with the sparkling cider you sent, candy and lunchables we bought from the vending machines in the resident hall. We had a good time!
Sorry if I got your hopes up with the conference thing! The surprise was just that I got to write letters in between conferences so hopefully you get a letter on Wednesday AND Thursday! But wasn't conference great? I LOVED the last session! Did Kim and Kody watch that one? I hope they did. If not, make sure they read the talks in the Ensign. I wrote more on it in my letter that will hopefully come on Wed. I absolutely love our First Presidency, Apostles and other leaders of the Church. I especially love our dear Prophet. I can't even imagine how overwhelming being prophet or a general authority of the church can be.
Last night at our Sunday fireside, the MTC president and his wife, Pres. and Sister Boone, did a tribute to the past prophets. We had special musical numbers, we all sang for others and in between each, they shared some church history throughout the years since Joseph Smith. They finished with a clip that showed the world and the number of stakes that were in existence since the church was restored down until 2007. It was so cool to watch as all these dots started flying up especially from the late 1990s to 2007! It was really neat!
Thank you for my package with the shorts and music in it! It was perfect! AND JUST SO YOU KNOW I sent that survey home with Blueski as my favorite one to get a letter from BEFORE I even got the letter from Blueski! I had no idea I was getting one and then Thursday in the mail, there was a card from my Boy! Lol How funny, you all know me too well!
So today, I'm going to share a little bit about what I do during classes. I have 2 teachers, Hermano Allgood, who served in Argentina a few years ago, and Hermano Darquea who is actually from Ecuador and served in Columbia! I know I shouldn't have favorites but Hermano Darquea is AWESOME! He's really funny and we Hermanas just love him! I don't even know how to describe him. He just recently got engaged and told us the story about how he proposed. It was really cute but we will save that for another day.
So the first few weeks were spent learning the spanish that we would need to teach the first and second lessons. So we basically learn the grammar concepts as we go instead of having it organized like the would in a class at a high school or college. All I have to say is that the Lord truly is blessing me with the gift of tongues. I know I would not be this far without His help and I still have a ways to go.
So the first few weeks our teachers spoke in English to help us prepare to teach the first and second lessons at the TRC (where the volunteers come) every Wednesday night. The last 4 weeks have been in english (2 times for lesson 1 and 2 times for lesson 2). This week will be our first week attempting to teach lesson 1, the Restoration, in spanish. Needless to say we are a little nervous but we have been practicing and are praying earnestly that the Lord will help us. All I know is that its going to be a simple lesson but that's the way it should be so that the spirit can do most of the teaching!
So now that we are coming up to week 5 at the MTC, our teachers are speaking VERY LITTLE or NO english anymore. That's a little rough. I was doing alright understanding when it was a few sentences here and there but its definitely a lot harder when they say a bunch. Its hard not to lose focus because sometimes I have no idea what they are saying!
We Hermanas have made friends with some of the Native Spanish speaking missionaries from Mexico, Chile, and a bunch of other spanish speaking countries. Every Wed. during our MDT time (time where we get to choose what we do whether it be personal, companion, or language study) we go to their lunch at 12 and chat with them in spanish. They help us with our spanish and we help them with their english. It's so much fun and so helpful. I have even "taught" the first lesson in spanish to one of the Elders a couple times. We take turns teaching each other. Hopefully I can get a picture with them on Wednesday to send home to you.
I really need to get busy and REALLY do an English Fast. We are always planning English Fasts (Where we only speak spanish for the day) but somehow we manage to work our way back to english. I know that if I would try and speak spanish 24/7 I'd be doing even better. Please keep me in your prayers! I am really going to try hard and speak espanol venticuatro siete!
Alright well I don't want the same thing to happen again so I'm going to wrap this up with a couple mins to spare just in case! I love you all THIS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Much and SO much more! Until next week!
Hermana Bradfield
How goes life in Colorado? We celebrated our OFFICIAL hump day on Saturday with the sparkling cider you sent, candy and lunchables we bought from the vending machines in the resident hall. We had a good time!
Sorry if I got your hopes up with the conference thing! The surprise was just that I got to write letters in between conferences so hopefully you get a letter on Wednesday AND Thursday! But wasn't conference great? I LOVED the last session! Did Kim and Kody watch that one? I hope they did. If not, make sure they read the talks in the Ensign. I wrote more on it in my letter that will hopefully come on Wed. I absolutely love our First Presidency, Apostles and other leaders of the Church. I especially love our dear Prophet. I can't even imagine how overwhelming being prophet or a general authority of the church can be.
