April 27, 2015

BCE (best companions ever)

Woah, so much to write and sooooo little time.

Banana fields

People keep giving us green bananas

So last Sunday Sister Peynado and I walked into church and BOOM, a bunch of white people. I have said it before and I am going to say it again. I love it when tourist come to church. They pretty much filled the entire sacrament hall. After church all of the moms were taking pictures and videos of the missionaries and the branch. It was really fun! They were all asking for Books of Mormon and pamphlets to pass out to the staff of their resort. Tourist are always so excited to do missionary work. It's adorable, but also kind of troublesome. So if a tourist is staying in a resort it is usually outside of Ocho Rios. And when I say outside, I mean about an hour away (which is still our area..). It is hard for us as missionaries because of mileage limitations, but also for the investigators. Unless someone is really prepared, they most likely will not make the effort to come to church because of the cost of taxi fare. Sad, but true.

Our lovely tourist friends and a few of the staff members

Anyways, a  few days later missionary mom (as we fondly referred to one of the tourist) called us. She asked if we would be willing to come out to Discovery Bay and teach the Restoration to a few of the staff members. It was kind of a hard decision (especially because we have driven to Portmore, Port Antonio, and we are going to Mo Bay this week), but we agreed. We carefully prepared our lesson and headed out on Wednesday night. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! So that night we taught 4 staff members and about 7 members of the church sat in the lesson. It was a powerful lesson. I cannot remember the last time I felt the spirit in a lesson like that. After the lesson we were all taking pictures and talking and laughing. Oh man, it felt so good. They asked us if we could come back the next night to see a few more staff members. They even offered to send a driver to pick us up in town (SWEET!!).

Little kids playing dominos

Thursday night we taught the Plan of Salvation. This time there were about 10 members of the staff and 5 members. 8 out of 10 of the investigators were male, which is exactly what the church in Jamaica needs. It was another spiritual lesson. We left with a bunch of phone numbers and addresses (and pretzels, and drinks. lol the tourist took care of us).

Grandma Livingston, she reminded me so much of Grandma Tuttle.

So out of all the people we taught, one came to church on Sunday. His name is AJ, and he is a great guy. He said he really liked church and we are going to see him Tuesday night on our way home from Mo Bay. I am really excited.

I painted qui qui's nails again while Sister Peynado got her hair cut.

Sister Peynado and I went on a little adventure the other day, and stumbled upon a hidden paradise. It was pretty much a mini Havasupai. Blue wata and cascading falls. Don't worry, I drew a map in my journal so I will be able to find it in years to come. 

The hidden gem. 

Pretty! Well, just don't look at me... I have no idea what I am doing.

So pretty much this past week has felt ridiculously busy. It has made the time fly! I can't believe I have already been with Sister Peynado for three weeks!

BCE (best companions ever)

The work is moving forward and all is well!
I love you soo much!
Have a great week!

WE HAVE TO COME BACK!

Love,

Sister Tuttle
xoxoxxo

April 20, 2015

Hello everyone!!!

Okay let's just get into it today.

A cool little stairway we found while walking.

Last Monday I started teaching Sister Peynado how to drive. She has been in walking areas her whole mission (13 months) so she is pretty excited to be in a car (that makes one of us). I pulled into this huge empty field and took the passengers seat. Oh my goodness. I can see why mom always left the driving lessons to dad. Even though we were in this empty field I was still terrified we were going to crash. I don't know if I have told you, but if you crash a mission vehicle then driving privileges are taken away and you have to walk.  I CANNOT WALK THIS AREA. It takes like 15 minutes to drive to our closest appointment, so I don't even want to imagine walking. Anyways, even after a 40 minute lesson Sister Peynado improved a lot. We haven't had another lesson since, I think I am subconsciously putting it off as much as I can.

Sister Peynado's Pooh Bear strapped in for a ride.

I have such a love-hate relationship with that truck. I mean it still terrifies me to drive it every day, but then again I am literally in love with the air conditioning. On Friday night we were leaving from the church and the battery died. It was pretty late at night (okay so 8:30 is late for us) and we had no way to get home. We called the Hardy's and Elder Hardy came to our rescue again. I am so grateful for the Hardy's. We didn't make it home until around 10 (missionary curfew is 9:30....ahhh sooo disobedient).

