So I got the swine flu? But seriously. They're lying to you when you watch the news. There are way more cases than you think!
Thurs- I went to bed with a sore throat.
Fri- I woke up with a bad sore throat and a bad cough, barely endured class. Lunchtime came around and I felt funny. I had a jacket on, but feld super cold. I had juice bumps. Sis Card was like "we should get you checked." Yikes, no thank you. I don't want to be quarantined! At the front desk, they took my temperature. 102 degrees! Hmmm, turns out I felt fine! I was like doin' cartwheels (not in my dress, of course, totally inappropriate.) They forced me to wear this mask that might as well say, "Don't look at me. You'll get swine flu and die." Everyone hates you when you wear those masks.
Doctor Sampson finally shows up...all this time Sis Card and I are laughing about how they're going to quarantine me. Tender Mercy, that girl is. :) Doc says "You look fine. Are you sure you have a temperature? OK, well here is some Tamaflu. You probably have swine flu. So, Sis Card, are you from Canada?" I'm thinking, "What in the world? I am dying and you want to talk to my comp about her heritage?" It was HILARIOUS!
They assigned us a secrutiy guard, who took us to my room. I was not to leave until Monday morning. They can't officially test for the flu on weekends, so that's why I had to wait. Let me tell you how fun it is to be confined to a 10 ft by 10 ft room. Well! Sis Card is a hoot, so I made it. I ate some of the avacados you sent me (PS so delicious! Everyone was jealous). I have some fun pics that are on their way.
Hour by hour, min by min I endured. I could only leave to use the bathroom across the hall. I was at the mercy of my roommates to get good food. Fantastic. This whole time, my prayers went like this, "Heavenly Father, if it doesn't really matter in the eternal scheme of things, I would love to go to class. I know I have the faith to be healed, so it's totally up to thy will. Please, when I go to get tested Monday, can I be negative?"
Monday morning rolls around. I feel pretty good. When I cough, instead of my lungs coming out...no, just kidding. I was okay, though. Sis Card and I make the walk down to the clinic, laughing the entire way. I had totally accepted the fact that I wouldn't see her for 5 days (that's how long they keep you in quarantine).
They call me in to be tested. I lay down on the doctor bed thing and she sticks a 12 foot broomstick up my nose with a cottom swab on the end. Can I tell you how much fun that is? "It'll take ten minutes to get your results back." Longest 6 years of my life. "If you're negative, you can go to class..." the invisible elipses there said, "but if you're positive, it's quarantine time for you. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200." Horrid, horrid experience. After an eternity or two, I can hear them talking about how someone is negative (they tested a bunch of us.)
The best words in the world were, "Sis Adamson, you are negative." So, then Sis Card's like "Umm, I don't feel so great. Baby fever perhaps? Can you test me?" Bamboo pole up the nose. She's negative as well. Hallelujah! I've never prayed so hard in my entire life. I would have felt awful if I gave it to my companion! She is an angel! So yeah. We took a picture of after our results. Good times. Since then, whenever I cough and people look at me like I am an untouchable, I say "I'm negative. Don't worry. I don't have swine flu."
After not going to class for 3 whole days, I felt SO behind! I missed sacrament meeting and everything. So weird! So yeah, I'm alive and kickin', but now our dear celestial teacher, Bro James Carlson probably has it. "We gave an angel the swine flu. There has got to be penalty for that." -Sis Card
Happy Father's day to dad. Happy birthday to Rob Merritt and Jess Boyd. Letters and Dear Elders are appreciated!! That way, I am not so stressed on P days reading everything! Friends can email, I just have to print them out and write a letter back. I love you all! Thanks for your prayers and your love.
Being a missionary is the best thing in the whole world. When I was confined to my room, I decided to start the Bible Dictionary. K, go and look up Pauline Epistles. You will learn a TON! Jesus is the Christ. Joseph Smith DID restore God's true church. If organized religion weren't important, He wouldn't have talked so much about it or put it together while He was on the earth with Apostles. Obviously we need the correct authority. Without the Atonement, we are hopeless. "With his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53: something something, probably verse 5). Take advantage!! I am so grateful to be here, serving the Lord! He has blessed me immensly. I love you all!