Last night at our Sunday fireside, the MTC president and his wife, Pres. and Sister Boone, did a tribute to the past prophets. We had special musical numbers, we all sang for others and in between each, they shared some church history throughout the years since Joseph Smith. They finished with a clip that showed the world and the number of stakes that were in existence since the church was restored down until 2007. It was so cool to watch as all these dots started flying up especially from the late 1990s to 2007! It was really neat!
Thank you for my package with the shorts and music in it! It was perfect! AND JUST SO YOU KNOW I sent that survey home with Blueski as my favorite one to get a letter from BEFORE I even got the letter from Blueski! I had no idea I was getting one and then Thursday in the mail, there was a card from my Boy! Lol How funny, you all know me too well!
So today, I'm going to share a little bit about what I do during classes. I have 2 teachers, Hermano Allgood, who served in Argentina a few years ago, and Hermano Darquea who is actually from Ecuador and served in Columbia! I know I shouldn't have favorites but Hermano Darquea is AWESOME! He's really funny and we Hermanas just love him! I don't even know how to describe him. He just recently got engaged and told us the story about how he proposed. It was really cute but we will save that for another day.
So the first few weeks were spent learning the spanish that we would need to teach the first and second lessons. So we basically learn the grammar concepts as we go instead of having it organized like the would in a class at a high school or college. All I have to say is that the Lord truly is blessing me with the gift of tongues. I know I would not be this far without His help and I still have a ways to go.
So the first few weeks our teachers spoke in English to help us prepare to teach the first and second lessons at the TRC (where the volunteers come) every Wednesday night. The last 4 weeks have been in english (2 times for lesson 1 and 2 times for lesson 2). This week will be our first week attempting to teach lesson 1, the Restoration, in spanish. Needless to say we are a little nervous but we have been practicing and are praying earnestly that the Lord will help us. All I know is that its going to be a simple lesson but that's the way it should be so that the spirit can do most of the teaching!
So now that we are coming up to week 5 at the MTC, our teachers are speaking VERY LITTLE or NO english anymore. That's a little rough. I was doing alright understanding when it was a few sentences here and there but its definitely a lot harder when they say a bunch. Its hard not to lose focus because sometimes I have no idea what they are saying!
We Hermanas have made friends with some of the Native Spanish speaking missionaries from Mexico, Chile, and a bunch of other spanish speaking countries. Every Wed. during our MDT time (time where we get to choose what we do whether it be personal, companion, or language study) we go to their lunch at 12 and chat with them in spanish. They help us with our spanish and we help them with their english. It's so much fun and so helpful. I have even "taught" the first lesson in spanish to one of the Elders a couple times. We take turns teaching each other. Hopefully I can get a picture with them on Wednesday to send home to you.
I really need to get busy and REALLY do an English Fast. We are always planning English Fasts (Where we only speak spanish for the day) but somehow we manage to work our way back to english. I know that if I would try and speak spanish 24/7 I'd be doing even better. Please keep me in your prayers! I am really going to try hard and speak espanol venticuatro siete!
Alright well I don't want the same thing to happen again so I'm going to wrap this up with a couple mins to spare just in case! I love you all THIS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Much and SO much more! Until next week!
Hermana Bradfield
March 31st Letter and Questionnaire
Hola Familia!
First of all, I am NOT, repeat NOT leaving in three weeks. I’m not sure what I wrote but the point I was trying to make was that I had been at the MTC for three weeks and time was flying by! Sorry for the confusion! Got your “Hump Day” package! Hermana Pray and I got a good laugh out of it seeing as our official “hump day” isn’t until Saturday, and because you have been writing me about it all week! Anyway, thank you and rest assured, we are saving the bubbly for Saturday – our official half-way point!
This week has been as good as the rest. Nothing too terribly interesting to write about. I’m really excited for General Conference this week. We get to watch all the sessions and guess what?!! You’ll just have to wait and see! It’s a good guess what! I can’t wait to see who our new 12th Apostle is going to be!
So, how are things going for everyone at home? You all write me often enough that I feel like I talk to you everyday, except that I don’t get to talk back! I love you all so much and I love hearing from you!
Sounds like our “Nuggies” are stepping it up. A lot of the Elders in the Zone are impressed with my knowledge of teams and playoff spots and such. There are a ton of Jazz fans here, but I represent our team well!
