Anger, Greed and Stupidity.

According to an elderly man we met with today, those are the three vices of the world. 

 Anger. 

Greed. 

Stupidity. 

 The third clearly being the most malicious. Also he said this--

'We cannot impart our wisdom to an idiot'. 

 

Cue self-induced choking to hide/disguise laughter. I couldn’t agree more with you old chap. That quote comes from leader of the Masons here in Belize. Although I’m not sure if we're teaching him or if he's teaching us. He is a fun guy no doubt. Maybe his punch-lines are poorly delivered but he gives it his all.

 Well, we weren’t attacked by American hippies this week, soooo. Basically, it was a great week! Nah but really I have very little to share with you all. Except that the antics of a crazy old man made my companion cry this week. He got down on one knee and we thought he would propose (this is J***, the man whose wife was in the hospital after we taught them a week or two ago) but he was in actuality yelling at us to inform us that he would not go to our church, ever. It was all very dramatic but I kept thinking the following: 'Get up off-a that floor. Get up off-a that floor...and dance!' *I hope you guys know that song* Regrettably he did not. 

 

It was really an awful experience. Sad more than anything else. 

 Which leads me to this. Sometimes as a missionary you struggle to think you are helping people. Sure. But the Lord blesses you. A lot. Everyday. I read this today and it is changing my life. 

 

Prayer is not a negotiation process. It is an alignment process. We don’t move God to our point of view. Prayer is less about changing our circumstances and more about changing us. It is about seeking His will and asking for His help to do what we need to do. When we align our will with Heavenly Father’s will, answers and spiritual power will flow more freely. Following this pattern allows us to pray with faith.

Elder Kevin Pearson--Ensign 2013

 And then I realized my prayers are the worst. But prayer is so beautiful and so powerful and I for one take it for granted. I know that God’s way is always the best way. Not popular opinion and not necessarily just what makes sense to us. That's why we always have to PRAYand ask. 

 

 We did have some really wonderful lessons this week too. One with a young man named A** (19) who is anxious to change his life. I just wish I could articulate how everything I have seen in a short 5 months has instilled in me such a conviction that the principles of the gospel are the only way to truth and happiness. P**** is just drumming right along. He is reading the Book of Mormon but he talks for literally 68 hours every time we see him which makes teaching a challenge something terrible. 

 

One time I woke up in the morning and there was a dead gecko on our floor being devoured by ants. I was severely disgusted at this display of animal cruelty. 

 Sorry for the scattered ideas in this email. I love you all. I especially love my family. Family life is the key to happiness. I love the Gospel and I know second only to the atonement...the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith is the greatest gift God has given his children. I testify I testify I testify. IT IS THE TRUTH. I'll testify of the Savior to my grave. It’s the most important knowledge we have in this life, and the most important relationship we have is with Him. 

 

Until next week, 

Sister Hirschi

 

What’s up? I’m preachy! 

 

Spanish, Kriol AND German?

Happy 5 months. 

Wait what? 

I know. I know. It’s a little uncanny, but I’m taking it in stride. Along with all the other daily dramas. 

So remember my list of languages to learn, lets add German please. YES PLEASE. WE went to a little town in Belize called Spanish Lookout this week. It was settle by the German Mennonites and basically it’s another country. And they speak German. No joke. I racked my brain relentlessly for my 8th grade German to come back to me. I retrieved the following: 

Guten tag. 

Nein. 

 And that’s it. Good luck teaching the restored gospel. 

Nevertheless, we had some success because the Mennonites more or less can sometimes mostly understand English. I have some included some photos of the giant SL sign outside their city. 

 But to be succinct, the Mennonites are very kind and very courteous and besides the first encounter we had with a very cold, very suspicious woman, they were welcoming and willing to listen to the message we had. Also did anyone know the Mennonites are LOADED. They control almost all agriculture in Belize and for it...they are rolling in cash. Hot tip. The outsiders sometimes refer to them as the money-nites. Haha very clever. 

I gave a talk in Spanish on Sunday ya'll. Yikes yikes bikes. My Spanish has taken a hit thanks to the Kriol. In other news, idda talk Kriol a lee bit. It’s a work in progress but I am getting there. 

So cool story. One time Sis R and I taught the law of chastity to J** and his companion JS simply because we teach the commandments of God. And one time, when we returned, J** told us we caused his partner to have a heart attack because we taught the law so strongly. She was in the hospital and if she died it was our fault. Shoot. Turns out the law of chastity is lethal. After the ugly accusations, we worked things out with J**. We are back on good terms and JS is hunkey-dory and readily acknowledges that it was not our teaching which caused her heart problems. But now I have a horrible reputation for killing people when I teach. 

