Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: March 16, 2009
Dear Flora,
I didn't get to email you yesterday so I am sending you a Dear Elder letter. I had a nice weekend. I left for the retreat Friday late afternoon and got there around 5:30. We signed in. We were told that the gate would close at 10pm but we figured we could go out to eat and be back long before that time. You guessed it. Sitting at Cracker Barrel about 15 miles from the campground we realized it was 9:50. So we sat and talked for another hour or so, then headed back. Parking the car outside the gate, we first tried opening it by jumping up and down on the hidden trip wire. This, of course, did not work, since all of us are so very, very thin. lol. In the cloudy darkness, we walked the 2 miles to the cabins without a flashlight. Although I just realized that I DID have a flashlight in my glove box. Oops. Oh well, we made it with no mishaps. The weather was just a bit cold for me in my shorts and platform flipflops.
I would have easily paid three times the money I did for this retreat. One of the women, Marilyn, presented a workshop on personal mission statements which was part therapy and it was extremely transformational. We worked closely with each other on some of our issues and we all learned a lot. Despite the fact that I find it very difficult to write a personal mission statement, I did manage to come up with one in the end, after we had each filled up half a notebook with our thoughts. We enjoyed working with a set of 100 Value cards developed by the Bahai that puts the YW values to shame. We were so into this workshop that it went on and 0n and ON throughout Saturday. I am going to buy the Value cards she had. They were really cool.
That evening, Claire led a presentation on The Chosen, which we had all read ahead of time. It is by Chaim Potok, have you read it? It is about 2 Jewish boys and their struggles with their religion. We talked about religion and coming of age. It was very interesting.
At 2 am we thought about doing yoga, but put it off until next year's meeting! It was supposed to be part of our program, but we just didn't get to it.
Sunday we held a worship service led by Yours Truly, which included thoughts and singing by everyone, and was patterned on the workshop given by RLDS Apostle Susan Skoor at the last Sunstone, on the different styles of spirituality.
Anyway, it was a fun time for me, even though the whole weekend we had cold weather and rain. We didn't ever get to go canoeing on the lake, which I was looking forward to. But everything was really fantastic.
Have you ever written a personal mission statement?
Love you,
Mom
Showing posts with label Parent Letter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parent Letter. Show all posts
Friday, March 20, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Parent Letter: Went on Retreat
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: March 16
Dear Flora,
I didn't get to email you yesterday so I am sending you a Dear Elder letter. I had a nice weekend. I left for the retreat Friday late afternoon and got there around 5:30. We signed in. We were told that the gate would close at 10pm but we figured we could go out to eat and be back long before that time. You guessed it. Sitting at Cracker Barrel about 15 miles from the campground we realized it was 9:50. So we sat and talked for another hour or so, then headed back. Parking the car outside the gate, we first tried opening it by jumping up and down on the hidden trip wire. This, of course, did not work, since all of us are so very, very thin. lol. In the cloudy darkness, we walked the 2 miles to the cabins without a flashlight. Although I just realized that I DID have a flashlight in my glove box. Oops. Oh well, we made it with no mishaps. The weather was just a bit cold for me in my shorts and platform flipflops.
I would have easily paid three times the money I did for this retreat. One of the women, Marilyn, presented a workshop on personal mission statements which was part therapy and it was extremely transformational. We worked closely with each other on some of our issues and we all learned a lot. Despite the fact that I find it very difficult to write a personal mission statement, I did manage to come up with one in the end, after we had each filled up half a notebook with our thoughts. We enjoyed working with a set of 100 Value cards developed by the Bahai that puts the YW values to shame. We were so into this workshop that it went on and 0n and ON throughout Saturday. I am going to buy the Value cards she had. They were really cool.
That evening, Claire led a presentation on The Chosen, which we had all read ahead of time. It is by Chaim Potok, have you read it? It is about 2 Jewish boys and their struggles with their religion. We talked about religion and coming of age. It was very interesting.
At 2 am we thought about doing yoga, but put it off until next year's meeting! It was supposed to be part of our program, but we just didn't get to it.
Sunday we held a worship service led by Yours Truly, which included thoughts and singing by everyone, and was patterned on the workshop given by RLDS Apostle Susan Skoor at the last Sunstone, on the different styles of spirituality.
Anyway, it was a fun time for me, even though the whole weekend we had cold weather and rain. We didn't ever get to go canoeing on the lake, which I was looking forward to. But everything was really fantastic.
Have you ever written a personal mission statement?
Love you,
Mom
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: March 16
Dear Flora,
I didn't get to email you yesterday so I am sending you a Dear Elder letter. I had a nice weekend. I left for the retreat Friday late afternoon and got there around 5:30. We signed in. We were told that the gate would close at 10pm but we figured we could go out to eat and be back long before that time. You guessed it. Sitting at Cracker Barrel about 15 miles from the campground we realized it was 9:50. So we sat and talked for another hour or so, then headed back. Parking the car outside the gate, we first tried opening it by jumping up and down on the hidden trip wire. This, of course, did not work, since all of us are so very, very thin. lol. In the cloudy darkness, we walked the 2 miles to the cabins without a flashlight. Although I just realized that I DID have a flashlight in my glove box. Oops. Oh well, we made it with no mishaps. The weather was just a bit cold for me in my shorts and platform flipflops.
I would have easily paid three times the money I did for this retreat. One of the women, Marilyn, presented a workshop on personal mission statements which was part therapy and it was extremely transformational. We worked closely with each other on some of our issues and we all learned a lot. Despite the fact that I find it very difficult to write a personal mission statement, I did manage to come up with one in the end, after we had each filled up half a notebook with our thoughts. We enjoyed working with a set of 100 Value cards developed by the Bahai that puts the YW values to shame. We were so into this workshop that it went on and 0n and ON throughout Saturday. I am going to buy the Value cards she had. They were really cool.
