March 30, 2012

WEEK ONE!

 

Hey all, so it is my first day out here, spending a great first 4 days here at the MTC. Yesss, LOVING it! I've sent lots of details home in a letter, which I just put into the mailbox today--sorry family. (: But the first day here was not nearly as overwhelming as I expected it to be. THANK HEAVENS. It has been an easy transition, which makes everything so much nicer. There are 10 missionaries here in my district, whom we spend almost all day with each other. Three sets of sister missionaries, and only two sets of elders. All are way brilliant, and we get along maybe too well haha. Sometimes our personal study time doesn't get started until a bit later than it should. ANYWHO!

 

The first day! Got all my supplies, came into the MTC a bit early, met another gal going to Mendoza. Except she isn't in my district. She freaking gorgeous, though haha. Walked into my classroom, and yes, just as everyone says, the teacher only speaks to you in Spanish (or whatever other language you're learning). I had a quick freak out moment and understood nothing, but Hermano Bush (substitute, real teacher is Hermano Miller) slowed down a tad, and I found out that I understand SIMPLE Spanish decently well! I am so grateful I took Spanish this last semester, because it has been such a huge help. I already knew how to pray and testify in Spanish, and the vocab and some grammar is just review. I've been able to help out the rest of my district quite a bit, which honestly is a confidence booster. Well we were in class for quite a while, annnd I really can't remember what all happened haha. A lot of studying, classes, and getting to know the MTC campus and mi compañera! Hermana McBride. SO cute, I love her to death. She's quiet, softspoken, and very humble. Oh, and she always laughs at any of my lame jokes or sarcasm--so kind of her. (; Hopefully I can learn some of her attributes and take that to heart a bit, since I can be the one to kinda make jokes during class. Yes, I'm attempting to curb it, and yes, it is kind of working haha.

 

We taught our first lesson in Spanish yesterday, on our third day out here! Of course, our "investigator" is a teacher here, but he acts SUPER well. Very forgiving of our Spanish skills, but it was so great. I came to realize that I can teach the first lesson, the Restoration of the church, decently well in Spanish. I stumbled over some of the verb conjugations, which we haven't learned HERE yet, but I remembered some from last semester. Anyways, it was an incredible experience.

 

ALSO! Y'know how I was worried about getting my visa and things?? Okay, welllll, OUR VISAS ARE HERE!...We think. We received a paper last night that we will be meeting with the Argentina Consul in a few days and again the week after, which means we've received our visas! We were/are all so stoked and attempting to express our excitment in Spanish last night..."Uhhh...Estoy...ANIMADO!...Uhh...Yeah." Haha it was great. (:

 

Anywho, for any who read this, send me a letter or two! It's saddening being the ONLY one who doesn't receive letters here. (; My address did change just by one number, but that's alright. Shouldn't make too much of a difference. We all fly out May 6th, and we're all anxiously awaiting that day. (: I love you all, but I only have a few minutes left, since it's my first p-day. And I still need to send an individual email to my family! Nos vemos en 18 meses! (;

 

-Hermana Lybbert

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Annnd We're Off!!

Alas, the time has FINALLY come!! I will be getting set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints in just a few hours. I managed to survive a baby shower this last Saturday, shakily give a farewell talk in church, and hug/shake hands of the many people who came to visit me and say goodbye (: It was a sweet farewell, despite being exhausted afterwards haha. These last few days are mostly just full of/I'm feeling...

Anxiety
Excitement
Nervousness
I'm-So-Ready-To-Go-NOW-ness
Prepared
Unprepared
Relaxed
Uptight
I've kinda got this language down
This language makes zero sense
Confident
IKNOWNOTHING!!

Yeah...You get the point (: But I'm mostly just trying to enjoy the wonderful family around me. I need to take advantage of the time I have left with them! Such as...going to eat sushi for lunch! Muahaha. Winner winner, sushi dinner.

Anywho, my sisters and momma will be keeping my Facebook updated, and I'll be able to keep this blog updated for you all! I love you all, sorry for such a quick post. But thank you for all your love and support. (: If anyone ever wants to write me, feel free! My addresses are in my info section, as well as on Facebook. ¡Adios! Nos vemos.

-Almost Hermana Lybbert

Love of My Life #5!

