08.25.2008 (EMAIL and FOTOS!)

Hi Family! How are you all doing? I hope everything is going great for everyone. Well, here it is another preparation day! I can´t believe I have already been here for almost four weeks. Wow.

Well, to answer questions...
There are four missionaries here in Plottier. There are two Elders who have the other half - Elder Decker and Elder Streadbeck. They have more of the ¨city¨half.

Yes, there are small mountains on one side of Plottier. They´re not mountains like at home or in Utah... maybe small mountains or really big hills. :D They´re more red though than at home. Nevertheless, I still love having a type of mountain around.

My area is definitely more urban. Our apartment is on the very edge of the city. The fancier houses, el centro?, are more around my apartment. Then everywhere else is very spread out with lots of fields. Depending on the neighborhood, it takes us from 15-40 minutes to walk from one to the other. Therefore, it´s kindof tricky to plan where to go and when. We have to consider the schedule of the bus, or more recently, we have been doing more walking. It´s good - it´s good for me.

Sunday attendance I think was a little bigger than usual yesterday. There were 45-50 people there I believe. Pretty good! The Bishop is Obispo Velintene, and his counselors are Hermano Rojas and Hermano Higuera. They´re all very nice, and it has been good to get to know them a little bit better.

Hermana Higuera is the Relief Society President, and she is also a friend of Andrea, who is being baptized. She is wonderful.

Yesterday in church it was kindof fun. Hermana Velintene came up to Hermana Celis and I and asked if either of us knew the tune to ¨I feel the Savior´s Love¨ the primary song. I did, so she asked me to go in and teach it to the primary. It was fun. With no piano and my ¨Unschooled¨voice I was a little nervous at first, but it was actually great. Now they know another song! I love music so much. It has been such a blessing to me here.

The temperature has been really great the last couple of days. Saturday, Sunday, and Today we have been walking around in just sweaters. It has been really really nice. I love it! Before it has been a little cooler. And very windy! Kindof like Idaho. :D

We don´t have a designated time or amount of hours for service everyweek. The direction is to kindof just look for opportunities to serve, and then do it when we think it´s a good idea. Hermana Celis helped a sister in the ward with homework one night. The other night we helped Hermana Velintene with her daughter´s dance costume. We made a treat for someone the other day. Things like that.

Mom, will you do me a big favor? I would love the Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, as well as the Peanut Butter Candy recipe. I´m pretty sure Hermana Celis needs to try peanut butter candy. :) She made a lemon pie the other day, and it was amazing. I´ll definitely have to make that for you all.

Out of curiousity, has anyone looked up the population for here in Plottier?

We have Stake Conference this next week. There are nine wards in my Stake I believe. Dad, I´ll be interested to hear about your stake conference. Do you know what you´re speaking on yet?

How fun that you got to go rafting/kayaking! I was surprised that Lisa wasn´t there. She must of had to work... It sounded very fun, and I´m sure The Ricks family absolutely loved it.

Well, about Andrea... Andres went to get their papers for their wedding the next day, and the Civil Records place was closed because they´re protesting! Can you believe it? The date is now tomorrow. So everyone cross your fingers and pray that all will go well with that. Even though Stake Conference is this Sunday, and she won´t be able to be confirmed for a week, we are hoping she can still be baptized either on Friday or Sunday evening. We need to talk to the mission leaders to verify.

Dad, you mentioned the importance of the area book. Hermana Celis has passed that responsibility on to me since I got here. It´s good to learn, and it´s good Spanish practice as well. I can see how missionaries let it slip, because it´s a lot of work every night. However, I also feel like it´s very important. Without the area book I have no idea how new missionaries would know what was going on in an area.

I got my first letters from Mom and AK last week! Thank you!

Ryan, Happy Birthday this next week! 31?? I hope you do something very fun to celebrate. Date night!

I wrote a letter last week with a drawing of my apartment. It´s not very fancy if you can imagine, but you should be able to get a rough idea. My good little apartment. :)

I was reading in 2 NeFI :D today and I really enjoyed it. Nefi is talking about the scriptures, and how is soul delights in reading the scriptures. I really do love the scriptures so much. It´s hard to express. They always bring me comfort and peace, no matter what is happening in my life. Later in the chapter he talks about how he shouldn´t slacken his strength because of his afflictions. As hard as it is, I know that´s true. We just need to remember to rely on our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ - We need to ¨know in whom we have trusted¨.

Okay, I´m going to send this first and then try to attach some pictures. I´m not sure what I´m doing so we´ll see. But, I love you all and love hearing from you. The Church is True, and Jesus Christ is the head of this church - leading it and directing it through a modern day prophet. Families are Forever!

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

Buenos Aires Temple

Hermana Celis and Jana on the first day in the Mission Home

Family Home Evening with Familia Higuera-Andrea is on the right with her little girl, Carla.

Rocio's baptism with members of the ward and Rocio's mom, Rita

A wall of Jana's 1st missionary apartment

08.18.2008-Hola! (E-MAIL)

Hola mi familia! Como estan? I hope that all is well for everybody. I was worried for a bit that I might not be able to email you today because it´s a holiday of sorts (I´m actually a little confused about it :D) but no worries, the internet is still open.

So first to reply to some of your questions...things here are going well. My first day when I said I went to the Buenos Aires Temple, I was literally only there for like 20 minutes. We weren´t able to do a session or anything, so I´m yet to experience a spanish session. Mom, you´re one up on me! I laughed when I read your email about how you ended up in a spanish session in the temple. It really is an experience to be learning in a different langauge. Hopefully I´ll get that opportunity sometime.

Mom, how did your talk go? I was thinking of you and I prayed for you yesterday - multiple times because I wasn´t sure when you would be speaking. :)

So Andrea and Andres having a wedding date! They´re getting married this Friday, and Andrea is getting baptized on Saturday. It really should happen this week!

I don´t think I´ve talked much about the food here... I am actually really enjoying it. I haven´t had anything yet that I haven´t liked. It´s pasta of some type about every meal. Good thing I love pasta! The other day a member, Hna Higuera, made us mashed potatoes, but it was mixed with pumpkin... I think?? Anyway, it was super good. I need to learn how to make some of these things.

The other day I had my first official asado (barbecue). Ryan, you would´ve loved it. I don´t think I have seen such a large amount of meat in the center of the table at once. :D They really do like steak and beef here. In spaghetti they´ll have chunks of steak instead of hamburger, etc...

Several of the members have mentioned how I´m going to fatten up here... because they feed us so much at lunch! Ah well, if it happens it happens right? We have our lunch appointment and then we skip dinner. I´ll usually have something small when we get back to our apartment at night.

Also about my apartment, it´s actually an apartment above a little store. Hopefully I´ll be able to send you pictures soon of some of these things. I´m sure you´d love to see, and I would love to have you see as well.

Oh, here´s something funny. Instead of saying Como esta? Most people say Como anda? Which is literally, how are you walking? It´s kindof fun.

Dad, how is the stake? Work? Umpiring? Sometimes I forget that you are all in summer, and doing everything that comes with it. The summer is so great!

Mom, that´s fun that you´re almost done reading the Doctrine and Covenants. Have you decided what you´re going to start next? Every time we teach about the importance of reading the scriptures and why it´s a blessing, the more grateful I am for the scriptures. Also, I love that you and Aunt Debora watched Cinderella. That´s so great.

AK, Ryan, and Nyah, how are you? Work I´m sure is still very busy for the both of you. I love hearing the new things that Nyah is saying. She is so cute!

Aaron, how´s it going? Have you had interviews? I hear from Lisa that you all have had some great water skiing. I´m sure you´re loving it.

Shari and Orrin, how are you? How´s work? Orrin, are you enjoying your bike? Shari your story about your neighbor and the police was crazy. I´m glad everything turned out okay. Have you decided on whether or not to continue working with Greg?