Port Antonio

Later on Monday I was sitting on our veranda writing some letters. As I was sitting there this man came over and started talking to me.  His name is Lincoln and he lives right next door to us (well, if you call across a banana plantation right next door...). He told me that his 3 year old son had been killed in an automobile accident about 2 years ago. He said that he was having a hard time getting over it, and that he was ready to make some changes in his life. Our appointment for 6:30 had fallen through so I asked him if we could see him that night. We had a lesson with him right in the middle of his banana field. It felt so adventurous.  So pretty much Lincoln is struggling with quite a few addictions.  Throughout the past few years he has turned away from God, and hasn't prayed for a long time. We shared our purpose and talked a little bit about the Plan of Salvation. We invited him to pray and ask Heavenly Father if he would ever see his son again. We met with him the next morning. This time we met with him right next to his chicken coop. Actually they are classified as fowls and t they are mean. He fights them for a living, which he says is completely legal.... lol, I have to say I liked the banana field better. He said that he had tried to pray the night before, but it was really hard for him. He recognizes that change is a process though and told us he is still trying. We taught more of the Plan of Salvation and invited him to continue praying. So that was Tuesday, and we tried to meet with him a few other times throughout the week, but he was busy. I was kind of losing hope in him since he kept blowing us off, but then he stopped by Sunday morning. He asked us if we could help him write an apology letter to his baby mother. It was pretty cool because he is starting to recognize where he needs to make changes in his life. Even changes that we haven't even invited him to make. We gave him an addiction recovery booklet and invited him to start to study it. This gospel is so cool.

Kissing turtles in the craft market.

So our zone leaders have challenged us to find at least 3 males or 3 families to teach every day. EVERY DAY?? Jamaica really needs more males and families in the church, but women here are just more open to the gospel. It's true. That is just how it is. Well, we were making setting goals and making plans (if you know Preach my Gospel you can laugh at my cliche missionary language) to find male and families. We decided our best bet was to target males that will lead us to their families. We thought about where we could meet so many men and the only places we could think of were bars and shops. Jamaica has a bar and a shop on every corner and there are always 5 or 6 men sitting in front of them. There have got to be a few that are prepared for the gospel....right?? Lol. I will have to tell you how it goes.

Also, Lauren finally had her baby so YAYAYAYAAYAYAYAYAYAAYAYA!!! I AM AN AUNTIE. It is probably the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me. I mean everyone keeps sending me pictures and telling me how adorable she is, but it doesn't even feel real. It probably wont feel real until I meet her in person.

Well, I love you all so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much.

Love,
Sister Auntie Tuttle

Kim's comment:  I received a video in my email today from someone visiting Ocho Rios and wanted to post it!

April 13, 3015

Well, well, well. Here we are again. Another Monday. My favorite day.

So much fun in Port More

So this past week has been pretty eventful.

So it started Tuesday night. I was staying in Port More until transfers on Wednesday. We went to visit this less active before going in for the night. The less active had this adorable little swing hanging from the tree. Naturally I went to swing on it. So fun. Good story, right? lol no that's not even half of it. So I was going to get off the swing and somehow I slipped, but I caught myself on the tree. So I was like, I'm good. I'm good. Then I look down at my hand. I had been holding the car keys in my hand and when I slipped I must have clenched my hand. The key went straight through my skin about 1/3 of an inch. I pulled the key out and looked up. My vision started going blurry and blotchy. Next thing I know I am walking through this field with dad. It was really nice. We were just talking and I felt at home. After what felt like a week I open my eyes and boom I am back in Jamaica, on the ground. It turned out I had only been out for about 2 seconds. Classic. My hand was tender for a few days, but everything is fine! I guess I can laugh  about it now. lol lol

Dramatic name tag pic. Classic

Anyways so on Wednesday I went to transfers and said goodbye to Sister Thompson. It is so weird how comfortable and attached you get with people and places on a mission. Coming back into Ochi after just a few days felt like coming home. Sister Peynado and I got back to work. Thursday we went to see Nigel and on our way out I slipped on this rock and fell. I landed on my palm (some sweet bruising). More than anything it hurt my pride, but I guess the Lord humbles us in different ways. For the rest of the week I was ridiculously careful about where I was stepping and sitting. NO MORE INJURY'S!