One more cooler story. Meet PT. A man who was referred to us from the top. PT is a tour guide here in Belize for all the Americans who want to see the ruins. One day, an LDS tourist chats PT up about the Book of Mormon. Then said tourist goes home, and orders Pedro a Book of Mormon  online using PT's business card. Salt lake calls my mission, calls Belize, calls my zone leaders, calls me. I get a Book of Mormon and call PT...

 

.'hi...this is sister Hirschi....we want to bring you a Book of Mormon...'

 

and PT "how did you know I wanted a Book of Mormon???!?!"

 

Then me. "PT how do I get to your house?" (this is at night). 

 

"Just follow the light"

 

Iconic. PT had a huge floodlight at his house that he shined so we could come and find him. So I followed the light and found PT. PT was amazed that we knew he'd wanted to read the BOM. He was supremely impressed with the efficiency of our system and insisted that he pay us. Hahahahahah. 

Yeah right PT! 

Well we continued to talk to PT about the Book of Mormon and how Christ not only visited Jerusalem, but also his people in the Americas. PT was very excited about this and expressed that he always thought Christ would have gone to more people than just the Jews. He explained that he’d been in a serious accident recently and should've died. But he didn't and he believes God spared him for a reason. 

 I agree PT. The man is made of gold. 

 

So sometimes when everything in the week goes wrong, and you get attacked by 40 people who hate Mormons, you can get a little discouraged. But faith. Faith is where it’s at. It’s hard to have faith, but it’s a choice. And faith grows and if we persevere and trust in the Lord our faith will become knowledge. I know this gospel is true. I know it requires faith. But I also know the Lord wants to bless and reward us. I’m learning everyone. Sometimes I am a horrible missionary. Haha I’m pretty sure. But that’s the beauty of life...we're all getting better. 

 

Have a great week. 

I love you all. 

Write me. 

 

Sista Hirschi

 

 

Love!!!

Happy valentine's day everyone.

Don't hate. This is a great time to tell people you love that you love them!!! And a great time to eat chocolate. 

So this week, I continue to fall in love with Belize. And I continue to have ridiculous experiences. And I continue to work towards fluency in at least 3 languages. Spanish and Creole I have almost conquered. Creole is so much fun you guys. Just take English, throw grammar out the window, and make the words a little more exciting and you have Creole. 

But I want to share a few good times from the past week. One, I recently informed you all that I have a new blue bike. I learned this week that bikes can be hazardous to human health. For example, one day I was innocently and attentively riding my bike. I came to a small bridge and noted that there was a small puddle in the middle of the bridge. In my efforts to dodge the puddle, I panicked and rode off the bridge into a dark ditch. As I fell, I literally thought I was coming to the end of my life. I screamed--a strange scream. Turns out the ditch was not so deep as to kill me, and mostly I laughed at my own ineptitude in riding a bike. 

Someone pull out the bucket list because I crossed off a big one this week. My comp, Sis R, is an expert haggler here in Belize. After watching in awe as she haggled at a few stores, she agreed to teach me the art. I wanted a new pair of sunglasses, so we went to a stand. I picked up a pair of really fine knock-off ray bans. I say to the worker, 

 'how much for these?'

'10.' 

At this point, as directed by my teacher, I fastidiously study the glasses, releasing 0 facial expressions. I realize that I have to offer half of what he has suggested, but I am scared so I just study the glasses for another 2 minutes. No one needs to look at a pair of cheap glasses this long. Ever. But I am literally frozen with fear. finally...

 '.................................................................................brother. can you give them to me for 5?'

'no.'

And in an effort to regain composure...

'ok 6.'

'no. the glasses are 10.'

 I was finished. I left defeated and empty handed. But my wise comp urged that we try again. So I did, feeling a little more at ease for asking a lower price. And round two....SUCCESS. I purchased a 40 dollar bag for 30. after extensive haggling. Basically, haggling is the most fun thing in the world and I’m addicted and I will haggle for the rest of my life. Watch out major American corporations bc I will never buy anything at full price again. Here I come Walmart Target and Costco. imma half price ya. 