Lisa and Jordan, hola! Poor Hallie had a rough week! I wasn´t sure whether to laugh or cry when you said that she had fallen in the bathtub. It sounds like she handled it okay. Justice park sounded great with Mom and Dad too. I love justice park. It´s so pretty! And I´m glad that she loves the dirt - a true Pincock.

A lot of people really aren´t sure how to pronounce my name. It´s pretty funny. It´s okay though, I´m leaning how to pronounce theirs too.

I carry around our family picture of where we´re all in a group hug. The first little while quite a few people asked if I had a picture, so I decided I had better carry it. Everyone loves the picture. They always get confused between Lisa and I - they´re not sure which one is me at first. Lisa, It turns out that we still look alike. I think we all look pretty similar.

We do meet in just a regular church. It´s smaller, but other than that, just normal. We even have a real piano. It´s good. I´m glad that I can play the piano for them. It´s amazing that Heavenly Father even helps me to play the piano when I have no time to practice.

I´m teaching as much as I can. Hermana Celis has given me many opportunities to teach so I´m grateful. It´s hard, because I don´t know all the vocabulary, and I don´t sound like an Argentine, but I figure I need to open my mouth. I have decided that every time I say something, I´m one time closer to saying it more clearly. As hard as it is...

I have started reading the Book of Mormon outloud in Spanish. It is helping me to pronounce and be a little more comfortable speaking, and to just see how Spanish works in general. I´m not very far yet, but I would like to spend about fifteen minutes everyday doing this.

I´m very grateful for the opportunity that I have to be here in Argentina, sharing the happiness that we have through the Gospel. The more I talk to others who don´t have the Gospel, the more grateful I am. I´m so grateful that I have the knowledge of a living prophet, who guides us today. Revelation didn´t end with the Bible. God continues to speak with us through a prophet, the scriptures, and personal revelation. It breaks my heart when people won´t believe that God continues to speak to us today.

I´m grateful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ and for His atoning sacrifice. I have been studying the atonement, fall, and grace a little bit this week, and I am so grateful for Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and Redeemer - for all men - if they will just come unto Him.

There is much truth in the world, found in many churches, but I know that this is the church of Jesus Christ - it is His church. It was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith, and I am so grateful for Him and the sacrifices he made for us to have the Gospel.

The family of Rocio is still meeting with us. I hope they as a family will continue to progress. Yesterday we were able to visit them for a while along with the Bishop and another member in the stake, because they wanted a blessing for their home. It was a neat experience.

Rocio´s mom mentioned that she feels something different when the missionaries are in her house. It was neat. I want her to realize how that Spirit can be there always, as they accept and live the Gospel. I hope that things will go well with their family.Thanks so much for everything. I love you all so much. I´ll write again next week!

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Pincock

08.11.2008-Hola mi Familia! (E-MAIL)

Hello again! How are you? I hope all is well for everyone.

First and foremost, I just got my letter back from my mission president, and he said that it is best that I only receive emails from my parents through email - that it´s best if I receive letters from siblings through pouch or regular mail. Entonces... that´s the way it will be! I´m thinking the Dear Elder thing might be fastest, but I really don´t know.On to my week!

Rocio was baptized! Elva needs more time, but hopefully that will take place before too long. The baptism was really neat. It´s the missionaries responsibility to fill the font, so we were at the church a good part of the day. The warm water actually isn´t working, and so we were heating up water in a huge pot, and then carrying it in buckets to the font. It was great. I hope it helped a little bit, but I´m afraid it was still very cold. Oh well, what can you do? Hermana Celis and I, along with two elders in the district, sang ¨Cuando me Bautice¨ I think is how you say it - When I am Baptized, the primary song.

Rocio and her Mom Rita were the only ones from the family at the baptism. We stayed at the church with them for quite a while, like one and a half hours, after the baptism because that´s when the bus came. Things I have taken for granted...

Hermana Celis... she has been on the mission for ten months. She has actually been sick this week, so we have spent a good amount of time in the apartment hoping that she´ll start feeling better (3-4 days). What can you do? It´s good though, I´ve had some great opportunities to study and so I´m grateful for that.

More about my apartment and living conditions... we live in a one room apartment (plus the bathroom). :D It has our kitchen, desks, beds, closets... everything! It´s a great little apartment. In our bathroom we don´t have a bathtub, just a shower head that goes out in the bathroom. It´s good.

I laughed the other day. We have lunch with members, but one day it was cancelled this last week. I decided to cook us pasta, and thus needed the stove. I had never had to light a stove before, and it was actually pretty funny. It reminded me of dutch ovens and made me laugh. You would have all enjoyed watching me.

I am sleeping in my sleeping bag, but it´s not because it´s really cold. It´s just very comfy! Dad, great job with that. Thank you so much!

I really haven´t seen any bugs. I saw a baby spider this morning when I was mopping. And that´s it! Pretty luck eh?Right inside the city the roads are paved, but most of the roads are dirt. They´re basically like the old dirt road by our house. So they make me feel at home!

The living conditions here are pretty varied from what I can see. Living here as helped me realize how blessed we really are in the United States - we all have very nice homes in our family and are very blessed.

Mom, I still haven´t received your letter in the mail. I don´t know! Also, how is your ear doing? Is it better?

Shari, I think a blog sounds like a great idea, since we´re encouraged not to write too many letters. I still would like people to know what is going on. :)

My preparation day is on Monday, last week I just wrote on Tuesday because we had zone conference on Monday. Sorry if that caused any confusion.It was so fun to get all of your letters. I am so so grateful. Thank you! The temperature here is good. It´s like fall in Pocatello. Mom, I´m wearing my hat this very instant. Thank you, I´m really enjoying it. For the most part, I just wear my rain coat around. It´s not too cold.

There are a lot of stray dogs roaming around here! We had a puppy following us around for a while the other day and it was pretty funny. Good times!

Did I tell you that we take a bus around Sunday mornings (driven by the Bishop of another ward) to pick up all the members and investigators? It takes about 1 hour and fifteen minutes.

Dad, I ate lunch with Familia Valenzuela the other day, and we were eating spaghetti. We were just starting to eat... and he cut his spaghetti just like you do! It made me very happy - it definitely brought a smile to my face. :)

Spanish is coming along. I understood more in church this week than last week, so that must mean something! It´s interesting though, because I really recognize that I understand more when we´re teaching. A lot of it is because I´m more familiar with the vocabulary, but really, I find that I understand more when the Spirit is really strong. It has been neat.

Here´s a neat experience... Andrea has her baptismal date for this Saturday. Her boyfriend Andres, and father of her two kids, hasn´t really been investigating the church. But they need to be married before she can be baptized. We were talking to Andres the other night, because he does not believe in Civil marriage - religious yes - but not civil. Thus, he doesn´t understand why they have to be married before she can be baptized. We talked for like 1- 1 and a half hours and it was fairly crazy. He just didn´t understand. Hermana Celis had a lot of scriptures about the importance of marriage and the family in God´s plan. We were talking how he can´t have these blessings, unless he does it God´s way... and he wasn´t relenting.

It was amazing, because I felt such a strong love for him. I was so sad that he was denying the blessings that he could have, because he had no desire to be married. I bore testimony as best as I could, about what God wants and desires for him, and how God can change his heart, after which Hermana Celis did the same. We talked for a little bit, and then instantaneously, his heart was changed. He suddenly said that because he has faith in Christ, and loves Andrea, that he would be married. He would also start going to church and taking the lessons so his family can be together forever. It really was a miracle of the Spirit. They´re going to try to get a date for their wedding today, so we´re praying that all goes well with that.

Thanks again for all your letters, and for keeping me involved in your lives. I love you all so much, and hope all is well. The church is true!

Love,
Hermana Pincock

08.05.2008-Hola! (E-MAIL)

Hola mi familia!

