Email Sis. Hymas @ sydney.hymas@myldsmail.net

Monday, April 25, 2016

I Love the Gospel! And These Sweet Virginia People!!!!

OH MY LANDS.

Family and Friends!!! It feels like I wrote you so long ago!!! Haha I am so grateful to have heard from all of you, I just love you all so much. It has been quite the adventure so far!! It has been so awesome though. Wow. I just wish I could wear a Go-Pro then just send that to you so it's like you can see everything we have done so far! hahaha That would be way cool :) Anyway, I have no idea where to start... Sooo...

Once upon a time, :) haha

I got off the phone with you at the airport, which it was so awesome to talk to you guys, I loved it so much! I couldn't help but cry!! Then we went and checked our bags, and yes I had to pay the fee. Im sorry... But hey, I would say it's worth it! Which by the way, everyone else had carry ons!!! Like, uhh okay. (Syd's mission paperwork told her to only bring two pieces of luggage so she left her carry on at home.) It's all good! Then we got on our flights, nothing really exciting happened there. I slept on the first one then talked with the missionaries that were around me. 

We got to DC and got our bags, and met our mission President Huntsman and his wife, which they are so awesome! Sweetest people ever, and their family is beautiful!! We went to DC after that and had a grand ol' time.
P.S. DC/Virginia is GORGEOUS. Ma, you would love it here! I'm telling ya, you wouldn't want to leave. Anyway, then we went back to their house and had dinner. We played a get to know you game, and wrote letters to home. Did you get the letter? I had my interview with President and that went really well. He is so nice! And so supportive and loving. He told me that it might be really hard in the beginning, but just to be patient with myself and keep on trying. I was so dead tired that day. I could not keep my eyes open!! We then went to a hotel and stayed the night. 

We got up, had breakfast and then went to the meeting where we would meet our trainers. I was super nervous! I just didn't know what to expect. But the minute he called me up and then called my trainer up, hahah it was awesome! Her name is Sister Langford! She like came up with the biggest smile on her face and she yelled yay I'm pretty sure, and she ran up and gave me a hug. It was so great! I wasn't even nervous after that. Oh! And the area I'm in is Fort Belvoir. IT'S AWESOME! People say it's the best area in the mission, so I feel super blessed!! 

Then we had lunch, and president came up to me and told me I was going to be driving. UHH WHAT?! Haha My trainer can't drive because she was in a car accident. SO yep I'm driving!! It's been really fun! The roads can be a little crazy sometimes, no one here believes in signaling and there are a ton of jaywalkers but hey! It's all good! :)
Sister Frei!




So after lunch we were taking my luggage to our car, when all of a sudden I see Sister Frei like full on running for her life towards me! It made me so happy to see her!!! It was a wondrous reunion! I LOVE HER!!!! Then we went and dropped off my stuff at our apartment, then went to work! We had a quick zone meeting then started contacting. I was nervous but it turned out totally okay. I watched my trainer talk and I started to warm up to it. I realized you just talk to people! Hahah It's nothing scary! And the people I have met so far are SO NICE! Seriously, they are so respectful and genuine. I love them! Then that evening we went and met some of our new converts and investigators. MY LANDS I LOVE THEM! Our area is so diverse, we have so many investigators/members from Africa and Ethiopia. Half our area is made up of military families. We have the Fort Belvoir Post in our area, so that's where only military families can stay and so forth. It's so cool! We had dinner with a member family, then we went home for the evening. It was an awesome day. 

OKAY next day, we wake up and go to the gym in our apartment complex (it's so nice!). We came back and tried to open our door and guess what. We got locked out! HA First day and we're locked out. My comp just busts up laughing. Yep, I felt so bad because I forgot the keys. But we didn't even lock it either, I had forgot to! So, we go to one of the senior missionaries' house for like 20 min and decided to come back to see how we could try to get in. This whole time I was just praying that somehow the door would open. So we go back and try opening the door again, my companion like shakes the door a little bit and voila, it opens! Can you say MIRACLEEE?! I think our door is messed up. Hahahah It was a complete miracle it was so awesome. And then the rest of that day we had weekly planning so we were in our apartment all day long. 