Alright, alright, I know I left off my last update about Dene's baby girl being born (JORDYN JAYLENE RHOTEN! :D ...), but I'm gonna drive myself berserk if I don't keep these things in chronological order haha. And then perhaps I'll finish off with some fun fact about ARGENTINA! :D

So ever since Christian, Audrey, Kali, and I came back to the Basin after Christmas, there was a chance that we'd all be able to go visit Rexburg. The main reason was to pick up the stuff they left in storage, but they needed an extra driver to bring back Christian's Suzuki...Yup, that's right. ME. Haha like I'd ever complain about a trip to Rexburg to see friends. (: Again, I'm way sad that I didn't take more pictures, but that's alright, I suppose. I had an absolute blast.

We rolled into town about 7:30 PM, and I first stopped at my good ol' apartment to drop off my stuff and see roommates. (: I have this thing about surprising people...I simply just LOVE to do it haha. Any chance I get. :P One day it's gonna get really old, I know, and people are gonna hate me for it baha. Oh well. (: I know I've mentioned my best friend from California a time or two, Kelsey, annnnd she was in Rexburg. And no, I hadn't told her I was coming. So I run over to her place and walk in quietly. I walk back to her room, knock once, and just walk in. It took her a second to look up, but I love that look of shock on people's faces. (: "WHAAA?!?!" Hahaha. She was fairly certain she was hallucinating or that I was a ghost or something haha. It was great. A tear or two and giant hugs. That girl, gotta love her. (: I already miss her crazy faces and shared love for sushi. :D

Haha anywho, I had to catch a quick picture of this lovely baby girl right here before taking off for Rexburg. We kind of matched, but I honestly just wanted a picture haha. The 4th love of my life to come into this world. (;

Annnnd here be my best fraaand on our last sushi date for at LEAST 18 months! **Sniffle**

Well after surprising her that first night, I had the chance to go and see some of the best guys ever. My old FHE brothers from Winter semester 2012! Only two were in town, but it was a blast seeing them, also. (: Jarrod knew I was coming that day; Alec knew I was coming sometime that week, but he didn't know when! So Jarrod picked me up to go get some dinner, but of course we had to go pick up Alec first! Alec thought Jarrod and another friend would be showing up. Baha. AGAIN...I love surprising people. (: He opens the door, gives me a big hug, and his roommate behind him says, "Hmmm pretty sure that ISN'T two guys. Unless I'm blind, that's a girl." Haha I love sarcastic people. :P It was a blast overall! Hung out with Kelsey several times, went running with Alec and later dragged him to devo (baha sucker), and I had to give quick goodbyes to them all before taking off for 18 months!

I am fairly certain that was the one and only time I have ever and will ever drive away from Rexburg with a few tears in my eyes. There are some people I've met there at school who are near and dear to my heart. I'll miss them a ton. Either way, I drove home safely! Annnd I've discovered something about Idaho. As soon as you begin crossing the borders, it suddenly turns wet, white, and cold. Yuck. Give me some Argentine weather, pleaseeee!

OKAY! Bring on some more of the fabulous news!!! Welcome little Miss Jordyn Jaylene, we are so excited to finally have you hereee! :D We seem to have this tradition with any of Dene's pregnancies where we play card games when we're all just at the hospital and waiting haha. I'm pretty sure we played Uno with Jackson's delivery. (; Regardless, it was fun playing golf this time. (:

And, believe me, when this baby girl was ready to come, she was COMING. Compared to both Audrey's and Dene's last pregnancies, Jordyn was so quick and fast. Probably because the doctor was making Dene' laugh the entire time! The best line of all: "Sheesh! Ya think we could GIGGLE this baby out?!" Hahaha she was laughing and smiling the entire time.

And in just over 15 minutes, the new addition to the loves of my life came into this world at 8 lbs. 0.7 oz. and 19.75 inches long. (:

Immediately after, and the momma was doing great. (:

Yes, this is showing a bit more of the momma than you're all used to haha, but I had to include the new baby girl with her momma and dad!

Grandma Mimi with her new grandbaby!

