Dear Mom,
I just returned from an enhancement class. This is basically just a Mary-Kay appointment, where they talk about the importance of sister missionaries looking professional. I try to do so, but it does become tiring. I really liked the lady that did my makeup (what a calling.) She was very pretty and very done up, and she reminded me of you. I miss you. You are my best friend. Never forget that. I know we are both doers, and very busy, but always know that there is no one that I'd rather spend time with than my mommy.
It sounds like there are lots of wonderful changes going on around the house, and the Garden as well. I love that we are becoming a more simple people, finding joy, and cost effectiveness in living the word of wisdom. I especially miss your food being here at the MTC, where everything tastes like wax. Some days are great, though.
Janice Kapp Perry came and taught us last relief society. It was cool to hear some of her stories and sing her songs for about half the meeting. Also, we had the humanitarian mission directors speak to us in a fireside. That was such a wonderful thing. I enjoyed it very much to see all the great things that the church leaders are doing.
Ahnalisse,
I'm so glad to have received your letters. What a wonderful gal you are. I am so sorry to hear about your accident. I worry about your pinkie a lot, especially since I'm so proud of the wonderful musician you are. Your music resounds through our home, bringing beauty, and inspiration, and motivation (I am amazed to see your diligence.) It sounds like your writing is going through a growning period. The two things I felt lacking in as I graduated were language and writing. So, here I am learning a language, and then I'll come home and learn to write. What scholarships are you auditioning for? You go girl!
Dear Rachel,
Thank you so much for your letter. Letters mean the world to me as I'm so separated from you. I think my spelling is getting worse and worse here, the more I learn to spell in Lithuanian. I hope you will pass that on to the family so they can get a laugh. It's never a waste of time to do spelling words as part of your curriculum. Good spelling is foundational to good writing, through which you may change the world someday.
Carli, my love,
Why so silent? I must get a letter from you sometime. I want lots of pictures, of the family, of the wedding, of everything. I want to see the portraits we all got done by those photographers. I want to know about what you love learning about in school. I also want you to write me a paper on something, anything. Teach me about something you're learning.
Love everyone, miss you so much.
Hayley
February 25, 2010
Family Letter - February 18, 2010
I was so glad to hear about the wedding details. How I wish I could have been there.
I wish you all good health. It's hard to choose the healthy food here, when I'm surrounded by all sorts of junk! I'm sure lucky to have stayed healthy so long with the sickness that seems to spread so quickly here.
Another week has flown by, and I just can't believe it. It feels a bit like the same day over and over here. I have to try hard to make things a little different each day. It's hard never being by one's self. People see my best, and otherwise, when I have no time to get away and just breathe. I'm still my good old fiery self here on the mission. Even gym lost it's savor for awhile. You can only play four square against the same people for days on end without exhausting the entertainment value.
My loved ones will be proud to know that my companion and I have been waking up the extra half hour early to work out, and even sneak in a little extra language. It feels good. Our new roommates are three sisters going to Salt Lake, and one going to Detroit. They love sweets, and they are always so nice to share. I even ate ice cream for my first time yesterday, since I've been here, and I had a headache all afternoon and evening.
I'm trying to slacken my stress-level as much as possible here. My teachers and everyone around me are very uplifting, but I still catch myself taking things a bit too seriously. Luckily, I opened my journal to the day that the girls and I made those Hanukkah dishes and just spent the afternoon together in the kitchen. That memory helped me remember to get lost in the joy of living a little more.
I wish my teaching skills were sharper. The language, forces me to be humble, but I still have to be careful to make sure I'm teaching by the spirit and relying on the Lord. There is a total difference when I'm trying to speak the words myself, and when I just let myself speak. Since my speech isn't very comprehensible anyway, the spirit's power of understanding is indispensable.
I really enjoy delving into the simple principles of the gospel. The quantity of doctrine found in the scriptures is greater than I could master and teach in English, let alone Lithuanian. I'm really excited that I've only got a month left. I love you all and miss you very much. I wish I had time to respond to some of your personal letters, but time ran short today for some reason. Did Skylar get my letter? Thanks Rachel and Ahnalisse for your letters. Next week will hopefully be a little more open. My hair just takes forever to do here, and it eats away my p-day.