PS Sis Card's mom wrote a book about eating your food storage. "I Dare You To Eat It" by Leisa Card...she says you can sometimes check it out at libraries. Also, she does presentations in people's wards.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 17, 2009
Before you read the letter Roo asked me to remind people to make sure and put 0708 in addition to the #112 on her letters/packages. The full, correct address is on the right column of this blog, so you can check that to make sure. Also, we (the fam) would love to have any comments to these posts if you have them. Just click on the link below the post that says "0 comments" or whatever number is there. Thanks so much!
-Andrea
Hello All!
I only get half an hour to type this, that's why so many missionaries lose their emails. Lame sauce. Well, I love you and I love it here! Part of me wants to live here forever and part of me wants to just get out into the field! It's been a stressful day, but good. If you want details of this week, read on:
Thurs- I found my friend Michael Adamson, from my Institute class and we took a photo where we switched nametags, so I got to be "Elder" Adamson for a minute. It was fun! But I won't get the photo for a while, unless someone can get me his address... (April? Facebook, yeah? It's Jessica Adamson's little bro.) My fav scripture of the day was Sam 15:22... "To obey is better than to sacrifice." I'm still trying to figure out the balance between planning for the day and getting ready and then finding time at night to write in my journal and read the scriptures on my own. Pretty much impossible! We're so busy! But busy is good.
Fri-My companion Sis Card and I were talking about how when they talk over the intercom system they always call Elders to the front office. Then they're like "Would Sis Sheresa Adamson come to the front office?" Ahh! They said we were getting a new companion, a sister Jennifer Johnson from Sandy Utah. She just got her call this week and had an MTC date in July, but her mission Pres (Nauvoo, IL Visitor's Center) needed her like...ASAP. She would be coming tomorrow. Sis Card starts jumping up and down. They are friends! Woohoo! She would be our roommate and in our district. Alas, they called us down again and said, "Just kidding. She'll come in next week." Can you imagine having to get ready for a mission in like 3 days. It took me 6 months! So now she will not be our roomie or our comp. Oh well! We get to see her today!
Sat- I'm 22! Just being around Sis Card and my roommates and hearing their testimonies makes everything so awesome! We had gym time at 6:30am. Sis Card and I walked around the track. Yay! I did some yoga (can I hear a "woot woot"?) For breakfast, I had blue powerade!! I love my life. Oh yeah, and like bacon and stuff. Dinner=like four meals. I got over the whole "just eat salad" thing and have started getting multiple meals :) It's free! Well, your tithing is paying, so thank you. Also cheesecake and ice cream! It's as if they knew it was my birthday. I knew I had packages (you get a slip from your district leader), but could not make it to the post office until like 9:30pm. They close at 2pm. The nice man there grabbed my packages! Tender mercy! OK, does life get any better than black bottom cupcakes, pin the tail on the donkey and a LIVE gerber daisy in the mail? Oh my goodness, and the strwb'ry NesQuick from the Keyes family...wow. I am so loved! Plus a little film canister to bring a few tablespoons in my pocket. Sheesh! Thanks guys!
We have one elder in our district that was a bit rough to get along with on the first few days. Sis Card and I are making leaps and bounds in our goals to love him/serve him more.
Sunday-Wow. I wish words could describe how I felt. It was such a wonderful day! We got to walk up to the temple and take photos. It was rainy, but it made for fun shots! I'll get those in the mail as soon as I can. PS, they don't make it very easy to get digital copies to you. I am going to print them out and mail them. We got to watch the Joseph Smith video, which sure, I've seen before, but this time, I got a very strong witness that he is a prophet. He absolutely restored all the truths we need. His suffering allowed us to live our lives with so much joy! I owe him so much! It's weird. They transform the gym (where you play bball and 4 square) into a big auditorium. I was impressed!
Mon-Our elders are so darling (sis Card's favorite word). They have been encouraged to stand when we come to sit down in the cafeteria. They wait for us to sit before sitting themselves. It's so cute. We are all best friends! We did have some drama with one elder who was getting so discouraged, but he figured it out.
Here are some funny quotes from our district:
"If you eat a wagon full of lettuce, you get high."
"Whatever you do, remember to ask the oriental [instead of orienteering] questions at the beginning of the lesson" "Do you enjoy fortune cookies? No hao?"
Pointing to the "meat" in the sandwich they tried to feed us-- "Do you know what that is? A bare naked chicken nugget. Patty of death."
"I love my children"-investigator. "Me too" -Elder Orr
After I opened that teddy bear, one elder said, "Well, since we can't shake hands or hug around here, I think we all need a lil som'in som'in to snuggle."