But then we had dinner with the Torgersens, which are the Senior missionary couple that live across the way from us. They are so cute. 
Bro. and Sis. Torgersen
Athena
That night we went to visit a less active. Her name is Athena and she is from Greece. And oh my lanta I have never laughed so hard in my whole life, she is so funny. She like yells this phrase in greek I'm pretty sure? "CUTIE-Mo!!!" That's what it sounds like, don't ask me what it means, I have no idea. hahah. She made us eat BBQ chips as well, it was pretty great haha. I totally felt like a Greek after that visit! Totally reminded me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding ha!! 

The next day we went to go visit a man named Sylvester but he never answered the door. BUT, as we were leaving we ran into a woman and her daughter and started talking to them. They told us they were muslim but they didn't mind if we went to their house and share a message. SO we did! We had a member with us, she is from Africa as well. AND MAN, we started the lesson, and a few seconds in, she just started TESTIFYIN! She laid it down. It was kind of intense in the beginning, but it turned out really well :) It was awesome, the mom is interested in learning more so we are going back next Saturday!! MIRACLES!! Then Sister Langford took me out to lunch at a place called Sapoyas Chicken. It was way good! We prayed over our food, and then when we were almost done, two guys who were sitting at the table next to us asked if we were Christian.  And so we started talking to him, we totally gave him a Book of Mormon and a card with our info on it. He started to read the Book of Mormon right there! He was translating it back to Spanish explaining it to his friend. It was so cool!!! Talk about another Miracle! We then had dinner with a member. We went and visited a few people and had a grand ol' time! It was awesome.

Yesterday was my first Sunday in the field!! And it was Sister Langford's birthday! She is just the cutest person ever and she is an awesome missionary!! She is a rockstar and so willing to help me become a better missionary! We went to church and that was awesome meeting all the members. The church house is adorable! Ma, you would die it's so cute, and our church is right next to the Potomac River, it is gorgeous! Seriously, Virginia looks like a fairytale land it's so beautiful. And the weather is so nice right now! Its perfect! Anyway, we had church, which they almost asked me to bear my testimony in sacrament, but then they didn't. So, I'm pretty sure that will happen next time haha. 

Grandma
The rest of the day we went and visited members and investigators. I met this old African lady, she tells everyone to call her Grandma and if you don't she gets so angry. It's pretty funny! We sang some songs with her and we're going back tomorrow to make corn bread with her for Sister Langford's birthday. She is hilarious! I'll have to send you a picture of her! And then we went and saw another family, the Kamara family and they are from Africa as well. The mom found out that it was my comp's birthday so she started singing this Happy Birthday remix-african style song, it was awesome! I was dying it was so good. We then came home!

This week we placed so many Books of Mormon, people were so willing to learn about the gospel. I'm getting used to talking to people and sharing the gospel with them. The Lord is helping me become a better teacher and missionary everyday and I am so grateful for that :) I love this gospel and this place so much! These people are the best people ever. I challenge all of you to go share the gospel with someone this week! It will bring you so much happiness. I know the Savior is always there for us, He loves us so much. Rely on Him and He will never let you down.

 I love you all so very much!! I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for all of you. I couldn't do this without all your love and support. Now get out there and go serve someone!!


I love you all!!!!


Love,

Sister Hymas :)

P.S. No I don't have my iPad yet!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

She Has Arrived

Your beautiful daughter, Sister Hymas, has arrived safely in the mission field. President Huntsman and I picked her up inside the airport terminal along with the others in her MTC group. We then drove into Washington DC and walked to the Lincoln Memorial and took photos. One of the photos shows her group with the Washington Memorial in the background. 



We then drove to the mission home, where we ate dinner, wrote letters, played getting to know you games and enjoyed each other's company. She should now be asleep or very close to being asleep. Tomorrow morning she will meet her new companion.

We have been anxiously waiting her arrival and express gratitude to you for sharing her with us, but mostly with thanks who live in our mission boundaries whom she will meet and share the Restored Gospel.

We look forward to serving together with your daughter.

Love,

President and Sister Huntsman

Thursday, April 14, 2016

I Love Being A Missionary

ALOHA!! Hahah just kidding hello!! :) This week feels like its all blended together. I honestly can't even say what I did because it's just all a blur! 

Last Friday I was sick. It wasn't good, my stomach was not doing well so I slept for half an hour and after I woke up... I was literally healed! I had prayed and prayed Heavenly Father would heal my stomach or make the pain bearable so I wouldn't have to miss class, and guess what. HE DID! And He blessed me with so much more. He is so aware of us. I am so grateful for everything He blesses me with everyday!! 