That evening, Claire led a presentation on The Chosen, which we had all read ahead of time. It is by Chaim Potok, have you read it? It is about 2 Jewish boys and their struggles with their religion. We talked about religion and coming of age. It was very interesting.
At 2 am we thought about doing yoga, but put it off until next year's meeting! It was supposed to be part of our program, but we just didn't get to it.
Sunday we held a worship service led by Yours Truly, which included thoughts and singing by everyone, and was patterned on the workshop given by RLDS Apostle Susan Skoor at the last Sunstone, on the different styles of spirituality.
Anyway, it was a fun time for me, even though the whole weekend we had cold weather and rain. We didn't ever get to go canoeing on the lake, which I was looking forward to. But everything was really fantastic.
Have you ever written a personal mission statement?
Love you,
Mom
Friday, March 13, 2009
Parent Letter: RE: Goodbye Alice, In Wonderland
Mon 2/16/09 10:24 AM
Nihao, Fu jiemei,
I LOVE your emails!! I'm glad you got our box, and I'm glad you got some hot cheetos. That was the one thing I felt bad we couldn't find.
I am excited that you got to teach a real investigator. There is nothing like the spirit you feel when you can teach the gospel and when a sincere seeker of the truth feels the spirit. I think it is really valuable that they do that in the MTC now. Back when I was there they didn't have that program where you teach actual people. It was always just your teacher or people in your district.
Once again not much is new in our lives. The kids had off of school on Friday and again today for President's Day. If one more person tells me they are bored I will cut my head off!! Last night Nikki slept over at the Waters' and Kelsey slept over here, and Michael slept over at Travis'. The new family in the ward, (do you remember the Butlers? Holly is Franny's age) had a party last night and invited everyone except us. Desi and Franny found out when they were texting some of their friends, who were over there. Michael went, too, because he was already over at the Wright's. So Desi and Franny were crying and wailing and so sad that we were such losers we did not get invited. I felt bad for them. I even cared for about one second, and then I was like, oh well. Dad didn't care at all. lol.
I want to go back on my diet because I am gaining weight again.
It was warm and in the 70's for a few days last week, but now it is cold again. Desi and Franny want to go to the beach. Maybe it will be warm enough in a few weeks.
We all love you and are very proud of you
Love,
Mom
Nihao, Fu jiemei,
I LOVE your emails!! I'm glad you got our box, and I'm glad you got some hot cheetos. That was the one thing I felt bad we couldn't find.
I am excited that you got to teach a real investigator. There is nothing like the spirit you feel when you can teach the gospel and when a sincere seeker of the truth feels the spirit. I think it is really valuable that they do that in the MTC now. Back when I was there they didn't have that program where you teach actual people. It was always just your teacher or people in your district.
Once again not much is new in our lives. The kids had off of school on Friday and again today for President's Day. If one more person tells me they are bored I will cut my head off!! Last night Nikki slept over at the Waters' and Kelsey slept over here, and Michael slept over at Travis'. The new family in the ward, (do you remember the Butlers? Holly is Franny's age) had a party last night and invited everyone except us. Desi and Franny found out when they were texting some of their friends, who were over there. Michael went, too, because he was already over at the Wright's. So Desi and Franny were crying and wailing and so sad that we were such losers we did not get invited. I felt bad for them. I even cared for about one second, and then I was like, oh well. Dad didn't care at all. lol.
I want to go back on my diet because I am gaining weight again.
It was warm and in the 70's for a few days last week, but now it is cold again. Desi and Franny want to go to the beach. Maybe it will be warm enough in a few weeks.
We all love you and are very proud of you
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Parent Letter: Going to Temple
Mon 3/09/09 10:33 AM
Hi Flora!
Hope you are having a fun PDay and getting some rest and relaxation. Do you go to the temple on your PDay or is that on a different day? I really hope that you like the MTC. I know there are a lot of rules and schedules and everything, but if you don't stress too much about it, it is an awesome place to be. I have many fond memories of my time there, and I made lots of friends.
I am always surprised by how much the members of our ward ask about you. I didn't know they had gotten to know you so well when you were here, but so many of them ask about you by name, every week. (or maybe they are just looking at that plaque up on the wall by the Bishop's office? idk) I'm sure you know by now that Lindsey Shurtliff is going on a mission. As far as I know, she doesn't have her call yet, but I will let you know when she gets it.
There is a lot of drama going on in our ward, Kelsey is living at the Stubbs' house during the week, and basically at our house on the weekends. The bishop's son (the inactive one) got a HUGE tattoo of a Catholic cross on his back. And the mom is completely freaked out about it. And other dumb stuff like that, I can't remember it all. But Desi is always buzzing about what happened, every time she goes to an activity. This morning I substitute taught for Seminary. I enjoyed it. I miss not being the Seminary teacher. It was a lot of fun, and that class is awesome. Everyone can actually read the scriptures, which makes it very nice. And they are all pretty smart.
The weather is so beautiful here. It is really getting to be Spring. I need to get a garden started. And I REALLY need to work on my lawn. I hope it is getting nicer in Provo for you. It has been a long winter. Has your coat been keeping you warm?/
This coming weekend I am going to meet 3 of my Sunstone friends in Georgia and stay in a cabin. It should be a fun getaway for me. I am looking forward to it. At least it will get me away from the computer and into real life, right? Also, I went out to lunch with real people twice this last month. So you would be proud of me, I guess. So tell me what you have been studying in your scriptures.
Love you,
Mom
Hi Flora!
