Welcome Sister Capitan!

 

 I apologize in advance for a short letter.  The library is super packed today! Anyway Sister Capitan is my new companion. Fresh from the MTC! She's awesome, and we get along pretty well.  She's actually from the Navajo Reservation down by the 4 corners area.  She wants to work hard, and there isn't anything else I could ask for in a companion.  I think she's adjusting pretty well.

   Thank you all for your encouragement as I start training! It's actually not as hard as I thought because Sister Capitan basically came pre-trained.  She has no problem just jumping into a conversation--which I LOVE.  I was really worried that I wouldn't know what to say or how to teach her, but it comes naturally.  She obviously wouldn't learn everything all at once, so I just help her when unfamiliar situations come up.  I think adjusting to the schedule has been hard for her, but I think all new missionaries struggle with it.  Her body will get used to it.  (early to bed, early to rise.)

   Normally as missionaries, we don't really participate regularly in ward choir, but one of the wards is doing an Easter program, and they deperately needed more voices.  They asked Sister Hatch and I to join, which we did gladly (both of us being singers), but it came as a surprise to Sister Capitan when she came in--I don't think choir is really her thing.  Haha She's a good sport though.  I also found the next song that the family should learn and sing! Maybe you could all take the opportunity to learn it when you're in Dallas for the wedding! It's called Come Unto Christ, and I think it's a Sally Deford piece.  It's beautiful.

   Also, a couple weeks into the rehearsals, one of the songs they were planning on fell through.  I was subsequently volun-told to do a solo.  I will be singing the family favorite "For Me Alone."  I'm super nervous, especially because I don't really know if it's fitting for Sacrament Meeting, but the director liked it, so there you go.

   I love hearing about all the adventures that you are having.  I especially loved Mom's description of the Opera she went to--mainly because I could hear her singing "Figaro, Figaro, Fiiiiiigarooooooo!"  Good times.  I also loved hearing that you are treating the Sister Missionaries well in your ward! Make your home one that they can always come for a drink of water if they've been walking for 10 miles in the heat.  You need at least one of those houses in every neighborhood!

   Well life is great! I still love being a missionary.  It never gets dull. 

Sister Pratt

 

I found this written in chalk on the sidewalk.  Pretty hilarious!

We met a pretty cool bird.

I think my new companion Sister Capitan was a little nervous.

Eating Jam Never Lets Wise People Consume Frozen Rasberries‏

(This letter was actually sent on March 31st before the prior post.  Sorry they got out of order)  
A special prize will be given to the first person who emails me with an explanation of this title!

   This week has been a week of MIRACLES!  Our mission has really been focusing on finding new investigators this month, and it seemed like Sister Hatch and I had just hit a rough spot. We were barely getting many lessons--let alone finding new people to teach.  This week we found 5.  That's right, 5.  One of them was just a lady we met walking down the street.  The other 4 were a family that came to church with their neighbor. They are from Korea.  We stayed with them through the 3 hours of church, and they were really interested in learning more.  They might not have understood everything that was taught and said, but I know they felt the Spirit as they sat in the church building.  Sister Hatch and I are really excited to teach them! 

   Also, I don't remember if I told you about the brother and sister that were getting kicked out of their house, but we committed them to baptism last night.  We just really let them know that while everything else in their lives is going crazy, the church will be something for them that will be stable and constant.  No matter where the end up, they can walk into an LDS church building and have the same lessons, the same Spirit and the same fellowship that they are now experiencing. That really hit home for them, and I think it is a motivation for them to invest their time and interest into the Gospel.  It was an amazing teaching experience.  Sister Hatch taught like an ANGEL, and we were united in purpose. The Spirit was so strong, and I have an even greater testimony that He is the true power of conversion in people's lives.

   I'm grateful for your continued prayers on my behalf, and I feel your love and support!  I love you all, and I am indescribably happy that Robin will be going through the temple this Friday. You all will be in my thoughts.

Hay Que Tener Fe!

Sister Pratt

P.S. I forgot my camera today, so I don't have any pictures. Sorry!

I just finished one of the craziest weekends of my mission.‏

My weekend was crazy for 2 reasons.  

1) General Conference--which was the most amazing one that I've ever watched! Everyone says that General Conference is different on your mission, and they're so right!! You just get so much more out of it!  I absolutely LOVED it, and I took rigorous notes for most of the sessions.  I was planning to share all the insights with you in my email today, but alas, I forgot my notes.  I'm pretty bummed because I had a lot to share, but I'll attempt to share what I remember.  

How cool was it that President Eyring shared that story about Heinrich Eyring! I was so touched when I found out that one of my Great Great Great Grandpas was converted by a pamphlet that my other Great Great Great Grandpa wrote! Small world, huh?  I loved the talk overall, though.  It really touched me about making and keeping covenants.  I felt like that was a theme this Conference, and it was particularly applicable with Robin's trip to the temple! 

