Graham speaking, we've got a live one today.
Being on the receiving end of mission mail is a beauty I didn't really understand until after my own mission. During that time I gained an appreciation for a lot of truly valuable things...love, the real kind, not that crap you see on Grey's Anatomy, that's one of the things I really learned to understand. It's not something that can be explained; it has to be experienced. Patience and quiet dignity were also things I came to terms with, and while I'm no model citizen, I do know when to shut up and hold on for the ride.
These are things that full-time service teaches us. The more you fully immerse yourself, the more you are molded to fit the Master's needs, like a well-wrought lump of clay. Judging by Emily's most recent letter to her family, she's all the way under, hook, line and sinker. Using my own experience (not that it's flawless, it's just what I know) as a measuring rod, she's only about a hundred miles ahead of where I was at that point in my mission...we really have so much to be proud of in her. Her faith in the Lord and love for others are evident in the way she expresses her love to her family and friends, and especially when she talks about the people she teaches.
Because the letter was somewhat personal, I won't repost the whole thing here. I'll just say that she is such an immense strength to her family, and her letters are more than inspiring and uplifting. You can tell she knows why she's out there and she's acting accordingly, and for me personally it's a beauty to be reading the missionary e-mails and not writing them.
Bottom line, Soeur Emily Fairchild knows and honors her calling, and the people of Talence benefit from that.
Til next time,
Graham
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Bonne Annee
Hey everybody, time for another update on our favorite French missionary. Soeur Fairchild sent me a letter yesterday, not too long (as is usually the case with the best ones) and I really get the feeling she's losing herself in the work. Not everybody really gets to that point...a lot get close, and do a fine job in the process. Sometimes it feels like an overnight change, and just like humility, being lost in the work is not something one can recognize (because they're related). One thing she said that hit me especially hard is how much she's growing spiritually every time she shares her testimony with people who don't care. (Raise your hand if you know what that's like...) She doesn't let it discourage her, which is an easy mistake to make. We know she's made of sterner stuff though, so it comes as no surprise.
By no means should we ease up on our prayers for her though, because--as any missionary can attest--it never really gets easy. You never get into a 'rhythm' where you can just stop putting effort into it, and I think she knows that. Once she learns how to overcome one trial, a new one will be presented, always with the object of making her stronger. Her skills with the language have surely increased, and now she can contact and teach well enough. Soon she'll be a senior companion, and then it's a whole different ball game.
She's a different and better person than we knew her as when she left, and we all have great reason to be proud of her. Be sure to send your love if you write, and of course, leave a comment here if you have a question.
Sincerely,
Graham
By no means should we ease up on our prayers for her though, because--as any missionary can attest--it never really gets easy. You never get into a 'rhythm' where you can just stop putting effort into it, and I think she knows that. Once she learns how to overcome one trial, a new one will be presented, always with the object of making her stronger. Her skills with the language have surely increased, and now she can contact and teach well enough. Soon she'll be a senior companion, and then it's a whole different ball game.
She's a different and better person than we knew her as when she left, and we all have great reason to be proud of her. Be sure to send your love if you write, and of course, leave a comment here if you have a question.
Sincerely,
Graham
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Fond Farewell
My lovely friends made me a scripture chain to count down to tomorrow. Not much of a chain left with one link. This pic was taken yesterday though. Anyway, I'm outta here. Prolly won't be touching this baby for 18 months. *sigh* France, watch out here I come!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Close Your Eyes And Read
The city lights reflect off the starless sky ceiling
My street lamp winks through the waving plum tree
Closed Eyes
Splashing on cars, leaves, the roof
Same cloud juice, different sounds
A train moans its warning far to the west
The on-duty cricket hums in the field
Deep Breaths
Stale couch
Drenched pavement
Mowed lawn and gasoline
Fall breeze
Goose Bumps
Peace fills my soul
Drops fill the gutter
My street lamp winks through the waving plum tree
Closed Eyes
Splashing on cars, leaves, the roof
Same cloud juice, different sounds
A train moans its warning far to the west
The on-duty cricket hums in the field
Deep Breaths
Stale couch
Drenched pavement
Mowed lawn and gasoline
Fall breeze
Goose Bumps
Peace fills my soul
Drops fill the gutter
Monday, September 04, 2006
sweet sixteen
16 We wait
15 for 359
14 days for
13 Christmas
12 to come around.
11 school starts
10 halloween spooks
9 how soon it comes.
8 thanksgiving stuffs
7 and we race to buy
6 gifts to give and some
5 of us receive gifts
4 and then
3 it's a new year again.
2 it comes
1 it passes
Waiting takes long and comes all too soon.