Hope you are having a fun PDay and getting some rest and relaxation. Do you go to the temple on your PDay or is that on a different day? I really hope that you like the MTC. I know there are a lot of rules and schedules and everything, but if you don't stress too much about it, it is an awesome place to be. I have many fond memories of my time there, and I made lots of friends.
I am always surprised by how much the members of our ward ask about you. I didn't know they had gotten to know you so well when you were here, but so many of them ask about you by name, every week. (or maybe they are just looking at that plaque up on the wall by the Bishop's office? idk) I'm sure you know by now that Lindsey Shurtliff is going on a mission. As far as I know, she doesn't have her call yet, but I will let you know when she gets it.
There is a lot of drama going on in our ward, Kelsey is living at the Stubbs' house during the week, and basically at our house on the weekends. The bishop's son (the inactive one) got a HUGE tattoo of a Catholic cross on his back. And the mom is completely freaked out about it. And other dumb stuff like that, I can't remember it all. But Desi is always buzzing about what happened, every time she goes to an activity. This morning I substitute taught for Seminary. I enjoyed it. I miss not being the Seminary teacher. It was a lot of fun, and that class is awesome. Everyone can actually read the scriptures, which makes it very nice. And they are all pretty smart.
The weather is so beautiful here. It is really getting to be Spring. I need to get a garden started. And I REALLY need to work on my lawn. I hope it is getting nicer in Provo for you. It has been a long winter. Has your coat been keeping you warm?/
This coming weekend I am going to meet 3 of my Sunstone friends in Georgia and stay in a cabin. It should be a fun getaway for me. I am looking forward to it. At least it will get me away from the computer and into real life, right? Also, I went out to lunch with real people twice this last month. So you would be proud of me, I guess. So tell me what you have been studying in your scriptures.
Love you,
Mom
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Parent Letter
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: February 26
Hi Flora,
I forgot to tell you that you have $262.00 in your account. Sorry I forgot that info. Today is a BEAUTIFUL day. It is so sunny and warm. I love weather like this. I don't know if I told you in my last letter that I am reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer. It is a really good book. Today I went to make little favors for our RS Homemaking meeting with some of the other ladies. So I am actually doing other things than being on the internet all day long. I am kind of bored with that and I am moving on. So if you think of any good activities for me to do, let me know. Not that I want to get a job or be a productive member of society or anything.
Desi right now is paying for her housing at BYU Hawaii, so I guess it is for sure she is going there. I am excited for her. I think she will have a lot of fun there.
I have a new visiting teaching companion, it is Sister Butler (Holly and Ty's mom). I'm sure we will have fun together. Hopefully we will be better about doing it than I have been in the past.
OK so I hope things are going well for you and you did good on your Chinese teaching. Tell me about the things that you are learning in your gospel study. We all love you a lot and are very proud of you.
Love,
Mom
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: February 26
Hi Flora,
I forgot to tell you that you have $262.00 in your account. Sorry I forgot that info. Today is a BEAUTIFUL day. It is so sunny and warm. I love weather like this. I don't know if I told you in my last letter that I am reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer. It is a really good book. Today I went to make little favors for our RS Homemaking meeting with some of the other ladies. So I am actually doing other things than being on the internet all day long. I am kind of bored with that and I am moving on. So if you think of any good activities for me to do, let me know. Not that I want to get a job or be a productive member of society or anything.
Desi right now is paying for her housing at BYU Hawaii, so I guess it is for sure she is going there. I am excited for her. I think she will have a lot of fun there.
I have a new visiting teaching companion, it is Sister Butler (Holly and Ty's mom). I'm sure we will have fun together. Hopefully we will be better about doing it than I have been in the past.
OK so I hope things are going well for you and you did good on your Chinese teaching. Tell me about the things that you are learning in your gospel study. We all love you a lot and are very proud of you.
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Parent Letter: Lack of Letters to Missionary
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: February 24
Dear Flora,
Michael's email is mikethemace@hotmail.com
I don't know what Stuart's is, Gen will have to tell you that one. Allison's address is 33 Thorndike St, Somerville, MA 02143
Michael has a stomach ache and he is groaning on my bed right now. He won't go to bed because he has a lot of homework, but he can't do any work because his stomach hurts. Poor thing. I'm sure he will be happy to be put on your email list.
I thought your story about Christian was funny. He reminds me of Dad sometimes, he just does what he wants with no sense of what is appropriate or socially acceptable!! That can be a good or a bad quality.
Sorry you haven't been getting any letters. We are not that busy around here, I guess we are just lazy. It is time to get outside and start working on the lawn. It is starting to get green and grow weeds. So I need to put some weed & feed down, and rake, and pick up trash, and do something with that ugly little circle out front. It is warm enough to start planting flowers. But (1) we don't have and extra money, and (2) I am lazy. Oh well, I will get to it.
Michael is getting very skinny from being on the track team. He has lost weight and grown a couple more inches. He has a flat chest now and no rolls around the middle. He looks good, except for his hair which he hasn't cut since you were here. It is waaaaaaaaaay too long.
I am reading the Host by Stephenie Meyer (she is the one who wrote the Twilight series). It is a good book so far. It's more of an adult book than her Twilight ones.
OK, have a nice day, and write back!!
Love,
Mom
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: February 24
Dear Flora,
Michael's email is mikethemace@hotmail.com
I don't know what Stuart's is, Gen will have to tell you that one. Allison's address is 33 Thorndike St, Somerville, MA 02143
Michael has a stomach ache and he is groaning on my bed right now. He won't go to bed because he has a lot of homework, but he can't do any work because his stomach hurts. Poor thing. I'm sure he will be happy to be put on your email list.
I thought your story about Christian was funny. He reminds me of Dad sometimes, he just does what he wants with no sense of what is appropriate or socially acceptable!! That can be a good or a bad quality.