Sunday was Fast Sunday, so I bore my testimony on being the Lord's missionary and absolutely bawled. Ha But what are ya gonna do!! :) The sisters in my district sang the song, "Gethsemane" acapella, and I think that went well too! We had the temple walk with the branch president and his wife and that was so peaceful and awesome. I love Sundays!!! 


 We had choir practice and dinner, and oh man. Dinner was so good. I was way hungry so it was awesome. Then we had a devotional about the Holy Ghost by Richard I Heaton!  Then later that evening watched the talk "Missions Are Forever" by Jeffrey R. Holland. And MAN OH MAN that guy knows how to drill things into my mind! IT WAS PHENOMENAL! I loved it so much. He is like my inspiration. I am so grateful to be serving a mission! Holy cow, I can't say that enough. Then later that night, the sisters and I had a cupcake party! It was way fun and delicious :) 

Monday we got 2 new TRC investigators (which we don't know if they are members or not, some are real nonmembers and you just never know) and that was wonderful to teach them! We also teach our teachers, who play investigators as well. But it doesn't even matter if someone is a member or not. You can feel the spirit so strongly its amazing! I don't even mind role playing anymore either. It really helps me improve! We also got to have Chick Fil A for dinner on Monday! BLESSINGS!! "My pleasure" anyone? ;)  

Tuesday we had service and cleaned bathrooms, exercised, and had an awesome devotional about missionaries. I sang in the choir, "I Feel My Savior's Love." SO COOL!! So powerful. I loved it.  Fave quote of the devotional, "You serve your mission by turning outward to others." 

Then Wednesday we got our new district in our zone! It's so fun not be alone anymore! So as STL (Sister Training Leader) we went over and gave them an orientation meeting which was awesome. I love being able to serve in this position. It helps me improve so many skills! The Lord helps turn our weaknesses into strengths. 

I leave Wednesday to DC! Its crazy! Next time you hear from me I'll be gone from the MTC!!! This place is wonderful and I will really miss it. But I can't wait for the field!! OK. I hope you got all the pictures I sent because I sent a TON! Enjoy! I love all of you so much and couldn't do this mission without all the love and support. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! 

Have a beautiful wonderful day and week! I love you!!!!! :) 


(She also included her flight information for next week. "I got my itinerary and I leave the MTC on Wednesday at 2:30am. My flight leaves at 6am so I will be calling you in between that time. I think? My flight stops in Minnesota and I don't know if I get to call again or what. But I get there at 10:25am and then my flight to DC is at 1:54pm."  She'll have a long day.)

My District
DC...Here I come!
My first day in the MTC!

Thursday, April 7, 2016

I'm A Changed Woman

FAMILAYYYY!!! 

Oh my lands, I've been out a week and a day! Honestly, it's felt way longer than that. haha 

First, THANK YOU SOO MUCHHH to everyone for all the dearelders, emails, packages and LOVE! I love all of you so much. I got your brownies and they totally made my day!! That was so cute and sweet of you guys. Thank you so much! I got gourmet cupcakes from the Loveridges today they look so good! And I loved all your dearelders, that website is seriously the best invention. Mail time=THE BEST TIME! Holy cow batman I don't even know where to start. SO much has happened so I'll try to be as detailed and include everything that I can in this limited amount of time. My companion is Sister Richardson! And the other sisters names in my district are Sister Hardy and Sister Hawken.

Wednesday was a whirlwind! It feels so long ago. You guys dropped me off, shed some tears, then wabam! I walked away and it felt right to be doing what I was doing! It felt right to be here. We went to my room and dropped off my stuff then went to the classroom and met my district and teachers! Which I totally love every single one of them. By like day 3 or 4 we were all bonded like peas in a pod. I LOVE my teachers. I have sister Turner and Brother Farr. Brother Farr tried out for Vocal Point yesterday. I'm super excited to hear how it went! His voice is like angelic. Anyway, 1st day all the new missionaries taught these investigators and one of them, her name was Lisa, and when we taught her the spirit was so strong. One sister suggested we sing A Child's Prayer and I could not even start singing the Spirit hit me like a brick wall and I started to BAWL. It was such a cool experience. Yeah and just wait! That wasn't the end of the spiritual tears this week. We met our zone Wednesday too! Which they are gone now, it was a sad goodbye I loved them. We are the only district in our zone right now till next week. 

Thursday we met our branch presidency and their wives. We had interviews with them. They are all so sweet! That night Sister Hardy and I became the Sister Training Leaders!! 

