Yes, I am a tad bit more busier then usual, and if you saw my daily planner you would just laugh because each day has like 8 to do boxes...mine are usually filled and I have them extended to have like 12 to do boxes haha so at least I'm always busy :) never have to wonder what next...except when you find yourself NOT busy, which doesn't happen too often fortunately. and mom, you asked if I ever fall asleep early?...I wish! Saturday and Sunday night we didn't even leave the office until 10:35 because we were having to do follow up calls and prepare to send them to President Ostler haha, we get to call the zone leaders and check on how their zones are doing and they just had lots to talk about so we literally sat in the office Saturday and Sunday evening from 7-10:30...but, its good, and I feel like I know all my wonderful missionaries so much better now :) and I do manage to get up at 5:45 everyday to workout still...its not easy and leaves me pretty pooped but I get it done, no problems!
My Nigerian companion, Elder Nwosu is great and we are having such a good time together. MTC mates always do I guess, but we just teach in sync, think in sync, and really are just everything in sync right now, so its a lot of fun. we are always goofing off and pretty much constantly in a service competition of sorts. He will come in and see me polishing his shoes and next thing I know my shirts are ironed and haha its just a really nice companionship, I am very lucky to be serving with him. He is an OLD man, he is almost 26 now, so its funny to see his expectations and everything when he gets home compared to me. "I got to get married when I get home! like, within 6 months..." "Man...I got to watch world cup and blow all my time away, I don't know what you're talking about...you're going to have kids before I get married haha" oh we have lots of fun.
On Tuesday we had our MLC meeting for Lumley, Freetown, Waterloo, and Kissy Zone. Its where all the zone leaders and the APs come together with President and Sister Ostler and we talk about new implementations and things to best help the mission.We report our monthly zone goals and actuals and it was so nice to be there. It was awesome being able to contribute and be a part of great changes taking place in this country. Its very nice also to get to work with President Ostler so closely, even Wednesday we got to sit down and discuss with him and the couple for like 2 hours about how best to get the convert date entries in as soon and correctly as possible, so its fun being a part of everything and having my voice be heard as well. I really notice how much Heavenly Father is helping me because I am picking up so many new things so quickly and I know that I could not do it without his help. I learned lots of new little things this week, like adjusting all the missionary photos, printing, cutting, laminating, magnetating (thats a nice word) and organizing them on President's board. Nice little things that I couldn't do before :) its fun haha. The Lauritzens and the Kanzlers are so friendly and great and make the office very comfortable and make life for us very optimistic and fun. We enjoy and love and appreciate them so much :)
Well, we are rebuilding our area slowly but surely, and with all of our distractions and what not last week we still managed to squeeze in about 17 lessons last week and found some really sweet people. We have an amazing ward who help so much and have always helped... they help us out with food, that's for sure, but not with investigators at the moment, and its hard FINDING and TEACHING but if they could help us with the finding then everything would run pretty smoothly :/ The bishop's wife cooks for us every Wednesday and Saturday evening and gets someone to leave it at the compound for us :) and then on Sunday afternoons we go there for lunch and get to coordinate with our bishop as well, so very convenient haha. they are all so sweet to us and I know that the Lord will bless them abundantly for their sacrifice and hospitality :)
We traded our P-Day today so we could go to Makeni on Wednesday and we are excited to be one of the first 10 missionaries to go to Makeni, so its going to be awesome and I will make sure to take lots of pictures so that you can all enjoy...one day. Its going to be a bushy journey, but I hear that Makeni is pretty sweet, so lots of videos and pics are on the way :)
We had stake conference on Sunday and boy was it surprisingly great. We got all bluffed up with polished shoes and ironed shirts and what not and was doing my personal studies when a young man, A., from the stake frantically called that the stake printer was broken and that he needed our help, so we let him in to the office and he was printing the conference programs haha, so I helped him the most I could and folded maybe a 100 before he had to run, but gosh we had 850 people at the conference. we actually looked and sounded like a real stake, with a choir and everything, and we missionaries got to do a special number, even though Elder Nwosu and I didn't get to practice, but we flowed pretty well :) everyone said we were the best haha and Elder Curtis gave a beautiful talk and somehow, I guess by the spirit :), everyone understood him and had many people really touched by his talk. He pretty much gave them the Restoration straight up and then told them what they could do to know the Book of Mormon was true. read it chapter by chapter praying to know the truth, or take a specific chapter and pray after every verse, which many of our investigators accepted the challenge to do, so we will be following up tomorrow to see how that is going :) But, the conference went well and were lucky enough to catch a ride home with the Kanzlers as well haha so SCORE!
Well...That's my week, by the way, EFY arise and shine music is AMAZING! don't know about this years efy, I haven't heard it. Anyone know how it is? I love you all so much, life is great and I know that our Savior lives. Jesus Christ really did die for us, but what I love about Christmas is that we really celebrate his birth...that he came and lived, even though he LIVED before this life, and still LIVES today. oh for those who say X-mas, wo unto you, for let us keep Christ as much as we can :) for without him we are nothing. I love him so much for his condescension... the creator of the universe suffered himself to enter a vulnerable human baby shell, and had to grow up, certainly with some godlike advantages, but suffered and humbled himself to go through what we go through...life...I love him so much for that. He truly did abase himself that he may exalt himself above all, and has offered us the same opportunity, so let us take what he has given us and go with it with a smile, thank you, and I love you! Merry almost Christmas!
Love,
Jesse
Elder Sumrak
ELDER JESSE SUMRAK
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
New Missionaries!
Hello my dear family and friends! this week has been complete chaos and miracles and awesomeness and change and what not, but it sure was great! Also, I heard something about some missionary film that is in theaters or something? true or false? please confirm and report! So, Monday last week was pretty lazy and chill and we just spent most of the day in preparation for all the upcoming missionaries. Tuesday morning was spent doing all the last minute preparations, ordering the foods, preparing the orientations, and getting the tickets and what not. Around 12:00, we joined President and Sister Ostler to drive down to the docks, where a super sweet speedy boat drove us across the ocean bay to Lungi. It was a lot of fun being on the boat and on the ocean again, looking out I could almost see Virginia Beach, but then seeing how much trash was in the water even over 3 miles out from the coast...I silently prayed that VA was VERY VERY far away, so this polluted water would never enter my beautiful beach. The nice rocking of the boat put everyone to sleep except for me, but then we arrived at Lungi and a bus came to pick up all of us passengers and drive us on to the airport. Get to the airport, get frisked a little bit by some security, then went inside the terminal to wait for the new missionaries. Did memory games with flashcards with President and Sister Ostler so we could learn the missionaries faces and names. Then we got a call saying that ONE didn't make it, that the plane filled up and that he had to stay until a flight on Thursday would take him...Poor Elder Chola :(
Well, the missionaries starting filing out one by one and we were trying to rush them and their bags over to a safe and consolidated area where President was, and it went pretty well. Some bags were torn from poor airport facilities and one sister had bad nausea, but everything else went surprisingly smoothly. A large private bus came to pick us up and transport us to the ferry and the excited missionaries sang hymns the entire way haha, it was pretty entertaining. It was 19 missionaries, 13 Elders and 6 sisters, from so many countries, but only Africans. Many from Nigeria, and some from Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Botswana, and I think even other countries haha, they were a super fun and excited group :)
The ferry ride was incredibly slow, like usual, but we had a lot of fun mingling and getting to know all the new missionaries. They all gathered around Elder Nwosu, Wootton, and I, and just wanted to hear every single little thing about Sierra Leone, and it brought back memories of me 17 months ago, asking my boss men (elder Barth and Appleby) the tiniest of questions, trying to learn all that I could. And having gone through that experience, I was trying to make this new adjustment as easy and happy as possible for these new missionaries, and they are very fortunate that things have changed in this mission...for you shall see how spoiled they are as the story continues. The ferry landed and we got everyone back on the bus and then had to go and look for our bus driver which caused some small palava, then we were back on the road...but right outside the mission office is a large amount of construction work at the moment. And its 8:30 at night and its just complete chaos and we're not moving and its just not possible to make the left hand turn to get into the compound..."Elders, can you please take care of this." Of Course! So the 3 of us jumped out of the bus and started doing everything we could to open the space for the bus, pushing taxis backwards, blocking off the bikers, and just complete chaos, but we managed it and got the bus into the compound successfully. So, the Elders went on into the chapel while we unloaded their bags, then joined them on up there for a feast of chicken sandwiches, peanut butter jelly sandwiches, apples, oatmeal cookies, and what not...I did not get that welcome party when I came hahaha. After, the new missionaries had to do some new paper work for entering the country and what not, then they all went to the office to receive their assignments from President Ostler and boy were they excited to get those! We got them all calmed down and put them to bed, then went down to the office to write in our journals then get to bed...
