Email from Josh. Excuse the spelling errors, he was rushing.
"Thanks for evrything!!!! Your the best friend ever!!!!! :) I wanted to share with something that I learnedd this morning after prayers!!! I was thinking about things and then i remembered the other side of heaven the movie and his wife did wait for him but she was his friend and not his girlfriend and he also waited for her!!! :) I promise that as we put the lord first he will make our pathways straight and will bless us!!!! "
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Happy 3 Months!!!
Yesterday I officially hit my 3 month mark in waiting for Josh!! I've heard that the first three months are the hardest and the worst (and it's true!) so I'm definitely grateful and relieved it's over! I'm now 1/8th done with waiting! I'm so so thankful for everyone that helped me reach this point - especially Heavenly Father, Jaso, Phill, Josh's parents, and my Mom. Those are the people that have helped me most significantly and I have no idea how I'd have survived without them. I know I still have a long way to go, but I feel like celebrating because I've done so well so far! I know I'm not perfect, but I'd consider these past three months successful and I only have 21 more to go. Yay me :) This will be over before I know it. :)
Oh and tambien, I officially decided that I'm going to try and learn Spanish over these next two years. Of course Josh was my inspiration (lol) but everyone keeps telling me to learn something new to make the time go by faster, and I have Spanish speaking friends here at BYU who can tutor me. So far it's been fun!
And due to popular demand, I'll tell you all what that last post means (in general terms):
"If we both keep putting the Lord FIRST, it'll prepare us for what WILL come after my mission (marriage)." :D :D :D
Oh and tambien, I officially decided that I'm going to try and learn Spanish over these next two years. Of course Josh was my inspiration (lol) but everyone keeps telling me to learn something new to make the time go by faster, and I have Spanish speaking friends here at BYU who can tutor me. So far it's been fun!
And due to popular demand, I'll tell you all what that last post means (in general terms):
"If we both keep putting the Lord FIRST, it'll prepare us for what WILL come after my mission (marriage)." :D :D :D
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
:) More email love today!
"yo se que si nosotros enfocamos en el senor solomente, despues mi mision nosotros vamos a listos para qual es despues!!! :) "
He told me that he'll tell me what it means one day, but I cheated and got my little Chilean friend to translate for me. Isn't he the absolute best??? :) :)
He told me that he'll tell me what it means one day, but I cheated and got my little Chilean friend to translate for me. Isn't he the absolute best??? :) :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
I <3 Getting Emails!!! :)
Oh my gosh! I'm so happy! Got more emails from Josh today. Aaaaand he thanked me for the stuff I sent him for Valentine's Day...aaannnd he said he's been THINKING A LOT about me... annnddd yay :) :)
He's the best thing to ever happen to me. Ever.
Te amo mi novio <3
He's the best thing to ever happen to me. Ever.
Te amo mi novio <3
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
I know everyone expects me to be depressed today that Josh is gone, but what made me wake up happy was I had a text from my mom, "Happy Valentine's Day". I realized that Valentine's day isn't ONLY for couples who are in love and all that romantic stuff. It's also a good today to remind you of everyone in your life that you've been blessed with and that you love. I love my mom, and I know she loves me. I thought it was so cute to get that text, it shows she's thinking of me and knows I must be missing Josh. Of course I miss him, but it's not like I'm going to lay in bed with a box of chocolates I bought myself as I stare at his pictures. Nah. I'm going to spend the day with people I care about. So, Happy Valentine's day everyone!
And yes, Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Josh. ily :)
And yes, Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Josh. ily :)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sledding.
Sean (Chung - NOT my ex boyfriend) and Larrin took us sledding at Rock Canyon Park today. It was so much fun, and that was my first time ever going sledding :) Although....I wish Josh could've been there...it would've made it a thousand times better. *Sigh* I miss him. I can't wait to play in the snow with him. It's just little moments like that I'm waiting for..it'll make these next two years allll worth it.
For pictures either go to my facebook or to my Xanga Blog. There's also a couple of videos - HILARIOUS!