Como Estan? Sorry if my punctuation is a little crazy. It turns out that even keyboards are different here. Interesting. :)

Well, I´m here! I left Tuesday morning I believe at 10:00 am, and I arrived to Neuquen Wednesday at about 5 I believe. I flew from Salt Lake to Dallas, Dallas to Buenos Aires (About 10 or 11 hours) through the night. We got to Buenos Aires and us Neuquen missionaries got to go to the Temple there really quick and eat (just like 20 minutes.) Really fast. Then we flew from Buenos Aires to Neuquen where President Cook and his wife picked us up. Luckily we had some good helpers along the way... members?... that helped us get to our flights and everything. Communication was small if you can imagine, but we made it. :)

Thursday morning I got to meet my trainer! We had a day of training with us 5 new missionaries. So about my trainer! Hermana Celis is from Santiago Chile and she´s great. I must admit that I was a little nervous about having a ¨latin¨companion, but it has been really good so far. She actually knows a lot of English so when I don´t know a word, she is usually able to tell it to me.I actually haven´t really read any letters so sorry I´m not responding. I will respond to your questions next week when I write.

Also, President Cook has advised that we only write to our parents. So Mom and Dad, will you please email this on to everyone else? Thank you. Also, President Cook was concerned about us not having enough time to write (we are allowed 40 minutes) if we are reading many emails. I am going to ask him if it´s okay if we continue this way, with me printing your emails and then responding next week, and then we can still continue to do email, rather than all ¨mi hermanos¨needed to use pouch. Another thing to take a look at is ¨Dear Elder¨a program on the internet. I´m not sure how quickly those get here, but it can be used here at the MTC. Anyway, I´m going to write President Cook and ask him, and then I´ll let you know what I find out.Also, about packages... they said that if you send packages, make sure to keep the worth of the stuff inside small, because I need to pay about half of the worth once it gets here. Hopefully that makes sense. :)

Alright, so here I am in my first area Plottier! There is one ward that we are part of, and it´s called America.

My first night here, Thursday night I believe, I went and met the Bishop and his family. They´re very nice and are very pacient with my Spanish. I already recognize that I understand a lot more than my first day, but this is definitely a very different experience to not understand! But all is well. The Lord is helping me to learn and I´ll learn on His time. I was actually reading in Ether 12 today and Moroni was talking about his weakness in writing. It got me thinking, and it actually helped me a lot.

The ward is pretty small. There were like 25 or 30 people at church on Sunday. Hermana Celis said it was smaller than normal. But I´m playing the piano for the ward. It´s nice to be able to serve in that way.Our area is really big, so we ride the colectivo (bus) everywhere. We actually spend a good amount of our time traveling. To get to some investigators houses, Hermana Celis says it would take about two hours to walk. We have two baptisms set for this Saturday! Rosio is eleven years old, and she´s great. Her family hasn´t attended church so they´re not ready yet, but she is. We´re hoping to continue to work with her family so they can be baptized soon as well.

Elva is this Saturday too. I actually haven´t met her because she has been on vacation.

Andrea is schedule for baptism the 16th. We had FHE with her and a family in the ward, Familia Higuera, last night and we talked about the importance of the family, and being married. She has two kids, and lives with her boyfriend, but they´re not married. She committed last night to talk to Andre about a wedding date before the 16th so she can get baptized. It´s hard because he´s not really investigating the church at this point.The ward members here are great and they´re really invovlved in missionary work. I think about all the investigators we´re teaching right now are referrals of the members. Pretty amazing.

Some fun and differeng things about Argentina... we do clap instead of knock at doors. Most houses have some kind of fence and so we clap. If there´s no fence, then we knock. You greet all friends with a kiss on the right cheek (females only for missionaries) :) I wasn´t super sure what to think at first, but it has grown on me. I think I may carry this on in Idaho as well. :D

The food is different, but similar. Mostly I´ve had pastas or baked things so far. They have yummy cookies/treats. Perfect!

The Spanish is different here. It is called castellano. Anytime there´s a y or a ll at the beginning or in the middle of the word, it´s pronounced kindof like ¨sh¨Somewhere between a ¨j¨sound and an ¨sh¨sound I would say. Interesting huh?

Other than that, I´ve found that people are the same. They´re still kind, busy, and worried about others. They love their families, and they need the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is true and I love you all so much. Thanks so much for everything!

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

Pincock is pronounced differently here too. Fun fun. :D

Arrival to the M.T.C.---05.28.2008

What a crazy day that day is. The day you enter the M.T.C....A whole lot of the unknown up ahead and every emotion imaginable all at once. Here are a few pictures that show just how it went that day for Jana. Everyone in the immediate family was in attendance except Orrin and Shari. That's how it goes when you have those retail jobs. We're glad that we could spend that weekend with everyone. Anna Karina provided these photos...thanks Anna Karina!

There's Jana just before entering the Missionary Training Center! So Cute.

Just before going inside.

It really is every emotion all at once. She's smiling here but who knows what she was really thinking...?

Jana with her dork dot! and Jordan

Dad, Jana, and Mom...Mom and Dad are finally empty nesters, or at least when Aaron moves out they will be. Best of Luck Hermana! We love you!

07.25.2008

(E-MAIL)
07.25.2008-Hola :D

Hola Mi Familia!Como estan? Lisa and Jordan, Happy Anniversary! Wow, how time flies... five years already! I hope you have a wonderful anniversary, and I'm sure you will.

Thanks for all the continued letters, emails, and support overall. It is very much appreciated.

Mom, thank you for the cookies. They were so delicious! My companions and a few elders from my district got to enjoy them as well. :D

Well, it was fun to talk to Mom and Dad for a couple of minutes yesterday! I know it was just short and sweet (5 minutes :D) but it was still good to hear your voices. I was glad when I found out I would get another chance to call when I only caught the answering machine the first time. So that's the update on the VISA. It should be hear 1-3 weeks from the original date of July 28. It'll be good for me - more practice! We're actually going to start on lesson three too, so that should be great. Three Elders from my district are leaving because their visa's are probably a ways off. One to Maryland, and two to Boise. So Shari and Orrin, if you see an Elder Harper or Palmer, you should definitely say hello. :D

Oh Shari, question for you... were the McKay's one of your mission president's? Here's the story... we got two knew roommates on Wednesday - Sister Haight and Sister McKay- and they're headed to temple square. I mentioned that my sister had been a visitor center sister in Independence. So Sister McKay said that here grandparents were the mission president and wife, about five years ago. That name sounds so familiar, but I couldn't remember for sure.

Mom and Dad, how was Girl's Camp? I just love girl's camp! Mom, how is your ear doing?

Ryan, Hello! How are you?

AK , I was surprised to hear that Matt quit. And you worked a ton this week! Nyah has some kind of a car? It sounds like she's doing well. I like that she's saying "mamen", and that she loves the water just like her Dad. Also, as far as hard pictures go... I love the last one you sent of Nyah with a popcorn bowl on her head. Other than that, whatever you think. :D

Aaron at Lake Powell - fun! I hope he enjoys it. :D

Shari, I hope you get to know the other people in your complex better. It's always fun to get to know more people. I'm sorry that you weren't feeling well. I hope you start getting better soon!

Lisa and Jordan, Hallie is so cute! She's waving, and army crawling?!? Wow. Pretty amazing. Tell her thank you for the hello, and tell her hi and that I love her. :D

Well, things here are going well. I was excited this morning that the temple is open again. Yay! Also, here's a reference center experience for you all. Hermano Edwards committed all of us to making a Spanish phone call. So I got in there Monday, feeling pretty nervous. I had Hermano Adams listening in - I'm not sure how that works - so he could help me out if I needed it. I called several people only for no answer. But I kept calling... and finally, somebody answered! It was good. I pretty much just read the script, but he understood me, we got the movie in the mail. So I feel pretty good about it. I think I'll try it out again this next week. I've got to learn sometime right?

Mom, I wish I would've said something more to you on the phone in Spanish. Next time I guess. :D

Well tonight is our last official teaching appointment unless plans change. I hope all goes well.I hope everyone is doing great. I love you all!Con Mucho Amor,Hermana Jana Pincock

(LETTER)
Hola Mi Familia!

