Teddy can't seem to share her feelings well in her emails and so writes a letter every week as well. We get them at odd times so they seem to go back and forth a bit. Enjoy!
4-16-12--(Happy Birthday, Tad)
Oh, man, another week has come and gone! It's crazy to think it's already been one transfer! Only eleven more to go! So weird. It's been quite the six weeks and we're so excited for the coming six weeks!
We washed some people's car for them this week for service and oh man, dad would be proud.
We're teaching a new investigator, Chadd, who is so amazing! His wife, Shelleen, is a returned missionary and they have an incredible story! I'm so grateful to know them and we're so excited to continue teaching him and bringing the spirit!
Steve and Mona, another set of investigators, have been in Connecticut for a few weeks but they are returning on Wednesday so we're excited to keep meeting with them as well.
Dad, so people have been calling? That's super funny. I try not to think about the fact that everyone around me can call you! (I have found) No harps yet. I'm praying to run into one. I do know that at least one person on the island plays a harp and she's a member.
It's a huge blessing to be out at the same time as Tanner. He's so amazing. No, there aren't any monkeys, if you don't include the elders. Foreigners? Well, tourists are all over the place. Honestly, there's every type of person here! It's amazing. I love the culture here! It's all so wonderful!
I've only had pineapple a handful of times. I think it's partly because we live by huge coffee plantations, not pineapple. Darn. No fish yet, but I've been promised fish.
I'm trying so hard to be courageous. This has definitely been the hardest two months of my life. But it's so worth it! Each day is slowly getting better. This is lots of work but it's so wonderful. I've been really blessed to be in a slow-paced area to start out with so I can pick up on things at a good pace. It's amazing to see how well the Lord knows us. Have an amazing week!
Til we meet again, Sister Wright
Laie Hawaii Temple
Who I am
Monday, April 23, 2012
Letter from Teddy 4-9-12
Handwritten letter April 9, 2012
Aloha! Thought you might like some of the wordage we're using on the mission. Here goes!
Hawaiian Language Lesson
Aloha (a-low-ha)--greeting
Keiki (cake-ee)--child
Mahalo (ma-ha-low)--thank you
Pau (pow)--finished; done
Dikain (dee-kine)--thing
Kane (Kah-nay)--man
Wahini (wah-he-knee)--woman
Towns in the area:
Kalaheo (kah-lah-hay-o)
Po'ipu (Poy-ee-pooh)
Ele'ele (el-eh-el-eh)
Kaumakani (kah-muh-kah-knee)
Omao (Oh-m-ow)
Lawai (la-why)
Hanapepe (hah-na-pe-pay)
Life is great here in Kauai! We're working hard and learning how to work hard in the area! Scripture study in the morning has been so great along with personal study. There is so much to internalize about the gospel, I absolutely love it!
So, our ward does Zumba and Hula classes and we've been to both of them. It is so much fun and so hilarious but it's been so good! We've been meeting less actives and non-members there and we're also building relationships with the members, which we're seeing is so important.
It's amazing to see that there are so many miracles that happen every day! It really does rely on our obedience, diligence, and our excitement for the work. Miracles are truly the Lord's reality. I have realized more and more about how important the Atonement, Resurrection, and Crucifixion all work together for us personally.
Elder Holland, among many other things says, "The way to salvation is through Gethsemane. The only victory is the victory at the summit of Calvary."
Yesterday we had a training in Oahu. When we got to the airport Sis. Hutchinson realized she had left her wallet at the pad. Our plane was supposed to leave in 40 minutes and our pad is a solid 25 minutes from the airport. As were were driving I was so frustrated but prayed hard for patience and strength. At the pad we got a call from the office saying we had a new flight scheduled for 9:45, an hour away. I don't know why but I felt that it was what was meant to be. While at the airport I met up with a woman I had talked to about the gospel on my flight to Kauai 4 weeks earlier. We were on the same flight again. I'm not sure what will come of it but I hope that it was all according to the Lord's plans.
