The source of information and communication with Sister Madeline Thelin of the Puerto Rico, San Juan mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Weekly letters from Madeline
Hola a todos <hello everyone>!
I think you could officially call me an islander because let me tell you, it is FREEZING cold in this sunny little part of Southern California. Temperatures of 75-85 degrees just aren’t cutting it for me, and I think I know why: I’m missing the warm blanket of humidity.
Continue reading “Hace frío en el desierto (It’s cold in the desert)”
Hola a todos, <Hello everyone,>
We’ve been formally evacuated from Puerto Rico. The mission has been closed because of the aftereffects of hurricane Maria. All of the missionaries have been evacuated from PR to a handful of different missions.
There are only 8 of us in my new mission of Redlands, California. I’m in the area of San Bernardino. Still Spanish speaking, but they’re not sure how long we’re going to be here. We could be here from anywhere between 3 months to a year. But President Smart thinks I’ll have a chance to come back to PR. So technically the mission isn’t closed forever, just for a hot second. 🙂
But I’m OK. The people here have been really nice, donating clothes and supplies that we need since we came with so little. But I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for those who are helping us out. Everybody from those in the Atlanta, GA mission for letting us stay with them yesterday night, to the members here in Redlands who have provided me with basically everything from dresses to toothpaste. I honestly have never felt so loved in my entire life. Thank you all for your prayers and the support in this crazy odd time. I don’t know what
Thank you all for your prayers and the support in this crazy, odd time. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but whatever I do I will do it with faith. I’m sorry, no crazy hurricane stories will be found in this email. It’s just a ‘lil stressful to think about right now. 🙂
There are still missionaries stuck in PR last I heard and even worse the island is full of those I love. So instead of praying for me, pray for them. They’re the ones who need it.
Let’s talk next week. But until then, keep beach city in your prayers.
Hermana Thelin
Hola a todos! <Hello everyone!>
Well, what an interesting week, huh? We had a lovely time with our dear friend Hurricane Irma. I would like to say that I #SurvivedIrma but really nothing too crazy happened here in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. So I guess I’ll just say #AlmostSurvivedIrmaButInAGoodWay. Is that too long for a hashtag? It’s been too long since I’ve hashtagged anything I’ve forgotten the rules jaja <LOL>.
Hola a todos! <Hello everyone!>
So, as you might have guessed, by the fact that I live on an island, and its hurricane season, and my title, that there’s a big ‘ole hurricane coming and it’s named Irma. Come on man, really? Irma? Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad name, but maybe something cooler and more threatening sounding would be appropriate. Anyways, we don’t watch the news as missionaries, so we’re relying solely on the mission president and the news he selectively sends to us through text. I know that we are prepared and ready in case of huge natural disaster. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen though, okay?
Continue reading “Irma? Couldn’t they have called it something cooler?”
Hola a todos! <Hello everyone!>
So as mentioned last week, I will expand on the stories I listed, in numerical order, because this week was crazy; but a lot of crazy that would be best not shared publicly. But we’re all ok. If you ask my parents, they will know more, but I’ve also asked them not to share too much because it’s a sensitive subject :). BUT ANYWAYS, let’s get on with the fun storytelling and next week we’ll have an email back to the usual normal stuff.
Hola a todos! <Hello everyone!>
I’ve never had such a cold week here in Puerto Rico, de verdad <for real>. It got down to like 75 or something and we were all rolled up like burritos in blankets during our studies. Oh, and it was raining too for like 2 days straight without stop. I’m pretty sure I’ve never been that cold without actually having snow on the ground. Sounds like I’m acclimating huh? LOL, well, it’s still hecka hot here and we still sweat like pigs and that’s like normal here. No one minds sweat cause everyone’s sweaty ALL THE TIME.
Continue reading “Todos se llaman Angel Luis (They are called Angel Luis)”
Hola a todos! <Hello everyone!>
The title for this letter is pronounced “New Yore-ree-kins.” It’s what we call the people who live here, but are from New York or who lived in NY for a long time. Which, by the way, THERE ARE A TON. Everywhere I turn, they’re there, ready to tell me how much they dislike Trump.
Hola a todos! <Hello everyone!>
I am learning to be a more organized person. It is a very hard thing to learn when you’re very naturally unorganized. In other words, I was born a mess and will probably die a mess. But hey, at least I’m trying to be a little bit better.
Continue reading “Fe como un grano de mostaza (faith like a grain of mustard)”
Hola a todos! <Hello everyone!>
So how’s everyone? good? good.
I’m pretty OK. Honestly stressed out of my mind and super uncomfortable with my new position of authority but besides that, I’m good.
Continue reading “Mamí… donde estas papí? (Mom… where’s dad?)”
Hola a Todos!
Guess what? I’m Training! Woooooooo – hoooooo! You can just call me Mama T for reals now. Her name is Hermana Peter and she comes from Papua New Guinea and she speaks some pretty cool dialects I’ve never heard of.
Continue reading “Hija mia y Mama Mia (My Daughter and Mama Mia)”