Love,
Sister Hayley Paul
P.S. tell Jordan and Avalon that I get to see Elder Schultheis.
I wish you all good health. It's hard to choose the healthy food here, when I'm surrounded by all sorts of junk! I'm sure lucky to have stayed healthy so long with the sickness that seems to spread so quickly here.
Another week has flown by, and I just can't believe it. It feels a bit like the same day over and over here. I have to try hard to make things a little different each day. It's hard never being by one's self. People see my best, and otherwise, when I have no time to get away and just breathe. I'm still my good old fiery self here on the mission. Even gym lost it's savor for awhile. You can only play four square against the same people for days on end without exhausting the entertainment value.
My loved ones will be proud to know that my companion and I have been waking up the extra half hour early to work out, and even sneak in a little extra language. It feels good. Our new roommates are three sisters going to Salt Lake, and one going to Detroit. They love sweets, and they are always so nice to share. I even ate ice cream for my first time yesterday, since I've been here, and I had a headache all afternoon and evening.
I'm trying to slacken my stress-level as much as possible here. My teachers and everyone around me are very uplifting, but I still catch myself taking things a bit too seriously. Luckily, I opened my journal to the day that the girls and I made those Hanukkah dishes and just spent the afternoon together in the kitchen. That memory helped me remember to get lost in the joy of living a little more.
I wish my teaching skills were sharper. The language, forces me to be humble, but I still have to be careful to make sure I'm teaching by the spirit and relying on the Lord. There is a total difference when I'm trying to speak the words myself, and when I just let myself speak. Since my speech isn't very comprehensible anyway, the spirit's power of understanding is indispensable.
I really enjoy delving into the simple principles of the gospel. The quantity of doctrine found in the scriptures is greater than I could master and teach in English, let alone Lithuanian. I'm really excited that I've only got a month left. I love you all and miss you very much. I wish I had time to respond to some of your personal letters, but time ran short today for some reason. Did Skylar get my letter? Thanks Rachel and Ahnalisse for your letters. Next week will hopefully be a little more open. My hair just takes forever to do here, and it eats away my p-day.
Love,
Sister Hayley Paul
P.S. tell Jordan and Avalon that I get to see Elder Schultheis.
Family Letter - February 11, 2010
Hello Family,
Once again, I've got too much to say and too little time to write. Life here is grand. I'm wearing my p-day jeans, and I even snuck an early valentine's day chocolate. I want you to know how much your packages and letters and pictures mean to me. I live for them. They keep me going.
Thanks for the anti-stress vitamins. I want you to know that I'm doing so well that I'm not taking it very often. I feel that the Lord is sustaining me every day, that I am surviving on His confidence rather than my own. This is something I've never experienced quite in this way, and I am grateful for this. I am really enjoying the teaching experiences here. I do struggle not being nervous, and being able to open my mouth ( I know, it's hard to imagine) but I have a harder time in English than I do in Lithuanian. I think it's because in Lith I'm forced to pasiklauti, or pasitiketi (rely or trust) on the spirit.
You made my valentine's day with the chocolates and card especially. Just know that I would love to write everyone long letters, but it's hard to find the time. We are hoping to really start teaching much better soon. I love the teachers in my class, because they're really focusing on the new preach my gospel curriculum. I don't know if all of our Large Group Lectures quite have the same tone. However, the devotionals where the general authorities come are always excellent.
I want to take a few seconds to teach you some of my favorite Lithuanian phrases:
Kaip sekasi? How you doing?
Kaip gyvenima? How's life?
Cheeky peeky - cool
nuostabai- wonderfully
puiki- awesome
Sheimas- family
Myleti- to love
The temple was wonderful. I really enjoy it,but it's hard to stay awake in the 7:00 session. I've also been able to get through a fair chunk of Jesus, the Christ. I've really been enjoying it. I know that my progress in the language is due wholly and completely to the gift of tongues. My English spelling is getting worse as my Lithuanian gets better.