Sorry you haven't been getting any letters. We are not that busy around here, I guess we are just lazy. It is time to get outside and start working on the lawn. It is starting to get green and grow weeds. So I need to put some weed & feed down, and rake, and pick up trash, and do something with that ugly little circle out front. It is warm enough to start planting flowers. But (1) we don't have and extra money, and (2) I am lazy. Oh well, I will get to it.
Michael is getting very skinny from being on the track team. He has lost weight and grown a couple more inches. He has a flat chest now and no rolls around the middle. He looks good, except for his hair which he hasn't cut since you were here. It is waaaaaaaaaay too long.
I am reading the Host by Stephenie Meyer (she is the one who wrote the Twilight series). It is a good book so far. It's more of an adult book than her Twilight ones.
OK, have a nice day, and write back!!
Love,
Mom
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Parent Letter: I Remembered!!
Sun 2/22/09 7:52 PM
Aren't you proud of me, I remembered to write you Sunday night, so you will actually have this when you check your mail the first time!! Hooray for me!
I got an email from Christian Burstall's mom where she forwarded a letter from him in the MTC. Thought you might like to read it--it is funny and sounds just like him!
Hahaha! Have you seen him yet? If you do, you can tell him the proper etiquette for Elders and Sisters! Sounds like he needs to be reminded!!
Franny was sad today, she was crying and feels like she doesn't have any friends. She (Kelsey) has a full time job at Subway but it doesn't keep her out of trouble, apparently.
The weather is getting nice, and I am going to have to start working on my yard. It is a big mess. It needs raked, and weeded, and I should plant flowers in that ugly little circle thing. Oh well. One more thing I will get to eventually.
The young men had an activity at our house this week. They painted the inside of our garage. They had a lot of fun. Can't believe Michael is a Teacher now. He is now as tall as Dad, as he grew 2 inches in the last few weeks. I was going to cut his hair tonight, but I forgot, and now it is too late.
Have a great week, Flora. Can't wait to get your email. They are always so spiritual.
Love you,
Mom
Aren't you proud of me, I remembered to write you Sunday night, so you will actually have this when you check your mail the first time!! Hooray for me!
I got an email from Christian Burstall's mom where she forwarded a letter from him in the MTC. Thought you might like to read it--it is funny and sounds just like him!
Subject: An email from Christian
christian.j.burstall.CFM@myldsmail.net
So, LDSmail is probably the worst email application in history. This email is only going to parents because the address book won't save anything.
The MTC is pretty great, all else withstanding! Each of the Elders in my district has been swooned by a Sister here. The mission rules say that one cannot flirt with a missionary in their mission. So, we can write them once we leave the MTC, but missionaries are not to have distractions har har. Even so, I threw caution into the wind and talked to the Sister I noticed, and learned she speaks only speaks Japanese. Awesome!
Showering is a team endevor here. Since two showers are connected to one pump, the hot and cold are shared perfectly. Any requisiton of cold from Elder A is granted through a surprise deposit of heat to Elder B. Wednesdays are great, because the new Elders, who don't understand how this works, arrive, and with their arrival the promise that you will freeze or fry in the morning.
I've gained six pounds. Oh my heck.
Speaking of which, Utah has a pretty interesting venacular. I've noticed myself becoming considerably less thuggin'.
I remembered to bring my camera cable to the lab today, only to realize that the computers are so locked down. So very locked down. If you'd like pictures, assuming I don't find a good terminal in Fresno, I may need another Olympus XD picture card, so I can send you one while I keep one in my camera. Or I could just mail you prints. Let's see if I can find a machine before we start spending dollars.
My mission president at the MTC (who is technically a bishop, but we are to call him president) thinks I'm just a lot of awesome.
We fly out of Salt Lake on Wednesday. My companion has been called to be the travel leader, so I'll be tippin' on ginger ale while he keeps 24 Elders from screaming "Fres-yes!" every few minutes.
Sister Burstall wrote me on Dear Elder and mentioned that she and my moms had been talking. By a weird coincidence, a substitute teacher we had yesterday asked me if I knew an Elder Burstall from Nova Scotia. I said I knew his mom. The teacher had taught him a few months ago. Small world!
Sorry for the disjoint of the email. Lots to say, very few minutes. Give my best to the kids, and I hope you two are doing well. Keep me posted!
Hahaha! Have you seen him yet? If you do, you can tell him the proper etiquette for Elders and Sisters! Sounds like he needs to be reminded!!
Franny was sad today, she was crying and feels like she doesn't have any friends. She (Kelsey) has a full time job at Subway but it doesn't keep her out of trouble, apparently.
The weather is getting nice, and I am going to have to start working on my yard. It is a big mess. It needs raked, and weeded, and I should plant flowers in that ugly little circle thing. Oh well. One more thing I will get to eventually.
The young men had an activity at our house this week. They painted the inside of our garage. They had a lot of fun. Can't believe Michael is a Teacher now. He is now as tall as Dad, as he grew 2 inches in the last few weeks. I was going to cut his hair tonight, but I forgot, and now it is too late.
Have a great week, Flora. Can't wait to get your email. They are always so spiritual.
Love you,
Mom
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Parent Letter: Valentine's Day
Dear Flora,
We love our missionary! Hope you are having a fun Valentine's Day. We are making you this box for Family Home Evening. Shock-Shock-Shock. Don't die of shock that we are having FHE. Dad bought the candy and he couldn't find any Hot Cheetos! Oh well.
Michael and Nikki wanted to eat the candy for the snack, but we wouldn't let them.
Maybe you can pass out the Fun Dip cards to all your new friends.
I trimmed Desi's hair today. It was full of split ends. I also talked with Gen on the phone. She told me all about her new calling. OK-Have a fun day.