Friday we finally got to exercise! We played volleyball and had a grand time. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten my ear bit off unlike Cam and his experience hahaha. We taught our first investigator BK over the phone, and it went so well! Taught him about having faith in Christ. 

Saturday and Sunday I was like superrr tired when we were watching Conference. Probably because we were in a dark gym and it was super relaxing haha. But conference was so good!! I loved Holland's talk, that was my favorite. I loved where he said "The great thing about the Gospel is you get credit for trying even if you don't succeed." No one's perfect! But God knows our efforts and our hearts. He knows when we are struggling and He knows when we are trying. We get credit for truly trying, isn't that wonderful?! :) We sang songs as a zone that day and walked around. It was so nice!! 

OKAY and guess what. Ya'll aren't going to believe this. VOCAL POINT CAME for our Sunday devotional!!!!! My heart was bursting at the seams, their voices are straight heaven. Hearing them live is so so cool, I can't even describe it. They performed Nearer My God To Thee as the last song, and you would not even believe how AMAZING it was!!!! It sounded just like the recording! They were spot on! After, I met two of the Vocal point members, it was quite the devotional! And then afterwards we watched Bednar's famous "The Character of Christ" talk, and MAN now I know why everyone loves it so much! I have never loved a talk so much! And I love talks so that's saying something. It was so spiritual, empowering, and just flat out AMAZING. I loved it so much! AGH! I can't even express how wonderful it was. Oh and half way through watching it, BATS started flying around!! Yeah it's so true! There are bats here! HAHA Then Monday we started teaching our first TRC (teaching resource center) investigators!! My comp and I have had way awesome lessons with them. I've bawled my eyes out in 99 percent of our visits but it is all good because every time I walk out of a lesson my testimony has been strengthened ten fold. I love it so much. 

Tuesday we had an awesome devotional and Elder Ardern of the 70 came and spoke about missionary work. It was awesome. He gave 10 different lessons about missions and I just loved it. 

Wednesday I saw my Pre MTC tutor in real life! BLESSINGS! It was so awesome, what a wonderful reunion! 

And today, we went to the temple!!! AGH so good. And so beautiful! Then did laundry! Which it was super funny because all the leaders in our district were asking us how to do laundry. Good thing we were there, because one of them almost bleached their clothes. Then we came here and now I'm emailing you!! That's my whole week and a day in a nut shell. 

I am so grateful for this opportunity. I have grown and changed so much since last Wednesday. I literally feel myself change everyday. I am a changed woman! haha The MTC is a wonderful place. I truly love it here. I will miss the MTC and the good memories I've had here, so I have got to live it up while I can! I know now more than ever that we are so LOVED. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is REAL. He LIVES. We have a Heavenly Father who knows every single one of us individually. He LOVES us. I have felt blessings be poured upon me as I've been here, Heavenly Father loves me so much and has blessed me with so much joy and happiness. I LOVE BEING SISTER HYMAS! Being a missionary is by far the best thing I have ever done in my whole 19 years of life.

I wish I could say more but i just want to say thank you SO SO much to everyone who has emailed me and sent letters and packages. I have felt so much love and support and I know for a fact I could not do this mission without that love and support, and without the help of the Lord. 

I hope you all have a wondrous week! Remember to study your scriptures, pray, and love everyone you come across. We are all children of Heavenly Father.  Spread the Love!!


LOVE,

Sister Hymas :)

And she's off!

Monday, April 4, 2016

SURPRISE!!

We got this short message on Friday, I think she is liking the MTC :)

MA and PA! Is this the right email? Did you get my other one I sent on Wednesday Ma? We are doing this computer training thing right now and got permission to send a few sentences home to the fam! GUYS it is so happy and wonderful here at the MTC. I have grown much already. I can feel myself changing everyday and it is AMAZZINGG! My companion is wonderful and the other sisters in my district are too! I love my teachers and district and just LOVE the MTC! I hope all is well at home and I hope you guys have felt peace and joy. I love you guys so much! Have a wonderful evening and week! MWAH! I love you MA, daddy, kyle mikelle, luke charles, rachie poo, chunk, jakey and Sass a frass!

SISTA HYMAS :)

P.S.Y'all should send me a dear elder so I can read it that day! Send it before noon though, so I can see it that day.
P.S. the next time you hear from me will be next Thursday! That will be my P-day.

XOXOXOXOXO