Worming through life takes and leaves the dirt.
Words are the proof that it happened at all.
Walking uphill backward isn't downhill.
Wonderful moments digest into memories.
We can only watch the past; the future watches us.
Waking up happens every time but the last.
Waiting takes time and leaves all too soon.
15 for 359
14 days for
13 Christmas
12 to come around.
11 school starts
10 halloween spooks
9 how soon it comes.
8 thanksgiving stuffs
7 and we race to buy
6 gifts to give and some
5 of us receive gifts
4 and then
3 it's a new year again.
2 it comes
1 it passes
Waiting takes long and comes all too soon.
Worming through life takes and leaves the dirt.
Words are the proof that it happened at all.
Walking uphill backward isn't downhill.
Wonderful moments digest into memories.
We can only watch the past; the future watches us.
Waking up happens every time but the last.
Waiting takes time and leaves all too soon.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Free Entry
Excerpts from my journal cuz I'm kinda lazy now to make it up on the spot:
Friday Aug. 11
"I'm so tired. I'm trying to fight the lulling hum and vibration of this San Fran-bound plane, and it's hard. I slept pretty well last night for which I'm grateful, but planes and sitting remind me how much I enjoy sleeping and dreaming and sometimes it's just better to not be conscious with my thoughts. They can become quite dull in a setting such as this, which also deadens my desire to use any senses and just sleep. I'm managing. I stared at this journal paper for many minutes wishing I had a magic quill to write all my thoughts for me -- the exciting ones, not the dull. I guess these, words etched by my choice and effort, are not much more brilliantly entertaining than an elephant. But there's not much else to do. It's a small plane, like a motorcoach with wings."
(I had a fun time on my day trip to San Francisco. I went to apply for my visa into France later this year. A bunch of us future missionaries bound for France went, and after the application process we had time to kill. We went to a restaurant down the street with excellent service and good food. We skipped around China town for just a few minutes until the restaurant opened. After eating, we went to Coit Tower. From there there was a faint view of the Golden Gate bridge. Alcatraz poked out of the water from where it usually does, and Loumbard St wound in the distance. I love that street, if that's even the name for it exactly. Without any time to, we raced, in our private charter van, to Ghiradelli Square and got icecream. I also bought some dark chocolate with caramel in it. It's delicious to the taste. We made it back to the airport in time for the earliest departure. Phew! The day before, 5 of us missed our flight to San Fran cuz of all the heightened security and it was just clogged, taking us an hour to get through security. I had to throw away my lip gloss, those sons of guns terrorists.)
I took a late nap and I knew I wouldn't be able to fall asleep on my own so I slipped myself a sleeping pill. After an hour it was kicking in nicely and I still had to fill my car with gas and buy some milk. I got some gas and floated to the Creamery for milk. Thursday Aug 10:
"The guy at the creamery behind me in line made a wise crack to the checker that my second gallon of milk was his. I totally unexpected it and the checker was at that moment distracted by another employee and the guy behind me was trying to explain why he just wet his pants. Not really, but his face was like that, kinda embarrassed but too late to take it back. As soon as the checker was attending to me again, I told him, with the help of the guy behind me that it actually was my milk. I was in dream land already, commanding my physical form with casual attention, and I suddenly realized I should revive mentally and put the poor man at ease, so I apologized to him and explained my seemingly appalled and offended demeanor as under the influence of a sleeping pill. I hope it helped, but I didn't really care too much either way. I took my milks and went home. I am glad for milk. It assisted my Rice Krispies consumption this morning for which I am most grateful."
(Have you a mother like mine that buys cereal in very large quantities? I've noticed at my house, cereal comes and goes in phases. We have favorites for a while and then we pick a new favorite. That happens with games, too. It'll be LIFE for weeks straight. If we play a game, it'll be LIFE. Then we'll stop playing games for a while altogether, and so on, to the next favorite game. Anyway, I'm on a Rice Krispies kick right now. A helpful hint for ya: mix Rice Krispies in with icecream and it's so delicious. It's like 'the icecream cone bite' in every bite!)
"I don't have many people I like to spill to or that seem to enjoy being spilled upon by me. I often spill into my journal. It doesn't give much advice -- it's just like talking into an empty cave. It rattles around and lets me hear what I just said. Not always helpful when seeking advice."
(This is true. I just liked that cave analogy, so I thought I'd share.)
"Dad and I made salsa. That was productive because we have tons of fresh veggies. I started cutting the jalepenos and I flicked a bit into my eye. I went to the bathroom to flush my eye. I thought maybe it was just on my contact so if I took it out the problem would be gone, but like a genious I took it out with jalepeno fingers and got more - in both my eyes. So it was burning pretty good. I flushed for a while and they feel better. I'm still afraid of touching my eyes. That juice doesn't come off easy. It's under my fingernails."