Love
Mom
We love our missionary! Hope you are having a fun Valentine's Day. We are making you this box for Family Home Evening. Shock-Shock-Shock. Don't die of shock that we are having FHE. Dad bought the candy and he couldn't find any Hot Cheetos! Oh well.
Michael and Nikki wanted to eat the candy for the snack, but we wouldn't let them.
Maybe you can pass out the Fun Dip cards to all your new friends.
I trimmed Desi's hair today. It was full of split ends. I also talked with Gen on the phone. She told me all about her new calling. OK-Have a fun day.
Love
Mom
Monday, February 9, 2009
Parents Letter: RE: Funny Week
Mon 2/09/09 10:02 AM
Hi Flora!!!
This was a long and a funny letter. I wish I could write letters this good. I hate to tell you but your record will probably ever be about 2 letters in one day. I don't know any other family in the church who is worse about writing letters.
Well, MY problem, as you know, is nothing ever happens to me. So there is not much I can say.
Ok let me think of something I did this week. Well, in my calling in the RS I have to go to a weekly missionary meeting. So this past week I went and I had to laugh at how messed up these missionaries are. This one guy Desi's age just got baptized last week. His girlfriend is in the Summerville ward and he was having the discussions at their house, and the Summerville elders were teaching him. They found out the day before his baptism that he actually LIVES in our ward, so at the baptism, our elders went up to him and told him he had to start going to our ward. He said no. Hahahahaha. Now they have to figure out a way to try to convert him to coming to the Oakbrook ward. They are trying to get Desi and Franny to help them with this.
Also, when I walked in the meeting I smelled this really nice cologne. So I said (to Bro. Griffin) "something smells really good, it that you?" and he said, oh yeah that was something his wife picked out for him. So the missionary says, "You might be smelling MY cologne." And I said, "oh, you are wearing cologne?" and he said, "yeah, but just a little bit, I don't want to be TOO attractive!" lol. Anyway, that is the kind of elders we have.
Here is a nice quote that someone sent me this past week which I thought you might like. It is by Joseph Smith:
I like the thought of losing every desire for sin. You might suppose that your mother is a big sinner, and you would probably be right, but I actually have a heart to be good and follow the Lord. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I hope you will enjoy your mission and the opportunity you have to conquer the flesh and overcome sin. It will be easier to do it now than at any time during your life.
You should enjoy your time there, and have fun, too. Don't be too hard on yourself, but do what you can to improve little by little.
OK I will try to repent and write you more often. Did you get my letter last weeK?
Love you,
Mom
Hi Flora!!!
This was a long and a funny letter. I wish I could write letters this good. I hate to tell you but your record will probably ever be about 2 letters in one day. I don't know any other family in the church who is worse about writing letters.
Well, MY problem, as you know, is nothing ever happens to me. So there is not much I can say.
Ok let me think of something I did this week. Well, in my calling in the RS I have to go to a weekly missionary meeting. So this past week I went and I had to laugh at how messed up these missionaries are. This one guy Desi's age just got baptized last week. His girlfriend is in the Summerville ward and he was having the discussions at their house, and the Summerville elders were teaching him. They found out the day before his baptism that he actually LIVES in our ward, so at the baptism, our elders went up to him and told him he had to start going to our ward. He said no. Hahahahaha. Now they have to figure out a way to try to convert him to coming to the Oakbrook ward. They are trying to get Desi and Franny to help them with this.
Also, when I walked in the meeting I smelled this really nice cologne. So I said (to Bro. Griffin) "something smells really good, it that you?" and he said, oh yeah that was something his wife picked out for him. So the missionary says, "You might be smelling MY cologne." And I said, "oh, you are wearing cologne?" and he said, "yeah, but just a little bit, I don't want to be TOO attractive!" lol. Anyway, that is the kind of elders we have.
Here is a nice quote that someone sent me this past week which I thought you might like. It is by Joseph Smith:
We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker, and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment: he must have been instructed in the government and laws of that kingdom by proper degrees, until his mind is capable in some measure of comprehending the propriety, and justice, equality, consistency of the same. For further instruction we refer you to Deut. xxxii, where the Lord Says, that Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste, howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye, etc.; which will show the force of the last item advanced, that it is necessary for men to receive an understanding concerning the laws of the heavenly kingdom, before they are permitted to enter it: we mean the celestial glory. (D.H.C., 2:8; Teachings, p. 51.)
I like the thought of losing every desire for sin. You might suppose that your mother is a big sinner, and you would probably be right, but I actually have a heart to be good and follow the Lord. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I hope you will enjoy your mission and the opportunity you have to conquer the flesh and overcome sin. It will be easier to do it now than at any time during your life.
You should enjoy your time there, and have fun, too. Don't be too hard on yourself, but do what you can to improve little by little.
OK I will try to repent and write you more often. Did you get my letter last weeK?
Love you,
Mom
Monday, February 2, 2009
Parent Letter: Wow I actually wrote!
Mon 2/02/09 8:24 AM
Hello Flora,
I am sorry I suck at being a mother and a letter writer. but I hope at least this email is going out before you check it today. Nothing much happens around here, as you know, so it is hard to think of anything to write. We finally found your mission call so I am sending out the package today.
Dad had a fun trip to Denmark and Sweden and was gone 4 days last week. We ate pretty good while he was gone, I actually made dinner every night. AMAZING!! And we didn't eat pizza or junk. Franny decided to make a new kitchen schedule for us because the old one wasn't working. Now instead of having a night, we each have a job like dishes, floor, counters, etc. Tonight will be our first night trying it, so we will see how it works.