So, I ran into Elder Pagel last week. He just arrived here last Wednesday, and I heard someone yell, “Sister Bradfield!” on my way to dinner. In my surprise of having my name called out, I didn’t know who it was until I looked at his tag! When I figured out that it was Elder Pagel, I was pleasantly surprised. He was enjoying his experience so far. Then I saw Kevin (Mitchell) again, twice on Sunday. It’s great to see familiar faces from home!
Our zone leaders left this week with their district; so our President had to call new zone leaders. Guess who they are? Elders Bench, Bullock and Huston. Our new district leader is Elder Squires. When President Price came in to talk to our district, before Sacrament Meeting, to tell us about the change, he also told us that we were one of the closest districts he’s ever seen. It’s true, we are practically family!
Our Branch President and his wife are AWESOME! I have been really blessed. President and Sister price are so great, especially Sister Price. She’s our grandma away from home. She visits us Hermanas every Friday night, and this Friday she is smuggling in some Taco Bell for us. Muahahaha!
Love Always,
Hermana Bradfield
Questions for Hermana Bradfield to answer and send back!
1. What is your favorite time of day?
I love every part of the day! I really like Tuesday night devotionals and Sunday night firesides; but alas, you know me – my favorite time of day here is probably…wait for it…GYM! Haha, it’s seriously a nice time of day where I can turn my brain off for a little bit!
2. What is your Sunday schedule like?
Sundays are full of tons of personal study time. We have a little more time to get ready in the morning, breakfast at 7:40, personal study from 8:10-10:00, Relief Society at 10:00, then more personal study time until 1:15, when we have a district meeting. 3:00-4:00 is Sacrament Meeting, 4:00-5:20 we usually go back to our room until dinner, where Hermanas Pray and Walker take a nap and I try to read “Jesus the Christ” but end up passing out as well. Then we go to dinner and after dinner we hang out in the gym (which is also a dedicated chapel) until the fireside at 7:00. After that, we get to choose between various talks on video or movies that are playing or more personal study time. We usually pick one of the movies!
3. Besides Sherri Dew, what other general visitors have come to speak to you at devotionals and in church meetings?
Neil L. Anderson, from the Presidency of the Seventy; there was another Seventy member, but I can’t remember his name; the rest have been MTC people.
4. What is your bedroom and bathroom like?
The bedroom has 3 bunk beds, 3 desks and 3 closets; the bathroom is a community bathroom with several showers and toilets.
5. What is your favorite meal?
Breakfast – cream of wheat with brown sugar.
6. Is everything done as a district, i.e. classes, gym, meals, devotionals, etc.?
Yes; devotionals and meal times we don’t have to sit together, but we always do!
7. Do you get to play basketball with the Elders?
Sadly enough, I need another sister to play in order to play b-ball with the elders, and I have yet to find one willing! Oh well! You know me though, I’m right out there playing volleyball instead with the elders. Usually I’m the only sister, but oh well. Just last week, I jumped up for the spike and got 2 fists worth of punch in the ribs. All the elders were looking a little worried (especially the one that hit me) but I assured them I was fine. It really hurt and still does; but of course, no broken bones or even a bruise to show for it…ah fiddlesticks! If I don’t play volleyball I usually shoot a basketball around with other elders in my zone (but no actual games.)
8. Have you participated in any “volunteer” discussions yet?
Every Wednesday night. They are good practice, but can be very stressful for companions, which can make it stressful for me. Next week we have to teach our first time in Spanish!
9. How are your Spanish and gospel lessons coming along? Is there any chance that you could test out of the MTC earlier than May 7?
It’s okay, but even if I could test out, I wouldn’t want to because I need every minute here that I can get of Spanish.
10. Are you enjoying your calling as Branch Music Coordinator?
Yes, but the district that just left this week took the piano playing elder with them; so now I have to play unless someone new to the MTC can!
11. Did you enjoy your brownies that Katelyn and Austin sent to you?
LOVED THEM! I’ll take more of those anyday!
12. How do you handle being around so many cute guys? Especially those wonderful elders you have in your district?
So, Kim asked Kelly how she handles the “Cakeshop” of hotties at the MTC. Here is Kelly’s response…
1. There is no time to notice! They keep us so busy here; we seriously don’t have time to look around.
2. We are in class with the same people most of the day, so we don’t see a whole lot of the other Elders anyway.
3. My Companeras are so dang crazy that I am constantly laughing or having to keep an eye on them.
4. Probably the biggest reason – 99% of them are 2 years younger than me and many of them look like they could be 15!
Seriously though, I really don’t notice any of the Elders and that’s honestly because I really don’t care about that right now. I’m here to do the Lord’s work and it’s really easy to not think about it because I’m so focused!
