HAZMAT SUIT NEEDED

First, a shout-out to Derrick, who was baptized on Saturday, March 15. 2014!  Hannah loves him and his family so much.  I think he’s awesome too – he reads this blog.

I recently met a nice man who frequents Mountain Men Rendezvous.  He explained to me that people who travel in this circle give themselves “mountain men” names.  He also explained that many mountain men are also given a mountain man name by the other mountain men, which is only used behind their backs.  He told me a couple of examples and the origin of the names – neither of which I will relate in this post.  I did, however, suggest to Hannah that she give mountain men names to the people she interacts with.  She informed me that Derrick had already one-upped this by giving Book of Mormon names to people.  Hannah is “Samuel the Lamanite.”  Although I don’t know how he decided on this name for Hannah, I do have a couple of theories: 

• She is so tall that it is as if she were standing on a wall (mountain man name would be “Tall as Wall”)
• She won’t take “no” for an answer (mountain man name would be “Tall Tower That Cannot Be Moved”)
• She brought him the gospel message (mountain man name would be “Woman With A Message”)

But personally, I think it was because Hannah testifies of Christ with boldness – and doesn’t let the arrows of the adversary stop her (mountain man name would be “Bold Speaker”).

I thought the least I could do would be to give Derrick a mountain man name.  But then I remembered, he has already taken a new name by being baptized – the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  There is no name better than that.

 As I think about Samuel on the wall with arrows flying around him, I’m reminded that missionaries encounter many potentially hazardous materials in the course of their service.  I’ve mentioned a few of these in previous posts:

            Cockroaches

            Spider Webs (and attached spiders)

            Fallen Trees

            Crazy Drivers    

            Cats

            Pigs

            Big, Angry, Mean, Barking Dogs

A few more reasons that hazmat suits should be standard missionary issue:

            Bedbugs

            African Cats

            2^nd Hand Smoke

            2^nd Hand Alcohol*

            Ear-burning Cursing & Profanity*

            Big, Angry, Mean Strangers*

*Experienced simultaneously

I’m so grateful for the protection that Hannah has been blessed with.  I’m also so grateful for the encounters she has had with great people who are kind (and sometimes even feed her).  She met a professional motocross rider the other day and had a wonderful conversation with him.  She also took the opportunity to share the Word of Wisdom with a man who was following them on his bicycle.  Although the word of God can be an effective means of self-defense, in this case, the man received the principle taught him very enthusiastically.  He did tell Hannah, however, that according to the Bible, Rebekah of the Old Testament smoked.  When Hannah expressed her doubt, he told her to read Genesis 24:64. 

[Okay, it was really Hannah’s father, who definitely does not snore, (mountain man name "Sounds Like Thunder”) who pointed this out to me during Sunday School].  

Hannah is working hard (with all her heart, might, mind, and strength).  She has been strengthened.  She has been comforted.  She has felt pure joy.   She loves the people of Montgomery.  She has been blessed with many witnesses of her Heavenly Father’s love for her and for the people she teaches.  She is doing well. 

Proud Mother Who Misses Daughter (my mountain man name)

            

HALF TIME!

HALF-TIME!

On Saturday, February 22^nd, the flags should be flown at half-mast to signify the passing of the first half of Hannah’s mission.   Half of the time, it feels as if these past nine months has flown by.  The other half of the time, it seems to have passed at a snail’s pace.  As her first companion in the field so aptly observed, “The days seem like weeks, the weeks seem like months, and the months seem like days.” 

Although this is an auspicious occasion, Hannah has to go halfsies with her brother for our attention as it is also his 15^th birthday.  He plans on celebrating turning 15 by cutting his life expectancy in half by taking the written portion of the driver’s test.  (Whoever thought 15 year old boys should be able to operate motor vehicles must have been a half-wit!)   So I had a half-baked idea that I should mark this milestone in Hannah’s life with this special post in which I use as many expressions that contain the word “half” as possible, and still make sense 50% (yes, that counts) of the time.  If you think of a usage that I missed, feel free to post it in your comments. 

Regardless of whether you are a “glass half full” or a “glass half empty” type of person, you must admit that to reach the half-way point in a mission is a time of mixed emotions.  Hannah’s feelings of anticipation when she thinks of returning home to her family are undoubtedly tempered half and half by those emotions that come as she anticipates leaving the close association of those she has come to love so much. 

For many missionaries, it’s tempting to keep half an eye on home throughout their mission.  But Hannah is entering the second half of her mission fully engaged in the work in Texas.   Those of you who know Hannah well know that she doesn't do things by halves.  Her mission is no exception.  She has served the Lord with all her might, mind, and strength, and will continue to do so, even after she is home. 

Now I know, people joke about the period of readjustment for missionaries after they are released from full-time service as a “mission half-life”- the amount of time required for half of the missionary’s good habits and spirituality to decay to pre-mission levels.  (Okay, nobody actually calls it “mission half-life,” but they should.  Anyway, how would YOU suggest I fit “half-life” into this post?)  For Hannah, however, she has experienced firsthand, on numerous occasions, the fulfillment of Lord’s promise to make weak things become strong.  I am confident that these “mighty changes” in Hannah will always be a part of who she is. 

