Clare's Fourth Letter! February 17, 2011

"On My Mission"-

So this past week has been action packed for sure! Let's be honest. The week started out a little bit hard, because the doctor scheduled me for a scope (through the throat)! He wanted to make sure that my stomach was fine. That was a successful second field trip. I took the Hungarian nurse with me so I had someone sticking up for me! So it was decided that I would have one Monday.

First Friday came, and our teacher wanted us to memorize 20 verbs this week with half of the conjugations (so 30 per each word), so we could take a test on Friday. I worked SO hard, like way hard. However we all know how I do on tests. First of all, I went on a mission to get away from tests. That obviously did not work! Second of all, it was twice as scary.

I was the only one of ten to not pass with an 85, and I got a 75. He made me raise my hand and say I didn't pass in front of everyone! It was the most embarrassing moment of my life (plus he said you had to take it until you passed). I once again burst into tears and ran out. I was so upset because I tried so hard. Finally, I went and talked to him and told him that I had known the words, but I DON'T take tests. So I never have to do that again THANK HEAVENS!

So that night, some of my district felt some tension..I haven't!? The DL did weekly planning and everyone left very upset and mad! I was very annoyed with everything so I decided to go shower because its your ONLY alone time, I love showering now.

Things were still rough when SUNDAY came. I love going to church and Music and the Spoken Word. Our president was released unfortunately, and we got a new one. I, trying to be nice, welcomed the new first counselor's wife. Then she began reprimanding me in front of the MTC president for having my tag too low....Its okay though! I am sure we will be best friends.

During district meeting, we had a perfect scene from Mean Girls. The DL had everyone go around the room and say what were thinking so we could become a more open district with less tension. It was SO good, because we had prayed for the spirit, and because we did many things making it became better between the district.

SO PRAYER works, and being open. So then Sunday night we had devotional. Shocker...I fell asleep again because of the new medicine I was on. However ,after I was able to have Elder McCullam give me blessing for the next big day for the SCOPE! It was a wonderful blessing, and I am so grateful for the priesthood and the men that are worthy to have it. He said exactly what I needed. So Monday came, and I got to partake on field trip three, To Doctor Thorp.

They tried three different times to get IV's in. I went in and the doctor was like,"Well, Happy Valentine's Day! Let's take pictures!" So don't worry, they are on their way. It was good to get a scope.

What they found was Gastritis, and they took a biopsy for infections. My stomach was YELLOW and TORN UP PRETTY GOOD, when it should look like the side of your lip. I had my Hungarian nurse with me when I was waking up. She filled me in on some of the funny things from when I was waking up:

1. Me: "There are lights in my eyes!" Sister Paprizt: "No Clare, they're in the ceiling." Me: "NO! THEY'RE IN MY EYES!" And then I passed out again.

2. I woke up and said to her, "WHO ARE YOU?!" She told me and I freaked out and said,"Why are you staring at me?!"

3. I was in a bed next to many old people, so the doctors kept telling a few of them, There's nothing we can do... it's not looking good and you have an infection." I became VERY confused and turned to Sister P. and said, "Tell me honestly.What is AFFECTION, and how do we get rid of it?"

4. When I heard it was bad, (what they were telling the other patients) I kept saying, "VOLDEMORT IS IN MY STOMACH, TAKE HIM OUT, TAKE HIM OUT! i PROMISE I WILL EAT LESS! TAKE MY STOMACH OUT AND VOLDEMORT WILL BE GONE!"

5. Sister P. asked, "Did you have any good dreams?" I replied with,"Yes, I dreamed I was Dumbledore. I was converting people with my wand and yelling spells!"

6. The last but best.... I asked her, "Do I still look hot? Even as a patient?"

I don't remember any of that, but she wrote it all down to tell me after... Apparently my subconscious mind is obsessed with Harry Potter, Affection, and Hottness...