Woke up at 4:00 on accident because my dumb universal clock screwed up and I meant to get up at 5, but It seemed pretty normal though because there were freshies ironing and showering and what not ??? but, while I was shaving Elder Wootton came in and was like you know its 4 right? and I was like tish, so I shaved and slept another hour, then got up early so I could shower ahead of everyone and start getting ready for the day, preparing the breakfast for the new guys and what not. Elder Nwosu and I set it all up for them. Bread for sandwiches, chewy bars, apples, and 2 boiled eggs and I refilled all the bottles for them haha pretty crazy but managed to get them all fed and what not on time and to the chapel for orientation. The orientation didn't start until an hour later at 10, but it went well, and Elder Nwosu and I even got some time at the end to do some instruction and practice on companionship inventory with the group which went nicely :) We did some office work and kept the Elders occupied and did everyone's chores and what not around the place, printing maps, programming phones, and updating phone lists and what not, but eventually got all the new elders sent out with their trainers and only had 8 left to sleep with us who were off for Bo and Kenema tomorrow. We also had Elder Coffie with us, who would be leaving the following day...my district leader from Bo :) old man haha. Elder Kanzler took us all up to Goderich to drop off some elders there and then continued on with us assistants to the mission home for the farewell dinner/testimony of Sister Attiogbe (my mtc) and Elder Coffie. We had an amazing dinner which I counted for my thanksgiving dinner, of roasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, pineapple, banana, guava, peeta bread, and then for dessert ice cream with oatmeal cookies...so yeah, I definitely forgot I was in Africa for a little while ;) we 3 did the dishes and then joined everyone including the Ostlers, Lauritzens, and Kanzlers to listen to the departing missionaries testimonies...and then back to our apartment we went.
Up early again the next day at 5 to make sure all the elders were outside to wait for Bishop Markus to come with the van to take them all to the bus station. I was already awake so I just stayed up and gymed and did like 3,000 some jumprope or something haha. and then Elder Wootton left us on for his new assignment in Hill Station. We did our weekly planning. and then down to the office for the rest of the day to do all the work with the new transfers. Updating the transfer list, phone list, assignments, all the internet updates and what not and informing new missionaries about certain things, then late in the afternoon we rushed to the bank to get our subsistence. We were late and transport was impossible, but fortuantely the Burns drove by and gave us a ride. and had to beg security to let us in, which they did, then had to beg the last accounting woman to please help us, which fortunately she did, miracle after miracle I tell you. Eventually came home and had dinner...I think we had like frosted flakes or something haha HAPPY THANKSGIVING!:)
Friday we had a lot of office work as well. 3 missionaries were leaving Sierra Leone for Nigeria and we had to help weigh their bags and then give them a brief orientation and open up their myldsmail accounts and what not, then we got to stand in the circle with President Ostler and Stake President Swaray to set them apart, which was pretty sweet :) but in the evening we actually got to go to our area for the first time and got to teach a lesson in Dwarzak! Yay! That was nice :) nice to be out teaching again haha it sure it different, but fortunately teaching is just the same :) Came on home and had some potato leaf, courtesy of Elder Nwosu.
Saturday we had had a ward baptism that we attended, then had to stick around to help out the Elder Who came late Thursday night and get all his paper work filled out...
Yeah...so life is good. It's a bit different, only got to teach about 8 lessons last week, which is definitely different for me...but, I'm getting used to it :) It's nice because we have a water heater haha so hot showers are new indeed, as well as AC...yeah can't complain about too much really...but, more stories and interesting things to come. Always excitement here in the office. Love you all so much and hope and pray you are all doing well! take care!
Love,
Elder Jesse Sumrak
Well, the missionaries starting filing out one by one and we were trying to rush them and their bags over to a safe and consolidated area where President was, and it went pretty well. Some bags were torn from poor airport facilities and one sister had bad nausea, but everything else went surprisingly smoothly. A large private bus came to pick us up and transport us to the ferry and the excited missionaries sang hymns the entire way haha, it was pretty entertaining. It was 19 missionaries, 13 Elders and 6 sisters, from so many countries, but only Africans. Many from Nigeria, and some from Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Botswana, and I think even other countries haha, they were a super fun and excited group :)
The ferry ride was incredibly slow, like usual, but we had a lot of fun mingling and getting to know all the new missionaries. They all gathered around Elder Nwosu, Wootton, and I, and just wanted to hear every single little thing about Sierra Leone, and it brought back memories of me 17 months ago, asking my boss men (elder Barth and Appleby) the tiniest of questions, trying to learn all that I could. And having gone through that experience, I was trying to make this new adjustment as easy and happy as possible for these new missionaries, and they are very fortunate that things have changed in this mission...for you shall see how spoiled they are as the story continues. The ferry landed and we got everyone back on the bus and then had to go and look for our bus driver which caused some small palava, then we were back on the road...but right outside the mission office is a large amount of construction work at the moment. And its 8:30 at night and its just complete chaos and we're not moving and its just not possible to make the left hand turn to get into the compound..."Elders, can you please take care of this." Of Course! So the 3 of us jumped out of the bus and started doing everything we could to open the space for the bus, pushing taxis backwards, blocking off the bikers, and just complete chaos, but we managed it and got the bus into the compound successfully. So, the Elders went on into the chapel while we unloaded their bags, then joined them on up there for a feast of chicken sandwiches, peanut butter jelly sandwiches, apples, oatmeal cookies, and what not...I did not get that welcome party when I came hahaha. After, the new missionaries had to do some new paper work for entering the country and what not, then they all went to the office to receive their assignments from President Ostler and boy were they excited to get those! We got them all calmed down and put them to bed, then went down to the office to write in our journals then get to bed...
Woke up at 4:00 on accident because my dumb universal clock screwed up and I meant to get up at 5, but It seemed pretty normal though because there were freshies ironing and showering and what not ??? but, while I was shaving Elder Wootton came in and was like you know its 4 right? and I was like tish, so I shaved and slept another hour, then got up early so I could shower ahead of everyone and start getting ready for the day, preparing the breakfast for the new guys and what not. Elder Nwosu and I set it all up for them. Bread for sandwiches, chewy bars, apples, and 2 boiled eggs and I refilled all the bottles for them haha pretty crazy but managed to get them all fed and what not on time and to the chapel for orientation. The orientation didn't start until an hour later at 10, but it went well, and Elder Nwosu and I even got some time at the end to do some instruction and practice on companionship inventory with the group which went nicely :) We did some office work and kept the Elders occupied and did everyone's chores and what not around the place, printing maps, programming phones, and updating phone lists and what not, but eventually got all the new elders sent out with their trainers and only had 8 left to sleep with us who were off for Bo and Kenema tomorrow. We also had Elder Coffie with us, who would be leaving the following day...my district leader from Bo :) old man haha. Elder Kanzler took us all up to Goderich to drop off some elders there and then continued on with us assistants to the mission home for the farewell dinner/testimony of Sister Attiogbe (my mtc) and Elder Coffie. We had an amazing dinner which I counted for my thanksgiving dinner, of roasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, pineapple, banana, guava, peeta bread, and then for dessert ice cream with oatmeal cookies...so yeah, I definitely forgot I was in Africa for a little while ;) we 3 did the dishes and then joined everyone including the Ostlers, Lauritzens, and Kanzlers to listen to the departing missionaries testimonies...and then back to our apartment we went.
Up early again the next day at 5 to make sure all the elders were outside to wait for Bishop Markus to come with the van to take them all to the bus station. I was already awake so I just stayed up and gymed and did like 3,000 some jumprope or something haha. and then Elder Wootton left us on for his new assignment in Hill Station. We did our weekly planning. and then down to the office for the rest of the day to do all the work with the new transfers. Updating the transfer list, phone list, assignments, all the internet updates and what not and informing new missionaries about certain things, then late in the afternoon we rushed to the bank to get our subsistence. We were late and transport was impossible, but fortuantely the Burns drove by and gave us a ride. and had to beg security to let us in, which they did, then had to beg the last accounting woman to please help us, which fortunately she did, miracle after miracle I tell you. Eventually came home and had dinner...I think we had like frosted flakes or something haha HAPPY THANKSGIVING!:)
Friday we had a lot of office work as well. 3 missionaries were leaving Sierra Leone for Nigeria and we had to help weigh their bags and then give them a brief orientation and open up their myldsmail accounts and what not, then we got to stand in the circle with President Ostler and Stake President Swaray to set them apart, which was pretty sweet :) but in the evening we actually got to go to our area for the first time and got to teach a lesson in Dwarzak! Yay! That was nice :) nice to be out teaching again haha it sure it different, but fortunately teaching is just the same :) Came on home and had some potato leaf, courtesy of Elder Nwosu.
Saturday we had had a ward baptism that we attended, then had to stick around to help out the Elder Who came late Thursday night and get all his paper work filled out...
Yeah...so life is good. It's a bit different, only got to teach about 8 lessons last week, which is definitely different for me...but, I'm getting used to it :) It's nice because we have a water heater haha so hot showers are new indeed, as well as AC...yeah can't complain about too much really...but, more stories and interesting things to come. Always excitement here in the office. Love you all so much and hope and pray you are all doing well! take care!
Love,
Elder Jesse Sumrak
Monday, November 25, 2013
New Companion!