This gospel is the way to true happiness and joy in this life and in the life to come! I love you all so much! the best thing we can truly do is forget about ourselves and focus on Him!
Sister (Teddy Bear) Wright
Aloha! Thought you might like some of the wordage we're using on the mission. Here goes!
Hawaiian Language Lesson
Aloha (a-low-ha)--greeting
Keiki (cake-ee)--child
Mahalo (ma-ha-low)--thank you
Pau (pow)--finished; done
Dikain (dee-kine)--thing
Kane (Kah-nay)--man
Wahini (wah-he-knee)--woman
Towns in the area:
Kalaheo (kah-lah-hay-o)
Po'ipu (Poy-ee-pooh)
Ele'ele (el-eh-el-eh)
Kaumakani (kah-muh-kah-knee)
Omao (Oh-m-ow)
Lawai (la-why)
Hanapepe (hah-na-pe-pay)
Life is great here in Kauai! We're working hard and learning how to work hard in the area! Scripture study in the morning has been so great along with personal study. There is so much to internalize about the gospel, I absolutely love it!
So, our ward does Zumba and Hula classes and we've been to both of them. It is so much fun and so hilarious but it's been so good! We've been meeting less actives and non-members there and we're also building relationships with the members, which we're seeing is so important.
It's amazing to see that there are so many miracles that happen every day! It really does rely on our obedience, diligence, and our excitement for the work. Miracles are truly the Lord's reality. I have realized more and more about how important the Atonement, Resurrection, and Crucifixion all work together for us personally.
Elder Holland, among many other things says, "The way to salvation is through Gethsemane. The only victory is the victory at the summit of Calvary."
Yesterday we had a training in Oahu. When we got to the airport Sis. Hutchinson realized she had left her wallet at the pad. Our plane was supposed to leave in 40 minutes and our pad is a solid 25 minutes from the airport. As were were driving I was so frustrated but prayed hard for patience and strength. At the pad we got a call from the office saying we had a new flight scheduled for 9:45, an hour away. I don't know why but I felt that it was what was meant to be. While at the airport I met up with a woman I had talked to about the gospel on my flight to Kauai 4 weeks earlier. We were on the same flight again. I'm not sure what will come of it but I hope that it was all according to the Lord's plans.
This gospel is the way to true happiness and joy in this life and in the life to come! I love you all so much! the best thing we can truly do is forget about ourselves and focus on Him!
Sister (Teddy Bear) Wright
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Atonement
Teddy shared her testimony of the atonement in a hand-written letter to the family:
The Atonement April 2, 2012
Which drop of blood did I make the Savior shed? Was it several? Was it me that put the crown of thorns on His head or were my acts and thoughts those that drove the nails into His innocent hands and feet?
Although I'm not sure how much I made the Savior suffer, I do know that His suffering for me was not in vain. How do I know? Because I have made the choice to partake of His selfless gift and use the gift that He has already so freely given to me.
I know that all things truly do come together in Christ. Because His life did not begin in Bethlehem nor conclude on Calvary, my life did not begin with birth and it will not end with death. There is life before and eternity to follow.
I love the Savior. He is my friend, my brother, my advocate with my Father. He has walked the steps I have walked and has suffered the pains and sorrows I suffer. As I turn to Him and trust His sacrifice, I can let go of my fear and fill that space with faith.
As we follow His example we are freed and lifted up. I know that my Redeemer lives. This sentence does bring such joy that it is sweet! I know that He is THE way! In the name of Jesus Christ, my personal Savior, Amen.
The Atonement April 2, 2012
Which drop of blood did I make the Savior shed? Was it several? Was it me that put the crown of thorns on His head or were my acts and thoughts those that drove the nails into His innocent hands and feet?
Although I'm not sure how much I made the Savior suffer, I do know that His suffering for me was not in vain. How do I know? Because I have made the choice to partake of His selfless gift and use the gift that He has already so freely given to me.