(My fingers still smell like garlic, since I also chopped the garlic. It's stinky. BUT, the best part are these guys below. I was having a great time with papa and the veggies!)
Friday Aug. 11
"I'm so tired. I'm trying to fight the lulling hum and vibration of this San Fran-bound plane, and it's hard. I slept pretty well last night for which I'm grateful, but planes and sitting remind me how much I enjoy sleeping and dreaming and sometimes it's just better to not be conscious with my thoughts. They can become quite dull in a setting such as this, which also deadens my desire to use any senses and just sleep. I'm managing. I stared at this journal paper for many minutes wishing I had a magic quill to write all my thoughts for me -- the exciting ones, not the dull. I guess these, words etched by my choice and effort, are not much more brilliantly entertaining than an elephant. But there's not much else to do. It's a small plane, like a motorcoach with wings."
(I had a fun time on my day trip to San Francisco. I went to apply for my visa into France later this year. A bunch of us future missionaries bound for France went, and after the application process we had time to kill. We went to a restaurant down the street with excellent service and good food. We skipped around China town for just a few minutes until the restaurant opened. After eating, we went to Coit Tower. From there there was a faint view of the Golden Gate bridge. Alcatraz poked out of the water from where it usually does, and Loumbard St wound in the distance. I love that street, if that's even the name for it exactly. Without any time to, we raced, in our private charter van, to Ghiradelli Square and got icecream. I also bought some dark chocolate with caramel in it. It's delicious to the taste. We made it back to the airport in time for the earliest departure. Phew! The day before, 5 of us missed our flight to San Fran cuz of all the heightened security and it was just clogged, taking us an hour to get through security. I had to throw away my lip gloss, those sons of guns terrorists.)
I took a late nap and I knew I wouldn't be able to fall asleep on my own so I slipped myself a sleeping pill. After an hour it was kicking in nicely and I still had to fill my car with gas and buy some milk. I got some gas and floated to the Creamery for milk. Thursday Aug 10:
"The guy at the creamery behind me in line made a wise crack to the checker that my second gallon of milk was his. I totally unexpected it and the checker was at that moment distracted by another employee and the guy behind me was trying to explain why he just wet his pants. Not really, but his face was like that, kinda embarrassed but too late to take it back. As soon as the checker was attending to me again, I told him, with the help of the guy behind me that it actually was my milk. I was in dream land already, commanding my physical form with casual attention, and I suddenly realized I should revive mentally and put the poor man at ease, so I apologized to him and explained my seemingly appalled and offended demeanor as under the influence of a sleeping pill. I hope it helped, but I didn't really care too much either way. I took my milks and went home. I am glad for milk. It assisted my Rice Krispies consumption this morning for which I am most grateful."
(Have you a mother like mine that buys cereal in very large quantities? I've noticed at my house, cereal comes and goes in phases. We have favorites for a while and then we pick a new favorite. That happens with games, too. It'll be LIFE for weeks straight. If we play a game, it'll be LIFE. Then we'll stop playing games for a while altogether, and so on, to the next favorite game. Anyway, I'm on a Rice Krispies kick right now. A helpful hint for ya: mix Rice Krispies in with icecream and it's so delicious. It's like 'the icecream cone bite' in every bite!)
"I don't have many people I like to spill to or that seem to enjoy being spilled upon by me. I often spill into my journal. It doesn't give much advice -- it's just like talking into an empty cave. It rattles around and lets me hear what I just said. Not always helpful when seeking advice."
(This is true. I just liked that cave analogy, so I thought I'd share.)
"Dad and I made salsa. That was productive because we have tons of fresh veggies. I started cutting the jalepenos and I flicked a bit into my eye. I went to the bathroom to flush my eye. I thought maybe it was just on my contact so if I took it out the problem would be gone, but like a genious I took it out with jalepeno fingers and got more - in both my eyes. So it was burning pretty good. I flushed for a while and they feel better. I'm still afraid of touching my eyes. That juice doesn't come off easy. It's under my fingernails."
(My fingers still smell like garlic, since I also chopped the garlic. It's stinky. BUT, the best part are these guys below. I was having a great time with papa and the veggies!)
Friday, July 28, 2006
July
July is month 7. Whenever I see a date 7/whatever it makes me think of August. It's like July doesn't exist in number form in my brain. That can be quite troublesome. But, I get over it. I don't usually make too many mistakes because of it.