Hello my dear family and friends! What a great week has transpired and how many more great weeks are yet to come! This was Elder Rogers and I's last week together, and boy was it a good one. teaching families, making Kanya, and just getting work done. Interviews for all the missionaries did get in the way a little bit, actually every single day this week 1-2 hours were cut doing interviews, but its worth it since that is our ultimate goal and desire right? baptism, and true conversion, so I am happy to play my part :)
An eye doctor came on Saturday to the baptism, we were there to watch S. be baptized, an older man who Elder Labrum and I found and taught together, so I wanted to be present for his baptism. The doctor told me that I had an iritis? or something like that? and told me that if it continues it could be a problem but he gave me some steroids to put in my eyes to fix em all up so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
I am trying to think of what else has happened this week but everything is really just blurred by the transfer news and how busy I have been today...and even more blurred by how busy I am going to be tomorrow and the rest of the week and next weeks to come hahaha but, it is exciting, although I will miss my boy Elder Rogers. We truly had a great companionship together and I hope I can be at that guys homecoming, he is a forever friend and companion.
Well, I got the flu on Wednesday and muscled through it, felt great Thursday, just to rebound on Friday with the WORST headache of my life which had me bent down to my knees quite literally, rather humbling huh? but, I called Sister Ostler and she said a wicked flu was spreading across Freetown and many missionaries had symptoms as me, but I dropped some medicine and the fever reduced and I have been feeling a little weak since, but a lot better, that's for sure.
Friday, we waited patiently for our transfers news, then during my follow calls with Elder Hill he told me it would come the next day...so we were patient yet again.
Saturday was super busy and we were running around everywhere teaching our families, I kinda knew I would not spend 5 transfers in Belliar Park so I went everywhere saying goodbye, which was fun and sad, but in the end it turned out okay. Our last appointment was with our family of children and unbaptized mother and she was so upset because she hadn't had time to cook for us or make the dessert she wanted and was begging us to forgive her and we were just like its okay its okay! we come here for you! not food, but she wouldn't take that, so she gave us a huge bowl of rice, I guess cutting from the whole family, which I didn't want her to do, but the way she looked at me I knew if I refused I might end up with her cooking knife in my chest, so we gladly ate :) hahaha. The family then sat down all in the parlor, with friends included and everyone, and we were about to start with a prayer when the phone buzzed...Assistants...
"Na Elder Sumrak"
"Hey Elder Sumrak, this is Elder Wooton, man have you gotten us that dishsoap yet?"
"Man, you know how busy I have been running around doing your interviews and what not, when do you think I found time to get your dish soap?!"
"I was just letting you know because you need some..."
"Listen, if you really need it Elder Wooton, just go buy some and get a receipt and Ill refund you tomorrow."
"Well, you are going to need it Elder Sumrak, because its your dishes now..."
"Oh...
"You okay?"
"yeah"...
Elder Rogers "Are you crying!?"
hahahaha
*hang up the phone*
"So, who is going to pray?"
So, I got called as the assistant, which is an awesome blessing and I am super excited to be working with my MTC buddy Elder Nwosu, a 6 foot 3 Nigerian man who is hard working and awesome! We are working super hard and have been all morning trying to get all the beds and money and nets and pills and everything prepared for tomorrow because the 20 new missionaries are coming, but I'm super excited because I get to go back on the ferry tomorrow to go pick up the new missionaries at the airport and then orientation on Wednesday, then finally might get to hit the area on Thursday. Its funny because I have been on all 3 mountains in Freetown west really. I started on Mt. Aureol, went South to Belliar Park, crossed the valley now to Dwarzak, but the ward is awesome and I'm so excited to work with president, the couples, and everyone in helping the Lord's marvelous work to move forward! I love this gospel and its definitely a different side of the work that I never envied, that's for sure, its funny because Elder Rogers and I were in the AP's apartment to get something on Saturday and I saw their chore list and was like....wow, I sure hope I'm never an AP....haha but, somebody has to do it. And, I'm ready to labor and do whatever the Lord asks me to get this great work done. These leaders and couples are so sweet and I'm excited to work with them.
It is nice though that our apartment has AC and a water heater and what not...but, boy it makes me feel like I'm not in Sa Lone anymore sometimes hahaha where is my suffering?! I'm supposed to be suffering!
Not much going on really, I have been stuck in this compound all day, but transfer time is always hectic time, so I am really excited to finally get to the area because we have such a strong ward that does such a great job of fellow shipping and even home teaching/ etc. so its going to be so much work and so much fun and I have so much to learn and so many ways to grow, I feel just like a lost lil puppy again, but you do your first time on mission, first time taking over, training, 2nd area, senior companion, district leader, being an assistant, but you fall down make some mistakes, get back up and keep going and by the end of the 2nd week you are just doing it like you've been doing it for months haha, but...I hope I have more to write about next week, more adventures, more families, more friends, more missionaries, more miracles...It was hard to say goodbye to my ward yesterday...but, then again, we meet in the same building, so I guess I'll see them next week ;) I truly love our lord and savior Jesus Christ, for I have seen how he has changed so many lives, just in the past week alone. Watching grown men change their whole lives around, just because the spirit has touched their heart. It's real...It is so real and please always remember Heavenly Father LOVES you. He loves you so so much. he loves us all. He WANTS to bless you, just ask, be obedient, be diligent, and he will help you. I can hardly function a day much less a week without his steady and guiding influence of the holy spirit in my life...We are all truly blessed with this gift :) I only fear that everything I do everyday is what keeps the holy ghost so strongly in my life, and fear that one day life takes over and that it won't be as strong...but, I know if I remain diligent that that guiding influence will ALWAYS be with me...I love you all...have an amazing week!.
Love,
Elder Jesse Sumrak
An eye doctor came on Saturday to the baptism, we were there to watch S. be baptized, an older man who Elder Labrum and I found and taught together, so I wanted to be present for his baptism. The doctor told me that I had an iritis? or something like that? and told me that if it continues it could be a problem but he gave me some steroids to put in my eyes to fix em all up so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
I am trying to think of what else has happened this week but everything is really just blurred by the transfer news and how busy I have been today...and even more blurred by how busy I am going to be tomorrow and the rest of the week and next weeks to come hahaha but, it is exciting, although I will miss my boy Elder Rogers. We truly had a great companionship together and I hope I can be at that guys homecoming, he is a forever friend and companion.
Well, I got the flu on Wednesday and muscled through it, felt great Thursday, just to rebound on Friday with the WORST headache of my life which had me bent down to my knees quite literally, rather humbling huh? but, I called Sister Ostler and she said a wicked flu was spreading across Freetown and many missionaries had symptoms as me, but I dropped some medicine and the fever reduced and I have been feeling a little weak since, but a lot better, that's for sure.
Friday, we waited patiently for our transfers news, then during my follow calls with Elder Hill he told me it would come the next day...so we were patient yet again.
Saturday was super busy and we were running around everywhere teaching our families, I kinda knew I would not spend 5 transfers in Belliar Park so I went everywhere saying goodbye, which was fun and sad, but in the end it turned out okay. Our last appointment was with our family of children and unbaptized mother and she was so upset because she hadn't had time to cook for us or make the dessert she wanted and was begging us to forgive her and we were just like its okay its okay! we come here for you! not food, but she wouldn't take that, so she gave us a huge bowl of rice, I guess cutting from the whole family, which I didn't want her to do, but the way she looked at me I knew if I refused I might end up with her cooking knife in my chest, so we gladly ate :) hahaha. The family then sat down all in the parlor, with friends included and everyone, and we were about to start with a prayer when the phone buzzed...Assistants...
"Na Elder Sumrak"
"Hey Elder Sumrak, this is Elder Wooton, man have you gotten us that dishsoap yet?"
"Man, you know how busy I have been running around doing your interviews and what not, when do you think I found time to get your dish soap?!"
"I was just letting you know because you need some..."
"Listen, if you really need it Elder Wooton, just go buy some and get a receipt and Ill refund you tomorrow."
"Well, you are going to need it Elder Sumrak, because its your dishes now..."
"Oh...
"You okay?"
"yeah"...
Elder Rogers "Are you crying!?"
hahahaha
*hang up the phone*
"So, who is going to pray?"
So, I got called as the assistant, which is an awesome blessing and I am super excited to be working with my MTC buddy Elder Nwosu, a 6 foot 3 Nigerian man who is hard working and awesome! We are working super hard and have been all morning trying to get all the beds and money and nets and pills and everything prepared for tomorrow because the 20 new missionaries are coming, but I'm super excited because I get to go back on the ferry tomorrow to go pick up the new missionaries at the airport and then orientation on Wednesday, then finally might get to hit the area on Thursday. Its funny because I have been on all 3 mountains in Freetown west really. I started on Mt. Aureol, went South to Belliar Park, crossed the valley now to Dwarzak, but the ward is awesome and I'm so excited to work with president, the couples, and everyone in helping the Lord's marvelous work to move forward! I love this gospel and its definitely a different side of the work that I never envied, that's for sure, its funny because Elder Rogers and I were in the AP's apartment to get something on Saturday and I saw their chore list and was like....wow, I sure hope I'm never an AP....haha but, somebody has to do it. And, I'm ready to labor and do whatever the Lord asks me to get this great work done. These leaders and couples are so sweet and I'm excited to work with them.