Genevieve is busy trying to organize our genealogy. She is trying to think of a system so we can systematically do the ordinances and work together on it. Right now it's hard because the new system is not up in Provo. So they all have to sign in under my name, and you can't tell who is working on what. Hopefully she can figure something out. Michael, Franny and Desi went on a youth temple trip Friday and did 11 male names and 7 female names from our line. So they had a good time.
I hope you are having fun at the MTC. I really loved my time there. It was probably the most spiritual time of my life. I loved the singing and the huge groups of missionaries all singing in different languages. I loved everything about the MTC actually. Can't wait to hear from you today.
Love,
Mom
Hello Flora,
I am sorry I suck at being a mother and a letter writer. but I hope at least this email is going out before you check it today. Nothing much happens around here, as you know, so it is hard to think of anything to write. We finally found your mission call so I am sending out the package today.
Dad had a fun trip to Denmark and Sweden and was gone 4 days last week. We ate pretty good while he was gone, I actually made dinner every night. AMAZING!! And we didn't eat pizza or junk. Franny decided to make a new kitchen schedule for us because the old one wasn't working. Now instead of having a night, we each have a job like dishes, floor, counters, etc. Tonight will be our first night trying it, so we will see how it works.
Genevieve is busy trying to organize our genealogy. She is trying to think of a system so we can systematically do the ordinances and work together on it. Right now it's hard because the new system is not up in Provo. So they all have to sign in under my name, and you can't tell who is working on what. Hopefully she can figure something out. Michael, Franny and Desi went on a youth temple trip Friday and did 11 male names and 7 female names from our line. So they had a good time.
I hope you are having fun at the MTC. I really loved my time there. It was probably the most spiritual time of my life. I loved the singing and the huge groups of missionaries all singing in different languages. I loved everything about the MTC actually. Can't wait to hear from you today.
Love,
Mom
Friday, January 30, 2009
Parent Letter: Help Other Missionaries with Language
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 30
Fu jiemei:
Greetings from your father. I will try to get your mother to send your contacts, dress, and grammar book.
I am sorry about the strictness of your teacher and feel he should have not shamed you in front of your colleagues. He apparently needs a lesson in Chinese and Asian culture. Since most of your dresses down below your knees I don't see what the big deal is.
They should stress that all dresses should be ankle length if that is their standard. I don't see how you can ride a bike with such a dress on even if it has slits. Unfortunately except for a couple of stores in Orem like missionary emporium etc. there aren't many places outside of Utah to get clothes. I will have to work on your mother to make you a few jumpers or skirts that are a bit longer. It might take a few weeks. She is slow at mailing stuff you know. When we lived in Saudi Arabia she never sent any packages because she was too lazy to walk in the heat to the post office. I was even lazier since I never liked walking anywhere. So Gen and Gianina didn't even get Christmas packages from us. If you can send something through Dear Elder etc. then it is a different story. Right now I am totally broke after spending $2000 for the stuff you even have. I can barely cover the house payment. You should have been better informed and he should have talked to you in private. You will just have to make due for now with what you have.
As to relearning it never hurts to have review or repetition. I think it is good you are helping your companion and others to learn the language. I know you are anxious to teach but as the time progresses you will be challenged particularly learning verbs. For now you should try to help the other elders and sisters.
You should try to take pictures of all of these people you encounter so you will remember them when you are older. Also keep the letters and email coming as they are a record for you later. I found my mission stuff in my parents' dresser when they died. It is all I have left other than my memories which are dimming with age. I set you up with a Dear Elder site and a MissionSite.Net account. I have been updating your Blogspot blog. I suggest you get some of your companions to do the same. Have their parents set up a Blogspot blog. A group of sister who recently went to the Italy Rome Mission did that and they share a few pictures and give different perspectives of the same experience.
I could use a few more pictures so see if you can upload one or two every time you email. There is no restriction on that as most elders and sisters send home pictures in their emails.
I also need your favorite scripture for the Dear Elder site. I listed your most missed food as flaming hot Cheetos. Make sure to tell things you want to remember and to give your impressions of talks and things you learn. Your first two letters were really insightful about SYL etc.
I had a fun time in Denmark and Sweden. Malmo was a very picturesque place to visit. Most Swedes speak English so I got along fairly easily. I don't think I will get the job but I had a good time for four days visiting Scandinavia. Everyone walks or rides bikes. The bikes weren't ten speeds but single speed bikes.
Take Care.
Your Father, Dr. B.
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 30
Fu jiemei:
Greetings from your father. I will try to get your mother to send your contacts, dress, and grammar book.
I am sorry about the strictness of your teacher and feel he should have not shamed you in front of your colleagues. He apparently needs a lesson in Chinese and Asian culture. Since most of your dresses down below your knees I don't see what the big deal is.
They should stress that all dresses should be ankle length if that is their standard. I don't see how you can ride a bike with such a dress on even if it has slits. Unfortunately except for a couple of stores in Orem like missionary emporium etc. there aren't many places outside of Utah to get clothes. I will have to work on your mother to make you a few jumpers or skirts that are a bit longer. It might take a few weeks. She is slow at mailing stuff you know. When we lived in Saudi Arabia she never sent any packages because she was too lazy to walk in the heat to the post office. I was even lazier since I never liked walking anywhere. So Gen and Gianina didn't even get Christmas packages from us. If you can send something through Dear Elder etc. then it is a different story. Right now I am totally broke after spending $2000 for the stuff you even have. I can barely cover the house payment. You should have been better informed and he should have talked to you in private. You will just have to make due for now with what you have.
As to relearning it never hurts to have review or repetition. I think it is good you are helping your companion and others to learn the language. I know you are anxious to teach but as the time progresses you will be challenged particularly learning verbs. For now you should try to help the other elders and sisters.
