Wuz Up!

This week totally flew by. I seriously can't believe that it's P-day again. I'll try my best to say everything I want to in my short little couple of minutes haha.
 We had our four week meeting for all of the new missionaries and their trainers this last week. I got to see all of my MTC buddies and old comp so it was way fun. Turns out I wasn't the only one going through some crazy stuff haha. They all looked exhausted. I also got to go on exchanges on Saturday with the sister training leaders. It was super fun and really nice to get out of my area and learn some new things. Sister Shaw, the one I went out with, is from Treemonton(I have no idea if I spelled that right) Utah! We know a lot of the same people and everything. It was a pretty awesome connection. She is so cute and super sweet and I learned so much from her in just a day. It's nice to see a lot of different ways of doing things so that you can figure out what you like best.  I still have a lot to learn from my comp but it was nice getting some new ideas. Oh, cool story. When I was on exchanges we went to go see this guy named Robert. His roommate answered the door and said that he wasn't there so we just started talking to him about some of what we believe and invited him to church. He didn't seem that into it so I didn't think much of it. Well, last night the STL's called us and told me that he went to church and now he's a new investigator! Too bad he's not in my area haha but that's okay. This week was really busy but nothing much happened. You work so hard everyday and then when you add up the numbers for the week it looks like you did hardly anything. Key indicators don't show how hard you worked at all here. Because most of the lessons or conversations don't count as anything, so that kinda stinks. All of you RM's know what I'm talking about haha. 

You all should be very proud of me. Because English is my comp's second language, I have to talk really clear all of the time so I'm always super contentious of how I pronounce things now. I think the habit is sticking because I haven't heard a "what?" in quite awhile haha. It's like my own version of the gift of tongues. People always ask where I'm from though because they think I have an accent. I think sister Wihongi rubbed off on me or something.
 I'm happy to announce that I'm doing really good lately. Everything is really clicking and my comp and I are really getting along well. I've learned to appreciate her a lot more as time goes on. Having a lazy comp as a trainer would be miserable for me. I've been very blessed with several teaching opportunities since I've been here, which is pretty rare according to what I've been hearing lately in other places. Looking back, I know that the Lord has blessed me so much. He knew that I needed to be where I'm at and who I'm with. It's funny how we miss so many things in the moment, and then looking back you wonder how you could be so blind as to not realize things. In the mission you get more humbling experiences then you would sometimes care for, but when you learn to be grateful for them they turn into blessing instead of burdens. I've only been out for a little over 40 days, but I've learned so much. I know I have a very long way to go and still so much to learn  but I'm grateful for the many blessings that have come to me in such a short time. I thought I knew a lot about the scriptures before I came out......wrong. Turns out I haven't even scratched the surface, on anything really. But I know that all of the little choices I've made through out the years have really prepared me so much for a mission. My transition wasn't as hard as a lot of the people I know and all of those early morning seminary classes are starting to pay off. It's the little things that matter in the end. Anywho, so much to learn, so little time.

Thanks so much to all those who have sent me pics and emails. I really appreciate them so so much. They're the only thing familiar or comforting when you're out on a mission haha. I pray for you all every night and hope that all is well. Keep me updated haha. 

Second Email

Hey Family.....and whoever else reads this thing!

I'm so sorry about last weeks half letter. I had no idea that the computer at the library shuts off after an hour so I'm like just taking my time and it turns off..yeah no bueno. Anyway, I never got to finish it but I hope you enjoyed the half letter haha. So I'm just going to start where I left off.