It is nice though that our apartment has AC and a water heater and what not...but, boy it makes me feel like I'm not in Sa Lone anymore sometimes hahaha where is my suffering?! I'm supposed to be suffering!
Not much going on really, I have been stuck in this compound all day, but transfer time is always hectic time, so I am really excited to finally get to the area because we have such a strong ward that does such a great job of fellow shipping and even home teaching/ etc. so its going to be so much work and so much fun and I have so much to learn and so many ways to grow, I feel just like a lost lil puppy again, but you do your first time on mission, first time taking over, training, 2nd area, senior companion, district leader, being an assistant, but you fall down make some mistakes, get back up and keep going and by the end of the 2nd week you are just doing it like you've been doing it for months haha, but...I hope I have more to write about next week, more adventures, more families, more friends, more missionaries, more miracles...It was hard to say goodbye to my ward yesterday...but, then again, we meet in the same building, so I guess I'll see them next week ;) I truly love our lord and savior Jesus Christ, for I have seen how he has changed so many lives, just in the past week alone. Watching grown men change their whole lives around, just because the spirit has touched their heart. It's real...It is so real and please always remember Heavenly Father LOVES you. He loves you so so much. he loves us all. He WANTS to bless you, just ask, be obedient, be diligent, and he will help you. I can hardly function a day much less a week without his steady and guiding influence of the holy spirit in my life...We are all truly blessed with this gift :) I only fear that everything I do everyday is what keeps the holy ghost so strongly in my life, and fear that one day life takes over and that it won't be as strong...but, I know if I remain diligent that that guiding influence will ALWAYS be with me...I love you all...have an amazing week!.
Love,
Elder Jesse Sumrak
Monday, November 18, 2013
Land of Miracles
Mother! so great to hear from you and if you don't mind I would LOVE
to hear some of those poems and stories of mine that you
found if you have time :) haha and
wonderful creations this week...um frozen popo...uh I made sour sop
pancakes with jam and vanilla flavoring last night, but that's about
it on my creative scale this week ;) and no district leaders do not
usually cook, but I just do it because I love these guys and I know
how tired they can get of rice...if they are anything like me!
And YES! the boy who missed his baptism last week DID
come this week :) and it was another great family baptism! We had
the 4 children of this sweet woman who were baptized this Saturday, and
she even came to watch (which is a big deal here might I add) as well
as A. came to watch his son :) So 5 family confirmations
on Sunday and gosh it was just a magical Sunday. 4 families were
re-united/united in church due to the Lord's magnificent hand and his
abundance of miracles...it truly was amazing :)
And no...I don't teach many young men at all anymore. My teaching pool
is mostly 30-60 year old men with wives and children. That is mostly
our focus. Get the man, you get the family, so we are doing our best
here :) teach some mothers...but unfortunately the man has control, so
we mostly go for the man of the house now!
and about the little girl...yeah, it really was heartbreaking but she
is doing better! we saw her the other day and her leg really is
reducing in swelling...so we will keep praying for her :)
Quote of the week "Breastfeeding while riding on bike? Most impressive..."
by the way, Elder Donaldson, a missionary friend
from here just returned and is now Rebecca's home teacher!? weird huh?
I love this work and I want to do my very best and finish strong, no
rush,
hahaha oh mother, you are hilarious! starting trouble in church, good
thing father isn't there to stare you down :) how is it finally
sitting with him again?! sure has been a while huh?
and Elder Rogers and I scared a boy SOOOO bad this week...he was just
standing there and we both just walked up to him like 1 foot away and
stared down at him emotionless, not a smile, not a frown, and for like
5 seconds, and then he just went crazy screaming bloody murder and
starting clinging to my leg, and jumping around literally in circles,
I was afraid he might throw himself from the cliff we were on hahaha!
oh it was good :)
girls chasing me...nah, not here, though there are a couple who still
propose to me on occasion...that's always awkward.
Well...We got to play some football today and it was pretty awesome!
no lie, I was just feeling so naturally on the ball, and I just ran
around with no sub for pretty much 2 hours straight, and now I'm
exhausted but gosh did it feel good :) Got a little bloody of course,
but can I play football without? then, we went into town and got us
some big ole hamburgers...then the Lebanese man I was sitting with got
up and left...half his roasted chicken...so naturally I just finished
it for him, and even the other elders had to laugh at that...they were
like uh, is that yours? I was like um no but it was just sitting there
and we can't waste it...is that legal in america? because I might do
it when I get home :) maybe I'm just cheap...
But we had a great and inspiring zone conference this week that just
got us even more pumped up to go out and do the work and we just had a
great time! we just went the extra mile everyday with planning and
studies and ending our proselyting and the Lord truly blessed us with
an abundance of miracles. So many new investigators and the church was
filled up with investigators who we had only contacted on the street
haha so it was so neat to see the Lord bless us, but who knows where I
could be heading next week...Will I stay and finish Elder Rogers
training? Or will I go?! DUH DUH DUH! Whatever happens...no problem :)
Love,
Elder Jesse Sumrak
Mom here: Here are some other tidbits that Elder Sumrak shared with me:
Mom:
One part of your letter last week struck me.
That part is when you walked by the one man whom you had walked by for
months and this time you stopped to teach him and he said "my time has
come.:" gosh, that gets me every time. We take so much for granted and
that simple phrase is so powerful - my time has come. I love your
mission - it is so inspiring to me!
Jesse:
awww mother :) and what's even more inspiring and I know that the Lord
is watching us, and share this with father as well. But, on Saturday
that same man told us at the end of the lesson..."Elders, I had
already made a decision that day, that if you didn't come and talk to
me, I was going to ask you to come and talk to me...." how amazing is
that mother?! that very same day!? and he brought his wife and 2 kids
to church on Sunday. oh mother we are so blessed here and the Lord's
work is moving forward. Honestly, there are powers at work now during
this harvest that are unprecedented...its not me...its not Elder
Rogers...It is truly the Holy Ghost, and at times when taking the
sacrament, I swear the veil is so thin I might just ascend haha....I
am so blessed. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ...I love life
:)
Jesse:
Oh momma, yes its coming to dry season so I sweat everyday...a lot.
and I'm doing great! played some awesome football today so I'm nice and
happy :) and wow, my shoes are holding up okay, I got a man to sew
them back together for me, so they will hold up :)
Who knows where I will be, I would like to still be here with my boys, but
we will see what happens...I only have 5 transfers left...and to put
it in perspective, I had been here for 4 transfers in Belliar
Park...isn't that crazy mother! I'm in the oldest 10 missionaries in
SIERRA LEONE! WHAT?! I truly am
blessed...Can't wait until after Thanksgiving...CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!:)
to hear some of those poems and stories of mine that you
found if you have time :) haha and
wonderful creations this week...um frozen popo...uh I made sour sop
pancakes with jam and vanilla flavoring last night, but that's about
it on my creative scale this week ;) and no district leaders do not
usually cook, but I just do it because I love these guys and I know
how tired they can get of rice...if they are anything like me!
And YES! the boy who missed his baptism last week DID
come this week :) and it was another great family baptism! We had
the 4 children of this sweet woman who were baptized this Saturday, and
she even came to watch (which is a big deal here might I add) as well
as A. came to watch his son :) So 5 family confirmations
on Sunday and gosh it was just a magical Sunday. 4 families were
re-united/united in church due to the Lord's magnificent hand and his
abundance of miracles...it truly was amazing :)
And no...I don't teach many young men at all anymore. My teaching pool
is mostly 30-60 year old men with wives and children. That is mostly
our focus. Get the man, you get the family, so we are doing our best
here :) teach some mothers...but unfortunately the man has control, so
we mostly go for the man of the house now!
and about the little girl...yeah, it really was heartbreaking but she
is doing better! we saw her the other day and her leg really is
reducing in swelling...so we will keep praying for her :)
Quote of the week "Breastfeeding while riding on bike? Most impressive..."
by the way, Elder Donaldson, a missionary friend
from here just returned and is now Rebecca's home teacher!? weird huh?
I love this work and I want to do my very best and finish strong, no
rush,
hahaha oh mother, you are hilarious! starting trouble in church, good
thing father isn't there to stare you down :) how is it finally
sitting with him again?! sure has been a while huh?
and Elder Rogers and I scared a boy SOOOO bad this week...he was just
standing there and we both just walked up to him like 1 foot away and
stared down at him emotionless, not a smile, not a frown, and for like
5 seconds, and then he just went crazy screaming bloody murder and
starting clinging to my leg, and jumping around literally in circles,
I was afraid he might throw himself from the cliff we were on hahaha!
oh it was good :)
girls chasing me...nah, not here, though there are a couple who still
propose to me on occasion...that's always awkward.