On Pioneer day, a black pathfinder found its way into my neighbor's parked car. The pathfinder was supposed to be parked too. 500 feet up the street. Apparently, with the car in neutral and the emergency brake faulty or just not ever pulled in the first place, it rolled down the slight hill, bounced of the curb and smashed into the little blue Saturn. There was a hitch on the back of the pathfinder, it squished the hood into a small peak, and made a snack of the license plate. I was outside, but only heard it happen. It was a strange sight and a strange feeling to approach the car and find it locked and empty. The owner of the car came out when I reported what I'd heard and then discovered. Her little 3 year old boy came following after, with the rest of the visiting family, and when he saw what the rest of us were looking at, he burst into tears and started wailing and hugging the hood of the car. The dad was taking pictures of the damage and got a picture of his kid too. It was quite funny. Apparently he was emotional all day since his toy car had broken. This just tipped him over the edge. We found the owner of the pathfinder up the street. His fiancee came and they stood with a friendly awkwardness at the scene until the cop arrived. He made his report with a frown all the while, and the pathfinder was free to go. Both individual insurances will have to pay as he found no fault for what happened. We'll see about that. In Heaven. just kidding.
I did an 8 mile hike that nearly killed me. Not really, but the flies were stupid (when are they not) and the first 5 miles were up hill. We started at Rock Canyon trail head, wound around the mountain and went down to the Y on Y mount. My knees really didn't appreciate all that down hill. It got pretty toasty by 10:30. It was fun though. When it was over especially. I'm not much of a hike enjoyer. Strolls are much more my style. I won't be joining my friends on the Mt. Timpanogas hike at midnight tonight. I can see the sunrise from my pillow fine enough.
Yesterday I got a manicure and a pedicure. It cost me a mere $20! I had a coupon. It was nice. The paint is already chipping off my fingernails, but that's fine. I don't care much for nail polish. It's French style, and I'm going to France....you know, it fits. I made sure to grow my nails out all pretty and this week they kept chipping or breaking. The night before my manicure I attacked one of my thumb nails; chewed it off for being so dumb. So, it looks a little stubby with the rest of them. But I still love it. And I'd never had a pedicure. It was nice. A little ticklish, but nice.
I don't eat anymore. No, I'm not anorexic, I just haven't planned eating into my day really, so I figure it'll happen sooner or later, but usually it doesn't. When i get too hungry I find something to consume, but usually I have cereal and then snacks the rest of the day. I like to cook, but I never know if my mom might. I should get used to that she won't and I should cook myself.....not myself...uh, I should make dinner myself, since she's always busy. But tonight I might just order Papa John's. I love their pizza above all others'. I even applied to be a delivery girl for them. That would be grand. Except I'd probably work nights and then I wouldn't get to hang out with my friends as much. I have the coolest neighbors. Oertel and Eric and sometimes their brother Matt have so much fun. I love having friends more than just about anything.
I went to the BYU campus and strolled. Remember, I like strolling. I briefly gazed at some art, then I headed to their book store. I browsed at journals. I purchased a really lovely lilac print journal and I really want to write in it. When I see blank paper I itch to cover it in something. But it's so lovely I just don't know what deserves to be put therein. The paper is lined on only one side and the book is bound at the top. It may make for a good photos + writing type thing. I've never had a journal specifically for dreams, so I could do that. I have spectacular dreams most usually. Random, scary, funny, so-glad-that-was-a-dream kind, all kinds. Naturally. I feel lucky that I remember them quite often and quite vividly. I feel sorry for those that aren't able to. I also bought some cinnamon bears. I love those gummies above all others. :)
I've started this new idea I had.... It's a journal alphabetized about all the things that make up me. What I think, what I do, what I feel, etc. I'll share some examples in the future. Things will change periodically, like what I think of my family, etc., because I hope to have one of my own where I'm the wife + mama. So if this thing was ever seriously bound or printed even, I'd have to leave some room. It might be better to just three ring bind it and insert pages as needed so expounding and alphabetizing, etc. are easier. I wonder if it's okay to use etc. three, now four times in a paragraph. Anyway, life is good and going on. I thought the other day how I don't like to start writing parts of story ideas that I have until I have the whole story planned, pretty much. It's just that my brain needs a conclusion so badly that it's hard to start unless I know where I'm going. But I have a personal journal and I write in it the story of my life, but I don't know what's going to happen next. I should learn a lesson from myself. I try all the time. I don't like to listen to me a whole lot, it seems. Yeah, so anyway, that'll do for now.