13. How are you sleeping? How’s your bed?
Sleeping much better; the bed is no where near as good as at home, but it works. I’m so tired at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter!
14. When is bedtime?
10:30.
15. What time is your mail delivered? Your dearelders?
Letters arrive all day long, but our district leader checks the box before lunch and before dinner. Dearelders are always in the evening – we usually get those at dinner.
16. Who do you get letters from? Dearelders?
Letters – Mom, Kate, both Grandmas and Grandpas, Sheryl, Jeri, got one from Brandon today, still waiting to get the ones Kim keeps talking about, Elder Flanders
Dearelders – Dad, Mom, Kim, Gma Bonnes, Gma Bradfield, Sister Smith, Camille and Cheryl Flanders, Katelyn
17. What is your P-day (Preparation Day) schedule like?
Wake up and get ready, personal study from 7:00-8:15, breakfast, visit the temple, companion study after temple, email, lunch, letter time from 1:45-3:00, 3:00 laundry time and letter time until 6:00, dinner and then class again. Planning from 9:00-9:30, then time to get ready for bed again
18. Are you ever allowed off the MTC campus for reasons other than to visit the temple?
Hospital?? Other than that, no…well the field between the MTC and the Provo Temple is for gym time during warmer parts of the year.
29. How long did you get to wear your celestial sticker?
Until the end of the first night, after we met our Branch Presidency.
First of all, I am NOT, repeat NOT leaving in three weeks. I’m not sure what I wrote but the point I was trying to make was that I had been at the MTC for three weeks and time was flying by! Sorry for the confusion! Got your “Hump Day” package! Hermana Pray and I got a good laugh out of it seeing as our official “hump day” isn’t until Saturday, and because you have been writing me about it all week! Anyway, thank you and rest assured, we are saving the bubbly for Saturday – our official half-way point!
This week has been as good as the rest. Nothing too terribly interesting to write about. I’m really excited for General Conference this week. We get to watch all the sessions and guess what?!! You’ll just have to wait and see! It’s a good guess what! I can’t wait to see who our new 12th Apostle is going to be!
So, how are things going for everyone at home? You all write me often enough that I feel like I talk to you everyday, except that I don’t get to talk back! I love you all so much and I love hearing from you!
Sounds like our “Nuggies” are stepping it up. A lot of the Elders in the Zone are impressed with my knowledge of teams and playoff spots and such. There are a ton of Jazz fans here, but I represent our team well!
So, I ran into Elder Pagel last week. He just arrived here last Wednesday, and I heard someone yell, “Sister Bradfield!” on my way to dinner. In my surprise of having my name called out, I didn’t know who it was until I looked at his tag! When I figured out that it was Elder Pagel, I was pleasantly surprised. He was enjoying his experience so far. Then I saw Kevin (Mitchell) again, twice on Sunday. It’s great to see familiar faces from home!
Our zone leaders left this week with their district; so our President had to call new zone leaders. Guess who they are? Elders Bench, Bullock and Huston. Our new district leader is Elder Squires. When President Price came in to talk to our district, before Sacrament Meeting, to tell us about the change, he also told us that we were one of the closest districts he’s ever seen. It’s true, we are practically family!
Our Branch President and his wife are AWESOME! I have been really blessed. President and Sister price are so great, especially Sister Price. She’s our grandma away from home. She visits us Hermanas every Friday night, and this Friday she is smuggling in some Taco Bell for us. Muahahaha!
Love Always,
Hermana Bradfield
Questions for Hermana Bradfield to answer and send back!
1. What is your favorite time of day?
I love every part of the day! I really like Tuesday night devotionals and Sunday night firesides; but alas, you know me – my favorite time of day here is probably…wait for it…GYM! Haha, it’s seriously a nice time of day where I can turn my brain off for a little bit!
2. What is your Sunday schedule like?
Sundays are full of tons of personal study time. We have a little more time to get ready in the morning, breakfast at 7:40, personal study from 8:10-10:00, Relief Society at 10:00, then more personal study time until 1:15, when we have a district meeting. 3:00-4:00 is Sacrament Meeting, 4:00-5:20 we usually go back to our room until dinner, where Hermanas Pray and Walker take a nap and I try to read “Jesus the Christ” but end up passing out as well. Then we go to dinner and after dinner we hang out in the gym (which is also a dedicated chapel) until the fireside at 7:00. After that, we get to choose between various talks on video or movies that are playing or more personal study time. We usually pick one of the movies!