Well...We got to play some football today and it was pretty awesome!
no lie, I was just feeling so naturally on the ball, and I just ran
around with no sub for pretty much 2 hours straight, and now I'm
exhausted but gosh did it feel good :) Got a little bloody of course,
but can I play football without? then, we went into town and got us
some big ole hamburgers...then the Lebanese man I was sitting with got
up and left...half his roasted chicken...so naturally I just finished
it for him, and even the other elders had to laugh at that...they were
like uh, is that yours? I was like um no but it was just sitting there
and we can't waste it...is that legal in america? because I might do
it when I get home :) maybe I'm just cheap...
But we had a great and inspiring zone conference this week that just
got us even more pumped up to go out and do the work and we just had a
great time! we just went the extra mile everyday with planning and
studies and ending our proselyting and the Lord truly blessed us with
an abundance of miracles. So many new investigators and the church was
filled up with investigators who we had only contacted on the street
haha so it was so neat to see the Lord bless us, but who knows where I
could be heading next week...Will I stay and finish Elder Rogers
training? Or will I go?! DUH DUH DUH! Whatever happens...no problem :)
Love,
Elder Jesse Sumrak
Mom here: Here are some other tidbits that Elder Sumrak shared with me:
Mom:
One part of your letter last week struck me.
That part is when you walked by the one man whom you had walked by for
months and this time you stopped to teach him and he said "my time has
come.:" gosh, that gets me every time. We take so much for granted and
that simple phrase is so powerful - my time has come. I love your
mission - it is so inspiring to me!
Jesse:
awww mother :) and what's even more inspiring and I know that the Lord
is watching us, and share this with father as well. But, on Saturday
that same man told us at the end of the lesson..."Elders, I had
already made a decision that day, that if you didn't come and talk to
me, I was going to ask you to come and talk to me...." how amazing is
that mother?! that very same day!? and he brought his wife and 2 kids
to church on Sunday. oh mother we are so blessed here and the Lord's
work is moving forward. Honestly, there are powers at work now during
this harvest that are unprecedented...its not me...its not Elder
Rogers...It is truly the Holy Ghost, and at times when taking the
sacrament, I swear the veil is so thin I might just ascend haha....I
am so blessed. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ...I love life
:)
Jesse:
Oh momma, yes its coming to dry season so I sweat everyday...a lot.
and I'm doing great! played some awesome football today so I'm nice and
happy :) and wow, my shoes are holding up okay, I got a man to sew
them back together for me, so they will hold up :)
Who knows where I will be, I would like to still be here with my boys, but
we will see what happens...I only have 5 transfers left...and to put
it in perspective, I had been here for 4 transfers in Belliar
Park...isn't that crazy mother! I'm in the oldest 10 missionaries in
SIERRA LEONE! WHAT?! I truly am
blessed...Can't wait until after Thanksgiving...CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!:)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The Mountain
So, another great week here in Sierra Leone, with lots of excitement,
miracles, disappointments, and exhaustion! But, it sure is sweet!
First, On Thursday I volunteered our services with our 1st counselor
in the bishopric because he said he would be transferring his house,
so we offered to help out. Well, we showed up after our weekly
planning around 1 PM…and
well, I want you to fathom this, but I’m not sure I could put it in
the right words for anyone to fully explain the brutal experience that
we had. We arrived and helped to clear off some furniture and dust and
what not, which created a surprisingly great dust cloud…then we got to
work hauling up our chosen instrument of torture to the destination. I
imagined it might be far, maybe across the river or up the hill or
something…but, what would come next I never would imagine. We hiked
STRAIGHT up the mountain, I want you to imagine a staircase, and then
take away the stairs, and add rocks and dirt, then imagine me with a
couch on top of my head, then imagine a 35 minute walk with it on my
head, then imagine we drenched to the bone in sweat! My gosh, it was
horrible, and when we arrived all we could do was stare down the path
and the bush and rivers we crossed and just laugh and laugh…and then
cry, we said we would be going to go get the next load. Which was
a giant couch, that Elder Roger's and I both put on our heads and
fought our way up the mountain again and then down…all in all 2 trips,
and 2 and half hours of work haha we were filthy! Everyone was like,
ah why is the white man so dirty? Whatti happen white man? I really wanted to
yell at them but, I'm much more humble and charitable than
that of course :) They rewarded our efforts with a big bowl of cassava
leaf which we were both too dehydrated and water depleted to even taste
or enjoy, but it’s the thought that counts right?
The baptism this Saturday was amazingly awesome and depressing. Of
course, A. and his sweet wife were there on
time for their baptism, my first family, and…well, their son had a
test that morning and was supposed to meet them there, but he showed
up about 2 hours later…but, no problem, even though it really bummed
me out to baptize them without their son, they requested he just do it
next week. Well, A. is not a small man, and when I went to
baptize him he did some weird like fetal position thing and threw us
both back into the water almost hitting our heads against the wall
hahahaha well now its not entirely funny yet, but probably
in a couple of weeks I will laugh my head off
hahaha :) oh mission, why can’t you be simple? But, no problem, in the
end, they both were baptized and both were confirmed on Sunday and
both even got up and bore their testimonies during testimony meeting,
so it was beautiful and awesome and we have a big ole family this
weekend as well, momma and children and the small boy will join them
as well. Exciting work going on here, we are trying our best :)
I was a cooking champ this week and cooked for my whole apartment
on various nights. Last Tuesday I made French toast for everyone,
which was really good, although I used up the rest of my syrup so we
just dipped it in sugar and it was yummy! Then, on Wednesday I made an
ebba and tomatoe stew which was pretty delicious. Then on Friday night
I made spaghetti for everyone, and then last night I made my pumpkin
flavored pancakes, and making pancakes for 4 people takes a long
time…so kushay to all the mothers out there who cook for their
children, because I sure have felt like a mother this week cooking for
these kids. Also, feel like a mother when they pile the
dishes in the kitchen and make a mess and just dump trash everywhere
and then track their grimy lil feet around the apartment and then…for
some reason I clean it all. Not sure why, or why I even feel so
inclined, but whatever I do it because I love them or something like
that. I sure do appreciate you though my sweet mother and I feel like
a lil tish for making your life so hectic throughout my development,
thank goodness it only took me 21 years to finally get some sense,
just know I'll be a lot better when I get home :)
Today was SUPER P DAY! So, we all got up and got transport over to
Lumley beach to have our awesome zone p day, and our zone is massive!
We have like 5 districts with 32 members so it is by far the biggest
zone by like 2x in the mission haha, but we played football, took
pictures, volleyball, rugby, had lunch, and just relaxed and had a
good time. Its weird because my MTC is going home in 2 weeks, Sister
Atigobe, wow, makes me feel old and gives me a certain sense of
urgency, so its game time! Les do dis! But, it was fun, especially
since I have 3 of my *children there, Elder Dancan, Elder Labrum,
Elder Rogers, and my grandchild Elder Eshun and my other adopted
grandchild Elder Koopmans :) so that was a lot of fun and the football
was a good time, until my shoes tore…but, no problem, I'll get those
fixed by some guy on the street or something. I can sew shirts and
what not now, just need to learn to sew shoes…how hard could it be??
At our district meeting on Tuesday we set a district goal that each
companionship would contact 50 people this week, and for other missions
that might not be much, I don’t know, but for us it’s a lot haha, but
we went out and did our best and think we got like 30 which was
sweet. We had one guy we contacted who we always greet on this one
road, and he was like Wow, my time has come! I know that you have felt
something that inspired you to talk to me today! Well, when we went to
see him the next day, he confessed that he had desperately been
searching for a church, but his wife told him to be patient, and that
an opportunity would come soon, so we were what he was looking for :)
and he wants him and his children and wife to be baptized, so he came
this Sunday to scout it out and loved it, so we are super excited for
him and our faith in finding has increased considerably. The Lord is
truly preparing his children to receive this message everywhere, and
often times its those people right in front of us who we never thought
would ever be interested. Same thing with S., who Elder
Labrum finished his teaching, contacted him one day after passing him
for 3 months walking past, felt inspired to talk to him, hasn’t missed
church since :) sweet things are going down for sure, and A. is
going to be called as Assistant ward mission leader on Sunday, so
things are looking up up up!
Well, the other night we had interviews with President Ostler and
didn't get out until 7:00 due to the line, and we had an appointment
with the Simbo family at 6…and she was freaking out calling us saying
ah, the food is here, don’t you bounce us, you better come…so with
headlamps prepared, we strapped up and made our way UP the mountain in
the pitch black, just hoping not to die, and arrived to a GIANT dish
of groundnut soup, boku crabs, fish, chicken, beef and the lot, which
was great…then, we sat down with the family and we all made ginger
beer together so I could learn how to make it and It was sweet, she
ended up giving us a gallon to take home, but geeze, the humility and
charity and generosity of these people is so incredible, words can’t
describe, as this family LOVES ginger beer, and everyone chips in to
make it, and then they give us the entire gallon, and end up drinking
like half a cup each…I was like here here take some more and they all
say NO NO! its for you, enjoy enjoy…and ugh I feel so helpless…these
people are just so incredibly sweet…I love them all.