Como estan? Well here is is, another preparation day! I hope you are all having a wonderfl Viernes tambien :) Mom, AK, Ryan and Nyah, I just got your letters and read them. Thank you! AK, now I understand what car you were talking about of Nyah's. Fun! Thanks for the pictures too. Adorable!

(Sentence cut out)

I can't believe about A Becky's finger. Ouch! that is really, really awful. How is she healing by now? Tell her I'll pray for her.

I'm trying to think about what else is new here. Here's something funny...when my companions and I were just walking out the door Hna. Schwab had to go back in for something. When she came back out Hna. Schafer jumped out at here and scared her about half to death. Hna. Schwab screamed. It was funny. :)

I learned how to play four square the other day. Good times! It was funny becauseHna. Schafer and I were the only Hermanas and all the Elders were afraid to get us out. I wasn't sure how to fell about it, because I knew the Elder's were going easy on me. :) It was bery fun.

I can't believe how fast the weeks go by here. Already time for another teaching appointment. For "the task" before the lesson we need some medical/health vocabulary. We're going to share a personal experience and then ask for a referral. For the personal experience I'm comparing the scriptures and continuing revelation to the rope in the middle of the raft-they keep us safe. :)

I've been think about asking for referrals. In the past I have always been hesitant to give referrals to just any missionary-I'm trusting them with my friends! I've been thinking about how to gain the trust of the members. If anyone has any thoughts or input, send it my way.

Thanks again for everything and I love you all!

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

P.S. Has anyone seen or talked to Jami? How's she doing?

07.18.2008

(E-MAIL)
07.18.2008-Hola Otra Vez!

Hola Mi Familia!I think I have a little more time to write now. :D
I'm doing my laundry... and writing.

The temple this morning was great. We haven't been able to go for the last two preparation days since it's closed, so it was really nice to go today. We actually got to put together chandeliers for the halls. They are so beautiful! I had never thought about how people actually need to put chandeliers together. There were about 7-10 ish in the hall that we were in. So pretty! One of the men that was showing us how to put them together said that each chandelier cost about $2700 dollars. Wow. We were sure to be very careful. We cleaned off every little crystal with vinegar before hanging them up. And I got to talk to a sister - I'm guessing she's about 25 years old - for a couple hours too. That was really fun.

AK and Ryan, thanks for the cinnamon rolls and Reese's! I was very surprised and they were delicious. Thank you!

Mom, thank you for the hat! It fits perfect, and I'm sure I'll send pictures with me wearing it. Also, thanks for the list of all those you donated for the mission. I don't know a couple of people on the list. Who are: Bonnie Jeanne Reed, Mark and Renee Neider, and Joshua Jacobson? Anything specific I should know before writing them a thank you note? It's pretty amazing that people are willing to donate money for my mission, when they don't even know me. I want to be like that.It sounds like everyone at home is doing well. S

hari, thanks for the poem. I do love that poem. :D I'll have to figure it out in Spanish. Maybe with the help of teachers or my trainer or something. We shall see. :DD

ad, I couldn't believe it when I heard that you did 33 interviews. Wow. That's alot. Also, I was surprised/sad to hear about Wayne Hess. I didn't know him well, but I sure enjoyed hearing him play the Organ. Very powerful. I hope his family is doing okay. Also, good luck with your talk. I hope it goes well for you. Also, how was the parade?

Lisa and Jordan, I was happy to hear about Hallie's crib - and her sleep! Good girl! It's fun that you went to visit Shari and Orrin, and Dawna, Joe, and Owen. Sounds like a fun trip.

Lots of boating! It sounds like your all professionals. No broken ribs or anything like last year. Okay? :D

I'm trying to think about what is new here. Pretty much the same I think. We still haven't heard anything about visas . . . so keep praying. I know you do anyway, and I really appreciate that. It gets me a lot of strength and comfort.I have REALLY been trying to speak Spanish ALL of the time. It has been good for me. Often times I just don't talk as much because I don't know how to say it in Spanish, but I think it's helping to make myself do it. I think Heavenly Father will recognize my effort and bless me for it.I love you all so much.

Gracias por todas las cosas. Estoy muy agredecida por mi familia y mis amigas.

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

(E-MAIL)
07.18.2008-Hola!

Hola Mi Familia! This is going to be pretty quick and short because I only have a couple of minutes right now. Hopefully I'll be able to get back on during laundry in a couple of minutes.
If not though, you'll at least know that you'll be getting a letter!

Thank you so much for the cinnamon rolls, winter hat, and the thank you notes that I can write on. I will write more thank you notes as much as I can. I was very humbled to see everyone's generosity. Thank you so much!

And of course for the letters and emails. I haven't read your emails yet, I just printed them out so I can take them with me.

I just got back from cleaning the temple for four hours, and it was a great expererience. But now the schedule is a little crazy. I'll write more about that later. Have a wonderful day and know that I love you all very much.

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

(LETTER)
Hola Familia!

Como estamos? Mom, I laughed when I read about you and Dad playing cards and then threatening to throw them at eachother. That's great.

Also, I was surprised that shane, Mallory and Brinley went boating with you all. How fun! I hope they're doing great as well. Fun too that there were two mission farewells. I'm afraid I don't think I wold recognize either one of them I have seen a couple others though, so that has been fun. I don't remember his first name, but there's a Carlson here-Jessica's little brother? A couple from Logan too. Small world.

Just the barber/hair salon trimmed my hair. They did well. Missionaries aren't actually allowed to cut each other's hair. Interesting. I had no idea before!

And the Bells are home? Where did they serve again? so are Angie and her husband leaving the ward now?

I love that Nyah is folding her arms to pray. Very cute.

The teaching ppointments are going pretty well. Last week was a lttle tricky. Our teachers always emphasize not to worry about our grammar during the teaching appt. However, one of our investigators is/was a sister from Bolivia and has only been in the states for about 3 months. She was correcting our grammar throughout the entire lesson. Luckily Heavenly Father helped me and I was okay with the correction. But it did add another dimension to the experience. I really did still enjoy teaching.

Tonight we're teaching the Plan of Salvation and the Word of Wisdom. I really want to focus on making the teaching more personal. I want people to recognize why they as an individual, need the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How is it going to really make a difference in their lives?

I'm looking forward to teaching the Word of Wisdom as well. The more i hear about others and their experiences with the Word of Widsom (Palabra de Sabichuria), the more I recognize how important it is. The Word of Wisodm really is for our benefit-our freedom, Our Happiness!

The church is true. Thanks for your examples, faith, and love. :)

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

P.S. 17!!! People from my zone left this week. wow. My district is no the "old" district. Time flies!

P.S.S. Mary Ellen Edmunds came and spoke to us on Sunday and I absolutley LOVED it. I needed a good laugh. She is just great and I was able to learn much. I wish you all could have been there to hear it as well.

07.11.2008

(E-MAIL)
07.11.2008-Hola! :D

Hola Mi Familia! Como estamos? Thank you for all your letters and emails. They are always very fun to read and this way I still feel like I'm involved in everything. It's wonderful.

Shari, I'm excited you're giving a lesson on missionary work! I was trying to think yesterday about my thoughts... and I really don't know where to begin! I would just really encourage everyone to read "Predicad Mi Evangelio". I really believe that Preach My Gospel is inspired. It teaches such a broad range of things. Ways you can be a better companion, the basic doctrines in such a simple way, the importance of the Book of Mormon and how it answers the "questions of the soul", how to teach more effectively. It's just amazing.

Another thing, I have never realized until now how many stories in the Book of Mormon are about missionaries, and missionary work in general. It turns out, that missionary work has never been easy for anybody! But it's all part of the plan.

Also, a speaker talked to us about how God will give us missionary opportunities if we seek them. He will put peoople in our path's if he knows that we will open our mouths. He won't put someone in my path if there's only a 50/50 chance that I'll talk to them. That really opened my eyes when I was told that.This is just a wonderful work. I love it. I learn so much everyday. It may not be easy for people to talk to neighbors, friends... but in the long run I really believe that it is rewarding.