On Pioneer day, a black pathfinder found its way into my neighbor's parked car. The pathfinder was supposed to be parked too. 500 feet up the street. Apparently, with the car in neutral and the emergency brake faulty or just not ever pulled in the first place, it rolled down the slight hill, bounced of the curb and smashed into the little blue Saturn. There was a hitch on the back of the pathfinder, it squished the hood into a small peak, and made a snack of the license plate. I was outside, but only heard it happen. It was a strange sight and a strange feeling to approach the car and find it locked and empty. The owner of the car came out when I reported what I'd heard and then discovered. Her little 3 year old boy came following after, with the rest of the visiting family, and when he saw what the rest of us were looking at, he burst into tears and started wailing and hugging the hood of the car. The dad was taking pictures of the damage and got a picture of his kid too. It was quite funny. Apparently he was emotional all day since his toy car had broken. This just tipped him over the edge. We found the owner of the pathfinder up the street. His fiancee came and they stood with a friendly awkwardness at the scene until the cop arrived. He made his report with a frown all the while, and the pathfinder was free to go. Both individual insurances will have to pay as he found no fault for what happened. We'll see about that. In Heaven. just kidding.
I did an 8 mile hike that nearly killed me. Not really, but the flies were stupid (when are they not) and the first 5 miles were up hill. We started at Rock Canyon trail head, wound around the mountain and went down to the Y on Y mount. My knees really didn't appreciate all that down hill. It got pretty toasty by 10:30. It was fun though. When it was over especially. I'm not much of a hike enjoyer. Strolls are much more my style. I won't be joining my friends on the Mt. Timpanogas hike at midnight tonight. I can see the sunrise from my pillow fine enough.
Yesterday I got a manicure and a pedicure. It cost me a mere $20! I had a coupon. It was nice. The paint is already chipping off my fingernails, but that's fine. I don't care much for nail polish. It's French style, and I'm going to France....you know, it fits. I made sure to grow my nails out all pretty and this week they kept chipping or breaking. The night before my manicure I attacked one of my thumb nails; chewed it off for being so dumb. So, it looks a little stubby with the rest of them. But I still love it. And I'd never had a pedicure. It was nice. A little ticklish, but nice.
I don't eat anymore. No, I'm not anorexic, I just haven't planned eating into my day really, so I figure it'll happen sooner or later, but usually it doesn't. When i get too hungry I find something to consume, but usually I have cereal and then snacks the rest of the day. I like to cook, but I never know if my mom might. I should get used to that she won't and I should cook myself.....not myself...uh, I should make dinner myself, since she's always busy. But tonight I might just order Papa John's. I love their pizza above all others'. I even applied to be a delivery girl for them. That would be grand. Except I'd probably work nights and then I wouldn't get to hang out with my friends as much. I have the coolest neighbors. Oertel and Eric and sometimes their brother Matt have so much fun. I love having friends more than just about anything.
I went to the BYU campus and strolled. Remember, I like strolling. I briefly gazed at some art, then I headed to their book store. I browsed at journals. I purchased a really lovely lilac print journal and I really want to write in it. When I see blank paper I itch to cover it in something. But it's so lovely I just don't know what deserves to be put therein. The paper is lined on only one side and the book is bound at the top. It may make for a good photos + writing type thing. I've never had a journal specifically for dreams, so I could do that. I have spectacular dreams most usually. Random, scary, funny, so-glad-that-was-a-dream kind, all kinds. Naturally. I feel lucky that I remember them quite often and quite vividly. I feel sorry for those that aren't able to. I also bought some cinnamon bears. I love those gummies above all others. :)
I've started this new idea I had.... It's a journal alphabetized about all the things that make up me. What I think, what I do, what I feel, etc. I'll share some examples in the future. Things will change periodically, like what I think of my family, etc., because I hope to have one of my own where I'm the wife + mama. So if this thing was ever seriously bound or printed even, I'd have to leave some room. It might be better to just three ring bind it and insert pages as needed so expounding and alphabetizing, etc. are easier. I wonder if it's okay to use etc. three, now four times in a paragraph. Anyway, life is good and going on. I thought the other day how I don't like to start writing parts of story ideas that I have until I have the whole story planned, pretty much. It's just that my brain needs a conclusion so badly that it's hard to start unless I know where I'm going. But I have a personal journal and I write in it the story of my life, but I don't know what's going to happen next. I should learn a lesson from myself. I try all the time. I don't like to listen to me a whole lot, it seems. Yeah, so anyway, that'll do for now.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
And Then
My Bishop called me and told me there will be visa problems so my new date will be September 20. Almost the 23, which weould be a beautifully lucky day (923) and anyway, who know's if that'll be the date that sticks. But anyway, I think I'm still leaving at least. I'm planning on it, I just don't know when! :) for sure.
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