After the procedure I had the doctor write me a prescription for SUBWAY and JAMBA JUICE. It was a legit prescription. The driver said I could pick, so I picked Subway. Everyone was really jealous!

After eating, I went to "Sick Bay", where I got to sleep for 3 hours, it was uber nice. Pretty much the whole day I was out of it, and felt pretty weird. I didn't even teach that night because I couldn't keep my eyes open at all.

So...now I am on Aciphex once a day until my stomach rebuilds. No more pain medication unless it is Tylenol, no more soda or acid foods... Awesome... But he said that may have been the root of all of my problems in the first place. So he took me off the anti depressant that helped the intestines called Dexopin for two weeks. Then they said, either you will get really sick or not. We will see...

I am so happy. This has taught me so much about faith, hope and the power to be healed. I have never felt better! I am ready to teach it up now! Yesterday was amazing, I got to talk to my mom again! We had just finished our 2 hour SYL (speak your language) walk. It was so good because I could actually speak and form sentences and full conversations. I know that the Lord is blessing me big time!

Today for the temple, we did sealings and I loved it. I ran into Cousin Talbot in the room and it was good! I have seen them a lot, and I am happy they are here.

Overall, this was a good, LONG week. I am happy most of the time :) and I am LEARNING A LOT! Thank you for all of your prayers and fasting and temple time for me, it really has blessed me.

I hope all is well,and yes, thank you for all of the packages and Dear Elders! You are allowed to Dear Elder me every day if you want, even if it's just hey, I LOVE IT! This week we learned that the more we study the Atonement, the closer we come to Christ. I challenge you all to ready 2 Nephi chapters 2 and 3 on page 307. If you don't have a Book of Mormon find one. :) I promise it will help. I know this church is true, and that this is were I am supposed to be.

Love,

Motra Clare Vaterlaus

(In Albania I will have to go by Motra Vati!)

Clare's Third Letter- February 9, 2011

"On my mission...."


SO..... I have so much to tell you all. First of all I am very excited for Kaitlin to serve in New York, because that is where I thought I would go! I am so EXCITED for you!

Well this week has been full of adventure.
Last Thursday morning, after not keeping anything in my stomach for days the teacher made me go to the doctor after leaving three times that morning to throw up.... The MTC doctor had too much to do, so I got to take a field trip to the BYU health center...
Cars, real people, even holding hands. They gave me the good stuff for nasuea (the kind they
give to people doing chemo) and then tested all of my blood again.

I liked that doctor. He started me on a new medicine, and it was a MIRACLE drug. The next day I felt so much better, and was fine. I was a little bit annoyed that they made me do a follow up exam, because I feel great.

So yesterday we got to go again to the doctor. He was NOT very nice. He made it clear that in his opinion with my history I should be reassigned, and I probably would not make it through a whole mission especially in Albania. I was very upset! I know the Lord needs me there, and after 3 weeks of Albanian there is no turning back.

He did another stomach exam that usually kills and it didn't hurt at all! I kept telling him I am fine, that it was just a flair up. So against my will I will be going to the GI tomorrow just for him. At least I get to do exchanges, my two motras will be staying here, and I will be going with the Hungarian sister, Paparitz, who is a trauma nurse, so don't fear! I will have back up.

The doctor also said that none of the medicine will make it through customs. The whole time I kept thinking, well there must be a way because I am working for God, and he can do anything. It took me awhile to not be annoyed but its going to be all right!

The language is coming along. It is still completely insane that someone could learn this! We have taught a lesson in Albanian already. This week we taught the Finn's who were the investigators

We got two roommates this week that are going to Maryland? They are very interesting to say the least. They came home very VERY upset because their teacher made them act like missionaries trying to get into the house when they were late.

Side note, the day one of the girls came I had the weirdest dream that it was her birthday the next day. SO I asked her about it and she said it wasn't, but it was soon but wouldn't tell us when. The next night at 10 pm her companion told us it was her birthday...awkward! We threw her a surprise party. I can see the future!