I know that all things truly do come together in Christ. Because His life did not begin in Bethlehem nor conclude on Calvary, my life did not begin with birth and it will not end with death. There is life before and eternity to follow.
I love the Savior. He is my friend, my brother, my advocate with my Father. He has walked the steps I have walked and has suffered the pains and sorrows I suffer. As I turn to Him and trust His sacrifice, I can let go of my fear and fill that space with faith.
As we follow His example we are freed and lifted up. I know that my Redeemer lives. This sentence does bring such joy that it is sweet! I know that He is THE way! In the name of Jesus Christ, my personal Savior, Amen.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Phone Call
Yesterday we received a phone call from the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The caller's name was Bro. Dale Keep. He is the ward mission leader on Kauai. He just wanted to call and tell us that of all the missionaries he has worked with, Teddy is the absolute best he has ever known. He continued on, gushing, really, about how she attend the meeting at the church today (yesterday) and someone brought up a member that is celebrating a birthday this week. Without opening her book, she reminded the others at the meeting that there was another one as well. He said she already knows all the members of the ward and is truly amazing, very absorbed in all that she needs to do. Their companionship is in a finding mode right now but Bro. Keep said that with her personality and ambition, her faith and testimony, with a little time, he expects to see much success in the way of harvest.
Her companion is the opposite of her, you know, quiet, soft spoken, really out of her element meeting new people. Teddy has jumped right in with both feet, working her head off! He said she and her companion are preparing a musical number for church in a couple of weeks. Teddy had told me that Sis. Hutchinson has an amazing voice so we are not surprised they will be sharing their talents. Bro. Keep has been looking around for a harp that Teddy could play but said he has had no luck yet. Seriously, the way he talked, I wondered if he is single! Scary!!!!!
Bro. Keep asked Teddy about her family and if she was close to any of them. She said she was close to all of them! He was impressed with how much love she has for her family and for everyone around her as well.
Her companion is the opposite of her, you know, quiet, soft spoken, really out of her element meeting new people. Teddy has jumped right in with both feet, working her head off! He said she and her companion are preparing a musical number for church in a couple of weeks. Teddy had told me that Sis. Hutchinson has an amazing voice so we are not surprised they will be sharing their talents. Bro. Keep has been looking around for a harp that Teddy could play but said he has had no luck yet. Seriously, the way he talked, I wondered if he is single! Scary!!!!!
Bro. Keep asked Teddy about her family and if she was close to any of them. She said she was close to all of them! He was impressed with how much love she has for her family and for everyone around her as well.
Letter from 4/9/12
Excerpts from Teddy's letter home last week:
Aloha!!
Oh man another crazy week! It's amazing that I've almost been out for 5 weeks! So crazy! Life is so wonderful on the beautiful island of Kauai! We're having lots of fun here on the island. We try to find joy in every day which is not always easy. But it's so worth it! I definitely miss everybody but the work is so good! I'm trying to excel and I'll tell ya the Lord definitely works on you out here. But it is so great! Sister Missionaries rock. Okay, so do elder missionaries. Especially Tanner and my district! Woot woot!
I did eat stuffing that had bacon in it yesterday. So GOOD!!!!
So, this is Gilligan's Island? Hahahaha that is amazing. The testaments and Jurassic Park were filmed on this island and Lilo and Stitch was based off of this island. So awesome!
Well, the weather here is just as crazy as Utah minus the snow. But every day is totally different and you really do just wait 5 minutes for the weather to change. I seriously love it though. Something so unexpected!
Easter here was so wonderful. It was a wonderful day in celebrating the life of the Savior. I definitely missed you all for Easter but the work of the Lord is moving forward.
I'm beginning to truly see how much the Lord is watching over me and the family. I love you so much. I pray for you all very often but I also am trying to really lose myself in the work. Life is so amazing! I hope I can become everything that Heavenly Father wants me to become.