Thanks all. Happy Valentine's day!
Sesuo Paul
Once again, I've got too much to say and too little time to write. Life here is grand. I'm wearing my p-day jeans, and I even snuck an early valentine's day chocolate. I want you to know how much your packages and letters and pictures mean to me. I live for them. They keep me going.
Thanks for the anti-stress vitamins. I want you to know that I'm doing so well that I'm not taking it very often. I feel that the Lord is sustaining me every day, that I am surviving on His confidence rather than my own. This is something I've never experienced quite in this way, and I am grateful for this. I am really enjoying the teaching experiences here. I do struggle not being nervous, and being able to open my mouth ( I know, it's hard to imagine) but I have a harder time in English than I do in Lithuanian. I think it's because in Lith I'm forced to pasiklauti, or pasitiketi (rely or trust) on the spirit.
You made my valentine's day with the chocolates and card especially. Just know that I would love to write everyone long letters, but it's hard to find the time. We are hoping to really start teaching much better soon. I love the teachers in my class, because they're really focusing on the new preach my gospel curriculum. I don't know if all of our Large Group Lectures quite have the same tone. However, the devotionals where the general authorities come are always excellent.
I want to take a few seconds to teach you some of my favorite Lithuanian phrases:
Kaip sekasi? How you doing?
Kaip gyvenima? How's life?
Cheeky peeky - cool
nuostabai- wonderfully
puiki- awesome
Sheimas- family
Myleti- to love
The temple was wonderful. I really enjoy it,but it's hard to stay awake in the 7:00 session. I've also been able to get through a fair chunk of Jesus, the Christ. I've really been enjoying it. I know that my progress in the language is due wholly and completely to the gift of tongues. My English spelling is getting worse as my Lithuanian gets better.
Thanks all. Happy Valentine's day!
Sesuo Paul
Letter to Dad - February 11, 2010
Hey Tevelis,
That's the word for Daddy. I am so so glad that you wrote me, and I am so proud to say that you are my Chuck Norris dad. I think that's great. I really enjoyed talking to you so far. I am wearing my new retainer as I type. It's nice and snug. I'm teaching in Lithuanian little by little, and I hope to be able to understand the faster speech I hear from the fluent speakers. It seems like life hasn't slowed down for you one bit, but it has for me, in the sense that life is easy when almost all your decisions are made for you. Thank you so much for the sugar-free chocolates. You are such a thoughtful person, and it means the world to me, especially since I am very very single this valentine's day. You'll always hold first place in my heart. You were my first heart-throb. My first dance, even if it was on your toes. My first date at hogie-yogie after my kindergarten graduation. Miss you.
Iki,
Sese Hayley
That's the word for Daddy. I am so so glad that you wrote me, and I am so proud to say that you are my Chuck Norris dad. I think that's great. I really enjoyed talking to you so far. I am wearing my new retainer as I type. It's nice and snug. I'm teaching in Lithuanian little by little, and I hope to be able to understand the faster speech I hear from the fluent speakers. It seems like life hasn't slowed down for you one bit, but it has for me, in the sense that life is easy when almost all your decisions are made for you. Thank you so much for the sugar-free chocolates. You are such a thoughtful person, and it means the world to me, especially since I am very very single this valentine's day. You'll always hold first place in my heart. You were my first heart-throb. My first dance, even if it was on your toes. My first date at hogie-yogie after my kindergarten graduation. Miss you.
Iki,
Sese Hayley
Family Letter - February 4, 2010
Bramgus Seimas,
Here I am and another two weeks have flown by. The MTC has thus far been a wonderful experience, full of challenging moments that force me to strengthen my faith in the Savior, and His abiding love for us.
I'm so happy to have heard so many great things from home. Word spreads pretty quickly around the MTC, so I get plenty of news about St George and Home. My condolences go out to Marylynn's family. These Romanian Elders were spoken of by Elder Hinckley of the Seventy this Tuesday fireside. I don't know if I already mentioned this, I also had the privilege of listening to Elder Holland speak to us on our first Wednesday here.