The first time Jackson got to see his baby sister! He was a bit overwhelmed with all the people, I think, but he was willing to give Jordyn some lovin' head bonks. (:

We all gave the momma and her family some time, and we headed home. Jackson woke up a bit upset the next morning, because his mom and dad weren't there. However, when we said we'd go see momma after eating some cereal, he was so game! Him and I got some time to roll around and have fun before taking off, and he playing with cousin Kali, as well. (: And then we were off! So excited to go see his baby and mommy and daddy! :D

Fact: Jackson loves holding babies haha. So he finally had the chance to hold her, and he did NOT want to let anyone take her off his lap. (: It was adorable.

And I was finally able to hold this lovely baby girl at last, as well. (: Stunning little gal here!

And we finally celebrated Jackson's and Grandpa's birthday! Happy 2nd, and happy 51st Papa! (:

Ahhhh it really was a great, quick weekend trip to see so much family and all the Rhotens. (: Unfortunately, I was only able to stay for a little while. I had to get back, because for a couple of weeks I was house-sitting for some family friends while they were off in England and Spain for vacation! So jealous haha. But I have always enjoyed having a place to myself for a while, especially with animals! Haha. The animals were the main reason they wanted someone there to house-sit. They have a new puppy, another dog, several cats, chickens, annnd...wait for iiit...PEACOCKS.

The one above there is kind of the free roamer and takes care of himself. They have another few in the pen to the left. So cool haha. Anywho, I've always wanted to be a long-distance runner! The problem is...I hate running haha. HOWEVER, since I've been way out there in the country, all I had to run on were country roads and dirt canal roads...Yup. Love it. About 5 o'clock or so in the late afternoon is when I really start needing some outside time, so I just pull on my shoes and get going. It is so great. Besides, how could you NOT enjoy running when you have random, unknown friends such as this one join you in the middle??...No, I still don't know whose dog it is haha.

And then to have cheerleaders like this pup and the other dog meet and greet you when you come jogging up the driveway?? Yes, far more motivating. (:

WHEW! Okay, well that's all for now! I'm still not positive how I'm gonna keep y'all updated on mission stuff, but I'm thinking/hoping I can keep it all here on this blog with the help of my parents. **Crossing fingers** We shall see. For the time being: NINE DAYS!!! (Actually, eight days and 20-ish hours baha). Single digits, baby. :D And lastly? I have my flight info for March 27th! I fly out of the Pasco airport at 6:30 AM and from there, I have a ride from Salt Lake to the MTC!

Don't miss out! My farewell talk and "party" are next Sunday, the 24th! :D

Running A Little Late: February&March

When you realize it has been nearly TWO MONTHS since you've updated!...Whoops.

You'd think with all this extra time on my hands, I'd have plenty of time to post a couple updates! Well, I do, in fact. But for some reason, my motivation to do so has been rather low. My bad! But prepare for a good chunk of pictures and fun! :D

End of January: My padre got a couple of free tickets to the Wenatchee Wild Hockey game, which our family loves for some odd reason haha. I'm pretty sure we just enjoy the players hitting the glass and the cool moves. (;

February 3rd: SUPERBOWLLL! To be completely honest, our enthusiasm slowly died throughout the day. I blame waiting for so long to actually watch it. On the plus side, however, I'm almost certain this was the BEST Superbowl we've had when it comes to food. Mmmmmm. SO good! Even for the preggo belly over there to the right hahaha. Love you, Dene' (;

Also part of the food, I had made some cheesecake! As tasty as it was, I was extremely disappointed that it wasn't fully cooked in the middle. Sooo a week or so later, I was in a cooking mood again. Bring on the homemade chocolate truffles and cheesecake! Mhmmm!

I mentioned an update or two back that Janna Hodges was home for about the same amount of time. The friendship Janna and I have has always made me kind of chuckle. In middle school we were definitely best friends. And although we weren't as close in high school, we were always in sports together and found that we were always friends. Close or distant. Going to the same college helped, I will admit haha. But we've always had that tie where we were comfortable randomly calling each other up to go play volleyball or take a roadtrip to Utah or something. Anywho, it really was a blast hanging out again while we were both home. We'd spend P-Days with the sister missionaries here in our ward, and we'd go out on splits all the time. About a month before she reported, she decided she needed to start adjusting to a "missionary schedule". Haha well this is what happens when two gals who have taken full advantage of being able to sleep in for the last two months try to help each other adjust to this "Missionary Schedule" haha.