You should try to take pictures of all of these people you encounter so you will remember them when you are older. Also keep the letters and email coming as they are a record for you later. I found my mission stuff in my parents' dresser when they died. It is all I have left other than my memories which are dimming with age. I set you up with a Dear Elder site and a MissionSite.Net account. I have been updating your Blogspot blog. I suggest you get some of your companions to do the same. Have their parents set up a Blogspot blog. A group of sister who recently went to the Italy Rome Mission did that and they share a few pictures and give different perspectives of the same experience.
I could use a few more pictures so see if you can upload one or two every time you email. There is no restriction on that as most elders and sisters send home pictures in their emails.
I also need your favorite scripture for the Dear Elder site. I listed your most missed food as flaming hot Cheetos. Make sure to tell things you want to remember and to give your impressions of talks and things you learn. Your first two letters were really insightful about SYL etc.
I had a fun time in Denmark and Sweden. Malmo was a very picturesque place to visit. Most Swedes speak English so I got along fairly easily. I don't think I will get the job but I had a good time for four days visiting Scandinavia. Everyone walks or rides bikes. The bikes weren't ten speeds but single speed bikes.
Take Care.
Your Father, Dr. B.
Parent Letter: Mission Dress Code
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 26
Hello Flora, I am so sorry, I didn't see either of your emails until just now (12:38 am, EARLY Tuesday morning!) so none of us got to email you. We will try to do better next Monday. Also we got your first letter in the mail today. You are awesome. I will get your skirt and dress out tomorrow. If I can find the dress. And if I can finish the skirt, lol. I am sorry annoying Mormons are so OCD on dress codes. What a bummer. Don't let them bother you too much. It sounds like you are having a great time. Feel the spirit and enjoy your time there.
Another day of rain in South Carolina.
This morning Dad left for one of his interview trips--to Denmark and Sweden. I am really bummed I didn't get to go along. He is all excited, as usual, and trying to get people all worried about leaving. We shall see if this one pans out. Half of them never do.
Love,
Mom
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 26
Hello Flora, I am so sorry, I didn't see either of your emails until just now (12:38 am, EARLY Tuesday morning!) so none of us got to email you. We will try to do better next Monday. Also we got your first letter in the mail today. You are awesome. I will get your skirt and dress out tomorrow. If I can find the dress. And if I can finish the skirt, lol. I am sorry annoying Mormons are so OCD on dress codes. What a bummer. Don't let them bother you too much. It sounds like you are having a great time. Feel the spirit and enjoy your time there.
Another day of rain in South Carolina.
This morning Dad left for one of his interview trips--to Denmark and Sweden. I am really bummed I didn't get to go along. He is all excited, as usual, and trying to get people all worried about leaving. We shall see if this one pans out. Half of them never do.
Love,
Mom
Parent Letter: Example of the Believers
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 26
Hey Flora!
It is really good to hear from you. I'm glad to hear that you like your companions and teacher. It's such a small world that one of the sisters knew Annika and Gen. I hope that you are having fun in the MTC. Church has been fun lately. We have been focusing on being examples of the believers. That is the mutual theme this year. I think it is 1 Timothy 4:12. I really like it because it is a really good message, and it is something that I can definitely work on. I am also working on getting my young women hood recognition. If you have any recommendations please make sure to tell me, but make sure you stay focused and work on learning all that Chinese! I can't wait until you are actually in Taiwan and get to teach everyone. I'm so excited for you. I LOVE YOU! Have the best time and make sure to keep us all updated on what's going on!
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 26
Hey Flora!
It is really good to hear from you. I'm glad to hear that you like your companions and teacher. It's such a small world that one of the sisters knew Annika and Gen. I hope that you are having fun in the MTC. Church has been fun lately. We have been focusing on being examples of the believers. That is the mutual theme this year. I think it is 1 Timothy 4:12. I really like it because it is a really good message, and it is something that I can definitely work on. I am also working on getting my young women hood recognition. If you have any recommendations please make sure to tell me, but make sure you stay focused and work on learning all that Chinese! I can't wait until you are actually in Taiwan and get to teach everyone. I'm so excited for you. I LOVE YOU! Have the best time and make sure to keep us all updated on what's going on!
Parent Letter to Missionary
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 21
Dear Flora,
I hope you are doing well and your first day in the MTC was fabulous. Did you get there on time? Did Annika cry when you left her? Hehe.
Well right now I am on facebook and I saw that Matthew Moses was on, so I messaged him and said, "do you miss Flora?" and he said, "I am on Dear Elder.com right now writing to her!" So I thought I would do the same. I'm sure you will get lots of letters, cuz he will probably write you every day. Hope you can keep your mind on the work! j/k.
Let's see, the news from me: I spent the whole day online as usual, picked Desi up at 12 (and was a little late, she yelled at me) and we went running at the Y. Came home, got online, picked up Michael at 4 (was a little late, he yelled at me) and took him to track. The kids went to Mutual this evening. We even fed them all dinner before they left. They are just getting home now. So that was my exciting day!!
Tomorrow my plans are to finish your skirt and jumper and send them. If not tomorrow, then definitely by the weekend. Because Saturday I plan to really clean the house now that you are gone. I will stow all your things away and put the junk in the garage places. Should be interesting. Dad just found out you got new scriptures. He is downstairs yelling. lol.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday. That was very inspiring. You didn't watch it, did you? I loved the music, the poetry reading, the singing, and especially his speech. An historic moment.
So that is all that is happening here. I will write you again later and tell you all the scintillating news from the Bruno household.
Love,
Mom
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 21
Dear Flora,
I hope you are doing well and your first day in the MTC was fabulous. Did you get there on time? Did Annika cry when you left her? Hehe.