To say that her family has mixed feelings about Hannah coming home this year would be a half truth:  We’re just plain happy!  Of course, when she does, a half-gallon of milk will no longer be enough each week. (FYI:  Her family consists of myself, her mother; my better half, her father; and Elijah, her [not half] brother (okay, that last one was a stretch.)  

Hannah has served honorably this first nine months.  This is no surprise.  Hannah never does anything [EDITED].*   We are so proud of her.

*An expression that means “insufficiently or haphazardly”

Editor’s Note:  I count 25 uses of the word “half” in some form.  Not half bad.

HANNAH DOES A HAPPY DANCE!

Did you know that Hannah does a “happy dance” in the privacy of the church bathroom after each baptism she attends?  Thank you to Devin and Fred who gave Hannah a “happy dance” excuse on January 11th.  Hannah also got to return to her first area in Texas, Imperial Oaks, to attend Annie’s baptism (and perform another “happy dance”)!  Hannah expressed her feelings at these baptisms as “pure joy.”   

As of last transfer (January 1), Hannah is in a new companionship with Sister Wessendorf from Payson, Utah (home of Bordeaux’s Bistro.  Try the smothered shrimp po boy, red beans and rice, and, for dessert, beignets!)  She is still serving in Montgomery, Texas.  Hannah also has the assignment of Sister Training Leader.  This is providing her with opportunities to associate with and get to know the other sisters in her zone.  They are all wonderful, of course.

 Stuck in Muck!  (A sticky situation in two acts)

Act 1, Scene 1:  8:30 p.m.  Middle of nowhere.  20 degrees and biting wind. 

(Enter Hannah and Sister Wessendorf in their mission Jeep.)

Hannah attempts to flip a u-turn and the right front wheel and rear wheels are seized by mud on the roadside.  Jeep is dramatically sucked in down to the frame.  Hannah exits vehicle (Sister Wessendorf is unable to open her door). 

(Enter big, scary dog.)

Hannah returns to vehicle and phones closest member she knows, Brother Hamilton, for help.  

(Enter truck, pulling into nearby driveway.)

Hannah exits her vehicle and starts shouting, “Help, we are stuck.”  Man exiting truck responds, “I can see that.”  Man then goes to Hannah’s vehicle to assess damage.  Man invites Hannah and Sister W to wait inside with his family until Brother Hamilton arrives.  While man and Brother Hamilton are working on unsticking Jeep, Hannah and Sister W have enjoyable conversation with man’s family. 

(Jeep is freed from mud.)  

Act 2, Scene 1  Family home of good Samaritans who unstuck mission Jeep earlier.

(Enter Hannah and Sister Wessendorf bearing cupcakes.)

Hannah says, "Thank you for helping us out that night.  Would you and your family be willing to take the missionary lessons?"  Man replies, "Absolutely."  

(Happy Dance)

(Later that evening) Hannah writes in her journal:  “God is great.  He turns dumb mistakes into miraculous finding opportunities!” *

*Editor’s note:  I think being a full time missionary gives God more to work with.  Most of my dumb mistakes end up being dumb mistakes.

Word of caution to anyone who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:  Never Smile at a Missionary Unless You Want to Learn More.  A stranger smiled at Hannah at the Library a couple of weeks ago.  The thought crossed her mind, “Talk to him.”  But then he looked away.  She felt weird approaching him.  As she was leaving the library, she again felt impressed to speak to him.  She asked the member family providing her a ride to wait and she went and introduced herself.  The man did not speak much English and was uncertain when Hannah offered to have the Spanish speaking missionaries contact him.  He asked for her number and told her that he would call if he decided that he was interested in her message.   He called!  The Hermanas will be visiting him soon.

Other news:

Hannah’s church schedule changed from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.* 

*Editor’s Note:  Now is the time for anyone who may have been whining about 9 a.m. to feel sheepish.

 Hannah was introduced to Zumba at a Relief Society activity.  She liked it!*

*Editor’s Note:  Maybe I’ll have to send her a Zumba exercise DVD to use in the mornings.  She sent me back the So You Think You Can Dance hip-hop exercise DVD I sent her for Christmas because “the music tracks used were not missionary appropriate.”  Who would have guessed?

Hannah’s testimonies of the ordinances of baptism and of the Sacrament, of repentance, and of the unconditional love of her Heavenly Father, have been strengthened.  She loves the people she is teaching, her companion, and the Lord.  She acknowledges that God has literally poured out blessing after blessing upon her.  She is doing well.

HANNAH IS TRANSFERRED

No, Hannah has not dropped off the face of the earth.  There is another reason as to why there have not been blog posts since September. And it is a very good reason, too. Very good.  (I'm assuming you're willing to just take my word on that.)