I serve closely with Sister Hallewell. We have already seen our first batch of stateside roommates leave, and it's a little sad, thinking we'll be here until the 16th of March. We have meals together, church together, and do our laundry together. She's such a great friend and a blessing. There was a while where Sis. H, my companion, and I were taking care of Sis Jensen, who had just had her Gall bladder out, and Sis. Deaver, who had just had foot surgery. We were shuttling every meal back and forth from the cafeteria, and running all sorts of crazy errands. We were quite the funny looking bunch. The only perk is the great fireside seats for people who can't do stairs.
I'll have my loved ones know that I am in good shape here. I wake up at 6 am 5 days a week, to go to yoga, tybo, step, or weights. I am also a force to be reckoned with in four square. My coordination is surprising considering that my high heels are constantly catching in cracks in the sidewalk, sending me sprawling.
The language goes as usual. I am doing my best to make the best use of my time here as a missionary. We returned from the temple this morning. It was a good refresher, and a joyful experience. Last week, we stood as daughters for sealings, and that was a neat experience as well. We did a lot of family names for a gentleman from Saxony, Germany.
I want to thank family and friends for all the love and support. The muffins were delicious, the letters and cards have been beautiful. It means so much to hear from you, when I can't tell you face to face all that I'm experiencing. It was good to talk to mom, dad, and Skylar this week after losing my retainer to the garbage disposal. Thank you Jeff and Keri for the pictures, the letters, and the wonderful artwork. They will adorn the walls in my room. The pictures of Lorelei look beautiful.
I am really enjoying the the classroom experience. Our teachers are fantastic, both in the language, and inviting the class to become missionaries. I know they work very hard to invite the spirit,and I have seen growth in both myself, and in other members of the class through their
guidance.
Family, please feel free to send me personal emails, and I will try to respond to them personally. I will try to get to all the letters soon as well.
Many thanks,
Sesuo Hayley Paul
Here I am and another two weeks have flown by. The MTC has thus far been a wonderful experience, full of challenging moments that force me to strengthen my faith in the Savior, and His abiding love for us.
I'm so happy to have heard so many great things from home. Word spreads pretty quickly around the MTC, so I get plenty of news about St George and Home. My condolences go out to Marylynn's family. These Romanian Elders were spoken of by Elder Hinckley of the Seventy this Tuesday fireside. I don't know if I already mentioned this, I also had the privilege of listening to Elder Holland speak to us on our first Wednesday here.
I serve closely with Sister Hallewell. We have already seen our first batch of stateside roommates leave, and it's a little sad, thinking we'll be here until the 16th of March. We have meals together, church together, and do our laundry together. She's such a great friend and a blessing. There was a while where Sis. H, my companion, and I were taking care of Sis Jensen, who had just had her Gall bladder out, and Sis. Deaver, who had just had foot surgery. We were shuttling every meal back and forth from the cafeteria, and running all sorts of crazy errands. We were quite the funny looking bunch. The only perk is the great fireside seats for people who can't do stairs.
I'll have my loved ones know that I am in good shape here. I wake up at 6 am 5 days a week, to go to yoga, tybo, step, or weights. I am also a force to be reckoned with in four square. My coordination is surprising considering that my high heels are constantly catching in cracks in the sidewalk, sending me sprawling.
The language goes as usual. I am doing my best to make the best use of my time here as a missionary. We returned from the temple this morning. It was a good refresher, and a joyful experience. Last week, we stood as daughters for sealings, and that was a neat experience as well. We did a lot of family names for a gentleman from Saxony, Germany.
I want to thank family and friends for all the love and support. The muffins were delicious, the letters and cards have been beautiful. It means so much to hear from you, when I can't tell you face to face all that I'm experiencing. It was good to talk to mom, dad, and Skylar this week after losing my retainer to the garbage disposal. Thank you Jeff and Keri for the pictures, the letters, and the wonderful artwork. They will adorn the walls in my room. The pictures of Lorelei look beautiful.