For pictures either go to my facebook or to my Xanga Blog. There's also a couple of videos - HILARIOUS!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Talk on Missionaries & Girlfriends
Missionaries and Girlfriends
Taken from a fireside by Vaughn Featherstone
Question: Is it good for a fellow to leave a girl behind?
Answer: Is it good for the sun to shine?
Have you ever heard of mission calls telling all missionaries to get rid of all girlfriends? Do you think that you could be a better missionary if she were there to help you? I think you could. Most of my best missionaries during the three years that I served left a girl behind. You notice that I said "girl" and not "girls." There isn't time for more than one.
Of course the first duty is to the Lord's work, which you have been called to do; second is to your family, and third is to the girlfriend. This you should always remember.
I always interviewed all missionaries as they entered the field and one of the questions I asked was, "Do you have a girlfriend at home?" If the answer was yes, I would say, "Can I have her name and address, and would it be all right if I wrote her a letter?" Of course this would scare the poor fellow to death--then I would bring the color back to his face by telling him I only wanted to write her a letter and tell her how lucky she was to have the opportunity to share this mission for the next 24 months with one of the Lord's chosen servants. If she is faithful, her testimony would become stronger in the gospel because of it... along with a little more advice that I will touch on later.
Young men, do not ask a returned missionary for advice on this subject. For if he has been "jilted," should we say, he's giving out poor advice. Pray about this together, and if you feel that you can do a better job, then go ahead. There's nothing wrong with it. It is better to have support than to go out there wishing that you had it. This is more frustrating than worrying about a "Dear John," and believe me, there won't be one of those right in the beginning. The Lord always answers prayers to those who honor Him.
Have an understanding with your parents so they can encourage her and make your girl happy by showing they have faith in her and love her. Let her parents know your plans, and in most cases they will stand by her when she gets lonely. If you show them respect, as well as the girl, they will be behind you all the way.
Write her once a week or more. You can almost always write two letters a week on P-Days. There is plenty of time if they're not books. Tell her about your mission and experiences, let her live your mission with you through your letters, and send her a snapshot once in a while. Yes, you could let her make a scrapbook for you. Mom is not going to have time and both of them would love that.
Remember that behind every successful man, there is a good woman. So why shouldn't it be good to leave a girlfriend behind if you feel that she is special? Forget that old story of "24 months is a long time." I have known girls to wait two or three years. Also forget the story that you will change a lot. You will only if you make yourself scarce in letters, etc. You will only change in the fact that you will be more mature and have a greater testimony and mind.
Now girls, make sure that you do things that will help you grow along with the missionary. Study the gospel; stay active in the church, pray often--morning, noon, and night. Watch out for those lonely returned jilted missionaries. You're not in a hurry to get married.
Write happy letters every week. Let him know that you still care. He will be looking for those letters if he is really busy during the week and on P-Days. Yes, you could send him a snapshot of yourself. He would love that. So what if you don't take good pictures--anything will look good to him. You will be busy getting the education you need, perhaps working in and out of the church, maybe learning to sew and all those lovely things, or learning to cook fancy things, but most of all, just learning the basics of life.
If the occasion arises, and you feel as if you want to accept a date now and then, it's okay, but again... Beware of those jilted returned missionaries. They are dynamite. Stay close to your parents.
Oh yes, there isn't any harm in leaving a girlfriend at home, if you're both determined to fulfill the mission together. It will not be the big job you think, but a happy 24 months in both of your lives. When you are both back together again, it won't be long before you are sure of each other because of your pure maturity. I can say these things because it happened to me, and I know of many others who have experienced the same great thing.
Taken from a fireside by Vaughn Featherstone
Question: Is it good for a fellow to leave a girl behind?
Answer: Is it good for the sun to shine?
Have you ever heard of mission calls telling all missionaries to get rid of all girlfriends? Do you think that you could be a better missionary if she were there to help you? I think you could. Most of my best missionaries during the three years that I served left a girl behind. You notice that I said "girl" and not "girls." There isn't time for more than one.
Of course the first duty is to the Lord's work, which you have been called to do; second is to your family, and third is to the girlfriend. This you should always remember.
