Open When... You Are Frustrated With the Language

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his 

head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

My Dear Hermana HW,

I cannot begin to describe how much torture you can put yourself through by letting yourself get frustrated with the language. Trust me, it does not help, nor does it work. All you can do is practice, and pray. If you have the Holy Ghost with you, you can teach. You will get the language. It will take time, and a lot of work. But that is part of the mission. Every North American down there has had the same experience. Ask them what helped them learn. They oftentimes have some really good advice. But the most important thing is that you are not afraid to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing. Most of the time the screw ups make great stories that you will be able to look back on and laugh at. While I was in the CCM (MTC) one of the sisters told the whole class she was “embarrasado” (which she thought meant embarrassed, but actually translated to pregnant). We had a great laugh about it.

You will have those moments where you feel like you have no clue what anyone is saying to you, and you won’t know how to respond. But don’t be hard on yourself as you are learning. Picking on yourself is not something that is inspired by the Lord. Satan will try to get you frustrated and down on yourself. Do not let him have the satisfaction. Stay positive. Be nice to people. They will see your kindness and your beautiful smile, and they will want to listen to you. Even in broken, mispronounced, and sometimes the absolute wrong Spanish. They will admire you for your effort in learning Spanish, and many will try to help you out. Embrace the language. Embrace the people. You’ve got this girl!

Te quiero mucho!

Con amor,

Heather

Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.

The greatest achievement that can be reached in

 our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.

“You can depend on the Lord.”

–Henry B. Eyring

Doctrine and Covenants 33:10, 100:6, Moses 6:31-32

Open When... You are Sick or In Pain

When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.

Much of your pain is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

My Dear Hermana HW,

It is a very hard thing to be in pain or sick while on a mission. I understand that. For me, it was hard because I could not communicate my pain to anybody. It was not visible and many thought I was faking it. But when you walk around town crying because of the pain people should really be able to figure it out…. Anyway, I understand how you feel. I understand what it is like to want so badly to go out and work, but to also desire a day of rest. I understand the feeling of guilt when your companion has to stay at home with you because you are sick and they can’t go alone. I understand. But even better than me understanding, your brother, Jesus Christ, understands. He loves you. He loves you so much, He actually felt your pain.

I hope you feel better soon. But until then, do all you can to heal quickly. Get a priesthood blessing. Pray a lot. Sleep if you have to. Take medicine. Do whatever you have to do to get feeling better quickly. You are a strong person. You can pull through this temporary discomfort. Remember Job, who was covered in sores and boils. He never lost faith, and in the end he was blessed even more for his faithfulness through his trials; as you will be for your service.

Keep the faith! DyC 121:6-8

I love you!

Heather  

Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.

“The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.”

–Joseph B. Worthlin

“We should not complain about our own life’s not being a rose garden when we remember who wore the crown of thorns.”

–Neal A. Maxwell

Open When... You are struggling with a companion.

Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.

If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.

My Dear Hermana HW,

Companions are so hard! Having someone constantly around for six weeks or more requires a lot of patience. My first companion and I did not get along. She betrayed my trust by telling one of the elders a story I had told to our “investigator” and had asked her to not tell others. By the end of the CCM all we did was tolerate being around each other. Both of us would have been a lot better off if we had had a little more patience.

“Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.” (Thomas S. Monson, PMG 120)

Be patient and understanding with your companion. Have a companionship inventory. If that doesn’t work out, then you are going to have to exercise a lot of humility. One thing that I did with my companion that restored our relationship better than anything else happened after our nightly prayer. While we were still on our knees, I looked at my companion and asked her, “What can I do to be a better companion for you?” It took her by surprise and some of the things she said absolutely stung. But with the help of the Spirit, I exercised humility and listened to everything she had to say. And then I worked on them. As she saw me trying to make myself better, she began to ask me how she could improve. It worked really well for us, and it may work well with one of your companions.

I hope you can feel the love of your Heavenly Father, your family, your friends, and especially me, your sister. You are an amazing, wonderful, beautiful, intelligent person. I pray that your companions will all see that. I pray that your companions will be good friends of yours. None can be your best friend, because that is my job… But you can love them, and they can love you.