I am really enjoying the the classroom experience. Our teachers are fantastic, both in the language, and inviting the class to become missionaries. I know they work very hard to invite the spirit,and I have seen growth in both myself, and in other members of the class through their
guidance.
Family, please feel free to send me personal emails, and I will try to respond to them personally. I will try to get to all the letters soon as well.
Many thanks,
Sesuo Hayley Paul
Family Letter - January 21, 2010
I've got about fifteen minutes to write, so this will probably be a bit short. I'm sure you are all very busy with wedding preparations and life as it moves on. I'm sad that I will miss such an important part of Jordan's life, but I feel that I am where I need to be.
So much has happened this week, I don't even know where to start. The MTC has been a wild experience, and a bit of an adjustment from being an independent adult to being dependent on one's companion. I think this is good for me, only because I do not enjoy it yet. My Porininkes (Companion's) name is Sesuo Jansen, from Rexberg Idaho. She's probably the most lovable person I know. Yet, I still find myself adjusting to always being with someone.
I feel that I have been taught and edified constantly while being here. Our teachers are excellent, really challenging us to give discussions led by the spirit rather than memorized discussions. Our district is 8 people large, and I am glad to serve with all seven of them. They are great people. I am seeing miracles everyday as I strive to refine my ability to connect with and serve others. I have had the opportunity to find more strength in my testimony. I hope that I can be more ready to open my mouth, to bring up the gospel to strangers. This has made me nervous in the past, but I find, that with the help of the spirit, and my teachers, that I can take this courage out with me into the field.
We are seeing miracles in our language studies as well. We are at the point where we can read, and speak simple sentences in a gospel context. Of course, we've still have a long, long, way to go, but I am so grateful that the Lord has helped me feel confident in my studies. I don't feel discouragement here. That itself is a miracle. Lietuviska geras!
I feel that the scripture that describes the loyalty that the mission is asking of me is, 1 Cor 6: 17, or thereabouts. I am not my own here, and that's ok, because I know that the Savior has bought me with His atonement.
Myliu Jus,
Sesuo Paul
So much has happened this week, I don't even know where to start. The MTC has been a wild experience, and a bit of an adjustment from being an independent adult to being dependent on one's companion. I think this is good for me, only because I do not enjoy it yet. My Porininkes (Companion's) name is Sesuo Jansen, from Rexberg Idaho. She's probably the most lovable person I know. Yet, I still find myself adjusting to always being with someone.
I feel that I have been taught and edified constantly while being here. Our teachers are excellent, really challenging us to give discussions led by the spirit rather than memorized discussions. Our district is 8 people large, and I am glad to serve with all seven of them. They are great people. I am seeing miracles everyday as I strive to refine my ability to connect with and serve others. I have had the opportunity to find more strength in my testimony. I hope that I can be more ready to open my mouth, to bring up the gospel to strangers. This has made me nervous in the past, but I find, that with the help of the spirit, and my teachers, that I can take this courage out with me into the field.
We are seeing miracles in our language studies as well. We are at the point where we can read, and speak simple sentences in a gospel context. Of course, we've still have a long, long, way to go, but I am so grateful that the Lord has helped me feel confident in my studies. I don't feel discouragement here. That itself is a miracle. Lietuviska geras!
I feel that the scripture that describes the loyalty that the mission is asking of me is, 1 Cor 6: 17, or thereabouts. I am not my own here, and that's ok, because I know that the Savior has bought me with His atonement.
Myliu Jus,
Sesuo Paul
February 3, 2010
Family Pictures
While we are awaiting much anticipated news/emails from our missionary, thought we'd share the most recent family pictures. Awwwwww, can you say CUTE!
The Paul family did get to speak with Hayley on the phone this week due to a "lost retainer," and she is doing great and loving the MTC. We will update ASAP when the emails start coming in. Keep Sister Paul in your prayers!
The Paul family did get to speak with Hayley on the phone this week due to a "lost retainer," and she is doing great and loving the MTC. We will update ASAP when the emails start coming in. Keep Sister Paul in your prayers!
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