Ok, ok so the storm is over and the sun is shining today so everyone can stop stressing out, haha! JK, I know you are all aware that everything is good in the Big Apple. Talk about a fun time though, wow! First an earthquake...for a minute I thought I was back in CA with the familar rolling feeling of the earth saying hello...then a hurricane. What a great week it was.
Before I get started with this boring story, let me just take it back a few weeks ago. So we were in Multi-Zone Conference and President Smith said "you know elders and sisters, we are going to provide you with transportable 72 hour kits in case of a hurricane, I would just like us all to be prepared." At that time I kind of chuckled to myself because I didn't really know that New York got hurricanes... jokes on me. The following week in combined 3rd hour our Area 70 sent a message to all the stakes informing them that we should really consider revamping our emergency plans and encouraging everyone to have their 72 hour kits ready in the case of an emergency...maybe like a hurricane, haha!
So back to last week, yes there was a hurricane and it was crazy pants! On Friday most of the city missionaries including my companion and me got evacuated, where I am happy to say our 72 hour kits provided as a blessing. We went and spent 2 and a half days in White Plains with the stake president and his wife. They were so hospitable! After a busy day of helping the neighbors pack in all of their patio furniture and decor from the front and back of their houses we went back "home" and buckled down in wait of the storm. Luckily most of it dicispated over North Carolina and Long Island before it got to the city and even to White Plains but I hear there were some areas that weren't so lucky. All in all it was a vacation away from the city...very strange really. I forgot people live in house and drive cars, but in all reality it freaked me out so Im happy to say Im back in the city!
The joke was if there is an emerency, turn to your nearest Mormon. Did I mention people laughed at us as we carried our huge jugs of water and ginormous red backpacks full of food and safety supplies, hmmm weird. Anyway, I am just so thankful that everything turned out ok. Everyone is safe and there is little damage to the city, little branches here and there that fell but nothing major. Other than that I got some good reading in while I was away...a true vacation in deed. I read The Holy Temple by Boyd K. Packer, good read! I will have to comment on it next week, as for now I am out of time.
I just want to say thank you for all your well wishes and prayers, they are always so thoughtful and helpful in times of crisis. If I can say anything I would say listen to the revelations given by the power of the spirit keenly and act promptly...it could and usually does save your life. I love you all so much! Thanks for everything :) and so it is...
PS...some things you may not know because I have been unable to post pictures as often as I usually do.
1. I have dreds now, yes real ones
2. I wear my glasses all the time
3. I have a new companion, and
4. I love Domo!!!
Just throwing it out there. Love you
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
It's Been Too Long and I'm Lost Without You...
I can always rely on Aaliyah for a great title to a long awaited email and blog post from me. Man I have been busy. My companion and I sat down last night and planned time to effectively and completely email today which means no half letters claiming I'm too busy to write, no excuses and of course an update on all the happenings here in New York City.
I cannot even recall what I said in the last letter I wrote so let me start from the top. Sister Hsieh and I were together for a cycle, I know ONE CYCLE aka 6 weeks (not even enough time!). She and I had a great time living life on the East side together and teaching a great woman named Dede. She was baptized on July 24th, Pioneer Day and was so happy to join the saints on such a momentous day. Sister Hsieh, however who is no longer with me decided to go down to Chinatown to teach in her native tongue, rude! JK, I am so happy for her. President Smith has allowed her for her last two cycles of the mission to teach people who speak Mandarin Chinese downtown. It is such a rare opportunity so of course I would encourage and support her to take it.
So, as you could assume I have a new companion. Sister Tuke! She is back in the city and we are just moving right along. It took her some readjusting consider she has been upstate and out of the city for the past 7 months (going from the car to the city streets is a hard transition, one I could for sure do without -- fingers crossed). Since she has been here it feels like life is on hyper speed. Time is just flying by and I cant believe we can already see the early onset of Fall...but everyone knows how much I love "sweater weather" so I'm not even mad, especially if Winter takes it time to roll in. Other than that, its pure mission life!