Also, if some of you back home didn't notice, my skin is whiter than new fallen snow. But I believe that I have 1/24th drop of Indian blood in me (mom can you back me up on that??)--and for that I can tan relatively well. But I misjudged my ability to tan this week and experienced my first full blown burn on the mission. I have attached pictures so that you can sympathize with me. #skincancer2046

 

So, an update about our dear friend J**. We have been teaching J** for a while. J** is an elderly gentleman and is very prepared to hear the gospel  message. He is super humble and super willing to pray about what we have taught him. He has started reading the Book of Mormon as well--which is absolutely crucial to anyone's conversion. The thing about J** is that the man can quite literally talk faheva. Presenting a small challenge in teaching him. But he is moving right along. When he came to church he basically started teaching the class about faith. Gotta love it.

 

AND. We had a baptism this week!! Yay!! A little girl named K**. Her mom is a less active member but has been returning to church. She realizes that she needs to set an example for her young daughter in this mixed up world. I agree with her whole heartedly. K**'s faith is amazing. Children are easily entreated, and I am learning why Christ taught that only those who are as little children will enter His kingdom. Kids are soooo humble and have so much faith. They are also eager to please God. I am so impressed with their desires to be good! 

 

Well, I love you all and I am so grateful for your support. We’re pluggin right along. I love the Book of Mormon with all my heart. It is so powerful. One girl we taught this week said that as she read it she felt something like a fire inside of her. Ummmm...GOLDEN ANSWER. Haha but it's too true! I love Lehi's words:

 

And it came to pass that I beheld a ^atree, whose ^bfruit was desirable to make one ^chappy.

 11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the ^afruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the ^bwhiteness that I had ever seen.

 

The gospel is that fruit! There is nothing sweeter than it. Remember who are...aka a child of God. Onward and upward ya'll. 

With Love, 

Sista Hirschi

Va Creer Man

Ok for starters. I just want to apologize for the lamest, least uplifting, least informative, and most stupid email of all time that I sent last week. I was practically on my death bed. 

 
Well folks, time keeps on slippin slippin slippin, into the future. Thanks space jam for those penetrating lyrics. Which seem to me to actually make very little sense. Shouldn't the time be slipping into the past? Who can say. (She's already 1/4 of the way done with her mission!)

 So in this very moment I am stressing out hard core about all the things I have to cover which passed in this week. As such, I will approach this email in a list-like fashion, employing the use of the alphabet to organize my ideas. Let’s ride. 

a. SOMEBODY. Please add 'plumber' to my resume/list of valuable and attractive skills. Hahah please. Because out here in the mission I’ve learned something. We have a little house and when something goes wrong--we just have to fix it ourselves. So this week our sink clogged up. I looked at it. I was befuddled and also determined to come out the victor (like my boys THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS). I started unscrewing things. I started removing critical parts. I got the most disgusting liquid on my hands. and...I FIXED IT. PS don’t waste your money on drain-o. 

 

b. We have secured for ourselves...brand new bikes!!! Wow. I love riding bikes. My childhood is rekindled each and every time I mount my shiny new bicycle. I am debating names for my bike. Right now it’s between Shadowfax and Hidalgo. Both great horses who took their riders to great success. The symbolism is pretty clear I think.  

 

c. I have become freakishly resourceful since beginning this mission. I baked two cakes in frying pans in a toaster. I am speaking the truth. The MI6 or CIA will be recruiting me any day now. 

 

d. Well, we have bikes now but we also have a TON of hills in Belize. This means that I am slowly yet surely developing thighs akin to Thor's. Thighs of Thor. It has a ring to it and I think I will make an exercise program in 14 months with that title. It’s gonna be a raging success. 

 

e. We are exploring the Mennonite frontier. I seriously can’t expound sufficiently on the diversity here in Belize. There are people from everywhere and the cool thing is that they keep their cultures. Next week my compa and I are going to an unopened area where all the MENNONITES live (think Amish people) to see if we can whet their appetites for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Good stories to come from that--next week on--the district. #insidemissionariesjokes

 

From the top of the temple ruins at Xuantinch

f. I have already nearly fallen off of my bike. I actually just hit a big rock and went lurching over the front of my handle bars and was bent perfectly in half.  My dignity is aching still because there was a crowd there and they were highly entertained. 

 

g. MORE RUINS. We went to

Xuantinch yesterday!! It is bigger AND better than our last ruins excursion. All of us missionaries made a movie at the ruins about a war. The tourists stared at us and I’m not sure what we have done to the church’s reputation. But on the top of this temple we could see all of Belize and into Guatemala. Basically, it was sweet. I am so obsessed with Belize you guys.
 

h. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLIE H. 