Well…yep, that’s the excitement for the week.
My poem a day continues about football at least, those are pretty good
psalms you know. I heard Manchester United beat Arsenal
yesterday…well, actually from all the yelling it would have been hard
NOT to hear that they won, but kushey kushey to them, keep it up boys
in red!
So, to answer some of your questions momma, my health is great...ish
:) and I did have a uh hard week but sweet of course! and the shell on that crab
was sofi kinda but definitely still had a crunch to it haha :) I
kinda want to go home and just go catch crabs and boil them up quick
and eat em :) I guess I got to cut out some stuff or something? I
don't know haha seemed simple enough, but I'm so naive.
Oh...and the children!
Yes, they attack, they attack with their dirty little hands haha but
they are just precious and we love them and usually are just doing
spin moves on the street dodging em and running away from them ahhaha,
my favorite is go in for the high five, dodge it and give em a slap on
the back of the head :) gets them laughing at least haha. and avoids
me catching cholera ;)
They have the attack pose is where they just start sprinting at you
and drive head first right into the place you shouldn't haha, It's not
a coincidence anymore! but, we work the same way, if we ever approach
or start to run at them they SCREAM and RUN and their parents will
yell and pull them towards us while they scream bloody murder. "COM na
ere, de white man go carry you go! He go carry you go!"
and sometimes the primary does a program, but it depends on the ward.
haven't seen anything here :/ but i did in Mt Aureol and Messima and
it was about as organized and crazy and cute as back home :) still
didn't know the songs, got the stubborn kids up there because their
parents tell em to, then you got the beautiful children like Quinn
just singing their heart out :)
I love you all so much:) Have a blessed
week!!!!!!!!!!!!
love,
Jesse
Elder Sumrak
miracles, disappointments, and exhaustion! But, it sure is sweet!
First, On Thursday I volunteered our services with our 1st counselor
in the bishopric because he said he would be transferring his house,
so we offered to help out. Well, we showed up after our weekly
planning around 1 PM…and
well, I want you to fathom this, but I’m not sure I could put it in
the right words for anyone to fully explain the brutal experience that
we had. We arrived and helped to clear off some furniture and dust and
what not, which created a surprisingly great dust cloud…then we got to
work hauling up our chosen instrument of torture to the destination. I
imagined it might be far, maybe across the river or up the hill or
something…but, what would come next I never would imagine. We hiked
STRAIGHT up the mountain, I want you to imagine a staircase, and then
take away the stairs, and add rocks and dirt, then imagine me with a
couch on top of my head, then imagine a 35 minute walk with it on my
head, then imagine we drenched to the bone in sweat! My gosh, it was
horrible, and when we arrived all we could do was stare down the path
and the bush and rivers we crossed and just laugh and laugh…and then
cry, we said we would be going to go get the next load. Which was
a giant couch, that Elder Roger's and I both put on our heads and
fought our way up the mountain again and then down…all in all 2 trips,
and 2 and half hours of work haha we were filthy! Everyone was like,
ah why is the white man so dirty? Whatti happen white man? I really wanted to
yell at them but, I'm much more humble and charitable than
that of course :) They rewarded our efforts with a big bowl of cassava
leaf which we were both too dehydrated and water depleted to even taste
or enjoy, but it’s the thought that counts right?
The baptism this Saturday was amazingly awesome and depressing. Of
course, A. and his sweet wife were there on
time for their baptism, my first family, and…well, their son had a
test that morning and was supposed to meet them there, but he showed
up about 2 hours later…but, no problem, even though it really bummed
me out to baptize them without their son, they requested he just do it
next week. Well, A. is not a small man, and when I went to
baptize him he did some weird like fetal position thing and threw us
both back into the water almost hitting our heads against the wall
hahahaha well now its not entirely funny yet, but probably
in a couple of weeks I will laugh my head off
hahaha :) oh mission, why can’t you be simple? But, no problem, in the
end, they both were baptized and both were confirmed on Sunday and
both even got up and bore their testimonies during testimony meeting,
so it was beautiful and awesome and we have a big ole family this
weekend as well, momma and children and the small boy will join them
as well. Exciting work going on here, we are trying our best :)
I was a cooking champ this week and cooked for my whole apartment
on various nights. Last Tuesday I made French toast for everyone,
which was really good, although I used up the rest of my syrup so we
just dipped it in sugar and it was yummy! Then, on Wednesday I made an
ebba and tomatoe stew which was pretty delicious. Then on Friday night
I made spaghetti for everyone, and then last night I made my pumpkin
flavored pancakes, and making pancakes for 4 people takes a long
time…so kushay to all the mothers out there who cook for their
children, because I sure have felt like a mother this week cooking for
these kids. Also, feel like a mother when they pile the
dishes in the kitchen and make a mess and just dump trash everywhere
and then track their grimy lil feet around the apartment and then…for
some reason I clean it all. Not sure why, or why I even feel so
inclined, but whatever I do it because I love them or something like
that. I sure do appreciate you though my sweet mother and I feel like
a lil tish for making your life so hectic throughout my development,
thank goodness it only took me 21 years to finally get some sense,
just know I'll be a lot better when I get home :)
Today was SUPER P DAY! So, we all got up and got transport over to
Lumley beach to have our awesome zone p day, and our zone is massive!
We have like 5 districts with 32 members so it is by far the biggest
zone by like 2x in the mission haha, but we played football, took
pictures, volleyball, rugby, had lunch, and just relaxed and had a
good time. Its weird because my MTC is going home in 2 weeks, Sister
Atigobe, wow, makes me feel old and gives me a certain sense of
urgency, so its game time! Les do dis! But, it was fun, especially
since I have 3 of my *children there, Elder Dancan, Elder Labrum,
Elder Rogers, and my grandchild Elder Eshun and my other adopted
grandchild Elder Koopmans :) so that was a lot of fun and the football
was a good time, until my shoes tore…but, no problem, I'll get those
fixed by some guy on the street or something. I can sew shirts and
what not now, just need to learn to sew shoes…how hard could it be??
At our district meeting on Tuesday we set a district goal that each
companionship would contact 50 people this week, and for other missions
that might not be much, I don’t know, but for us it’s a lot haha, but
we went out and did our best and think we got like 30 which was
sweet. We had one guy we contacted who we always greet on this one
road, and he was like Wow, my time has come! I know that you have felt
something that inspired you to talk to me today! Well, when we went to
see him the next day, he confessed that he had desperately been
searching for a church, but his wife told him to be patient, and that
an opportunity would come soon, so we were what he was looking for :)
and he wants him and his children and wife to be baptized, so he came
this Sunday to scout it out and loved it, so we are super excited for
him and our faith in finding has increased considerably. The Lord is
truly preparing his children to receive this message everywhere, and
often times its those people right in front of us who we never thought
would ever be interested. Same thing with S., who Elder
Labrum finished his teaching, contacted him one day after passing him
for 3 months walking past, felt inspired to talk to him, hasn’t missed
church since :) sweet things are going down for sure, and A. is
going to be called as Assistant ward mission leader on Sunday, so
things are looking up up up!
Well, the other night we had interviews with President Ostler and
didn't get out until 7:00 due to the line, and we had an appointment
with the Simbo family at 6…and she was freaking out calling us saying
ah, the food is here, don’t you bounce us, you better come…so with
headlamps prepared, we strapped up and made our way UP the mountain in
the pitch black, just hoping not to die, and arrived to a GIANT dish
of groundnut soup, boku crabs, fish, chicken, beef and the lot, which
was great…then, we sat down with the family and we all made ginger
beer together so I could learn how to make it and It was sweet, she
ended up giving us a gallon to take home, but geeze, the humility and
charity and generosity of these people is so incredible, words can’t
describe, as this family LOVES ginger beer, and everyone chips in to
make it, and then they give us the entire gallon, and end up drinking
like half a cup each…I was like here here take some more and they all
say NO NO! its for you, enjoy enjoy…and ugh I feel so helpless…these
people are just so incredibly sweet…I love them all.
Well…yep, that’s the excitement for the week.
My poem a day continues about football at least, those are pretty good
psalms you know. I heard Manchester United beat Arsenal
yesterday…well, actually from all the yelling it would have been hard
NOT to hear that they won, but kushey kushey to them, keep it up boys
in red!
So, to answer some of your questions momma, my health is great...ish
:) and I did have a uh hard week but sweet of course! and the shell on that crab
was sofi kinda but definitely still had a crunch to it haha :) I
kinda want to go home and just go catch crabs and boil them up quick
and eat em :) I guess I got to cut out some stuff or something? I
don't know haha seemed simple enough, but I'm so naive.
Oh...and the children!