AK and Ryan, thank you so much for all the music! I'm so amazed how much music is on there.

My companions and I are absolutely loving it. I was happy to find Jami's voice on there :D. It was fun to hear a familiar voice. I know that took a lot of time. Gracias!

It sounds like you all had a wonderful 4th of July. It kind of hit me that I won't be celebrating the 4th quite the same way next year. Pretty crazy. The day was pretty much the same until we had a "fireside" at 8ish. We actually played patriotic songs with chimes! It was pretty neat - just like our chimes at home. However, there were 50 sets of chimes - 20 chimes in each set - playing this time. Quite a few chimes huh?

Afterwards we got to watch the fireworks. We were fairly close since they're put off out of the BYU Stadium I believe, but there were no ashes. :D We were all out past normal though, and it was actually kind of weird. :o)

Dad and Aaron, that was quite the bike ride after the picnic. 23 Miles! It sounds very fun though.

Yes, we have three teaching opportunities every week. Two with the zone, and one with the official teaching appointment. It went pretty well last week. Sometimes I wish I could express myself better, but then I have to remind myself, that I'm speaking a different language! All in good time.

Tonight is our last time teaching the 1st lesson in Spanish.I will write more today. I think I'm going to mail a couple pictures so you can see what my companions and district look like.

Dad, tell Brett "hi" for me! I'm sure he was a great missionary.Hope all is well and I hope to hear from you all soon! :D

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

(LETTER)
Hola Mi Familia!

Como estamos? I forgot to mention in the emial, but it sounds like everyone is going strong exercising! Bikes, Boating, Hiking in the future, Shari still with Grest and I love that Shari and Orrin are playing tennis. Very fun- with the sweatband and sunglasses and everything. :)

So in response to questions: I feel like the language is coming along. We learned the last tense yesterday-Wow! It's funny, In lessons I want to say one thing, but sometimes it takes a second to think of a way I know how to sa it. At night my companions and I read the B of M out loud in Spanish. We take turns reading verses, and then we translate it. I feel like I've progressed a lot doing this. Even though the scriptures are manily in a different tense-or not tense-form than I will be speakin in, I definitely think it will help.

I met with the Spanish tutor the other day I was telling him I feel like I need practice hearing Spanish. He showed me how I can listen to general conference in Spanish and read it at the same time. I'm looking forward to doing that. Hopefully that will help a little for when i get to Argentina-which isn't far away!

The threeseome is going well. I learn a lot from them. Here's a story...we give Hna Schwab a hard time because occasionally she talks in her sleep. So the other night I woke up and realized that Hna Schwab was talking. At first I thought she was awake, but then realized she definitely wasn't. It just took me a second to realize that she was bearing her testimony about the Restoration. It wasn't just a testimony, buta very powerful and strong testimony! It was pretty amazing to me. We really do eat, and SLEEP missionary work here. Hna Schafer is very humble and she's trying to be the best missionary she can. She's really studying the bible right now. I never did hear what happened to my companion. It's a mystery.

Gymnasio is still good. We have it in the day, so I'm just trying to keep myself hydraged. No 5:00 am runs here! I have been doing lunges between laps for the last little while. Hna Schafer usually runds on her own so she can memorize scriptures off flash cards, etc...Hna Schwab and I usually run together. Lately we try to teach the lesson in Spanish as we run-or quote scriptures in Spanish. We as a district memorized James 1:5 and 3 Nephi 5:13 en espanol esta semana. I really love 3 Nephi 5:13.

this week at the Referal Center a woman called wondering what we could send her to help her understand revelation. She is taking missionary discussions and her Mom was asking her questions she didn't know the answers to. She already has the B of M and Bible, so I was at a loss for what to send her. So, I just asked if I could read some scriptures with her. We read Amos 3:7 and D & C 1:38 about Prophets. Then we talked a little bit about the Holy Ghost in Galations 5:22-23. Later it came out that her son had passed away many years before. It was neat to be able to testify of a living prophet and how families can be forever-all because of Jesus Christ.

I also listened to a really amanzing talk by Elder Holland last Sunday. It was a re-broadcast from a time he had been here before. He compared the missionary life to that of an apostle-that missions should change our lives forever. We should never go home and go back to "normal" again. I hope I always remember the lessons I have already learned.

Mom, it sounds like you're really enjoying your bike. I'm so glad! Also, I hear you got up water skiing, way to go! Are you still going to Weight Watchers every week? That was a shock to hear about Dave and Vonnel Rapp's grandson. That is so sad. I hope they're all doing well.

Is there anyway I can get Susan Lamont's address?

Thank you for everything. I love you all!

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

P.S. Nyah, thank you for the picture! I love it!

P.S.S. AK, a package? I would absolutley love anything. I can't hink of anything specific. I need a couple small things but I can get them with a discount at the bookstore. But really, don't feel like you have to. Love you lots and thanks for everything!

P.S.S.S. does anyone knw how to get a hold of the peom "The Touch of the Master's Hand"?

07.04.2008

(LETTER)
Hola mi familia!

Como estamos? I hope you are all doing well. I remembered some more things I didn't write in the email. First, I signed another paper the other day towards getting my visa. I hear that's a good sign. Some missionaries headed to Argentina aren't getting their visas quite on time. So if you remember, will you pray that I get mind when I'm supposed to? Gracias!

Next, I am now the "Relief Society Coordinating Sister" for the branch. It was Hermana Schwab, but we switched 1/2 way through. Par tof my responsibility is to welcome the new districts their first night and explain a couple things about the M.T.C. So I got to do that this last Wednesday. I bore my testimony at the end and sat down. Then the branch presidency asked me to do it again in Spanish. that was neat.

Also, I am no longer the Senior Companion. Hna Schwab and I kind of switched places. It has been good to see how she does things the last couple of days. I like it. :) Hna Schafer does the music for the branch. I'm still playing the piano Sundays.

So an Elder I talked to a little bit here is headed to Pocatello! Actually, he's already there. He's a Spanish speaking elder, but I told him to look out for Pincocks. He only speaks spanish, so our communication was fairly limited :), but I thought it was fun that he got his call to my home! His name is Elder Baten.

A little while ago Hna Schafer asked me if my nieces have ever been in "baby pageants". She assured me they would win. I thought that was great. I do have cute nieces! It made me happy to hear about Nyah's "get down" and Hallie's clapping. They are both getting so big.

Shari and Orrin, it sounds like you had such a good vacation! I'm glad you prolonged it after the Ragnar. I really enjoyed your story about the tour in the tabernacle. I decided to read it to my companions and it made me cry as I read it out loud. It was a good reminer. Thank you.

Ak and Ryan, Nyah has Keens? that's great. Both my nieces seem to like water. I'm not suer how that gene skipped me. Haha. no really, I really do like water now. That's nice!

Shari, I'm excited you're giving a lesson on missionary work. I'll think about what I would say and I'll try to remember to write it next week. A lot of people have really emphasized the importance of being bold. I really see that now. I have jst been reading the section about Finding People in Preach My Gospel and have really loved that. It has some really good things to say.

Dad, it sounds like church and work hav ebeen really busy. Wow, a 200 page book? and umpiring too. I loved your stories and quotes from the relay. Hopefully you have gotten some better sleep since then. I'm sorry that your knees bothered you like that, but I'm glad you did it. The satisfaction after a race is amazing. Oh, that's funny about seeing a stake member as well. That's great.

The food here is still great. And that's great as well that you are right on target as a stake as far as convert baptisms.

Mom, how are you doing? how's the Primary Presidency doing?

Aaron, how's everything for you? Loving boating? I'm sure. :)

Well, I think of you all often, and really hope you're all doing well.

Con Mucho amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

P.S. I hadn't heard about the deer! Shari, I'm so sorry about your car, but I'm so grateful everyone's okay. SO grateful!