We went to the temple today and loved it! I have lost six pounds and I am now an all star volleyball player! It's crazy.

I am so grateful for all of the letters and packages I have gotten. It is my favorite thing to read Dear Elders at night! The mission is going great, all I can say to someone thinking about going is, if you have the desire then you need to go.

I have been so blessed with the Elders around me and my companions. It is crazy how fast you can immerse yourself in the work. We took a new approach that I think it amazing. While studying the scriptures we are supposed to focus on stories about investigators. When we can understand them, that is when we can teach.


Fun Facts of the week:

-One of the 70s came and spoke- he is new at speaking English and kept saying we need to be "juciefied" (the gum) when we think he was saying crucified or justified.

-During the same meeting a boy we think feel asleep next to us just flat out fell out of his chair on to the floor; he was pretty embarrassed!

- I see MAX everywhere and love it.

Well off to get my GTL on, but just know I am doing great, and I love it! This is the perfect growing experience. I hope all is well in all of your lives. Know I love you and miss you!

Dashuri

Motra Vati

(They are going to shorten my name; this is it in Albanian. Yes, names change to accoadrance of the sentence... CRAZY!!)

Pictures are in the mail!

Clare's Second Letter! February 2, 2011

Everyone-


I am the luckiest girl alive! I have gotten so many letters this week, and I am so happy! I just got an entire envelope of letters from my kids at Adams Elementary! I LOVED IT, and thank you so much for all of the pictures and letters from all of you on the staff too. I miss all of you and hope that it is going well. Don’t worry! I am learning some cool Albanian games to bring back to the kids. This week I have felt like the kids I have been teaching. I am learning to read, and I am not very good at it yet so I have to go out with the teacher to do it. The alphabet is completely said how it sounds. NOT ONE LETTER CHANGES!

It is crazy to switch from Albanian mode to English to Albanian. It is starting to come along though. We were only allowed to speak Albanian at lunch one day this week. TOUGH. Lauriann will be so happy, because I am having to learn basic English so I can actually understand the Albanian. To form a sentence takes about 20 minutes. Everything changes in it, each word.


We found out this week that it is the 3rd hardest language to learn at the MTC. The Asian Language is the hardest, then the Finns (Elder Carr’s)-he is in the room next to me I see him all the time. Then ALBANIAN! Every word has about 9 conjugations to be used. It is CRAZY. There are about 14 different words for one noun that has to be decided before you actually say a sentence. It is tough! I already love it though because you use a lot of facial expressions and hand gestures. Brother Herd said I have the best direct “no” gesture he has ever seen. So at least I am good at that.

Well For RS we had Pamela Norby talk, and it was good. I love Sundays! It the one day you get off! Then we had Elder Swenson speak, who is in the MTC presidency. He gave a GREAT talk and I got to sit by Max the whole time! Tuesday night we had Kevin Duncan from the 70 speak ( who is my companion Motra Read’s cousin) so I “kind of got to meet him”.

I have become an AVID volleyball player. I have bruises all over my arms and hands from it and even a finger bone a little out of place. The MTC is starting to get better, I can’t believe how much time has gone past already. TWO WEEKS!

All I can say is that if you can survive the first week then you can do it. The first week was the hardest week of my life though. I finally felt at peace when Elder Duncan was speaking about how it's not just this life we are changing but the lives of all their posterity! I loved that so much, to think that the Lord has sent me to do such things. I have made a BEST FRIEND, she is Tongan, and is going to CO. I call her El Tigre and she calls me Dragon! I love it!

I have loved the mail I have received! So, I thank you all, and keep it coming! It keeps my hopes up and makes me look really popular... JK....

Here is an Albanian word for you!

ha- to eat

(That's my favorite!)

Anyway, I am doing better, and I love it now. The first week is hard but I CAN DO HARD THINGS! Okay. I miss you all and think of you all.