We have been paying special attention to finding and building relationships in the ward. We are both pretty new in the area and haven't really established much ground yet...but that is the best part about being in an area for a few months, all this will come with time. Time that I seem to be running out of quickly. I was studying the other day and was so blessed to come across an article in last month's Ensign. It is called "This Year It's A Weed -- Pull It", http://lds.org/ensign/2011/07/this-year-its-a-weed-pull-it?lang=eng. Something that really struck me was the concept that everything has a time and a season, which it does. The article talks about how a beautiful plant was growing in the midst of the wrong harvest. Though it was beautiful and strong and would produce what seemed to be great product it wasn't in season. The counsel that was given was to "pull it" even though it was great. Many times in life we have to recognize what is in season. I always think of that song by the Byrds, "Turn, Turn, Turn" (and of course the scriptures in Ecclesiastes) where it reminds us that in everything there is a season, a rhyme and a reason, haha! But it's true. Now is the time for me to be a missionary, and when it is over I will be back to my usual shenanigans, whatever they may be. I love it though.
Eventually the sun will set on this venture and a new dawn will awaken. Let me enjoy the day though :). I have a call, I have a mission and along with many ups and downs I'm still excited. Thanks for coming along with me! I wish you all a great week and a close of summer. Take advantage! I love you all, and so it is...
Oh PS! A lot of my mail was never delivered I am finding out each week from one person or another. If you have written me and haven't received a response, try writing me again cause I might not have received it. My address is:
Sister Ash Coleman
New York New York North Mission
700 White Plains Rd Suite 315
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Thanks and good luck!
I cannot even recall what I said in the last letter I wrote so let me start from the top. Sister Hsieh and I were together for a cycle, I know ONE CYCLE aka 6 weeks (not even enough time!). She and I had a great time living life on the East side together and teaching a great woman named Dede. She was baptized on July 24th, Pioneer Day and was so happy to join the saints on such a momentous day. Sister Hsieh, however who is no longer with me decided to go down to Chinatown to teach in her native tongue, rude! JK, I am so happy for her. President Smith has allowed her for her last two cycles of the mission to teach people who speak Mandarin Chinese downtown. It is such a rare opportunity so of course I would encourage and support her to take it.
So, as you could assume I have a new companion. Sister Tuke! She is back in the city and we are just moving right along. It took her some readjusting consider she has been upstate and out of the city for the past 7 months (going from the car to the city streets is a hard transition, one I could for sure do without -- fingers crossed). Since she has been here it feels like life is on hyper speed. Time is just flying by and I cant believe we can already see the early onset of Fall...but everyone knows how much I love "sweater weather" so I'm not even mad, especially if Winter takes it time to roll in. Other than that, its pure mission life!
We have been paying special attention to finding and building relationships in the ward. We are both pretty new in the area and haven't really established much ground yet...but that is the best part about being in an area for a few months, all this will come with time. Time that I seem to be running out of quickly. I was studying the other day and was so blessed to come across an article in last month's Ensign. It is called "This Year It's A Weed -- Pull It", http://lds.org/ensign/2011/07/this-year-its-a-weed-pull-it?lang=eng. Something that really struck me was the concept that everything has a time and a season, which it does. The article talks about how a beautiful plant was growing in the midst of the wrong harvest. Though it was beautiful and strong and would produce what seemed to be great product it wasn't in season. The counsel that was given was to "pull it" even though it was great. Many times in life we have to recognize what is in season. I always think of that song by the Byrds, "Turn, Turn, Turn" (and of course the scriptures in Ecclesiastes) where it reminds us that in everything there is a season, a rhyme and a reason, haha! But it's true. Now is the time for me to be a missionary, and when it is over I will be back to my usual shenanigans, whatever they may be. I love it though.
Eventually the sun will set on this venture and a new dawn will awaken. Let me enjoy the day though :). I have a call, I have a mission and along with many ups and downs I'm still excited. Thanks for coming along with me! I wish you all a great week and a close of summer. Take advantage! I love you all, and so it is...
Oh PS! A lot of my mail was never delivered I am finding out each week from one person or another. If you have written me and haven't received a response, try writing me again cause I might not have received it. My address is:
Sister Ash Coleman
New York New York North Mission
700 White Plains Rd Suite 315
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Thanks and good luck!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Empire State of Mind?...
So we went to the Empire State building today and boy is that building soooo highhhhh. Great views of New York for sure! We didn't get to go all the way to the top, however we got to see some great aerials of the Big Apple. I still cant believe sometimes that I live here. I get the "behind the scenes" look at what this city is all about. Of course not in a way that the locals do who have the ability to go any- and everywhere or even the tourists, but I do get to experience it on the personal level.