I always interviewed all missionaries as they entered the field and one of the questions I asked was, "Do you have a girlfriend at home?" If the answer was yes, I would say, "Can I have her name and address, and would it be all right if I wrote her a letter?" Of course this would scare the poor fellow to death--then I would bring the color back to his face by telling him I only wanted to write her a letter and tell her how lucky she was to have the opportunity to share this mission for the next 24 months with one of the Lord's chosen servants. If she is faithful, her testimony would become stronger in the gospel because of it... along with a little more advice that I will touch on later.
Young men, do not ask a returned missionary for advice on this subject. For if he has been "jilted," should we say, he's giving out poor advice. Pray about this together, and if you feel that you can do a better job, then go ahead. There's nothing wrong with it. It is better to have support than to go out there wishing that you had it. This is more frustrating than worrying about a "Dear John," and believe me, there won't be one of those right in the beginning. The Lord always answers prayers to those who honor Him.
Have an understanding with your parents so they can encourage her and make your girl happy by showing they have faith in her and love her. Let her parents know your plans, and in most cases they will stand by her when she gets lonely. If you show them respect, as well as the girl, they will be behind you all the way.
Write her once a week or more. You can almost always write two letters a week on P-Days. There is plenty of time if they're not books. Tell her about your mission and experiences, let her live your mission with you through your letters, and send her a snapshot once in a while. Yes, you could let her make a scrapbook for you. Mom is not going to have time and both of them would love that.
Remember that behind every successful man, there is a good woman. So why shouldn't it be good to leave a girlfriend behind if you feel that she is special? Forget that old story of "24 months is a long time." I have known girls to wait two or three years. Also forget the story that you will change a lot. You will only if you make yourself scarce in letters, etc. You will only change in the fact that you will be more mature and have a greater testimony and mind.
Now girls, make sure that you do things that will help you grow along with the missionary. Study the gospel; stay active in the church, pray often--morning, noon, and night. Watch out for those lonely returned jilted missionaries. You're not in a hurry to get married.
Write happy letters every week. Let him know that you still care. He will be looking for those letters if he is really busy during the week and on P-Days. Yes, you could send him a snapshot of yourself. He would love that. So what if you don't take good pictures--anything will look good to him. You will be busy getting the education you need, perhaps working in and out of the church, maybe learning to sew and all those lovely things, or learning to cook fancy things, but most of all, just learning the basics of life.
If the occasion arises, and you feel as if you want to accept a date now and then, it's okay, but again... Beware of those jilted returned missionaries. They are dynamite. Stay close to your parents.
Oh yes, there isn't any harm in leaving a girlfriend at home, if you're both determined to fulfill the mission together. It will not be the big job you think, but a happy 24 months in both of your lives. When you are both back together again, it won't be long before you are sure of each other because of your pure maturity. I can say these things because it happened to me, and I know of many others who have experienced the same great thing.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Mission President's Letter & Pics
FLORIDA TAMPA MISSION
13153 NORTH DALE MABRY HIGHWAY
SUITE 109
TAMPA FL 33618-2410
Phone 813-961-7400
Brother & Sister Thomas L. Graham
263 Mahimahi Place
Honolulu, Hl 96821
Dear Brother & Sister Graham,
Just a short note to inform you that Elder Graham arrived in Tampa safe and in good spirits. He met his new companion, we enjoyed a meal with the office missionaries and then we had a personal interview. The following morning an orientation meeting was held where he was given further training.
Elder Graham's companion is Elder Thompson. They will be serving in the Tampa area. It is wonderful to finally have Elder Graham with us in the Florida Tampa Mission. We have been anxiously waiting his arrival ever since we learned of his delay. As the oldest of your two children, you must be very proud to have him in the mission field. He seems ready and anxious to serve. I am also pleased to know that he knows ASL. Recently we have had several people join the church in the mission where ASL was their primary language.
Sister Colton and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve along side your missionary. May the Lord bless you and your family as your son serves in this portion of the Lord's vineyard.
Best Wishes,
Kent W. Colton
President Florida Tampa Mission
Friday, February 6, 2009
Finally in the Mission Field.