Grandma- Thank you so much for the Easter package. You spoil me way too much. I actually was tempted to sleep with the dish towel you gave me but I'm trying to be brave!
Love you all tons and tons!
Love, The crazy, sunburned, mosquito bitten, exhausted, happy Sister Teddy Bear Wright!!!!!!!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Letter from Conference Weekend
Hello to all!
First off, my companion is wonderful! I'm learning a lot from her. She is 5'10" and has dark curly hair and brown eyes. She's very soft and dignified. We make quite the pair! :) She loves the Tabernacle Choir and she comes from a family of 8 kids. I try to make her laugh every day which sometimes works out and sometimes doesn't. But I'm trying to make the most of it. She's a great teacher and she has such a wonderful spirit!
Hawaii is a great place to suffer through. :) I must say it's definitely not all kicks and giggles but it is beautiful. We are working hard. Each day I realize how much we have to rely on the Lord. We are nothing without Him! I am striving every day for exact obedience. Exactness truly does bring miracles.
I tried Poi for the first time on Saturday at a funeral. Poi is so weird! It is really just wallpaper paste but they LOVE it here. I haven't had to eat cockroaches yet but maybe soon. It's fun to have such a variety of food. The Howlie families in our ward load us up on home-cooked goodness and the locals either go authentic, Costco special, or fast food because it's a treat for them. The meat here is amazing and so is the fruit! I had my first fresh Papaya! So good. I'm getting used to the taste because it's a little like Hairspray--but still good! :)
The members feed us every night. Then they load us up for another 2 meals. Our fridge is loaded. We are so blessed. Today we did buy a gallon of milk for $4.99. It's not pretty but it's not quite as bad as I expected. On other parts of the island and other islands, the milk is up to $9.99 a gallon and ice cream is $19.99 a gallon! (Fritz, you would DIE) We are blessed to have decent prices and so many giving members.
We got to watch general conference live both days! We had to be at the church at 6AM for the first session each day but it was way worth it! I loved every minute!
Our apartment is so nice. I think I may have some bed bugs because I keep waking up with new bites. But we'll see if I can fix it. I'm so tired most nights, I don't care what's in my bed. Except Centipedes. They give the worst bites!
We are seeing miracles and I'm so excited to see many more. I've noticed that miracles come with hard work and obedience. Both are necessary for miracles so that's what we are trying to do!
Love to all! Aloha, Sister Teddy Wright
First off, my companion is wonderful! I'm learning a lot from her. She is 5'10" and has dark curly hair and brown eyes. She's very soft and dignified. We make quite the pair! :) She loves the Tabernacle Choir and she comes from a family of 8 kids. I try to make her laugh every day which sometimes works out and sometimes doesn't. But I'm trying to make the most of it. She's a great teacher and she has such a wonderful spirit!
Hawaii is a great place to suffer through. :) I must say it's definitely not all kicks and giggles but it is beautiful. We are working hard. Each day I realize how much we have to rely on the Lord. We are nothing without Him! I am striving every day for exact obedience. Exactness truly does bring miracles.
I tried Poi for the first time on Saturday at a funeral. Poi is so weird! It is really just wallpaper paste but they LOVE it here. I haven't had to eat cockroaches yet but maybe soon. It's fun to have such a variety of food. The Howlie families in our ward load us up on home-cooked goodness and the locals either go authentic, Costco special, or fast food because it's a treat for them. The meat here is amazing and so is the fruit! I had my first fresh Papaya! So good. I'm getting used to the taste because it's a little like Hairspray--but still good! :)
The members feed us every night. Then they load us up for another 2 meals. Our fridge is loaded. We are so blessed. Today we did buy a gallon of milk for $4.99. It's not pretty but it's not quite as bad as I expected. On other parts of the island and other islands, the milk is up to $9.99 a gallon and ice cream is $19.99 a gallon! (Fritz, you would DIE) We are blessed to have decent prices and so many giving members.