Yes, they attack, they attack with their dirty little hands haha but
they are just precious and we love them and usually are just doing
spin moves on the street dodging em and running away from them ahhaha,
my favorite is go in for the high five, dodge it and give em a slap on
the back of the head :) gets them laughing at least haha. and avoids
me catching cholera ;)
They have the attack pose is where they just start sprinting at you
and drive head first right into the place you shouldn't haha, It's not
a coincidence anymore! but, we work the same way, if we ever approach
or start to run at them they SCREAM and RUN and their parents will
yell and pull them towards us while they scream bloody murder. "COM na
ere, de white man go carry you go! He go carry you go!"
and sometimes the primary does a program, but it depends on the ward.
haven't seen anything here :/ but i did in Mt Aureol and Messima and
it was about as organized and crazy and cute as back home :) still
didn't know the songs, got the stubborn kids up there because their
parents tell em to, then you got the beautiful children like Quinn
just singing their heart out :)
I love you all so much:) Have a blessed
week!!!!!!!!!!!!
love,
Jesse
Elder Sumrak
Monday, November 4, 2013
Fasting is a Blessing
My eyes are doing great and perfect and I'm so grateful for
the fasting and prayers because I know that they truly worked, thank
you so much, for my eyes are almost even better then they were before
haha, so God is truly watching out over me, and thank you for
assisting :) I am truly
doing well and happy and I know its not a coincidence. Maybe I will
continue to fast every Sunday if I can keep this happiness level haha,
because life is truly great right now, and I am loving the mission,
area, companion, district, everything!
And ENDERS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT? I forgot about it! I'm so jealous!
Wow, so much craziness going on back home, and so sad that I won't see
Clayton and Tori and Rachel for such a longtime, but I'm so proud of
all them! and Katie and Drew coming back from their missions is so insane,
it never really feels like its going to end for me haha but I guess that's a
good thing ...I hope :)
Well....some of the craziness this week! well, Tuesday we went to
F. house for a giant meal, which was FUFU with bitterleaf with the
hottest pepay inside to this day on mission haha, Elder Rogers and I
were in tears as we ate laughing and crying and rubbing our faces with
the condensation on the Vimto bottles haha, they spoiled us so much!
both had a vimto, opened the plasauce pot to find bitter leaf, with
cowskin, crab, chicken feet, and fish! What, are we the king of Sa
lone or something?! it was so good, We ate the whole chicken foot,
bones and all, and I ATTACKED the crab. It was the first crab of my
life, and I didn't know how to eat it...so I just ate all haha
I do not like fufu though haha its like eating Playdough
or something. but Thursday she made us the same thing except with
toulah and rice, and it was sooooo good, we are so spoiled in that
house oh what a sweet sweet family :)
Okay...so, the hardship of the week, we came to the chapel Friday
evening to meet with bishop and I glimpsed someone white and next
thing you know "What the white chick is going on here?!" which had
Elder Rogers and I in tears, but there was this pale British 21 year
old girl smoking a cigarette outside the chapel, so I tried my best
to give her a chance at the gospel..."I don't believe in God"...she
said. um....excuse me? Sorry I haven't heard that statement except
from Korihor for the past 16 months. could you repeat that? I didn't
know what to do...I had never taught an atheist, so I uh, invited her
to church and then went and sat in bishops office to wait...well, she
came inside to sit down and talk to us and I was like ah, leave I
don't know what to say to you!!!! but, as a representative of Jesus
Christ,I did my best, and bore my testimony of conversion, asked her
about her beliefs, and then the comedy of our weekend which the
missionaries are still laughing about haha, only because they love
me...
Me: This is the Book of Mormon, the Book that changed my life. (taking
out the book)
Flair (the british chick): oh, I have plenty of books I came with like 20
Me: (never being rejected before in my life by the way) uh, how about 21? :)
Flair: No thats okay, really.
Me:...It's free....
Flair: (ultimate shut down) if you gave it to me I honestly would
never read it...
ooooooooooo....is this what it feels like to really be rejected,
because its a first time for me. Other missionaries, you may laugh,
but this is new to me :( but we had a great laugh about it later and I
know she will be baptized one day :)
But, I truly know that this gospel is true and will bless all the
lives of those who accept it. Jesus Christ really is our savior! It's
not a story. When you close your eyes and talk to that person you
can't see, there is a man named Heavenly Father, God of the universe,
who is actually listening. Sounds crazy, huh? you bet it does! Hard to
believe? Sure! Do I belive it? I would die for it. isn't that crazy?
I would die for someone I've never met (with my temporal knowledge)
never seen, or talked to face to face. yet i'd give my life in a
heartbeat, and already have in fact, and will continue to do so. I am
a representative of Jesus Christ. I love God, his son, and the holy
spirit, and I know they all love me. Just a small testimony that
occured to me during my atheist experience afterthoughts.
So, we have had quite the experience with trying to get beds in our
apartment...showed up 3 weeks ago, 4 beds, 6 elders. eventually got it
okay, got 1 bunk bed, 4 beds, everyone taken care of, but our room was
too small to study and have beds, so I requested bunks. 3 weeks
later...they arrive, we set them up, they had forgotten the base supports
for the bottom mattress. we sleep in the parlor on mattresses. 4 days
later, they bring the parts , wrong parts, still sleeping on mattress
on the floor in the parlor, with nice lil nets over em haha, and last
night a random torrential storm came, blew up the windows, and I was
so lazy in bed just threw the sheet over my head while I was getting
soaked haha after about 15 minutes and quite wet I finally got up to
close them hahaha oh life in sa lone is fun :)
Did a TON of contacting this week which is fun. I love contacting with
a Book of Mormon in my hands because I love talking to everyone about
it!
S., my branch mission leader and best friend in Bo, came and
visited this weekend and came to church on Sunday. The poor guy is
having the hardest time going on mission and was coming to finalize
his passport but with all his family dead and nobody to help him, its
very hard, I did my best to help him and he just texted me that he
arrived safely in Bo...Please keep him in your prayers, he is trying
so hard to serve the Lord :)
So, Elder Rogers, my awesome companion, we have had such a great week
this week. We have had some hard days and bouncy days and trying
experiences, and already 2 fast days together, and man we are having a
great time though. Whenever we get down, we start teaching or
contacting using movie lines or song lines, it really lightens the
mood and keeps us going in the heat and what not. "I got a feeling,
that you have never read this book before." "Why so serious?" "Want to
see a magic trick." "Look at me now." oh, we have a great time with
many more :) I love my companion, he is a great friend :)
Well, I leave una wit me testimony dat I no se God dey en he lov we
boku boku!!! Take care my friends and family and my beloved future
missionaries and now current missionaries. Rachel I'm so proud of you,
kushey kushey :) love you all!
Love,
Elder Jesse Sumrak
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Eyes
Well, first off HAPPY BIRTHDAY FATHER! you were a scary man in my
youth and how fitting that your bday is on Halloween and I"m sorry I
don't have such a great gift to give you this year, like that giant
remote I got you that one time, but I just want you to know I love you
and miss you lots and hope and pray that you are doing well. you are
the best father in the world, thank you for your example, and I hope
if I follow after you I can become as great as a man as you are :)
Hahaha well...remind me when I get home about that snake story and I'll
let you know more. But why did nobody tell me that Tori got her mission
call?! the only person who told me was grandma and grandpa and I don't
know if everyone assumes I just know?! haha its okay :) but, I do end
up giving a lot of priesthood blessings, mostly to members, some to
investigators, and a few to missionaries. Gave about 5 this week I
think, and received one for my own self and my condition the other day,
but they are just so peaceful and make me feel so happy :) I need them
more often haha.
And Elder Rogers is doing great! he is a great new missionary and we
are having so much fun together. Our personalities and attitudes are
so alike and we have a great attitude towards the difficulty of our
ward and area at the moment, but we are doing our best and getting it
done. He definitely has me laughing most of the day and our sense of
humor keeps us optimistic and going on this difficult course. I love
training, it makes me a better person and makes me try harder to be
more obedient and a better example and I hope I am helping in that
aspect in his life as well.
Well...the excitement for my week...as we sat in the internet cafe last
Monday, I was waiting for Elder Rogers to finish up and my eyes started
to hurt a bit, but I continued to type and just figured that I had got
pepay or something in them, well we joked and laughed about it, but
then it wasn't too funny when I couldn't open them anymore, then it
kinda wasn't cool. but, it was sporadic, and the light would cause
them to close and then open after like 20 seconds, but I still tried
to teach our appointment that evening and literally ended up teaching
with my eyes closed...which actually was kinda funny, then made our
way home and it cleared up a little the next day, but I couldn't wear
my contacts all week. It was off and on having little attacks during
the week, and then Friday night was terrible as, the lights in the
apartment were giving me a headache, and soon I couldn't stand ANY
light at all, and sat in my room in complete darkness, even turning a
flashlight on hurt my eyes, so I called for help and got to see Sister
Ostler the next morning and Saturday was probably THE HARDEST day out
teaching of my mission haha, I couldn't wear my contacts and was
advised to wear my sunglasses, so that meant that I was going blind
haha, so...walking through our area
Person: Elder Sumrak Elder Sumrak!
Me::"Elder Rogers, who is it, who is it?"
Elder Rogers: I don't know I don't know.