Tell family and friends hello!

(E-MAIL)
07.04.2008-Feliz Cuatro de Julio!

Hola Mi Familia! Happy Fourth of July! (I have no idea if I wrote that right up in the subject. I hope you all have a great day. It sounds like you have some good plans. I think I might actually get to watch the fireworks tonight. That'll be fun!

Aaron, tell Tyler Feliz Cumpleanos for me manana! I hope he has a great birthday. I can't believe he's eleven. Wow.

It was fun to hear more about the Ragnar Relay. It sounds like you all had a good experience, and that you all learned a lot from it. Aaron, Lisa, and Jordan - keep me updated on what you decide about running "The Gap". Good times!

Appointment with the investigator went really well. She is actually a teacher here, but she was so amazing. My companions were great as well.

We were supposed to have our teaching appointment tonight - our first time in Spanish - but because it is the 4th of July we won't have any investigators. :( However, I believe we're teaching it to our zone. Wish us luck! The Spanish is getting better. We have now learned almost all of the tenses - amazing huh? Our teaching at this point is simple, but I think that's a good thing as well.

This week we're also focusing on learning food, and cooking tools in addition to the grammar and vocab for the first lesson. Amo helado! ( I love ice cream!) haha

Oh, I don't think I told you that one of my teachers, Hermana Thomas, is officially gone. She is now studying abroad in Jerusalem for the next couple of weeks. Her replacement is Hermano Edwards, and he is really good as well.

Yesterday I got to talk to Hermano Adams, my other teacher, about my goals, etc... and it was a very good talk. He gave me some really ideas and thoughts - things I needed to hear. He recommended that I read a certain section in Preach My Gospel (Predicad Mi Evangelio) and it was perfect. I have already come to really love PMG. It is definitely an inspired book, and of course, I recommend it! :D

I will write a letter later today during laundry, because I don't feel like I have been able to respond to everything... but I hope you all have a wonderful day today, and I'll talk to you again soon.

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

P.S. Will someone email Becky at beck-12@hotmail.com (or just forward this) and ask her to send me her address? Or you, and then you can email it to me... whatever works. That would be great.

06.20.2008 and 06.27.2008

(E-MAIL)
06.27.2008- (Uno Otro Semana!)

Hola! Como estan? Thanks for everyone's letters and support. I SO SO appreciate it. Aaron, I got the thermals and they're perfect. Thank you! Also, I got the relay shirt - I was so surprised! I was even more surprised to see my name on the back. Thanks, that meant a lot. I liked all the names that you came up with as well. Jordan, the muffin stump? ;) Anyway, I think I have the best family in the whole world.

It sounds like everything is busy for everyone, but that things are well. Mom, I can't believe you already finished my winter hat! You're fast! Thank you so much - I'm excited to see it.

From what I have heard so far, it sounds like everyone survived the relay okay. :D I'm excited to hear more.

Things here are going well. This last week was the Mission President's Seminar, so there have been a lot of general authorities walking around. That has been fun. Last Sunday Sister Cheryl Lant, the Primary General President, spoke to us. She's actually here quite a bit because her husband is one of the Branch Presidents. Anyway, Tuesday night Elder Hales spoke to us. Also up on the stand were: Jeffrey R. Holland, Richard G. Scott, L. Tom Perry, and D. Todd Christofferson. Neat huh? Elder Hales spoke on the Atonement, and it was really good.
A new Mission President and his wife came into our class twice. They're from Brazil, and they're headed to Brazil. The first time they observed us teaching part of the second lesson. We were all a little nervous at first, but it turned out well. They were very genuine and sincere, and they had some good input.

I read Doctrine and Covenants Section 138 and really enjoyed it. I had forgotten a lot of the things that are in there. I highly recommend it. :D

Other than this, things are pretty much the same. Again, thanks for all the letters and for all you do. Oh, this is the Missionary Purpose in Espanol: Nuestro objectivo es: Invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo a fin de que reciban el evangelio restaurado mediante la fe in Jesucristo y su Expiacion, el arrepentimiento, el bautismo, la recepcion del don del espiritu santo, y el perseverar hasta el fin.

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

(06.20.2008-LETTER)
Hola Familia!

Como esta? Isn't this paper fun? thank you so much! So I just found out yesterday that there is another place to email, other than the laundry room! So I have already emailed and I have since gotten letters from AK and Mom.

Mom, it sounds like things are going well. Enrichment sounded fun! I also loved the quote by Pres. Eyring. We do live in a "blessed time"! Thanks for the stickers! They are very cute and fun.
AK, Ryan and Nyah, I got your letter with the family pictures. We're so cute! It was fun to show my companions my cute family. I'm glad we were able to get those pictures taken.

Mom, you asked about when the Branch Presidency wives come, they all come separately, but on the same night every week. It has been good to get to know them. They also come for Relief Society on Sunday Morning.

Hermana Schwab definitely reminds me of Shari. I absolutley love it. She's very smiley and great. I love it.

Well, I think that's about everything I have. Talk to you all soon!

Con Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

P.S. We did initiatories this morning. Neat!

(E-MAIL)
06.20.2008-Hola Mi Familia!

Hi Family! How are you all doing? Mom, Happy Birthday! I enjoyed everyone's email that I got today. Mom and Dad, I got the stationary, with mom's letter too. Thank you! That's pretty fancy shmancy! I'm pretty sure that officially makes me a missionary. :D
Mom, I couldn't believe everything that happened with California. What an adventure! I was sad to hear how sick aunt Sheila was. I'm glad everyone made it home safe. You were definitely all in my prayers in your travels.

Well here's a little bit about my week. Our teaching appt. went well last week. We taught a great "older" lady. Very nice. We have another appt tonight. It will be our first time teaching the second lesson.

Saturday went well. I wasn't feeling very well most of the day, so at gym I pretty much just sat there in the shade. I started getting weaker and weaker... until I really wasn't feeling well around 7 and 7:30. It was weird. I was just dizzy, weak, feverish, and had a headache. I wanted to just stick around for the rest of the night, but soon found it probably wasn't for the best. My companions and district "strongly recommended" that we go back to the room where I could sleep. They took care of me that night, and since then I haven't had it quite that bad. I've had a cold, but I'm even pretty much over that now. So that's a huge blessing. :D

Oh, I had an awesome experience at the Referral Center on Monday. My district was there for like an hour and a half. I had talked to like 2 people in the first hour, and every other number had been busy, or no answer. It's hard to call, and get up the guts, so to keep getting busy signals, etc... was kind of discouraging. So I was trying to keep optimistic, and just have faith that someone would answer the phone.

So a lady, about 50-55 I believe, from Louisiana, answered her phone! I asked to see if they had received their "Lamb of God" video, and she explained to me how much she and her husband loved it, and had watched it several times, because they love how it makes them feel. Then she said they've watched "The Restoration" video several times, and absolutely loved it. Her husband has been meeting with the missionaries, but she hasn't yet because she has been at work. They haven't gone to work yet.

It was so fun to talk to her. She was teaching me! She said that she has been praying to know if it's true, and she committed to continue doing so. And to really try to go to church. I read her Moroni 7:13 about recognizing the Spirit. It was interesting because we had just been talking about scriptures that talk about the Spirit in class a couple days before. Anyway, I hope that helped.

She asked where I'm from, and if I am in Utah, and was wondering if African Americans are members of our church - because that's what they are. It was so neat. I just assured her that the church is spreading all over the world - because we're all God's children - no matter our race or background! I told her that I am headed to Argentina to teach the people there. She was so happy. And it made me happy! It really was neat that ideas came into my head of things that I could say to her. It is true that if you open your mouth, Heavenly Father will fill it.

Dad, I couldn't believe your story about the handcarts. How sad! I'm glad that something good came of it. Lucky for good and willing ward members to help out in situations like that.

Shari, I'm so excited that Dawna and Joe have a baby! How exciting! Tell them congratulations.

