5/20/13

Monday, May 20, 2013

Dear Family,

Things are crazy here! BUSYYYYYY! I love it. But I am definitely struggling to keep my head in the game. I am really, really homesick, and overwhelmed with all the emails I've been getting. I want to email them all back- I really do, but U.S. mail letters sent to me from the boys would be best if you want a real response! I want to write back so if you can do letters that would help me. To anyone that is reading the blog too... as for mom and dad- emails are good. :) actually- a must. President told us to slam the door on our home life so we can work. Hardest thing ever. I actually got a blessing on Saturday from the elders. I had a few mental breakdowns.

Though there isn't a standard time to email in the field- the library has an hour rule until I get a library card. soooo... that's hard for me to swallow.

Here are the answers from the question and answer section.  I'll put some of the things from my journal as I can too.

Was everyone in your MTC district headed to your exact mission?  No. MTC district had LA batt, Chicago, SLC, Nauvoo, and New York. Only two elders came with me to NYC and then we combined with another MTC district.

What is the name of your MTC companion?  Sister Lyons

What was the name of your MTC district?  43-D

Where did your MTC teachers serve their missions?  I don't remember.

Craig wants to know, Have you cried? If so for what reason? Yes. So many times. It's really hard here. I need lots of prayers so I can focus; and sick.

Explain about teaching fake investigators. Are they really nonmembers? Are you really teaching them because they are interested or are they just there because someone asked them to be?  Some members, some nonmembers, some volunteer, others paid. It's hard cuz often times they don't go with the spirit and more of an agenda in their head. Not real feeling.

How many missionaries traveled with you on your flight(s) to New York?   15ish

Did you go to bed Sunday night before leaving the MTC to fly out Monday morning?  Yes. 5 hours of sleep plus airplane.

Are there any stories to share about your flight or travel to the mission field?  Shira already getting ready for baptism.

What happened the day you arrived in the "field"?  Meetings, trainings etc

Did you spend the night in the mission home or go straight to your assigned area? Mission home. Calderwood's have a HUGE HOUSE! I love them. Best Mission President ever.

How many Elders and how many Sisters are going to your mission with you?  More sisters than elders.

Did the mission president and his wife and the AP's have some kind of orientation meeting for you at the mission home?  Yeah. It was good. The APs are great.

What is your first area?   Lynbrook. subburb. Not so populated. Homes. We drive a car. Subaru Legacy

How did you get to your 1st area? Alone or with a companion? Did the AP's or Zone Leaders take you to your area? Do you have a transfer point where you all meet and exchange areas or just go to a new area on your own? On a bus? Subway? Taxi? Personal Car?  Hard to explain. Send me a letter including this email- more details if you do.

What culture shock are you experiencing? So many languages. Spanish and Creole.

Do you live with members? In an apartment? With another set of missionaries?  in apartment just Sister Lee and I.

Are you assigned to a branch or a ward?  Branch. 2 languages. We had stake (district) conference and ended up listening to the 70 speak. I needed that. It felt like home for once.

How many missionaries are assigned to your branch or ward?  3 sets. We the ROCK! We play handball (a NY version of wall ball) for exercise every morning. English/Creole Elders Spanish Sisters

Does your ward or branch meet in a traditional church building?  Yes. It used to be a dentist office.

Like I said, keep sending letters with the emails. Include the boys and dads dear elders if possible.

I had strep. It was a miracle I was better in 2 days. Still on antibiotics didn't have to go to dr.

Love the work. I am learning so many of my faults. It is quite the humbling experience.

Sister Lee is the most obedient. I am so blessed. I had been praying and praying for an obedient comp. She is very introverted and just so loving. She is Korean!

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To everyone that has been emailing JaLynn please try and stick to actual US postal mail so it is easier on her.  She does want to reply. 

Sister JaLynn Freeze 

New York, New York South Mission

85-69 60th Drive

Elmhurst, New York 11373-5547

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