Me: Elo, Ow di Bodi!, man who am I talking to?"
So, we had a great time of pretty much that the ENTIRE day but, by the
end of the day I returned home, and my eyes are doing a lot better
now, I got a blessing and everything and I KNOW that I am going to be
okay :)
Tuesday night we were heading home and the white man return
missionary, R., caught us on the road and invited us up to come
see him and P. and his wife and enjoy some coconut, so we did, and
it turned into us staying for an hour and half talking about religion,
politics, wars, and prophesies and everything! P. the white british
jehovah witness) is a great guy with a hard past but a great knowledge
and testimony of the Bible, I pray that he will one day recognize the
truth and have the faith and courage to pursue it. Well, we did enjoy
coconut and some sweet coconut/mango drinks, and had a good time
before getting home.
We had a humbling experience visiting the F. family earlier
this week, when some pretty random rain soaked the roads and got our
pants and shoes completely muddy, caked in clay and tish, but when we
showed up at her house, she instantly was on her hands and knees
scrubbing our pants and shoes with her hands and it was just the
sweetest most charitable thing. She started cleaning and quickly her
daughter came outside with a rag and cleaned off our pants and
wow...we were just standing there in awe and gratitude for these
amazing daughters of God and their unmeasurable charity and love. All
I could think about was Jesus Christ washing his disciples feet...and
even Ruth out in the fields...and just how humble these great examples
were. I hope that I can be as great an example of faith and charity as
these wonderful people I have been called to serve...and see THEM
serving ME...I truly do love them.
We had a very faith growing strange experience this week while
contacting, when one man earnestly asked us to bless his lame son, who
clearly has some mental problems, but the man had faith that we could
heal him. So, Elder Rogers and I told him to pray that night and to
talk to his wife, and even come to church on Sunday, and after church
we would come and give him a blessing with the whole family
there...well, Elder rogers and I studied all week, and on Sunday we
fasted, but he called and told us he was not able to make it...but, we
continued our fast anyways. I would love to tell you a miracle
happened, but instead a miracle happened within Elder Rogers and I ,
and despite what would appear as a wasted fast and time spent in vain,
we took to be a faith building experience that we do not believe is
over yet :) so, its sweet that what would seem a failure, has been
quite the success for us, not sure how to explain it, but you can just
assume we're crazy.
Got to take out all the youngsters today to
get a giant egg burger which they all enjoyed.
Also made us amazing pancakes last night with strawberry, peanut
butter, banana, oatmeal deliciousness and got the whole apartment
converted to eating oatmeal in the morning. Though, the others tend to
eat fried egg, ketchup sandwiches for dinner every night. Its such a
young apartment haha 1 12 week, 1 6 week, 2 2 weeks, and Elder Bog at
12 months and me at 16 haha we are a youngling for sure, but we are
having a lot of fun! also made some cookies today, typical Jesse style
with bananas instead of butter, and they turned out okay, while we
rocked out to some Hercules...oh we have a good time, I try to be a
good example to all of these guys and do everything perfect, but I'm
not perfect, and I make mistakes, but I'm so glad that the Lord is
helping me with this hard task. I know he will make up for my
imperfections :)
well...yes, that is my week. I love you all very much! A happy happy
birthday to you my dear father and I love you as well my dear mother,
hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead of them! take care!
Love,
Jesse
Elder Sumrak
youth and how fitting that your bday is on Halloween and I"m sorry I
don't have such a great gift to give you this year, like that giant
remote I got you that one time, but I just want you to know I love you
and miss you lots and hope and pray that you are doing well. you are
the best father in the world, thank you for your example, and I hope
if I follow after you I can become as great as a man as you are :)
Hahaha well...remind me when I get home about that snake story and I'll
let you know more. But why did nobody tell me that Tori got her mission
call?! the only person who told me was grandma and grandpa and I don't
know if everyone assumes I just know?! haha its okay :) but, I do end
up giving a lot of priesthood blessings, mostly to members, some to
investigators, and a few to missionaries. Gave about 5 this week I
think, and received one for my own self and my condition the other day,
but they are just so peaceful and make me feel so happy :) I need them
more often haha.
And Elder Rogers is doing great! he is a great new missionary and we
are having so much fun together. Our personalities and attitudes are
so alike and we have a great attitude towards the difficulty of our
ward and area at the moment, but we are doing our best and getting it
done. He definitely has me laughing most of the day and our sense of
humor keeps us optimistic and going on this difficult course. I love
training, it makes me a better person and makes me try harder to be
more obedient and a better example and I hope I am helping in that
aspect in his life as well.
Well...the excitement for my week...as we sat in the internet cafe last
Monday, I was waiting for Elder Rogers to finish up and my eyes started
to hurt a bit, but I continued to type and just figured that I had got
pepay or something in them, well we joked and laughed about it, but
then it wasn't too funny when I couldn't open them anymore, then it
kinda wasn't cool. but, it was sporadic, and the light would cause
them to close and then open after like 20 seconds, but I still tried
to teach our appointment that evening and literally ended up teaching
with my eyes closed...which actually was kinda funny, then made our
way home and it cleared up a little the next day, but I couldn't wear
my contacts all week. It was off and on having little attacks during
the week, and then Friday night was terrible as, the lights in the
apartment were giving me a headache, and soon I couldn't stand ANY
light at all, and sat in my room in complete darkness, even turning a
flashlight on hurt my eyes, so I called for help and got to see Sister
Ostler the next morning and Saturday was probably THE HARDEST day out
teaching of my mission haha, I couldn't wear my contacts and was
advised to wear my sunglasses, so that meant that I was going blind
haha, so...walking through our area
Person: Elder Sumrak Elder Sumrak!
Me::"Elder Rogers, who is it, who is it?"
Elder Rogers: I don't know I don't know.
Me: Elo, Ow di Bodi!, man who am I talking to?"
So, we had a great time of pretty much that the ENTIRE day but, by the
end of the day I returned home, and my eyes are doing a lot better
now, I got a blessing and everything and I KNOW that I am going to be
okay :)
Tuesday night we were heading home and the white man return
missionary, R., caught us on the road and invited us up to come
see him and P. and his wife and enjoy some coconut, so we did, and
it turned into us staying for an hour and half talking about religion,
politics, wars, and prophesies and everything! P. the white british
jehovah witness) is a great guy with a hard past but a great knowledge
and testimony of the Bible, I pray that he will one day recognize the
truth and have the faith and courage to pursue it. Well, we did enjoy
coconut and some sweet coconut/mango drinks, and had a good time
before getting home.
We had a humbling experience visiting the F. family earlier
this week, when some pretty random rain soaked the roads and got our
pants and shoes completely muddy, caked in clay and tish, but when we
showed up at her house, she instantly was on her hands and knees
scrubbing our pants and shoes with her hands and it was just the
sweetest most charitable thing. She started cleaning and quickly her
daughter came outside with a rag and cleaned off our pants and
wow...we were just standing there in awe and gratitude for these
amazing daughters of God and their unmeasurable charity and love. All
I could think about was Jesus Christ washing his disciples feet...and
even Ruth out in the fields...and just how humble these great examples
were. I hope that I can be as great an example of faith and charity as
these wonderful people I have been called to serve...and see THEM
serving ME...I truly do love them.
We had a very faith growing strange experience this week while
contacting, when one man earnestly asked us to bless his lame son, who
clearly has some mental problems, but the man had faith that we could
heal him. So, Elder Rogers and I told him to pray that night and to
talk to his wife, and even come to church on Sunday, and after church
we would come and give him a blessing with the whole family
there...well, Elder rogers and I studied all week, and on Sunday we
fasted, but he called and told us he was not able to make it...but, we
continued our fast anyways. I would love to tell you a miracle
happened, but instead a miracle happened within Elder Rogers and I ,
and despite what would appear as a wasted fast and time spent in vain,
we took to be a faith building experience that we do not believe is
over yet :) so, its sweet that what would seem a failure, has been
quite the success for us, not sure how to explain it, but you can just
assume we're crazy.
Got to take out all the youngsters today to
get a giant egg burger which they all enjoyed.
Also made us amazing pancakes last night with strawberry, peanut
butter, banana, oatmeal deliciousness and got the whole apartment
converted to eating oatmeal in the morning. Though, the others tend to
eat fried egg, ketchup sandwiches for dinner every night. Its such a
young apartment haha 1 12 week, 1 6 week, 2 2 weeks, and Elder Bog at
12 months and me at 16 haha we are a youngling for sure, but we are
having a lot of fun! also made some cookies today, typical Jesse style
with bananas instead of butter, and they turned out okay, while we
rocked out to some Hercules...oh we have a good time, I try to be a
good example to all of these guys and do everything perfect, but I'm
not perfect, and I make mistakes, but I'm so glad that the Lord is
helping me with this hard task. I know he will make up for my
imperfections :)
well...yes, that is my week. I love you all very much! A happy happy
birthday to you my dear father and I love you as well my dear mother,
hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead of them! take care!
Love,
Jesse
Elder Sumrak
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