Well right now I am on facebook and I saw that Matthew Moses was on, so I messaged him and said, "do you miss Flora?" and he said, "I am on Dear Elder.com right now writing to her!" So I thought I would do the same. I'm sure you will get lots of letters, cuz he will probably write you every day. Hope you can keep your mind on the work! j/k.
Let's see, the news from me: I spent the whole day online as usual, picked Desi up at 12 (and was a little late, she yelled at me) and we went running at the Y. Came home, got online, picked up Michael at 4 (was a little late, he yelled at me) and took him to track. The kids went to Mutual this evening. We even fed them all dinner before they left. They are just getting home now. So that was my exciting day!!
Tomorrow my plans are to finish your skirt and jumper and send them. If not tomorrow, then definitely by the weekend. Because Saturday I plan to really clean the house now that you are gone. I will stow all your things away and put the junk in the garage places. Should be interesting. Dad just found out you got new scriptures. He is downstairs yelling. lol.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday. That was very inspiring. You didn't watch it, did you? I loved the music, the poetry reading, the singing, and especially his speech. An historic moment.
So that is all that is happening here. I will write you again later and tell you all the scintillating news from the Bruno household.
Love,
Mom
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Parent Letter: Greetings from Sweden
Greetings from Sweden:
I hope you are working hard at the MTC.
Your father,
Frank Bruno
I hope you are working hard at the MTC.
Your father,
Frank Bruno
Monday, January 26, 2009
Parent Letter: Dress Code
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 26
Hello Flora, I am so sorry, I didn't see either of your emails until just now (12:38 am, EARLY Tuesday morning!) so none of us got to email you. We will try to do better next Monday. Also we got your first letter in the mail today. You are awesome. I will get your skirt and dress out tomorrow. If I can find the dress. And if I can finish the skirt, lol. I am sorry annoying Mormons are so OCD on dress codes. What a bummer. Don't let them bother you too much. It sounds like you are having a great time. Feel the spirit and enjoy your time there.
Another day of rain in South Carolina.
This morning Dad left for one of his interview trips--to Denmark and Sweden. I am really bummed I didn't get to go along. He is all excited, as usual, and trying to get people all worried about leaving. We shall see if this one pans out. Half of them never do.
Love,
Mom
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 26
Hello Flora, I am so sorry, I didn't see either of your emails until just now (12:38 am, EARLY Tuesday morning!) so none of us got to email you. We will try to do better next Monday. Also we got your first letter in the mail today. You are awesome. I will get your skirt and dress out tomorrow. If I can find the dress. And if I can finish the skirt, lol. I am sorry annoying Mormons are so OCD on dress codes. What a bummer. Don't let them bother you too much. It sounds like you are having a great time. Feel the spirit and enjoy your time there.
Another day of rain in South Carolina.
This morning Dad left for one of his interview trips--to Denmark and Sweden. I am really bummed I didn't get to go along. He is all excited, as usual, and trying to get people all worried about leaving. We shall see if this one pans out. Half of them never do.
Love,
Mom
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Parent Letter: First Day MTC
Missionary Name: Sister Flora Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 21
Dear Flora,
I hope you are doing well and your first day in the MTC was fabulous. Did you get there on time? Did Annika cry when you left her? Hehe.
Well right now I am on Facebook and I saw that Matthew Moses was on, so I messaged him and said, "do you miss Flora?" and he said, "I am on Dear Elder.com right now writing to her!" So I thought I would do the same. I'm sure you will get lots of letters, cuz he will probably write you every day. Hope you can keep your mind on the work! j/k.
Let's see, the news from me: I spent the whole day online as usual, picked Desi up at 12 (and was a little late, she yelled at me) and we went running at the Y. Came home, got online, picked up Michael at 4 (was a little late, he yelled at me) and took him to track. The kids went to Mutual this evening. We even fed them all dinner before they left. They are just getting home now. So that was my exciting day!!
Tomorrow my plans are to finish your skirt and jumper and send them. If not tomorrow, then definitely by the weekend. Because Saturday I plan to really clean the house now that you are gone. I will stow all your things away and put the junk in the garage places. Should be interesting. Dad just found out you got new scriptures. He is downstairs yelling. lol.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday. That was very inspiring. You didn't watch it, did you? I loved the music, the poetry reading, the singing, and especially his speech. An historic moment.
So that is all that is happening here. I will write you again later and tell you all the scintillating news from the Bruno household.
Love,
Mom
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: January 21
Dear Flora,
I hope you are doing well and your first day in the MTC was fabulous. Did you get there on time? Did Annika cry when you left her? Hehe.
Well right now I am on Facebook and I saw that Matthew Moses was on, so I messaged him and said, "do you miss Flora?" and he said, "I am on Dear Elder.com right now writing to her!" So I thought I would do the same. I'm sure you will get lots of letters, cuz he will probably write you every day. Hope you can keep your mind on the work! j/k.
Let's see, the news from me: I spent the whole day online as usual, picked Desi up at 12 (and was a little late, she yelled at me) and we went running at the Y. Came home, got online, picked up Michael at 4 (was a little late, he yelled at me) and took him to track. The kids went to Mutual this evening. We even fed them all dinner before they left. They are just getting home now. So that was my exciting day!!
Tomorrow my plans are to finish your skirt and jumper and send them. If not tomorrow, then definitely by the weekend. Because Saturday I plan to really clean the house now that you are gone. I will stow all your things away and put the junk in the garage places. Should be interesting. Dad just found out you got new scriptures. He is downstairs yelling. lol.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday. That was very inspiring. You didn't watch it, did you? I loved the music, the poetry reading, the singing, and especially his speech. An historic moment.
So that is all that is happening here. I will write you again later and tell you all the scintillating news from the Bruno household.
Love,
Mom
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