Although Hannah hasn't dropped off the face of the earth, she has been transferred!  After serving for six months in the Imperial Oaks ward, Hannah is now serving in a trio in nearby Montgomery, Texas.  She had grown to love the people in Imperial Oaks, her investigators, and her companions so much that it was absolutely gut-wrenching for her to leave.  She said that it was just as bad as leaving home in the first place (maybe even a little worse).  She was enriched and changed in positive ways by her relationships with these people.  Her family is so grateful for all who loved Hannah and blessed her life so richly while she was in Spring.  If you live in Montgomery, Texas, you have a hard act to follow.  But we have the utmost confidence in your ability to rise to the occasion and work alongside Hannah and the other missionaries to carry out the work of salvation.  As to anyone who was mean to Hannah or her companions while she was her last area, well, I know SHE has already forgiven you (I, on the other hand, will have to get back to you.)

Actually, one of the reasons I've been negligent in updating this blog was because I didn't have any funny stories from Hannah to share.  Let me rephrase that - I didn't have any funny stories from Hannah that I could share.  But I've got one now!  Just before she left Imperial Oaks, she and her companions visited an investigator one morning to drop off something in preparation for their appointment later that evening.  A plumber was working in the kitchen.  Not to let an opportunity to share the gospel (especially to a captive audience) pass by, Hannah introduced herself and her companions, explained what missionaries do, and left the plumber with a contact card.  That evening when Hannah returned, she was delighted to discover that the plumber had left his phone number and instructions with the investigator to "give it to the tall one."  The sisters were thrilled to have a random contact end up being so interested.  He was interested, all right.  The tip off was when he identified himself on the phone as "the good looking guy she met that morning."  

Hannah has had some deeply personal, sacred experiences while serving as a missionary.  It is not appropriate for me to relate them here.  Suffice it to say that the Lord has literally led her by the hand on several occasions and she has been His instrument in the work of salvation.  We are inspired by her willingness to be directed by the Spirit.

Although this new assignment to Montgomery will present new challenges, and she is still missing terribly those she loves in the Imperial Oaks area (and at home), Hannah assured us in a recent letter that serving as a full time missionary is exactly where she wants to be.

BRING IT ON!

Thanks to Hannah’s Aunt Marcy and Uncle Doug, she is equipped to handle the cockroaches in her apartment (which, in the wicked tradition of her father when a missionary, she names after Book of Mormon characters). 

BRING IT ON - SERVICE

Hannah may want to take her protective gear with her to service opportunities.  She has discovered that service is a big part of what missionaries do.

Recent service experiences:

• Remove toilet paper from a big tree*
• Remove a big tree from a walkway*
• House cleaning, including toilet bowls**
• De-cobweb a horse stall***

*While wearing a skirt

**Involved dangerous chemicals and wearing a skirt

***Hannah reports that the horse stall had never been de-cobwebbed since its construction 80 years ago.  She estimated that it was home to half the spider population of Texas.  You know those packages of fake spiderwebs you can buy this time of year?  Hannah said that if someone were to buy like 50 packages of those and just go crazy in the horse stall it would look exactly like what the horse stall actually looked like (only with REAL spiderwebs).  Upon completion of the task, two hours later, Hannah blew her nose and watched in horror as SPIDERWEBS came out.  True story.  Also, she was wearing a skirt.

By taking advantage of these opportunities to serve others, Hannah has been reminded of an important principle: When you are in the service of your fellow beings – you often get jobs that no one else wanted to do, and for good reason.

BRING IT ON – BAPTISMS

A big first:  An investigator has committed to a baptism date of Sept. 21^st!  Hannah and Sister Harrison are attempting to get date commitments from two other investigators as well.  Hannah has requested that we remember her investigators in our prayers.

BRING IT ON – SIX MORE WEEKS IN IMPERIAL OAKS

When Hannah received word that neither her nor Sister Harrison were being transferred, she saw her extended time there as a second chance, as if God were saying, ‘Here’s six more weeks, show me what you can do with it.’  But Hannah now realizes that this is not the case.  She writes, “God is actually saying, ‘Here’s six more weeks, this time give the work to me and I’ll show you what I can do with it!”  I’m excited to learn of some of the miracles sure to take place over the next six weeks.

Speaking of miracles, Hannah and Sister Harrison received two separate rides when they were desperately needed.  Thank you to those who listened to the Spirit and went to the right place at the right time (and offered them a ride).  Isn’t it amazing how the smallest act of kindness can be a miracle to someone else?  Makes you want to be a little nicer today, doesn’t it!

BRING IT ON. . .AND ON. . .AND ON. . .AND ON. . .

In the last journal entry I received, Hannah closed with, “I continue on.”  It seemed to me that this was written almost apologetically, as if “continuing on” was offered in lieu of something truly valuable.  But as I’ve pondered the meaning of this phrase, I realized that I would be wise to adopt it as a personal mantra.  How can I face obstacles, disappointments, and heartaches? Continue on.  How do I resist the temptation to rest a while on the laurels of past success and accomplishment?  Continue on.  Feelings of hopelessness and despair?  Continue on.  Just plain TIRED?  Continue on.

What Hannah is offering by continuing on is no less than what the Lord asks of each of us.   And what a glorious reward our offering is exchanged for:

. . .and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.  (1 Nephi 13:37)

Continue on, beautiful Hannah.