3. Besides Sherri Dew, what other general visitors have come to speak to you at devotionals and in church meetings?
Neil L. Anderson, from the Presidency of the Seventy; there was another Seventy member, but I can’t remember his name; the rest have been MTC people.
4. What is your bedroom and bathroom like?
The bedroom has 3 bunk beds, 3 desks and 3 closets; the bathroom is a community bathroom with several showers and toilets.
5. What is your favorite meal?
Breakfast – cream of wheat with brown sugar.
6. Is everything done as a district, i.e. classes, gym, meals, devotionals, etc.?
Yes; devotionals and meal times we don’t have to sit together, but we always do!
7. Do you get to play basketball with the Elders?
Sadly enough, I need another sister to play in order to play b-ball with the elders, and I have yet to find one willing! Oh well! You know me though, I’m right out there playing volleyball instead with the elders. Usually I’m the only sister, but oh well. Just last week, I jumped up for the spike and got 2 fists worth of punch in the ribs. All the elders were looking a little worried (especially the one that hit me) but I assured them I was fine. It really hurt and still does; but of course, no broken bones or even a bruise to show for it…ah fiddlesticks! If I don’t play volleyball I usually shoot a basketball around with other elders in my zone (but no actual games.)
8. Have you participated in any “volunteer” discussions yet?
Every Wednesday night. They are good practice, but can be very stressful for companions, which can make it stressful for me. Next week we have to teach our first time in Spanish!
9. How are your Spanish and gospel lessons coming along? Is there any chance that you could test out of the MTC earlier than May 7?
It’s okay, but even if I could test out, I wouldn’t want to because I need every minute here that I can get of Spanish.
10. Are you enjoying your calling as Branch Music Coordinator?
Yes, but the district that just left this week took the piano playing elder with them; so now I have to play unless someone new to the MTC can!
11. Did you enjoy your brownies that Katelyn and Austin sent to you?
LOVED THEM! I’ll take more of those anyday!
12. How do you handle being around so many cute guys? Especially those wonderful elders you have in your district?
So, Kim asked Kelly how she handles the “Cakeshop” of hotties at the MTC. Here is Kelly’s response…
1. There is no time to notice! They keep us so busy here; we seriously don’t have time to look around.
2. We are in class with the same people most of the day, so we don’t see a whole lot of the other Elders anyway.
3. My Companeras are so dang crazy that I am constantly laughing or having to keep an eye on them.
4. Probably the biggest reason – 99% of them are 2 years younger than me and many of them look like they could be 15!
Seriously though, I really don’t notice any of the Elders and that’s honestly because I really don’t care about that right now. I’m here to do the Lord’s work and it’s really easy to not think about it because I’m so focused!
13. How are you sleeping? How’s your bed?
Sleeping much better; the bed is no where near as good as at home, but it works. I’m so tired at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter!
14. When is bedtime?
10:30.
15. What time is your mail delivered? Your dearelders?
Letters arrive all day long, but our district leader checks the box before lunch and before dinner. Dearelders are always in the evening – we usually get those at dinner.
16. Who do you get letters from? Dearelders?
Letters – Mom, Kate, both Grandmas and Grandpas, Sheryl, Jeri, got one from Brandon today, still waiting to get the ones Kim keeps talking about, Elder Flanders
Dearelders – Dad, Mom, Kim, Gma Bonnes, Gma Bradfield, Sister Smith, Camille and Cheryl Flanders, Katelyn
17. What is your P-day (Preparation Day) schedule like?
Wake up and get ready, personal study from 7:00-8:15, breakfast, visit the temple, companion study after temple, email, lunch, letter time from 1:45-3:00, 3:00 laundry time and letter time until 6:00, dinner and then class again. Planning from 9:00-9:30, then time to get ready for bed again
18. Are you ever allowed off the MTC campus for reasons other than to visit the temple?
Hospital?? Other than that, no…well the field between the MTC and the Provo Temple is for gym time during warmer parts of the year.
29. How long did you get to wear your celestial sticker?
Until the end of the first night, after we met our Branch Presidency.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Pictures, and Some Videos!
Kelly finally sent me her camera's memory card, so I created a slide show of her pictures.
Also included on the card were a couple of quick little videos she took at the MTC. Enjoy!
Also included on the card were a couple of quick little videos she took at the MTC. Enjoy!
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