Smile and know that everyone you meet is your brother or sister!

I love you!

Heather

When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in them.

The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken

by hatching the egg, not by smashing it. 

“So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.”

-Thomas S. Monson

“We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way. Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive.”

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“Where love is, there is no disputation. Where love is, there is no contention. Where love is, there God will be also. Each of us has the responsibility to keep His commandments.”

-Thomas S. Monson

Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. 

-Jeffrey R. Holland

Open when... (Letters to Missionary's. Day 1 at the MTC)

The following is a sample letter that you can send in your missionary's suitcase. Over the next few days I will post different letters that will help your missionary during some rough times. Create some cute envelopes and send your missionary off with some "Open When" letters for your missionary.

Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by Him, and nothing is impossible for you.

My Dear Hermana HW,

Today is your first day at the CCM (MTC in Spanish) in Peru! Can you believe you are on another continent preparing to serve the Lord for a year and a half!? It is crazy to think about, but this will be the most important year and a half of your life. This is the time that you will become the person you are meant to become. You will become a woman of Christ. This time at the CCM will only help you to begin to learn the habits that a woman of Christ has in her life. Today is only the beginning of this grand adventure you are on. Included in this letter, I have written down a few things that I learned while I was at the CCM that I wrote to share with you as you start your missionary education. I learned all of those things, some of it the hard way. I hope that my advice helps you.

Today you will get your first district and companion. Get to know them all! You will be with them all the time for the next six weeks! By the end of that time, you will be like a family to each other. Enjoy every moment at the CCM, it is like EFY on steroids, but without the dances and you can’t flirt…

Anyway, I pray that this experience is a good one. Learn to have the Spirit with you always and learn to listen to it. You will need the Spirit for every lesson you teach, and throughout the day. Have a good first day. I love you!

Love,

Your best friend and number one fan,

Heather

When we are no longer able to change a situation - we

 are challenged to change ourselves.

7   things you need to know while at the CCM:

1.     Having a companion is HARD. You never know what they are thinking. They follow you everywhere. Sometimes it is really annoying… But LOVE HER. Be open and honest with her. She can be your greatest support. When you aren’t getting along, have companionship inventory. 

2.  Your teachers are your best resources at the CCM. They have been where you are. They know what you are going through. They can help.

3.  The CCM President and his wife care about each and every one of the missionaries. If you need to, talk to them. They can be a great comfort and guides to you.

4.   If you ever want or need a priesthood blessing, ask your district leader or another elder in your district. They always appreciate the opportunity to use their priesthood keys.

5.  DyC 10:5 Pray Always!

6.  Ether 12:27 Be Humble!

7.   I love you!

“Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful.”

–Richard G. Scott

“Let the Church be your dear friend. Let it be your great companion. Serve wherever you are called to serve. Do what you are asked to do. Every position you hold will add to your capacity. I have served in many responsibilities in this great organization. Every service brought its own reward.”

–Gordon B. Hinckley

“Without help, you are like one who can’t or doesn’t wash or bathe or put on clean clothes. The path you need to follow is in the scriptures. Read them and your faith in Christ will grow. Listen to those who know the gospel.”

–Boyd K. Packer

“Our personal journey through life provides us with many special experiences that become building blocks of faith and testimony. No matter what the experience may be, each gives us a chance for personal growth, greater wisdom, and, in many cases, service to others with more empathy and love.”

–Ronald A. Rasband

Packing like a Pro

Tips for packing a lot of stuff in very little space. Keep in mind there is a weight limit on your baggage!

"Hi there! I’m Emily, author of the other emily and your first guest poster on sartoriography while Emily’s on a well-earned vacation. I’m personally on a bit of a long-term vacation at the moment – I’m currently traveling Europe with my boyfriend on a fellowship, and we’ve now been on the road in one form or another for over six months. My time away from home (and my closet) has made me a little bit of a packing aficionado, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to share some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far on packing for a long trip.