We got to watch general conference live both days! We had to be at the church at 6AM for the first session each day but it was way worth it! I loved every minute!
Our apartment is so nice. I think I may have some bed bugs because I keep waking up with new bites. But we'll see if I can fix it. I'm so tired most nights, I don't care what's in my bed. Except Centipedes. They give the worst bites!
We are seeing miracles and I'm so excited to see many more. I've noticed that miracles come with hard work and obedience. Both are necessary for miracles so that's what we are trying to do!
Love to all! Aloha, Sister Teddy Wright
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Happy Teddy 3-26-12
It is so wonderful to read your words! Thank you so much first of all
for the amazing hand written letters. They are so loved!!!!! Thank you
for all of your support and for your testimonies. They help more than
you could know. I love you so very much. So many things remind me of
you all. Thank you for your wonderful spirits and for the prayers.
They are truly felt and needed.
Shout outs to the family for the amazing letters, to Denise for her
great letters, Amy for her pictures and letter, Celeste for her letter
and pictures, and to Grandma for her wonderful letter. I hope you know
that they are so loved and appreciated. Thanks to everyone for the letters!
Ya'll will be getting letters soon hopefully:)
I want to share my testimony that Heavenly Father knows us so
personally. He truly does hear our prayers and He has a perfect plan
for us. Each day is filled with new experiences and new trials. But
each is an opportunity to grow closer to Him and to feel of The
Savior's glorious Atonement. I received a blessing from my Zone
Leaders last week that builds my testimony in knowing that Heavenly
Father is very aware of my heart and He knows the things that I
personally need.
We are currently teaching an incredible couple. It's amazing to
witness how the Lord is truly preparing people to be taught. We are
praying fervently that the Lord will show us the way and that we can
stay worthy of His spirit so that we will know how to lead them to
eternal life.
Hawaii is so beautiful. Every day I remind myself to stop and take in
the beauty that Heavenly Father has given us. It's all a miracle. It
is all for us in preparing to live with Him again someday. Keep
pushing forward. The Lord loves us and is mindful of our weaknesses
and our strengths.
I just love soaking in your letters and emails. It helps me to make it
through the week. I love you all more than words
can say. Thank you for your examples. Love, love, love you. Can't wait
for General Conference!!!!!
Love, Sister Teddy Wright
for the amazing hand written letters. They are so loved!!!!! Thank you
for all of your support and for your testimonies. They help more than
you could know. I love you so very much. So many things remind me of
you all. Thank you for your wonderful spirits and for the prayers.
They are truly felt and needed.
Shout outs to the family for the amazing letters, to Denise for her
great letters, Amy for her pictures and letter, Celeste for her letter
and pictures, and to Grandma for her wonderful letter. I hope you know
that they are so loved and appreciated. Thanks to everyone for the letters!
Ya'll will be getting letters soon hopefully:)
I want to share my testimony that Heavenly Father knows us so
personally. He truly does hear our prayers and He has a perfect plan
for us. Each day is filled with new experiences and new trials. But
each is an opportunity to grow closer to Him and to feel of The
Savior's glorious Atonement. I received a blessing from my Zone
Leaders last week that builds my testimony in knowing that Heavenly
Father is very aware of my heart and He knows the things that I
personally need.
We are currently teaching an incredible couple. It's amazing to
witness how the Lord is truly preparing people to be taught. We are
praying fervently that the Lord will show us the way and that we can
stay worthy of His spirit so that we will know how to lead them to
eternal life.
Hawaii is so beautiful. Every day I remind myself to stop and take in
the beauty that Heavenly Father has given us. It's all a miracle. It
is all for us in preparing to live with Him again someday. Keep
pushing forward. The Lord loves us and is mindful of our weaknesses
and our strengths.
I just love soaking in your letters and emails. It helps me to make it
through the week. I love you all more than words
can say. Thank you for your examples. Love, love, love you. Can't wait
for General Conference!!!!!
Love, Sister Teddy Wright
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