I enjoyed going to the temple today for the regular 10:40 session. It was nice to feel peace of what I am doing. All I can say is that if you have a desire then you need to go. It will be hard but the lessons learned are indescribable........

WRITE ME :) I love all of you, and THANK all of you for your support!

Love you,
That's hot!
Motra Vaterlaus

Week One!! January 26, 2011

"On My Mission"-

Okay! I am so happy to finally get to email you something. Thank you for all of the letters from everyone! It has been good help. I have found this to be the hardest thing I have ever done. I am learning to be humbeld and fast.

I have two Motras (compaions). It turns out we have one of the biggest districts for Albania in years! We started with 11 and 1 already left. There are 7 elders. I have fallen in love with all of them! They are the best elders. Elder Kanaras is in mine and he is a mini stake president waiting to happen. Elder Mcullum, the one from BC is so funny! I have really enjoyed all of their help. For the sisters I have Motra Read,(only got her call 3 weeks ago) who is awesome and I love her, and also Motra Reynolds, who I am learning from. She is SMART, there is not a thing that she doesn't do. I am learning to be patient :) We are the only district to have 3 teachers. We have a Native who I would like to make mini and carry him around in my pocket. He is the best; his Name is Brother Hoaxe. The other two served in Albania and are good teachers. Brother Herde, and Brother Ellinson. (?)

The Language is SO HARD. I feel like my brain is being constantly pushed through a cheese grater. However it is coming slowly. I can pray, bear testimony, do 6 of the over 50 tables of congugation, and do the entire alphabet. It is much differnt then English! Elder McBride (from Sugar City ID) and I are the only two that have never learned a Language. The rest of them have learned 2 to 4. So you can see my frustration....It is so hard to be the slowest learner, but I am used to it. It will take time!

I have only burst into tears 3 times since I have been here. It is honestly the hardest thing ever. This week has felt like a YEAR. I am learning to have a companion, which is something
that is hard for me. It's hard to get up every time I have to go the bathroom or they do and go with them. You're right; this is good marriage prep!

Since the beginning of the week I have been sick. I have had a cold, and my stomach has been messed up again. After so many lessons about you can be healed, and after throwing up boy peanut butter ( the chunky kind) I decided to ask the elders for a blessing. It is hard to be the slowest learner and feel sick the whole time. It was the neatest experience. None of them had ever given a blessing, so it was a good learning experience. Elder Kanaras is the one who started it, and I was so happy that I had so many worthy young men around that have the ability to heal me. Elder Olson (our DL) then gave me the blessing. He blessed me with many things, he even cried. That night we had Elder Evans ( who is a 70) speak. He focused on President Monson and family. When we discussed family in the meeting, every boy and girl was crying. They all love their families very much.

GOOD NEWS! Apparently Cosovo (?!) The country near Albania is being opened soon, and Albanian speakers will be going...So who knows I might serve in two countries, and be
able to open a new mission!

Lets See...Sunday is my new FAVORITE DAY EVER, because we get to watch the district night which is like the MTC version of the OC or the Hills. I got to hear from the General
Primary Presidency, and meet her. I even got HUGGED by her.

I have seen Max and Talbot EVERYWHERE. I sat by Max at the fireside last night. He has been a good help to me, and a great comfort. Talbot seems to be doing AWESOME! I am so proud of the family I have. I was not allowed to hug max ever, so I was upset. I will get over it.

Overall the mission is going good, SUPER HARD, FRUSTRATING, AND SOMETIMES NOT FUN, however I find myself the HAPPIEST when teaching about the gospel. I know this is where I am supposed to be and that I can do this.

Please DEAR ELDER ME on MONDAYS so I can email it back to you. I LOVE DEAR ELDERS, please, even if its just a LINE write me one. It makes the bad parts in the day seem not so bad. Thank you for all of the support, and I love all of you!

Mirupafishim!
Dashuri

CLARE (Yes, you may use my real name; I MISS IT SO MUCH!!!)