 

i. I LOVE JACOB CHAPTER 5. If you haven't read it lately, I highly recommend that you do so, with the Book of Mormon study manual to help you understand the symbols. I read it and it changed my life. It’s amazing how God has orchestrated everything. Absolutely everything is in His care. And He has told us about it from the beginning. That is the coolest part. He knows all things! There was always going to be a restoration of the gospel and we are in the climax of times right now! We are playing a very exciting part in God’s plan for His children. I’ve said it before but here I go again. READ THE BOOK OF MORMON. Also I am absolutely sure that just like the incredible Stacey T--I will be my own greatest convert after this mission. 

 

ahhh too much. This email is too much and I’m fully aware yet I still have more to compartir con ustedes. (share with you). Remember who you are. Remember that I know this work is true and I love it. Remember to always hide your past rapping careers because if you don’t the Elders will find it and they will demand performances every 10 minutes. wite chok'lit is back (White Chocolate was Alaina’s rapping alter ego many moons ago). 

 

hahah ok too much. Love you all and I hope you hear from you soon! Also remember how awesome and easy missionary work is. Ok there is my baby machete for you all! 

 

Love forever, 

Sister Hirschi

 

Gettin things bumpin' in Belize

My new companion, Sis R

Ok. Shout-outs for starters this week.   Nicolina D and Phil C. 

 

I found St. Ives peach face scrub. You bet I cried. And I bought 40 bottles because who knows if I’ll ever be able to find any of that gold ever again in Belize. It feels so good. 

 

Well what to say. Belize. I wish everyone could be here in Belize because its spectacular. It was a tad cold this week though. And it rained. And my companion and I of course went out to work in the rain because it’s just rain--and I am a Seattle native. Rain doesn’t scare me. Nah man. 

 

For some reason, strangers on the street were concerned for our welfare. They were just dropping these comments every 10 minutes "you girls are gonna get sick!!" I laughed them to scorn. I said, "That is cute. I am from Seattle. A little rain never hurt nobody foo'. Onward". And because I refused to humble myself, a piece of humble pie was consequently shoved down my throat. The next morning I woke up with a headache, fever, and sinuses clogged like the hoover dam. For real? So I feel pretty lousy. I keep getting hot flashes which is disconcerting. 

 

But none of this, NONE of it, will temper my overwhelming joy this week. I LOVE the missionary gig. Ok? All the RM's who told me so were correct. I finally know what is going on and how to be a missionary. There is lots I'm not doing that I have to do, sure, but I'm just grooving. My area is the best area in the world and the people are infinitely more interesting. 

 

Take Brother J for example. He is an 85 year old man who reads fortunes. He used to travel with the circus throughout all of Central America and spoke the fastest Spanish I have heard yet. He is undeniably unique. But he loves the missionaries and is amazingly super positive?? And knows magic--but assures us that it is only tricks and that he doesn’t use the devil's power. 

 

comforting.

Belize is nice. Basically my zone is 2 inches away from being organized as a Stake and we are all motivated out of our minds to get out and there and find and teach and invite and build. So close we can taste it and it’s tantalizing. 

 

I think I’m gonna pass out soon? hah so sick right now.  So I’ve gotta jet. Have faith everyone. I love you all. I love the gospel. Have a fun week. 

 

Love Sis Hirschi

 

STARRING AUNT KATHY AND UNCLE STEVIEEE

This week something unusual happened. MY AUNT AND UNCLE CAME TO SAN IGNACIO--THE LAND OF MY MISSION!! 

 

What a blessing though. We had a ridiculously pleasant time together. Granted our hours were numbered--to 2--but I soaked in each moment. Not going to lie; it was a tad surreal to see my real, live family members here in Belize, but it was way too much fun. I love you Steve and Kathy! Thanks again for stopping by! ;)

 

Also! I am officially 4 months old in the mission! That is nuts to me.

 

The term 'jam-packed' was born to the end of describing this week I just lived. Ah man. Every day something new. But first. A few well-deserved shout outs. 

 

1. HOLA AT MY SINGLES WARD. You guys are da bomb. Ok? I got your card and I just loved it!! Thanks so much ya'll. I read each and every little note from all of you and I reveled in it all. You're all way too tender. Feel free to send more letters in the future. I love you all! Seriously...so much love right now.

 

2. Grandma & Grandpa Loomis. You are champions. Thanks for the package!!! It was so cherished. Somehow you also know all my favorite things in the world. Thanks so much for the food and the clothes and the hand sanitizer! Love you! 