What do you mean by that? You are just a missionary!... Double duh! What I mean is we talk to more people here than people who have lived here for years. It is not just your superficial "hey, how you doin'?" (not assuming that is what everyone is about around here) but we actually get to know the people who are around us, which in reality is getting to know the city.
There are such sweet spirits here in New York. People who have come here for all sorts of reasons, or who have grown up here for generations call this place home. It is an amazing dynamic. It really helps me to realize how this Gospel is not just a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all church. Everyone brings their own life to the sacrament table and finds that the principles that govern them in the spiritual sense put every worry at ease and help them build more fulfilling lives.
This last week we had a lesson with such an amazing girl that we stumbled upon; such an intellect and so driven! She was asking us questions about the hows and whys of Mormons, questions stemmed from her brief readings of The Book of Mormon as well as some principles that she had learned from some member friends she had experienced in the past. The questions being asked were predominately in regards to the spirit and knowledge. For example, "How could you have all this (as she points to a nearby bookshelf full of books) and still make the claims of this (The Book of Mormon) being the most 'correct' book?" and "How do you account for the Spirit?"
As I bore my testimony to her I realized something that I hadn't fully enveloped in the past. I opened my Book of Mormon and read 3 Nephi 17:5-7. As I did so I could feel the presence of the Savior...really. I let her know that the Bible gives a great layout of what the Savior did, but who was he? These verses single-handedly helped me FEEL who he is, and recognize that he does indeed live. I continued on without answering her question about accounting for the spirit, there was no need because she felt it too. I let her know that all the knowledge that I have and continue to obtain is in direct correlation to the writings of "this book". I assured her that the things that she has experienced and knows are all a part of our progression on this earth. I couldn't have left a lesson feeling more blessed for the testimony that I have than I did that day.
I know it. That's all there is to it. The invitation still stands for all those who are still wondering to learn more. If anything, knowledge is power :) Anyways, I just love you all so much. Life is moving fast here in New York, a "New York minute" if you will. I've got to take a moment to slow down and cherish what I have. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to recall and do that. Again I love you love you, and so it is...
What do you mean by that? You are just a missionary!... Double duh! What I mean is we talk to more people here than people who have lived here for years. It is not just your superficial "hey, how you doin'?" (not assuming that is what everyone is about around here) but we actually get to know the people who are around us, which in reality is getting to know the city.
There are such sweet spirits here in New York. People who have come here for all sorts of reasons, or who have grown up here for generations call this place home. It is an amazing dynamic. It really helps me to realize how this Gospel is not just a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all church. Everyone brings their own life to the sacrament table and finds that the principles that govern them in the spiritual sense put every worry at ease and help them build more fulfilling lives.
This last week we had a lesson with such an amazing girl that we stumbled upon; such an intellect and so driven! She was asking us questions about the hows and whys of Mormons, questions stemmed from her brief readings of The Book of Mormon as well as some principles that she had learned from some member friends she had experienced in the past. The questions being asked were predominately in regards to the spirit and knowledge. For example, "How could you have all this (as she points to a nearby bookshelf full of books) and still make the claims of this (The Book of Mormon) being the most 'correct' book?" and "How do you account for the Spirit?"
As I bore my testimony to her I realized something that I hadn't fully enveloped in the past. I opened my Book of Mormon and read 3 Nephi 17:5-7. As I did so I could feel the presence of the Savior...really. I let her know that the Bible gives a great layout of what the Savior did, but who was he? These verses single-handedly helped me FEEL who he is, and recognize that he does indeed live. I continued on without answering her question about accounting for the spirit, there was no need because she felt it too. I let her know that all the knowledge that I have and continue to obtain is in direct correlation to the writings of "this book". I assured her that the things that she has experienced and knows are all a part of our progression on this earth. I couldn't have left a lesson feeling more blessed for the testimony that I have than I did that day.
I know it. That's all there is to it. The invitation still stands for all those who are still wondering to learn more. If anything, knowledge is power :) Anyways, I just love you all so much. Life is moving fast here in New York, a "New York minute" if you will. I've got to take a moment to slow down and cherish what I have. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to recall and do that. Again I love you love you, and so it is...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Wayyyooohhh!
...sorry bout last week, I was kicked off the computer, hehe.
Anyways, I am doing great out here. The weather is heating up for real! I think it is around 94 degrees today with some scattered thunder showers, aka walking in the rain cause there is no point in having an umbrella, ella, ella, eh eh eh. But its nice because the heat sticks around and dries our clothes off quickly.