Ahh! 2 mins! I love you. This is HIS work. I am so happy to be here! Thanks for all you do!
Love, Sis Roo :)
-Andrea
Hello All!
I only get half an hour to type this, that's why so many missionaries lose their emails. Lame sauce. Well, I love you and I love it here! Part of me wants to live here forever and part of me wants to just get out into the field! It's been a stressful day, but good. If you want details of this week, read on:
Thurs- I found my friend Michael Adamson, from my Institute class and we took a photo where we switched nametags, so I got to be "Elder" Adamson for a minute. It was fun! But I won't get the photo for a while, unless someone can get me his address... (April? Facebook, yeah? It's Jessica Adamson's little bro.) My fav scripture of the day was Sam 15:22... "To obey is better than to sacrifice." I'm still trying to figure out the balance between planning for the day and getting ready and then finding time at night to write in my journal and read the scriptures on my own. Pretty much impossible! We're so busy! But busy is good.
Fri-My companion Sis Card and I were talking about how when they talk over the intercom system they always call Elders to the front office. Then they're like "Would Sis Sheresa Adamson come to the front office?" Ahh! They said we were getting a new companion, a sister Jennifer Johnson from Sandy Utah. She just got her call this week and had an MTC date in July, but her mission Pres (Nauvoo, IL Visitor's Center) needed her like...ASAP. She would be coming tomorrow. Sis Card starts jumping up and down. They are friends! Woohoo! She would be our roommate and in our district. Alas, they called us down again and said, "Just kidding. She'll come in next week." Can you imagine having to get ready for a mission in like 3 days. It took me 6 months! So now she will not be our roomie or our comp. Oh well! We get to see her today!
Sat- I'm 22! Just being around Sis Card and my roommates and hearing their testimonies makes everything so awesome! We had gym time at 6:30am. Sis Card and I walked around the track. Yay! I did some yoga (can I hear a "woot woot"?) For breakfast, I had blue powerade!! I love my life. Oh yeah, and like bacon and stuff. Dinner=like four meals. I got over the whole "just eat salad" thing and have started getting multiple meals :) It's free! Well, your tithing is paying, so thank you. Also cheesecake and ice cream! It's as if they knew it was my birthday. I knew I had packages (you get a slip from your district leader), but could not make it to the post office until like 9:30pm. They close at 2pm. The nice man there grabbed my packages! Tender mercy! OK, does life get any better than black bottom cupcakes, pin the tail on the donkey and a LIVE gerber daisy in the mail? Oh my goodness, and the strwb'ry NesQuick from the Keyes family...wow. I am so loved! Plus a little film canister to bring a few tablespoons in my pocket. Sheesh! Thanks guys!
We have one elder in our district that was a bit rough to get along with on the first few days. Sis Card and I are making leaps and bounds in our goals to love him/serve him more.
Sunday-Wow. I wish words could describe how I felt. It was such a wonderful day! We got to walk up to the temple and take photos. It was rainy, but it made for fun shots! I'll get those in the mail as soon as I can. PS, they don't make it very easy to get digital copies to you. I am going to print them out and mail them. We got to watch the Joseph Smith video, which sure, I've seen before, but this time, I got a very strong witness that he is a prophet. He absolutely restored all the truths we need. His suffering allowed us to live our lives with so much joy! I owe him so much! It's weird. They transform the gym (where you play bball and 4 square) into a big auditorium. I was impressed!
Mon-Our elders are so darling (sis Card's favorite word). They have been encouraged to stand when we come to sit down in the cafeteria. They wait for us to sit before sitting themselves. It's so cute. We are all best friends! We did have some drama with one elder who was getting so discouraged, but he figured it out.
Here are some funny quotes from our district:
"If you eat a wagon full of lettuce, you get high."
"Whatever you do, remember to ask the oriental [instead of orienteering] questions at the beginning of the lesson" "Do you enjoy fortune cookies? No hao?"
Pointing to the "meat" in the sandwich they tried to feed us-- "Do you know what that is? A bare naked chicken nugget. Patty of death."
"I love my children"-investigator. "Me too" -Elder Orr
After I opened that teddy bear, one elder said, "Well, since we can't shake hands or hug around here, I think we all need a lil som'in som'in to snuggle."
Ahh! 2 mins! I love you. This is HIS work. I am so happy to be here! Thanks for all you do!