1. Bring practical shoes

I know – gross, right? That phrase makes me cringe, but it’s true, probably the single most important packing decision is your shoes. Make sure you bring at least one pair of flat shoes that have real arch support. I thought I did a lot of walking in the US, but getting to and from my office in New York is *nothing* compared to the amount of walking I’m doing while traveling. I thought my ballet flats would be ok, but my feet start hurting if I walk more than an hour in those. It’s a good idea to have at least one other pair of shoes as well, in case the first ones get wet. In cooler weather, I really love boots for traveling, since they seem to dress up almost any outfit, and they’re easy to take off at airport security. Grab a pair or two of liner socks at REI or another outdoorsy store – you can get thin ones made of merino wool to wear under your regular socks, and they will make a HUGE difference in keeping your feet warm. It’s also not a bad idea to bring a pair of insoles – just make sure that if they are the gel kind, they’re not in your carry-on bag.

Nature abhors a vacuum – be sure to fill your shoes with smaller items like belts (or dirty socks and underwear, if we’re being honest). Every square inch of suitcase space counts, and it’ll help your shoes keep their shape.

2. Know thyself
It sounds odd, but try to remember to pack the way you dress. One of the things I really miscalculated on my first go-around was the number of pants I brought vs. skirts – I always feel better in a skirt (and tights, if necessary), but for some reason I brought a ton of pants and practically no skirts or dresses. After three days of pants-wearing, I get totally bored with my outfits and find it harder and harder to decide what to wear. When I was packing, pants seemed more ‘practical,’ so I ignored what years of experience should have taught me about my style and I didn’t pack a lot of things I later wished I had. Think about what you like wearing at home, and pack that – odds are that’s what you’ll want to wear while traveling too.

Don’t forget to keep out the clothes you plan to wear on your travel day – most airlines have a no-nudity policy. Bonus points for matching headphones.

3. Remember to remix

Try to pack items that can be worn in multiple ways and with several other items in your suitcase. If you have a certain sweater that you only like wearing with a particular skirt, odds are you’re only going to wear it once or maybe twice on your trip. If you bring things that have a little more versatility – like a jacket that can be belted, a dress that can layer over a button-down, or even a tee that looks good backwards – you’ll have many more options for ways to remix a few pieces into a lot of unique outfits. I generally find separates, cardigans, and button-down shirts easier to remix than dresses and t-shirts, and bright colors are more fun to mix and match than all-black or neutrals. Also, remember that when it comes to remixing, accessories are your friend. Belts, jewelry, scarves, and tights can totally make an outfit – and can usually all fit in a ziploc.

Build up progressive layers in your suitcase, padding delicate items like jewelry with clothes on all sides. Make sure to put bulky stuff, like purses, hairdryers, and bras in early to ensure you have enough room for everything.

4. Treat your clothes right

I’ve tried out a few packing methods at this point, and it’s definitely worth doing a ‘test run’ at home to see what works for you. At the beginning of our travels, I liked to pack with the really big ziploc slider bags – I just put a few folded items in each bag, then sit on them to squish out the air while I zip them closed. It keeps things folded and can really save a ridiculous amount of suitcase space. However, it will also make things wrinkly, and depending on the size and shape of your bag, you can end up with some awkward, underutilized leftover spaces. Lately I prefer to roll the majority of my clothes. It requires a little less planning (no divvying things up into a set number of bags), and I can more easily utilize every square inch of suitcase space. As soon as you get to your destination, unpack. Try your best to hang everything up, or shake things out and refold them to go in drawers. Keeping your things out and organized makes it a lot easier to see what you have and makes it easier to get dressed. Also, your clothes will look (and smell) so much fresher, even after a few wears. 

Be sure to roll up more delicate items (like nice silk blouses) inside sturdier garments for protection from snags. This also helps reduce wrinkles.

5. Leave some room!

If you are anything like me, you will go shopping. And then, you will probably go shopping again. Try not to pack your bag so full that you can’t fit in any incredible new finds – the front flap of my suitcase has a pocket that doubles in size by unzipping a zipper, so I made sure not to use up that extra space when packing. I know I’ll probably use it soon enough – and plus, it’s always nice to feel like the lady with the smallest bag at the airport!

All packed and ready to go! While it’s not strictly necessary to group all your pink clothes at the top of your suitcase, it sure does look pretty, and that’s got to be worth something.

Submitted by Amanda J.