So what has been going on? The Forth of July just passed! Oh heavens, everyone knows how much I love the 4th and it was such an amazing day. I have to tell you, if you are ever thinking of visiting New York when the city is ALIVE dont bother with New Years, come on the 4th. It is 100 times better and the weather is nicer. Nonetheless, we had the best contacting opportunities because everyone was out on the streets being lively and having a great time. Central Park doubles as the entertainment arena for anything and everything, especially for BBQing, and oh it smelled so good. Also the best seating in the house for the fireworks is your own roof. Yes, we went Fiddler on the Roof style and hiked up to the roof of our building where we saw a great fireworks display a couple blocks away. The best part was seeing Sister Nalawas see fireworks for the first time. She doesn't get displays like that very often in Vanuatu (off the coast of Fiji), and her excitement is like a child's; so pure.
In other news the work has been good. A TBC from the last area I was in is the baptism was postponed until this weekend, so that will be happening with Sister Fuimaono and her new companion Sister T. In my new area we have a baptism coming up real soon too, which Im really excited about. I always think that this work is so fascinating in that it continues regardless of wherever we go. It really builds my testimony in knowing that 1. the Lord has gone before us to prepare the work and 2. it cannot be frustrated. Whether a switch of companions, ward change or even an area switch the work will continue forward. The reality is the Spirit is the true teacher here. He has testified to us all of the light and knowledge of the gospel and it is up to us to respond. In Helaman 14:30, I gathered this week that the Lord will not force our hand to do anything. We have the tools necessary to make well decisions. In Doctrine & Covenants the Lord informs us to study it out what we want to do then to pray whether it be right, receiving a confirmation in our hearts and in our minds. This leads us to figure that we have the ability to know of our own accord if what we want to do is right and then we can pray to confirm whether what we though is right indeed is right for us by the edifying "burning in our bosom". Its fail proof and another amazing aspect of the Gospel that I thoroughly enjoy.
I just continue to have faith that the Lord is not an innocent bystander. That he is "all in" on this investment. He will not lead us astray. I just love this work! It has helped me so much to see how helpful we can be in answering other's prayers. I know this is where Im supposed to be. I know he Church is true. I love you all, and so it is...
Anyways, I am doing great out here. The weather is heating up for real! I think it is around 94 degrees today with some scattered thunder showers, aka walking in the rain cause there is no point in having an umbrella, ella, ella, eh eh eh. But its nice because the heat sticks around and dries our clothes off quickly.
So what has been going on? The Forth of July just passed! Oh heavens, everyone knows how much I love the 4th and it was such an amazing day. I have to tell you, if you are ever thinking of visiting New York when the city is ALIVE dont bother with New Years, come on the 4th. It is 100 times better and the weather is nicer. Nonetheless, we had the best contacting opportunities because everyone was out on the streets being lively and having a great time. Central Park doubles as the entertainment arena for anything and everything, especially for BBQing, and oh it smelled so good. Also the best seating in the house for the fireworks is your own roof. Yes, we went Fiddler on the Roof style and hiked up to the roof of our building where we saw a great fireworks display a couple blocks away. The best part was seeing Sister Nalawas see fireworks for the first time. She doesn't get displays like that very often in Vanuatu (off the coast of Fiji), and her excitement is like a child's; so pure.
In other news the work has been good. A TBC from the last area I was in is the baptism was postponed until this weekend, so that will be happening with Sister Fuimaono and her new companion Sister T. In my new area we have a baptism coming up real soon too, which Im really excited about. I always think that this work is so fascinating in that it continues regardless of wherever we go. It really builds my testimony in knowing that 1. the Lord has gone before us to prepare the work and 2. it cannot be frustrated. Whether a switch of companions, ward change or even an area switch the work will continue forward. The reality is the Spirit is the true teacher here. He has testified to us all of the light and knowledge of the gospel and it is up to us to respond. In Helaman 14:30, I gathered this week that the Lord will not force our hand to do anything. We have the tools necessary to make well decisions. In Doctrine & Covenants the Lord informs us to study it out what we want to do then to pray whether it be right, receiving a confirmation in our hearts and in our minds. This leads us to figure that we have the ability to know of our own accord if what we want to do is right and then we can pray to confirm whether what we though is right indeed is right for us by the edifying "burning in our bosom". Its fail proof and another amazing aspect of the Gospel that I thoroughly enjoy.