Love, Sis Roo :)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The First Letter!! Dated 6/10/09
To All:
This has been absolutely incredible! From the second I walked through the doors, everyone has been so beyond friendly. I love it here! All the things I was worried about have been forgotten.
My companion is the cutest girl ever! I had a nice sister who escorted me to my room, where I met my new companion: Sister Hailey Card, from Salt Lake (well, and NY, Boston, and others). We get along super well. She's really sweet.
We had "settling"/lunch until 2pm and it's been meeting after meeting since then. We aren't allowed to play soccer anymore! Y'arg! Campus is gorgeous...and huge! The cafeteria is way, way different than I expected. So many options and so little time! Today was ice cream day. We couldn't resist. I've been trying to eat light (salads, soup) and it's workin' out just fine!
OK, miracle time: My first like 10 minutes, I ran into my friend Robyn. Then about half an hour later, I saw my dear old roommate, Monday Lindsey! Oh, she's so great! She could only speak in Japanese (as a challenge/rule for the day) so her teacher/companion/trainer had to translate. Love definitely doesn't need a translator. Then, as I was moving my bags around, I saw Sis. Mari Sasaki, the girl from Japan who is friends with Cynthia Williams. She is so fun! I've only talked to her a little, but we're both VC (Visitor's Center) sisters in Independence, so I'm sure we'll be good friends. Then! At lunch, I bumped into my friend (and distant cousin) Michael Adamson, from Institute. Good kid. Well, I'm sure there were a million other miracles, but that's it for now.
The Spirit is overwhelming here. You can just tell all these missionaries know who they are and where they're going. We had 325 new elders and sisters. 25 of those were from foreign countries. And a bajillion of us were from Utah. There's definitely a powerful feeling here. I feel important, yet am humbled at how little I know.
I met some Polynesian sisters today and we talked about Rugby. I felt right at home! There were supposed to be 6 sisters in our room, but there are only 5. The other 3 are going to the Netherlands. I'm going to have them teach me some Dutch, so I can impress President VanKomen when I get to Missouri.
I'm only allowed to write at certain times, turns out. So, expect another letter written next Wednesday (my P-day). Hopefully, we'll be able to make it to the Temple. I'm super bummed that it'll be closed for cleaning. But! Elder Bednar was here yesterday and we're expecting others from the 12 as June continues.
Pink ties are not allowed at the MTC. Also, in case you didn't know, hugging (sis to sis) is not allowed. We can't shake hands either. A-W-K-W-A-R-D.
A lot of information has been thrown at me today. I am still able to laugh and am making lots of friends! It's strange to call the elders "elder." One of my favorite quotes from today was from President Smith, from the MTC Presidency: "You're not 'guys.' You're not 'dudes' anymore. They are back home dating your girlfriend." Ha!
Ok, it's already time to go! It seems like this morning was a month ago. I love you and am so blessed to have you in my life. I'm excited to be a part of His work.
Love, Sister Adamson
Also, favorite treats= things made of chocolate, beef jerky, wheat thins, triscuits (cracked pepper and olive oil)
This has been absolutely incredible! From the second I walked through the doors, everyone has been so beyond friendly. I love it here! All the things I was worried about have been forgotten.
My companion is the cutest girl ever! I had a nice sister who escorted me to my room, where I met my new companion: Sister Hailey Card, from Salt Lake (well, and NY, Boston, and others). We get along super well. She's really sweet.
We had "settling"/lunch until 2pm and it's been meeting after meeting since then. We aren't allowed to play soccer anymore! Y'arg! Campus is gorgeous...and huge! The cafeteria is way, way different than I expected. So many options and so little time! Today was ice cream day. We couldn't resist. I've been trying to eat light (salads, soup) and it's workin' out just fine!
OK, miracle time: My first like 10 minutes, I ran into my friend Robyn. Then about half an hour later, I saw my dear old roommate, Monday Lindsey! Oh, she's so great! She could only speak in Japanese (as a challenge/rule for the day) so her teacher/companion/trainer had to translate. Love definitely doesn't need a translator. Then, as I was moving my bags around, I saw Sis. Mari Sasaki, the girl from Japan who is friends with Cynthia Williams. She is so fun! I've only talked to her a little, but we're both VC (Visitor's Center) sisters in Independence, so I'm sure we'll be good friends. Then! At lunch, I bumped into my friend (and distant cousin) Michael Adamson, from Institute. Good kid. Well, I'm sure there were a million other miracles, but that's it for now.