 

So maybe a few of you can recall the gold dollar coins we used to circulate in the US? I remember when one came out with Sacagawea. Is that spelled correctly? I don’t mean to disrespect her by butchering the spelling...because I am grateful for her contributions to American history. But. The point of this comment is that if any person has at any time wondered about the location of all the us dollar coins--I have found them. ALL OF THEM. They are here in Belize of course! How they came to ALL be here I cannot tell. But there are millions of them here. Pretty much it’s the only denomination they use here. Another Belizean mystery to rival that surrounding their ancient ruins. 

 

SO this week Sister S and I are teaching a lesson when a young girl who I consider to be a friend of mine leans over and says to me, 'you know sister Hirschi, you are a lot more childish than sister S'. Personally, I would have preferred a different description. Maybe fun, spontaneous, creative, witty. I dunno. But thanks M****! Your comment will be treasured. 

 

Tambien, this week we had changes. And sadly, Sister S se fue. She was assigned to a different area and I am very, very, VERYYYY sad about this. She was a rock star and I laughed every day with her. I learned a ton from that Guatemalan fireball. But my new companion is a Mexican American and she is also a force to be reckoned with. We are going to light it up here. I am really looking forward to working with Sister R. But my heart is aching a lil' bit for Sis S

.

 

Being a missionary is becoming a real treat for me you guys. I am really learning how to just love and embrace this work. I'm trying so hard to think of something profound I learned this week but nothing is coming. I am legitimately sorry for this. I think maybe I'm just getting happier. And it’s awesome. It's just coming from genuinely forgetting myself in this work. I know sometimes it’s hard to share the gospel with people. It can be awkward. I never considered myself an awkward person before the mission but I've had a lifetime of HUGELY embarrassing moments that were completely beyond hope of salvaging. But who cares you know? Haha that’s probably not terribly inspiring for you all...but I promise that the joy comes. Share the gospel and the light will come. That much I can promise you. 

 

Ok ya'll. I love you times infinity and to the moon and back. Have a wonderful week and get out there and TALK to people about what you believe. 

 

Love sister Hirschi

Belize me...this kid's hilarious!

Salutations.

How are things in the continent of North America my friends?
Good I presume.

Things here in Belize are rolling right along, and thus...without further delay, I’d like to share some fun times from my mission this week.

First, meet A***. The single most precocious 6 year old I have EVER been blessed to know in my entire life. Let's be straight, most of my email will probably be about him because every word out of his mouth entertains. Every. Single. One. Last night Sis S and I were teaching A*** and his family. We were talking about the fact that we can return to live with God and our families forever. At which point he says,

"Yes. this is true. but some people will also go TO HELL."
Why thank you for pointing that out A***. Yes, that is true.

The lesson continues... somehow, for reasons still a little obscure to me, we ended up on the topic of Santa. I professed to believe in Santa with all my heart. At which point A*** kindly informed me that Santa IS DEAD.

"Santa died. Yes, he is dead. He died in an accident."
I was distraught but have chosen to not end my own life upon hearing this horrific news.

We went on. But first a little background information. A*** was sitting on a bench about 6 inches from a wall behind him. He was getting pretty worked up through our lesson and a pinch jittery. Then suddenly, he fell backwards into the crack between the wall and his chair and his legs smashed against his face. Have I painted an accurate picture?? His body was completely bent in half.

We erupted in laughter. A*** remained dignified. He emerged from the crack in the wall but the rest of us continued laughing. Sis S and I strove diligently to return to the lesson...but we couldn’t stop laughing. Eventually A*** said,

"OK ENOUGH. Can we please return to our LESSON?!?!"
And we laughed more.
And then we returned to the lesson. Is this kid for real?!?! Who is he?? I LOVE BELIZEANS!

Shoot que mas. I can’t remember what else happened this week. Sorry folks! S*** is reading the Book of Mormon and every lesson with her scares me but we had more inspiring lessons with her this week. I have also discovered that I enjoy talking to anyone and everyone. It’s kind of fun. It’s fun to hear what people believe and to share with them what I believe also. And I have discovered that there is no feeling in the world to surpass that of bringing another person unto Christ...and not just baptism...but true conversion. A true relationship with Jesus Christ. That is why I am here. To help people form that personal relationship.

I know you will all hate me but I am sooo out of time. I am sorry for a super lame email. I love you all. Have a stupendous week and lets all pray for a better email la proxima vez. Spanglish forever.

Love,
Sister Hirschi