Yeah, we still didn't make the 6:30 AM mark. :P

(Janna took off and reported on the 6th of March! She's headed to the Louisville, KY mission; if ya wanna keep up with her, she has a blog, too! http://sisterhodgesinkentuckycountry.blogspot.com/ )

Near the end of February, transfers were coming up for our missionaries, and we found out we'd be getting a THIRD sister missionary again! Well the senior comp (Donaldson) was heading to Spokane early in the morning to pick her up, and Sister Lambert was needing a companion for the next day. We all decided it would just be easiest if I went over the night before, stay the night, and "live the life" of a sister missionary the next day haha. It was a BLAST. I absolutely loved everything. The time in the morning to exercise, the peace and quiet in the mornings, so much time to really immerse yourself in studying scripture and the language (if learning a new language). It just made me that much more excited to take off! (: Anywho, the sisters have this on their giant mirror on one wall. I loved it.

On Tuesdays, the sisters try to make it to the "elderly home" for rummikub (sp?) with them folks. I joined them, and it was hilarious haha. Gotta love old people. They can say just about whatever they want, because they're old. :D

And then Hermana Donaldson got home with the new sister! Hermana Pendleton has been temporarily reassigned here while waiting for her visa to Peru. (: Good ol' Quincy--her first area haha.

Oh!! And I also had the chance to go to my first-ever Zone Conference with them; it was crazy incredible. Hermana Donaldson and I both have the Crying Syndrome. Simply, we just cry a lot when it comes to Gospel stuff haha. But it was way awesome. All the other missionaries there were super confused when they met me, for two reasons: A) I had no name tag. "Hola Hermanaaa...? Uhhh..." Yeah, that was hilarious. And then B) I'd introduce myself as Shelan. "Oh I see, Hermana Shelan...?" And then I'd have to explain: "Oh, no, Shelan Lybbert. Sorry, I'm not a missionary...yet...And no, I wasn't named after the lake...Yes, I'm so glad you enjoyed serving 6 months in Chelan...Yes, I'm sure it's a great place...No, I wasn't even born there...NO. There is basically NO relation to the lake whatsoever. Mine is with an 'S'..."

Yeah...I had that conversation a few times haha. Anywho, President Mullen always takes pictures at the meetings and such to put up on the Spokane Mission blog for parents. I had to rummage through and find some of us. :P Yes, I'm in the yellow, on the right of both pictures.

You know you're preparing for a mission when: every time you come home, your family just assumes you've been out with the sister missionaries, since you've been spending so much time with them anyways haha. But really. The week I stayed the night with them, I'm pretty sure I spent 4-5 days of the week with them, whether it was at church, P-Day, going to lessons, practicing the first lesson with Janna and them, splits, etc.

Yes, Janna and I were looking for some help on teaching the first lesson, the Restoration, so we thought we might as well as the professionals: Our Missionaries! We all had a blast and really enjoyed going in circles teaching, switching teaching comps, etc. Before leaving, we all had to steal a quick picture of us all. Thank heavens Hermana Lambert has long arms, because we could barely fit all of our giggly faces in haha. I've come to love every single one of these gals. Serving seems to bring people together.

Top: Hermana Pendleton, Janna Hodges, Me

Bottom: Hermana Donaldson, Hermana Lambert

End of February & Beginning of March: Many of you heard that my madre and I were in a play! Yes. I was casted/coerced into the play Meet Me In St. Louis...I had only ever done one other play before, and that was when I was 10. It was Oliver and Company. It's not really my kind of thing, but apparently they were needing a couple of gals my age. The director hears from a few little mice that I'd be in town, so I get a call one day. Yes, I accepted to help. My thoughts: "If nothing else, it'll make time pass quicker, right?!"...Oh yes. It did. Because you know who I was?? The flirtatious Southern belle! GAH?! Seriously? What the crap. I can sing, that's fine. If you REALLY need me to dance, fine. But you seriously just asked me the be THAT girl who flirts with every guy on stage? Whaaat. Yeah, I finally got over it. I did it. Granted I was freaking out internally and felt completely awkward (I'm gonna have this no-dating dealio for the mission down NO PROBLEM). Nevertheless, it ended up being rather fun, and I enjoyed doing it with my Mama. (:

Okay, that's plenty for now haha. I have several more pictures and great exciting news! I have another "Love of My Life"!! Dene' had her baby girl! :D But I'll leave that news for the next update. (: