Sunday 25 January 2015

Time seems to have this habit of getting away with me ... meant to update Bianca's blog but each day started and ended before getting to it.

So, thus far, Bianca has sent one email and one hand written letter. She seems to be enjoying things and very happy.

Below is an excerpt from her email:

"I’m so greatful I’m able to email you this morning. I’ve been soooo busy! Learning a lot every day. To easy your worries mum, I am getting fed, A LOT! They feed us so well here at the MTC. Every morning there is a cooked breakfast as well as fruit, cereals and toast. For lunch we’ve had fish, hamburgers, macaroni all with the choice of many different salads. For dinners we’ve had things like roast, stir fry, sausages and mash. Again, all with salad and other things to add to your plate. I make sure to get my serving don’t worry. My companion and I get on really well. The first night we talked for an hour while watching the sunset which I think broke the ice. We are always laughing and we are learning a lot from each other. In our room it’s just us, usually there are four sisters. But I’m so glad it’s just us because it means we have our own space and we aren’t on top of each other. All the missionaries are so lovely here! I’ve become really close with two sisters in particular, Sister Wong and Sister Anderson. We are in the same district and we’re always laughing and joking."

and some more ...

"To be honest, when I first got there I was feeling good, a little nervous but good. Day two though, by the end of the night I was feeling so overwhelmed. There’s so much to learn, I miss my family – all those kinds of things. But I said a fat, long prayer to Heavenly Father, asking him to help me not feel overwhelmed and that I can understand what I’m being taught. It worked! I have not felt like that since day two. So, don’t worry about me – I’m honestly doing fine.
We had a room inspection the other day, my companion and I got 20/20. Perfect score, Dad you would be proud to see how I keep my room. Absolutely spotless. I think your cleaning has rubbed off on me, I find myself washing out the hand basin and tidying everything all the time haha. I did my washing on Saturday. It’s great because the clothes I’ve been wearing so far don’t need to be ironed so it saves me time.
I want to share something I learnt from President Tarawhiti – I think you’ll like this dad. He told us personal preparation precedes priesthood power (or PPPPP).
Like I said I’m learning a lot.We have to do a lot of roleplays which at first made me so nervous. But know I look forward to them as I learn something new each time and am able to better myself."

We have not  heard from her this week but it could be because they have changed the Pday from Monday to Tuesday due to Auckland and Australia day??? Will keep you updated.

Thursday 15 January 2015

email from Sister Bisogno

So .. received a very brief email from our daughter, the lovely Sister Bisogno

"Hi family!
 
First off I want to say that I already miss you guys so much. Just writing that is making me want to cry again.
 
As soon as I walked into the building I got my tag. Sister Bisogno. Can you guys believe it?
I was led into the next room to wait for my companion and fill in a form. My companions name is Sister Yu. She is from Hong Kong and has been here for a month already learning english and cantonese. She is going to serve in the Sydney north mission. I've unpacked and semi settled in. I read your letters (chiara and mum) thank you!  I will keep those words close to my heart and will never forget them.  I love you all so much. Thank you for supporting me on this journey. Don't worry I'll be home before you know it!

Don't miss me too much,
 
 
love your Buggle/Biancs/ SISTER BISOGNO
 
Ps Please tell everyone I miss them and love them."

So, please know that Bianca misses you and sends her love

Arriving at the Missionary Training Centre (MTC)

Hi all

At 12h45 we dropped our beautiful daughter off at the MTC ... a very hard thing to do and quite emotional but are thrilled with the life choices she has made and continues to make. We will miss her terribly.

Packing and getting sorted this morning was blissfully tension free but fraught with emotion. We miss her telling us what to do but will adjust.

                                                           Just about ready to leave
                                                  my bags are packed and I am leaving ...
                                                    oh wait, one last smooch with my cat
                                                      quick some of the family together
                                                               The three munchkins
                               A clear message .. drop your baby and GO!! - must be for mothers




Wednesday 14 January 2015

Bianca's setting apart

Hi all

As mentioned previously on Bianca's facebook and my facebook, I (with the help of my clever daughter, Chiara) have created this blog for Bianca's missionary journey.

I have obviously sent you all the link and hope you will enjoy reading the updates. I have already sent her email address and if I have missed anyone (not intentionally) please fb me and I will send it to you via a private message.

Last night we had a wonderful evening where she was set apart and spent time with so many special people and really felt the love and support. Thank you. She was moved beyond her capacity to express.

Some photos of last night (see more on fb).

                                                                      Lovely Bianca
                                                                  Talking with her aunts
                                                      Jess and Bianca - very old friends
                                               Bianca with her special pops or gramps
                                             Bianca and family from Henderson Valley
                                                        Bianca and some of the family
A family shot