So yeah, that first week was tough for me but at the same time I had so many amazing experiences. We are teaching a young mom who really wants to get baptized but because of a bunch of past things she has to get permission from the first presidency of the church. It's kind of taking forever which is hard because she is so ready and willing but she is being a total gem and sticken it out. She has been through more than you could ever imagine and yet she still managed to change her life around. Looking at her you would have never guessed that last year she was homeless. She is pregers and divorced but the coolest part is that she is having a girl and is due in October-just like Julia! We have been working with a lot of less-actives and have been hunting people down like crazy. They aren't there 95% of the time but when we do actually find people it turns out to be a great experience for everyone. Sometimes I feel like the church nazi because everyone always feels like they have to give us excuses as to why they aren't there, but really, we just wanted to stop by and see how they were doing haha. I feel bad sometimes that they think that but we are working on changing it. It's been really hard for me to see just how much people suffer.  We teach people with some pretty tough backgrounds I tell ya. All I can say is don't do drugs people! It will ruin your life and everyone around you. But on the other hand, it's amazing to see how the gospel can help people turn their life around and make them into some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. It's been an eye opener, that's for sure.

 Our ward is pretty stinken great too. There are a lot of old people but they are all so nice. Lets just say that we never go hungry and never will haha. There is the funniest little old lady named grandma June( it's a requirement to call her grandma) that we always visit. She is the cutest thing to walk this earth. She's blind which is really hard on her, considering that she used to be an amazing artist and porcelain doll maker. She's made over 300! She reminds me a lot of Aunt Corolyne actually.But if ever you need a snack or you're having a sugar craving you know that you can always drop by her place. Our ward mission leader is amazing but unfortunately he leaves next month which is really too bad but I'm sure they'll get someone good.

 There are two sets of missionaries in our ward-us and a set of Elders. They are pretty great too. The work is slowly but surely progressing here in California. Oh btw, my area is Chino Hills if anyone was wondering. I also have a car......Hallelujah! My poor old comp got sent to the middle of no where-literally but my area is really nice. There is a huge Asian and Hispanic population so having a comp that speaks Spanish has been a life saver. She is pretty great too. We didn't click at first but as time has gone on I've learned to appreciate her a lot more. She works really hard and is exactly obedient. Yeah, you don't mess with her schedule, but she is the so sweet and loves being a missionary. I'm still trying to catch up with her haha. It was hard adjusting to her personality at first but I have come to really love her. She was born in Argentina but grew up in Spain, which is kind of awesome, not gonna lie. So I'm happy to report that all is well as far as my comp goes.

My area is amazingly gorgeous. The whole landscape is just hills and we have an amazing view of the mountains. My favorite part is that they have a farmers market with really cheap produce and international supplies! I was one happy camper when I found that place. I was bummed about not sending my email last week but as we were on our way to go and find a Sprouts we found that little gem. It will never replace Sprouts, but it came really close. My area reminds me a lot of Florida in all honesty. The houses, the people, the weather, everything.

I love the gospel so much! Missionary work isn't easy, but it's always worth it. The Lord has blessed me so much these last couple of weeks. I'm finally getting adjusted! It was hard at first but I can truly say that I love it. The gospel is true. I have some amazing stories that I can't wait to share with you all when I get home...in like forever, but I'll try to keep you updated

Well, the time has come. I have to go but know that I love you all. Send me lots of letters because you love me haha.

Love,

Sister Prows

First Field Email

Hey Familia!!!!

I have o much to tell you I don't even know where to begin! This week has been byond crazy....and scary... and hectic, but it's also been so amazing. 

We woke up bright and early(3:00 am) Tuesday to f\get to the bus on time. Our flight didn't leave for another like four hours but they had to drive us and all that jazz. I was feeling really sick the whole morning which was a bummer but I got over it. Btw I felt really bad that I wasn't able to call you all. I had to bumm a calling card off an elder just to talk to mom for a couple of minuetes. Long story short, a bunch of things happened and I wasn't able to call =( But just know that I love you all. We flew into Ontario where our mission President was waiting with his wife to pick us all up. We had a lovely day full of training and interviews. They took us all to the mission home for dinner and I dominated at uno and ping pong....actually I knind of cheated haha. Don't follow my example. It was so wierd knowing that we were actually there! It still feals like I'm not even here. We even got to go to bed an hour early that night!!!!!! Man did I need it. The next day everyone met at the mssion office/chapel for more training and comp swap. There were five of us new sisters and five trainers so we were guissing who would get who, only they made us wait until the end of the afternoon before we actually found out! What the who ha hey. When the time actually did come and they called my name the Pres said something about her being from Spain and me having to speak Spanish so I thought that they had changed my mission language. So then as I'm getting my stuff together to go give her a hug and meet her I say" Wait. am I really?"  and they Pres. is like" Really what" and I'm like "learning Spanish" and he like starts laughing. So no I'm not learning Spanish haha. So yeah, my comp is from Spain! Her name is Sister Schaffhouser-Mermoz, and no I could not for the life of me pronounce of remeber it for like two days. I just called her sister in hopes that she wouldn't notice haha. I know right, so smooth. She is really nice though. She keeps me in line and on time that's for sure haha.