Another talk I LOVED was Elder Ballard's---Preach My Gospel is just as wonderful as he says it is!!  If you have any questions about it, let me know, and I will try to do my best.  As a mission, a couple months ago we were challenged to read PMG everyday.  It has been such a blessing in my life, and I've gotten to know it pretty well! (Although I've got a lot more to learn.)  Elder Ballard's talk also made me want to hear about all of your missionary experiences! Write me about them if you get the chance!  I know you are all feeling worn out from the challenges and everything, so don't put it on your check list of things to do... I would want it to be an uplifting experience, not one to bog you down.

That brings me to another thing I loved from Conference.  Sister Stevens said something to the effect of, "The Gospel isn't weight; it is wings. It carries us."  I think this is such a simple quote, and yet I think it is very profound.  There are so many things we are asked and encouraged to do in the church. So many people get "burned out" from a calling or service, but that isn't how it's supposed to work.  You should allow the gospel and the church to ease your burdens!  (Which also ties into Elder Bednar's talk).  

I was also so touched by President Packer's precious and simple testimony.  I know that we will be able to cherish that for years to come.  There are so many other things I enjoyed this weekend, but I don't remember them all, and even if I did, I wouldn't have time to write them. I might include more thoughts from Conference in my upcoming emails, as they become applicable.

2) Transfer calls--Yes. Right in the middle of General Conference.  We actually received the voicemail between the Saturday sessions. It was pretty intense. The verdict? I will be staying, and I will be training!! I'm kind of scared out of my mind.  I don't know what they were thinking, but apparently you aren't allowed to decline a call to be a trainer..... just kidding :) I'm super excited because I know that this is when I will learn the most.  It will be a growing experience for me, and growing doesn't happen without it's growing pains. It's gonna be hard, but that's ok! The hard times make us rely on the Lord.  I don't even know who my companion is going to be.  She's still in the MTC right now, so I'm just kind of floating until she gets here tomorrow.  My companion for the day is Sister Heaton, who is also waiting for her greenie.  It should be a good experience.  I'll let you all know how I'm doing at the end of next week!

Hay que tener fe!

Sister Pratt 

Found another Silverado sign!! I think it's my goal to find as many as possible on my mission :)

Brother Miranda had a Bday!

We found a pretty sweet Bolo tie! We actually made Brother Miranda wear it one Sunday when he was conducting.

I also found this picture and thought it was hilarious

On exchanges, Sister Metcalf and I got to clean out this really nasty pond........ like super nasty I can't even describe.  

we also found a cute frog 

More pond pictures!

 

The Mission is awesome!

 The mission is awesome! I love my companion, and I LOVE my area.  The people are just great, and we never have a lack of people to see... ya know? I don't know if any of you had this problem, but a lot of missionaries have a hard time keeping busy between the hours of 12-4 pm.  We don't really struggle with that! Maybe because it's an older area, and there are more retired people... who's to say?  

   I haven't seen Frozen yet, and it's killing me.  I've heard so much about it, and I remember seeing all the previews before I came out!  We actually went to one family's house, and they had it on, so I've caught glimpses! It just makes me want to see it more, though! Also, the Miranda's play the music all the time... it sounds pretty hip.

   A movie I have seen is the Testaments.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that it's my new favorite movie! Sister Hatch and I have watched it probably 6 times in the past week.  It's just about an hour long, so we come home and put it on during our lunch hour.  If you haven't seen it--SEE IT!  If you have--see it again! It gets me every time!

   Transfers happen again in a couple weeks, but I don't think I'll go, yet.  They are trying to keep people in areas for longer as the flood of missionaries ebbs.  In the fall, there were sets of 40 missionaries coming in at a time! People often trained after 6 weeks of being in an area, and you usually didn't stick around in a place longer than 3 months. Now that things aren't as crazy and the transfers bring only about 10 missionaries, they are trying to settle things down and keep you put for longer.  I'm happy about it, though, because I love this area!

   I can't believe Jeanette's having her baby this week!! Well, I guess I can believe it because from what I hear, she's about to pop! Be sure to send lots of pictures :)  (as usual).

   I'm so happy that your mission papers are going along well! I love telling people that my parents are going on a mission!! I think it really surprises people, but it wouldn't if they knew our family...

   We had a really good week this week, besides one main thing. Our investigators are getting kicked out of their house! It's so sad.  They are a brother and sister.  Over the past year or so, they have both been let go from their jobs, and are having a really hard time finding work.  We went over and helped them pack up all their stuff. It was heart-breaking!  As missionaries, I wish we could do more to help them find employment, housing, etc, but we can really only teach them.  Thankfully, they have good friends in the ward that love to help out.  

   Anyway, that's all I've got really for this week.

Hay que tener fe!

Sister Pratt

 This is a family that we're teaching.  They're actually active, but their son is being baptized in a couple weeks, and they want him to know what we teach other people.  They're such a cute family!

 

 

This was a funny church sign since it was really sunny that day.

 

We painted a house!

 

 

 

  

Good Week!

This week, Sister Hatch and I made a goal to visit EVERY family in both of our wards. Obviously, it's gonna take a little more time.  Whenever we go to an active family, we give them a Family Mission Plan.  I do have to say, it's not as intricate as the one we grew up with that has daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals, but it's a good starting point for a lot of families.  This week we committed 18 families to do this mission plan!  We are really excited.  Our mission has always focused on working with the members, and now, I feel like we've finally figured out how to do that!!  I think it's pretty exciting.  Anyway, not a whole lot else happened this week.     Sister Hatch and I met these random stoned guys on the sidewalk.  We had the opportunity to testify of the Law of Chastity to them after they proposed to us.  That was probably the craziest thing that's happened on my mission.