Josh left for the mish field on Wednesday, February 4 at about 9:55 AM. I was an emotional wreck the day before when I told him goodbye, but like always, God blessed me with amazing friends and family who have been my support from the very beginning. How I would survive without any of them, I don't even know! Jaso has been supporting me. Phill talked to me on the phone when I was balling my eyes out. I wanted to call Jaso but I didn't want to bother her and wake her up with my stupid emo-ness. :/ It would've been 6 am Hawaii time. And then I got text messages and emails from Josh's mom that were so sweet and comforting. Gosh, she's the nicest kindest purest heartest little Asian lady I know, and I can't wait for her to be my mother-in-law! Haha.
I know I'm not supposed to be counting. But he's been out 80 days now. Honestly, it's still going by slowly but I feel relieved that he's finally gone from the MTC. No more pain with the knowledge that he's so close to me yet so far. I don't have to see him and wish I could say goodbye with more than just a handshake or a "missionary hug". When he was on the plane going to Florida, I thought...the next time he'll be on a plane is when he's coming home. :) I cried so much the day I said goodbye because he told me "I love you" for the first time in two months. So he's sacrificing a lot to put the Lord first in EVERYTHING that he does. He asked me to only write once a month because he said he's been thinking about me to much and letting me distract him. He said that I wasn't necessarily doing anything to distract him but just the fact that he loved me and stuff distracted him. Oh my gosh, which reminds me. He had a dream that I died! I can't believe I completely forgot that, I mean it was the reason for him making the decisions he did (like me only writing once a month). He woke up and he really thought it happened and was very depressed. And then he thought, if something did happen on his mission (HEAVEN FORBID!!), would he be able to handle it with just his relationship with the Lord? So, I guess he's trying to strengthen his relationship with God even more by focusing on Him more than on me. I commend him for all he's done, it just hurts sometimes. I miss him. :/
He amazes me more and more every single day. I told my mom, "I feel sooo lucky that Josh chose me."
Her answer: "You are. He's great. Be worthy of him."
That's my motivation for the next two years.
I know I'm not supposed to be counting. But he's been out 80 days now. Honestly, it's still going by slowly but I feel relieved that he's finally gone from the MTC. No more pain with the knowledge that he's so close to me yet so far. I don't have to see him and wish I could say goodbye with more than just a handshake or a "missionary hug". When he was on the plane going to Florida, I thought...the next time he'll be on a plane is when he's coming home. :) I cried so much the day I said goodbye because he told me "I love you" for the first time in two months. So he's sacrificing a lot to put the Lord first in EVERYTHING that he does. He asked me to only write once a month because he said he's been thinking about me to much and letting me distract him. He said that I wasn't necessarily doing anything to distract him but just the fact that he loved me and stuff distracted him. Oh my gosh, which reminds me. He had a dream that I died! I can't believe I completely forgot that, I mean it was the reason for him making the decisions he did (like me only writing once a month). He woke up and he really thought it happened and was very depressed. And then he thought, if something did happen on his mission (HEAVEN FORBID!!), would he be able to handle it with just his relationship with the Lord? So, I guess he's trying to strengthen his relationship with God even more by focusing on Him more than on me. I commend him for all he's done, it just hurts sometimes. I miss him. :/
He amazes me more and more every single day. I told my mom, "I feel sooo lucky that Josh chose me."
Her answer: "You are. He's great. Be worthy of him."
That's my motivation for the next two years.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Countdown.
Hmm. I'm considering taking down the countdown clock. Or changing it to only weeks or something. It kinda freaks me out when I look at it everyday and it looks as if I'm making no progress. I was thinking about it when I was running today (that's a really good time to do a lot of deep thinking, when you're working out) and I was like "I only have to suffer through one more Christmas without him! I can TOTALLY do this!" I guess it was those endorphins that got to me. :) I was in a pretty optimistic mood.
I'm exhausted. Good night world. Good night Josh. I can't wait to fall asleep in your arms every night.
I'm exhausted. Good night world. Good night Josh. I can't wait to fall asleep in your arms every night.
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