I just continue to have faith that the Lord is not an innocent bystander. That he is "all in" on this investment. He will not lead us astray. I just love this work! It has helped me so much to see how helpful we can be in answering other's prayers. I know this is where Im supposed to be. I know he Church is true. I love you all, and so it is...
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
I've Reached The Top of the Ladder...
And now its time to go down the slide!!! Holy cow its been 9 months! The time has absolutely flown by and there has been little time to stop and see what has been going on, so let me take a second...
Today will be my first day in a new area on the east side of Manhattan in the Manhattan 3rd YSA ward (I just cant get enough!). I will be joining Sister Hsieh, pronounced as if you asking someone to be quiet, i.e. "shhh?", who has been over here for about 3 months. We will be possibly be joining a mysterious new Zone the mission has created called Manhattan Central Zone, but that has yet to be determined. All in all though, I am super excited!
It was so sad to let go of Sister Fuimaono today though. We celebrated "210 Days of Fui and Coleman" this morning as we prepared my old desk for her new greenie that arrived yesterday from the MTC, sad day! Along with Sister Babb who is preparing for her flight in the morning back to Washington, I have "lost" everything bahhhhh hah hahahhh! and yet have gained so much.
I am sure these next 9 months will be so great. In fact, I have no doubt about it! The Lord has blessed me already so much, I could only imagine how much more is lying in wait. We shall see though, and so it is...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Good Morning, Good Morning!
Before I get started, check out these Belomont transplants...did I even leave Provo?
Its an early day in the New York New York North Mission and the weather is fine. It has been a very quick week, but I realize I have not been in touch with everyone for a couple of weeks now. Im so sorry, but I will have to blame it on our busy companionship. Sister Babb will be leaving us next week so we spent last week getting her ready to take the flight home. Oh wow, it has been a great time serving with her, but like all missionaries, the time comes and the time goes :)
So what has been happening lately?
What hasn't been happening lately is the real question, heavens its been so busy and exciting around New York lately.
The work has been so good to us. We continue to teach such amazing people and are actually preparing for a baptism this coming weekend! It is always so amazing to see people anxious to follow the Lord. We have been teaching this investigator for about 3 weeks now and after considering the Gospel he told us last week, " I think that if I am going to follow Him then baptism would be a great start. But considering its the beginning of this journey I should start soon." Haha, well said!
Baptism is just that, and initiatory action we display to the Lord that we are willing to follow him and have his spirit to be with us. It is faith! Taking the chance, making the choice and having confidence that as we do what we can, we can be equipped with His Spirit. I just love baptisms, they are my favorite.
Speaking of a few of my favorite things though, we had the opportunity to meet Elder L. Tom Perry, Elder Quentin L. Cook, Elder Olsen of the 70 and Senator Harry Reid! That was a great time. For the YSA Conference that took place this past weekend we had the joy of meeting and hearing from all of these lovely men! They bore such amazing testimonies of the Gospel, sharing such amazing experiences as their mission years, conversion stories and the joy of the gospel in their lives today. It was so great! I think Elder Perry and I are best friends now, haha! He is hilarious.
Also making the list is the new Mormon.org launch that is going on here in the city. What a riot it is going to be! So we have been a pilot mission for the mormon.org campaign for the past 9 months are so, aka as long as I have been here :) and have been preparing to "bring the world His truth." We got word early last week that the launch was Monday. What all does this entail? Well let me tell you:
The Megatron in Time Square (42nd St.) looping mormon.org videos
Electronic billboards
Missionaries (we didn't have permits before to proselytize there)
200 Taxi toppers
Videos on Taxi TV, and
4 Subway shuttle cars decked out in mormon.org ads during rush hour
So that's it! Its gonna be crazy!!! Everyone is like, "oh, what timing with the Book of Mormon Musical." Yeah buddy! Curiosity is the least of it right now. As called missionaries in the midst of all this we will be responding to all the hype. Im so excited! I will have to keep everyone posted on the amazing stories that will soon follow.
Anyways, life is good and the work is moving forward. Guess what? The Church is still true! I have no doubt about that, and if doubt does ever arise it is absolutely an opportunity to search further and pray fervently for answers. They will come, they always have. Maybe not in the time that we expect but for sure in the time that we need. Elder Perry said this weekend, "our desires will be met in the way we least expect them." I will add my testimony to his by saying I have never been more entertained then by the depth of this reality. I just love you love you and hope you are having a great week. You're all in my prayers, and so it is...
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