AK, I got letter from last week with the pictures. Thank you! It was very fun to see pictures of Nyah. I'm so sad that she was sick! At least she herself wasn't affected by it too much.

As far as the big adjustments go... I think the biggest adjustment has been being someone (two someone's) all day every day. But it is a blessing too. It has just been a big change!

Mom, Happy Birthday again! Have some good dessert! Also, I hope that the relay is going GREAT right now. I'm praying for you all. I hope you are all enjoying your time together. :D

Lisa and Jordan, I'll keep Gordon in my prayers. I'm grateful for how much he has already been blessed. And also, that craps me up about Hallie having a high-pitched squeal. How funny.

Con Mucho Amor,
Hermana Jana Pincock

06.13.2008

(LETTER)
Hola mi Familia!

How are you doing? I hope all is well! I'm not suer if I'll have time to write much back throgh email because we are only allowed a 1/2 hour on the computer so I think I'll thry and write the bulk of what si happening it this letter. We'll se how this all work out. :)

Thanks for the letters Dad and Shari! They were very fun. Things here are going well. This morning at the temple we did sealings, and that was very neat. AI absolutley love class. both my teachers are amazing. Hermana Thomas is actually leaving to do study abroad in Jerusalem in a couple of weeks, so it'll be sad to have her go.

My spanish classes are going well too. So far we've learned the present, preterite, and future tenses. The the praying and testifying too. We have an appt. at the Teacher Evalutation Center every Friday where we meet with volunteers from the community who pretend to be our investigators. it's kind of like a test. :)

Last Friday we introduced ourselves in Spanish and basically asked if we could share our massage with them. We did that twice. Then we taught a newly married couple the 1st lesson--The message of the Restoration. That went very wll- it seemed pretty real!

Tonight we need to introduce ourselves in Spanish again and then ask them questions to get to know them. Then we're gong to teach the 1st lesson again, but this week they have concerns about prophets, the need for them, and Joseph Smith Specifically. I hope we'll be able to remember what we've learned and teach clearly. Oh, we have about 30-35 minutest to teach.

The best thing I've eaten? Well, there's an ice cream bar very Wednesday and Sunday! They also have great fruit- Fresh strawberried and pineapple every day. Mmm...Mmm...Good! Sometimes I have cereal, but sometimes I branch out and have other things. I have bagels, fresh fruit, and of course chocolate mile, quite a bit.

I believe my branch president if from Provo. A new counselor was just called. Every wife in the branch presidency comes and visits us once a week, when we get back to our room for the night.

Mostly during gym I run, do lunges, or crunches. I played kickball for the last two days and that was definitely fun.

I think my favorite part of the M.T.C. so far is the singing. Twice a day we sing a spanish hymn before beginning class. I love that even though I don't understanda ll the words, I still fell the same. My companions and I are also in the choir. My first choir experience! For the Tuesday night devotional we sang "How Great Thou Art", and it was incredible. It made me think of Grandma Stephenson as I sang it. And I LOVE when the whole M.T.C. sings together. it is so powerful with all the Elders singing.

We met with the Consul from Argentina yesterday and he filled us in a little bit on what to expect. It was very interesting. On Tuesday we all got fingerprinted and signed a couple of papers to work toward getting our Visas.

We got two new roommates-Sister Ewing and Sister Halliday. They will be serving in Richmond, Virginia.

The amount of time I spend in class and personal study differs each day. I'll give yesterday for an example: 6 hrs of class-3 in the morning and 3 at night. 50 minutes at gym. 1 hr language study, 1/2 hr MDT (missionary directed time), 1 hr personal study, and 1 hr companion study. The rest eating, changing, and sleeping. :)

Shari, I'm glad that you went to the doctor, and that he/she is trying to help you feel better. I'll continue praying that you feel well. I loved hearing about Collin and Nolan playing T-Ball. Very, very fun.

Dad, what an adventure withe the handcart trek! That is amazing that it got that cold, wet, and muddy. I'm glad you had four wheelers, and that everyone was able to get home safe. I read about part of it to my companions and they were amazed. Hermana Schwab expressed how she never had the opportunity to go, and she wishes she had. I'm anxious to hear how the rest turned out.

Well, the big race day is nearing! I am SO, SO, EXCITED for all of you, and wish so much that I was there to run too. But I think this is where I should be. I know everyone has worked hard, and you are all going to do awesome. I'll pray that everyone's knees, ankles, and everything else will feel good. Enjoy eachother, be safe, and have an absolute blast.

I Love you all-
Hermana Jana Pincock

P.S. I love the scripture Moroni 7:13. It helps me recognce one way I feel the Spirit.

(E-MAIL)

06.13.2008-Hello Again!

Hi Family! How are you all doing? I just got emails from all mi hermanos (???), and it is so good to hear from you! This email thing is very fun. Because I am only allowed a 1/2 hour on the computer, I have decided to write a letter in addition, because I don't know that I would have the time to read and write everything I would like in that 1/2 hour.

I think having a mix of emails and letters is a great idea. However, I know that it's definitely easier to email than write, so whatever is great with me. :D

Shari, thanks for that quote by Pres. Kimball. I love it! I'm going to write it down in my notebook so I can share it with my companions, and probably with my whole district.

AK, the stories about Nyah cracked me up. She certainly knows what she wants! Baths and swinging... both very good things! I'm glad that Ashlee is back. Hopefully that gives you a little bit of a break.

Aaron, have you been able to go boating yet? I hope you are all taking good advantage of that. Good, fun times!

I got Aaron's email with the pictures, but I am not able to look at the pictures. The computer won't allow it. Will you send me a hard copy sometime when you get the chance? I would love to see a family picture - We're pretty good looking!

Lisa and Jordan, thanks for the email. Jordan, I had to laugh as I read your little section. You do continue to crack me up.

Lisa, how is work going? Is it getting any better or is it still REALLY demanding?

Mom, Happy Birthday next week! Dad, Happy Father's Day here pretty quick! I hope that you both have a great day.

The MTC is still going well. We got ten new Elders on Wednesday so it'll be good to meet them. Spanish is going pretty well. I try to say as many things as I can in Spanish, and kindof talk "Spanglish". It's kind of fun when the first word that comes to my mind is a Spanish word. Very neat! I wrote in the letter today that you will get later this week, that we have learned the present, preterite, and future tenses. I need to work on getting the irregular preterite verbs down. I'm definitely enjoying learning it all though.

I am teaching Lesson Two - The Plan of Salvation - the first time this next Monday in Zone Teach. Tonight is my last night to officially teach lesson one in English. I'll do lesson two for a couple of weeks in English, and then onto teaching in Spanish! Wow.

I'm so excited for the relay for all of you! I know that you will all do awesome. And you will all be in my prayers! I better go because I have three minutes left! I love you all. Thanks for the continued love and support!

Love Always,
Hermana Jana Pincock

06.06.2008

06.06.2008-Hello :0) (E-MAIL)
Hi Family! How are you all doing! So it turns out that I get to write emails while I'm doing my laundry. I am only allowed to write to family, but I think anyone can email me. If that's not right, I'll let you know. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to email every week. I will be able to as long as a computer opens up.

So how is everyone doing? I am so grateful for all the letters that I have received from the family. AK, I got the letter with the "Standard of Truth" today. I really enjoy that quote, so thank you! I think I want to memorize that.

Every Tuesday and Sunday there is a big devotional with all the missionaries. After one of the devotionals they had us sing "We'll Bring the World His Truth". One of the closing lines is normally, "We will be the Lord's missionaries" and they changed it to, "We are now the Lord's Missionaries" and it kind of hit me. Wow. I really am a missionary!

I have already written you a letter because I didn't know if I would get the chance to email you. So you'll be getting that in a couple of days. Things are going well here. I love walking around the MTC and hearing a variety of languages. Often when we're walking around someone will ask us if they can testify to us - for practice. It's nice to hear that so often.

I hope everyone is doing great. I love you all!