The Spirit is overwhelming here. You can just tell all these missionaries know who they are and where they're going. We had 325 new elders and sisters. 25 of those were from foreign countries. And a bajillion of us were from Utah. There's definitely a powerful feeling here. I feel important, yet am humbled at how little I know.
I met some Polynesian sisters today and we talked about Rugby. I felt right at home! There were supposed to be 6 sisters in our room, but there are only 5. The other 3 are going to the Netherlands. I'm going to have them teach me some Dutch, so I can impress President VanKomen when I get to Missouri.
I'm only allowed to write at certain times, turns out. So, expect another letter written next Wednesday (my P-day). Hopefully, we'll be able to make it to the Temple. I'm super bummed that it'll be closed for cleaning. But! Elder Bednar was here yesterday and we're expecting others from the 12 as June continues.
Pink ties are not allowed at the MTC. Also, in case you didn't know, hugging (sis to sis) is not allowed. We can't shake hands either. A-W-K-W-A-R-D.
A lot of information has been thrown at me today. I am still able to laugh and am making lots of friends! It's strange to call the elders "elder." One of my favorite quotes from today was from President Smith, from the MTC Presidency: "You're not 'guys.' You're not 'dudes' anymore. They are back home dating your girlfriend." Ha!
Ok, it's already time to go! It seems like this morning was a month ago. I love you and am so blessed to have you in my life. I'm excited to be a part of His work.
Love, Sister Adamson
Also, favorite treats= things made of chocolate, beef jerky, wheat thins, triscuits (cracked pepper and olive oil)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The MTC Dropoff: Swine Flu Zone
So as many of you know, the MTC has a new dropoff policy (supposedly because of the latest Swine Flu outbreak inside the MTC). There is a line of cars, directed by cones and friendly old men. When it's your turn to pull up to the gates and come curbside, there are a few missionaries there to take your luggage. They are the only ones allowed to handle the luggage. Then, Mom and Dad were allowed a quick hug and a picture before Roo was whisked away by the crowd. The new departure procedure leaves many moms and dads feeling a bit overwhelmed. Not enough transition. She's there one second and gone the next.
The man with the clipboard was checking people in. He was very excited to hear it was a Sister Missionary in the car.
The Drop Zone
A very excited Roo. "Please stop taking pictures mom, you're embarassing me!"
Note the hand "left hangin'." Nobody was allowed to shake hands, in order to keep germs out. Sister Adamson was excited to meet all these friendly people but was shot down when she tried to shake hands!
The man with the clipboard was checking people in. He was very excited to hear it was a Sister Missionary in the car.The Drop Zone
A very excited Roo. "Please stop taking pictures mom, you're embarassing me!"
Note the hand "left hangin'." Nobody was allowed to shake hands, in order to keep germs out. Sister Adamson was excited to meet all these friendly people but was shot down when she tried to shake hands!
The helpful pack-mule missionaries.
The last moments. From the stories we've heard, Mom and Dad were lucky to get this last picture in! Sister Adamson has a long long long day ahead of her in the MTC. We miss her already!Zero Hour, Saying Goodbye
Last night Sister Adamson was set apart by her Stake President Shaw and was given a wonderful blessing as well. We were lucky to be a part of that meeting.
Saying goodbye to baby Sofie! She will be almost 2 1/2 when Sister Adamson comes home!
President Shaw, Sister Adamson, Bishop Thayne. Officially a missionary!
Dad, Mom, Andrea, Sister Adamson, Derek, and Sofie. After setting her apart and giving her a blessing.
The morning of, pausing from chaotic packing for a brief picture with mom and dad.
Dragging the luggage to the car. Running only a half an hour late!
Goodbye to Andrea and Sofie...little did Sister Adamson know, but she'd be back in just 5 minutes to pick up the clothes that were forgotten in the drier!
Saying goodbye to baby Sofie! She will be almost 2 1/2 when Sister Adamson comes home!
President Shaw, Sister Adamson, Bishop Thayne. Officially a missionary!
Dad, Mom, Andrea, Sister Adamson, Derek, and Sofie. After setting her apart and giving her a blessing.
The morning of, pausing from chaotic packing for a brief picture with mom and dad.
Dragging the luggage to the car. Running only a half an hour late!
Goodbye to Andrea and Sofie...little did Sister Adamson know, but she'd be back in just 5 minutes to pick up the clothes that were forgotten in the drier!
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