   Someone requested to know my favorite treat..?  Well, I've sworn off sweets except for Sat and Sun, so maybe........ chips? I really don't know. I've got a thing for potato chips, though.  As far as non-food items, I like stickers! They are fun to give to kids and put on letters, and they don't take up a whole lot of room. :)  Ooh, oooh, I know! How about a Gospel Coloring book? That would be sweet.  Anyway, I'm out of ideas. I don't really need anything.

   Hay que tener fe!

      Sister Pratt

I got to eat dinner with a couple of super heros the other night.

Going crazy with the artsy settings on my camera

This is our ward mission leader...be jealous

The moon was HUGE...you can't tell in the picture.

Saw this random car...had no idea what it is...had to take a creeper shot.

No idea what this is supposed to mean!

(A note from Nadine in response to this letter.)

I loved the pictures and captions Lizzy shared!  She's so...Lizzy! (aka. Awesome!)

It reminded me of a line she wrote in a letter to me that I must share.  She wrote:

"I love you more than recently thawed Star Crunch's :)"

What?!  Who says that?!  No one!  Oh!  She makes me burst with a smile and a little chuckle. 

-Nadine 

"Stupid Songs in Primary get Solos"

   This was just a funny quote from last week.  Sister Hatch and I were asked to do Sharing Time in Primary, and we decided to stay for the singing! One of the kids yelled out, "That's a stupid song."  This was the Chorister's response... pretty great, I think.  Also, the Primary kids sang in both wards yesterday, which totally made up for any misery that Daylight Savings brought about.

   I'm really excited for the March Challenge!! I already know what I'm giving up because I had already decided to do it--now I just have extra motivation! I'm giving up buying fast food.  No more drive-thrus or Taco Bell runs or any of that.  Now, I did put the clarification "buying fast food" because sometimes people take us out to dinner, and I don't want to have to refuse them, so if someone else gets it for me, I'm ok. I can't, however, buy any for myself.  I know it will make me feel better and help me be less lazy.  

  I was also so touched to hear about Grandma's temple recommend story.  I know that it wasn't a coincidence--things never are!! That is something that she really would have cared about, and I wouldn't be surprised to know if that's what she was waiting for in her coma.  I'm so grateful that the family could be together at the funeral to support each other at this time.  I hope you all know how strongly I know that Families are joined for the eternities.  I also hope you all know how happy I am to be stuck with you forever. :) 

   Well, as far as news from this end, Sister H and I had another baptism this past weekend! (sort of)  I don't know if I ever told you about Olivia, but we got her as a referral, and we went and got to know her really well and taught her.  However, because she was a YSA, she wasn't technically in our ward, so we let the Elders finish teaching her.  Anyway, she got baptized this past Saturday, and Sister H and I were able to go and support her in that.  It was great.  We love her so much!  She's a beautiful daughter of God.

   I have gained a greater testimony of the adversary this week. I know it sounds weird, but I have seen his influence and his power over some people we are working with.  It's kind of reassuring, though, because I know it is NOTHING to the power of God.  He is the real Master in our lives if we let Him be.  There is no reason why we should let Satan take control.  I also thought it was interesting that the March challenge is about overcoming addictions because that goes along the same lines of what I have been thinking about the past week.  Let God take control. Even if your goal isn't necessarily spiritual, we can still use His power to get us there.  The Atonement gives us the power to CHANGE! That includes breaking bad habits.  Anyway, that's my thought for the week.

   I love you all--even if you don't read my blog. I still love you :)

Hay que tener fe!

Sister Pratt

This is after Olivia's baptism.  She's so special.  The other girl with the long straight hair is Tess.  She was Olivia's main friend, and she just got her mission call to Peru!!!  Exciting stuff.

This is Olivia with the Elders.  The ones on either side of her are the ones that actually taught her...and the other Elders just jumped in the picture for some reason.

 

Letter from Sister H_______

Hey Pratt Family,
     I'm currently serving with THE SISTER PRATT and let me just say how awesome it has been.  Truthfully its been one of the most interesting transfers I've had so far.  From people trying to set her up with their sons or trying to find a "good" way to ride bikes in a skirt.  It's the best!
     Sister Pratt is one of the funniest people I've ever met.  It's great to watch her conversations with Brother M____.  They both just give each other a lot of guff about everything...
     Sister Pratt is also just on a level that I can only dream of being...   I'm glad I have companions like her.  To pick up where I lack.  She has a very firm testimony and can reach some people I cannot.  The Lord knows she was sorely needed in this area.  I swear, she has connections with everyone.  I'm sure she's told you.  It's insane how she can make an actual connection with almost EVERYONE!  It's a small world.
   Well, I thought I would write and let you know what a wonderful sister you have sent out!  I will always remember the things I have learned from her and her wonderful ideas that we start. haha.   Sister H_______