Love Always,
Hermana Jana Pincock

(LETTER)
Hi Family-

I just got back from my first time at the Provo Temple and really enjoyed it. We even ate in the cafeteria, so that was delicious of course.

I was so happy to get a package from AK, Ryan and Nyah. And my companions and I have thoroughly enjoyed the brownies. And then I was very excited to get letters from Mom, AK, and Lisa. Thank you!

So in answer to your questions...My routine is different every day. Monday is different than Tuesday for example, but every Monday has the same general schedule from here on out. So every week is the same-Tuesdays are the same, Wednesdays are the same, etc... I really like how things are done though. We always start at 7:00 and have a 1/2 hour of Missionary Directed Time (MDT). We can study anything we choose. Everyday (M-F and Sat) we have about three hrs with each of our two teachers. They teach Spanish, Gospel principles, and they also help with teaching. We have gym for 50 minutes five days a week. Both my companions like running so we have gone outside and that has been nice. We can run together or alone, so it's nice to have that option.

AK, it was raining yesterday so we went inside. I thought of you as I had the opportunity to run 35 laps. Good Times! :)

At the end of the night (at 9:00) we plan for (a 1/2 hr) the next day and make personal and companionship goals. It has been a good thing.

The rest of the day is spent in language study, personal study, and companionship study. We have at least one hr of each. That has been nice because it gives me a chance to "digest" everything I'm learning.

Last sunday was a little different because it was fast Sunday, but here's a basic idea: we have Relief Society with all the sisters. A little later we have a meeting with our little district and then later we have Sacrament meeting with our branch (3 districts). Everything is in Spanish there so it's neat. We are the only sisters for now. Last week I had the opportunity to play the piano in Sacrament Meeting Luckily I wasn't too nervous. :) I am loving the spanish "himnos".

Later at night there's always a devotional and they show classic church movies. That should be fun. But I'll definitely miss the Crystalite and popcorn/ice cream that usually comes with a movie. :) So that's that!

I haven't come across anything I wish I had. My companions were very impressed with how much I fit in two bags. I credited all the help when we "community" packed.

Classes are going well. There is a lot to learn, but it's good. Mom, I think I am getting more sleep than all of you! Some nights when I go to bed I'm not tired-what a different concept! :) However, if that's when I need to turn off the lights, that's what I'll do.

I loved hearing about everything that is happening with you. Umpiring, plane rides, family chats, making bracelets, church...everything! I'm glad you all were able to go to Creighton's reception. And now some of you are in California! I hope that Lacey's wedding goes/went well and I'm looking forward to hearing about it.

Lisa and Jordan, I'm so glad Hallie is feeling better! It broke my heart to see her coughing. Poor little thing! I'm glad that her cute little smile is back. And Hallie, I'm glad you're giving Aaron a chance. He's a pretty good person to have around. :)

Thanks so much for everything! In the 1st lesson we get to testify of the importance of families. I have no problem assuring them that family is the best thing in the world. I don't know what I would do without you. Love you!

Love Always-
Hermana Jana Pincock

05.31.2008

Hola mi familia!

How are you doing? I have been thinking about all of you and have wondered how the rest of your week went. I hope all went well for everyone!

Well my p-day this week is on Saturday, but I believe it will be on Friday for the rest of my stay here at the M.T.C. Sorry that my letter was so short the other day, we had just a couple minutes to write them.

So I was thinking, and I think I wrote that one of my companions name is Hermana Schultz. It's Hermana Schafer! My other companion is Hermana Schwab. I don't know what happened to the sister who was supposed to be my companion, but it has been good to get to know Hermanas Schafer & Schwab.

I am really enjoying my district. Us three and six elders, are in all the same classes together. We have two teachers that switch off: Hermano Adams & Hermana Thomas. They are both excellent. I feel like I have known the eight others in my district a lot longer than three days.

I really do like learning and being here. I was thinking and I don't remember ever having so many doors opened for me before. :) There are big adjustments, and small adjustments, such as never addressing others as "you guys" simply because they want us to avoid slang.

I can't believe how much I have already learned. Our first full day they taught us to pray in Spanish. We have learned how to introduce ourselves as missionaries and ask questions such as: "Do you know anyone that would like to hear our message?" We have learned how to bear a simple testimony. While learning these, we have focused on the present tense, as well as starting to teach the first lesson in English. It turns out that it's kind of tricky to coordinate with companions. :)

Oh, I think I forgot to mention that both my companions are going to my same mission, as well as two Elders from my district. The other four are going to Bahia Blanca (sp?).

Lisa and Jordan: My district and I have enjoyed the treats you sent me with. I'm about to eat a Reese's here in a few minutes too. Gracias! I get my first gym period here in a couple of hours. Yay!

I guess that's all I have for now. Let's see...Yo se que la iglesia es verdadera y Jose Smith vio a dios y Jesu Cristo. Yo se que Dios es nuestro padre y el nos ama. Yo se que las familias para siempre. I love you all!

Love Always-
Hermana Pincock

P.S. Lisa-isn't this pen writing nice? :)


P.S.S. I thought of a story :) We were practicing our introductions and our teacher told us that we were going to go out and meet people to practice. She lead us out into the hall and invited us to introduce ourselves to the pictures on the wall. At first I felt a little relieved and I thought about how funny it was that we were talking to the pictures. Then I walked down the hall and found myself introducing myself to a picture of Joseph Smith. There I was, somewhat struggling to find the Spanish words, trying to declare the Gospel that he restored to the earth. As I think about it, that's pretty amazing. this is a great and marvelous work.

Letter Dated 05.28.2008-Day Jana Entered the M.T.C

The Pincock Family-


Here I am, the first night at the M.T.C. What an adventurous day! Everyone, thanks for your love and support. I'm so glad that I got to spend last weekend with all of you. I'm so glad.

The companion I was assigned actually is not here. I'm not suer why. So I'm in a threesome! Hermana Schwab from Rexburg, ID and Hermana Schafer from Hurricane (sp?) Utah, The're both very nice girls. :)

Here's something interesting...we got to the M.T.C. Presidency orientation early. We got seated in the "Participant" seating...that's right, I got to give the closing prayer! It was good. There are 364 new missionaries today--from 16 different countries, pretty neat.

My Branch Presidency seems very nice. I even already have a connection to Chubbuck. The 2nd counselor's daughter lives there. Over by the Tyhee building I believe.


Thanks for everything. I'm very grateful that I have the opportunity to be here on a mission. And it's all thanks to all of you. The church is true!

Love Always,
Hermana Jana Pincock

"There's a big white envelope..."

Jana received her mission call on Thursday, March 13th, 2008. Those who could, gathered together and it was all figured out that Jana would open her call at 5pm when Anna Karina, Ryan, and Aaron could all be on the phone to listen in. So here are some pictures that I took to share. I entered the M.T.C. six years ago on March 13th. Everyone in the immediate family made a guess of where Jana was going to be called to. It was posted on the map, that's what all of the dots are. Just a side note, Jana had all 4 of her wisdom teeth pulled on Wednesday, March 12th, hence the slightly puffy cheeks. I guessed South Africa and South Carolina. So 5 o'clock rolled around and we gathered in the living room. Jordan held the phone close to Jana so that Anna Karina, Ryan and Aaron could hear what was going on. The picture to the left is as Jana started to pull everything out of the envelope. She covered it so that she was only able to read it line by line. She continued to read and this is what it said, "...you are assigned to labor in the Argentina Neuquen Mission...". So Jana heada to the Provo M.T.C. on May 28th and then to Argentina where she will teach the people in Spanish! Tears of joy followed from several of us (including Jana). How exciting! Anna Karina had the closest guess to Argentina with her guess of Chile and get cookies for winning. I of course took a TON of pictures and wish I could share all of them but here's just one more that I thought was neat. Jana's call is the first mission one I've seen signed by Thomas S. Monson. Congratulations Jana! You're going to be an amazing missionary.