So that evening we headed to Chino Hills(my area) and went straight to an appointment. Although, we showed up five minuetes early and my comp made me knock on my first doorm-Holy Scary......okay actually I lied, it wasn't scary haha. We just had a chat, she said she was catholic, we gave her a card and then went on our way. The end. Okay so you have to know that one of the only comforting things about that day was when I figured out that talking to people isn't scary haha. Once I got that over with everything was fine. The appointment went awesome (because she likes boats and I could actually talk to her about something I knew a few things about haha). I actually loved it in all honosty. I felt like an actual missionary!!!! Wahoo for confidence boosts. That night we had dinner with a family of redheads who just moved into town haha. It was fun and we left them with a nice challange and message. By the time everything was over, we had to head back home. We live with a member btw. She is single, a sheriff,  and loves her nick nacks but is really nice. That night was pretty tough for me. Reality of what I was there for set in 

She's Here!

Dear Prows Family,

Sister Prows is here and she is safe! How fun to have another Rexburg missionary with us! She stayed with us at the mission home the first night, but is now in her new area. You should hear from her on Monday.

Thank you for sharing her with us. She is delightful and will be a great missionary.

President and Sister Hobbs
CA Rancho Cucamonga Mission

Wuzz up!?

Hey family,

I'm not dead.....yet. Although if this whole no sleep thing keeps going on for much longer I just might be haha. I leave in less than 24 hours for the mission field! . It feels like I'm just going to be here forever so the thought of leaving is kind of freaking me out. I'm nervous, but I know it will all be fine.  

 This week has been......interesting/hard/amazing haha. Other than being exhausted 24/7 and falling asleep walking I'm doing really good. I've had a couple of hard days but overall I'm doing really well. I love my teachers to death, but apparently they don't love us back because all three of them either moved or got the flue. I think there is something going around in the teachers lounge or something hehe. Classes never cease to amaze. I love them so much, role plays and all. I feel so blessed though. I'm finding strength to do things I never knew I could do. Sometimes it gets tough but when I remember why I'm here it makes it all worth it. The Lord is truly mindful of all of us.

Memories of the week: So my companion went to go turn off the light one night and when she was trying to find her way back to the bed in the dark she tripped over her suitcase and face planted onto her bed. She wasn't hurt but it was stinken hilarious. Also our investigator kept falling asleep during our lesson haha. She was trying so hard to stay awake but it got the best of her. Sister Wihongi(she's the one from Australia) has taught us some pretty funny phrases. She says the most hilarious, random things all the time. Now whenever we need to go to the bathroom we just say that we "need to toilet". Our Elders also made up a rap that involved all of our names. So we have Sister Wihomgi, Coable, Rietz, and Prows. And this is what they came up with-" Wihungri so we went to get some Rietz crackers but instead went on the Prows for some peach Caubler" haha.(It sounded way funnier when they told us than in writing)

Well, I have to peace out and blow this taco stand, but I love you all. I must admit I don't think about you much haha but I stilll love ya.

Toodles,

-Sister Prows

Ps. To all you Canadian friends, I see Elder Meirhead all the time. I still haven't seen Elder Shafer, but hopefully I'll see him before I leave.

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JULIA IS HAVING A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so stinken excited when I found out.I think I scared my companion when I screamed in the cafeteria haha. I totally knew it was a girl. Why did anyone ever doubt me haha. 

Everyone stay by your phone tomorrow morning. I'm not exactly sure what time I'll call but it might be a bit early