These weird little flower blossoms

Soo Sister Peynado is a great companion. She is 13 months out and she is pretty excited about finally being in Ocho Rios. She is determined to go to as many tourist spots as she possibly can while she is here. I love it. So adventurous. We are planning on going to the Bob Marley musem sometime soon!!! YAYAYA for experiencing Ocho Rios!

This pretty river that tourists raft down. 

The brakes on the truck were going out so on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning President Hardy fixed them for us. While he was fixing them we walked. So I have been driving for just 6 weeks and going back to walking wore me out! It was fun though. I love walking, you get to meet so many people.

My favorite view in Ochi

So it was a pretty good week. The time seems to be dragging again, but I am really trying to train my brain to enjoy the now. It is hard, but it is a work in progress.

Pretty

Just incase you haven't heard I am still just plain Hannah. Hopefully this coming week I will be Auntie Hannah!

I love you all and hope you have a grrreeeeeaaaatttt week!
Love,
Sister Tuttle
XOXOXOXO

April 7, 2015

Happy Easters!

Holding to the Iron Rod

So pretty much this past week flew by. Also I am pretty sure I say that every week. Well, it's true.

Frog in our washing machine

So this past week was Sister Thompson's last week in the mission field. It is kinda weird serving with a companion that is coming off the mission. She was really sad, but she is so lucky. She lives in Jamaica so she just has to hop in a taxi and....boom her whole mission, right at her fingertips. Do you remember that Middle episode where Axle is going away to college and he fights with his mom a bunch before he leaves. It was the natural order of things. I don't know if you even know what I am talking about, but the same kind of thing happened for Sister Thompson. Don't worry we didn't fight (if that is what you were thinking), but this past week was filled with trials for Sister Thompson.

Just this cool tree!

First of all it rained every single day this week. Okay when I say rain, I mean POUR! All day everyday. Did you know that Jamaicans are afraid of the rain? Well they are. Terrified. Do you know how hard it is to teach people when about 90% of our lessons are taught outside. I am not a Jamaican though and I love the rain. I actually pulled out my cardigans and wore them all week. Our truck shows the temperature and it is official that I am cold at 80 degrees. lol.

Poor dog in the rain:( 

Second, all of Sister Thompson's mission pictures were deleted off her camera. I don't know why, but that happens to EVERY missionary. We spent the whole week taking pictures. It was pretty fun.

Kamar

Third, we had quite a few meetings this past week which took up a lot of our proselyting time. It was hard for her because she just wanted to teach and we had to be in meetings. The good part was that some of those meetings were general conference. I love general conference. I don't think I have ever looked forward to general conference so much. We watched it at the church with the branch. It was really great (especially because we were relying on the wifi, which we all know can be completely unreliable, but it went smoothly the whole time.)

His name is Shevaughn. He is 13 years old and such a little flirt. I just love him. 

Anyways, now that Sister Thompson is gone I am just hanging out in Port More with some other sisters. I get my new companion on Wednesday!!! YAYAAYA for transfers!

primary kids!

So despite of the trials this week was pretty good. I can't believe how quickly these past 6 weeks went. I am really going to miss Sister Thompson, she is so funny.

Well, I love you all and I hope you all have a great week. Next week you will be calling me Auntie Hannah!

Love,
Sister Tuttle

Back to my old ways. I will never stop painting nails.

P.S. I found this place in Ochi that sells fingernail polish for 70 cents. All is well.

March 30, 2015

There is member that whenever she hears anyone say hello she always says, "Stop saying Hello, Hell low, we need to say Hi! As in high pointing to Heaven."

So HI!!

LOVE THIS LADY!

So this week we had zone conference in Montego Bay!!! Sister Mundle (Munchi) is serving in Mo Bay and for weeks I had been looking forward to seeing her. Inspiring messages from the AP's and President Brown. They fed us pizza and banana cake (and that is why I love zone conference...plus all the spiritual stuff.) After lunch we watched MEET THE MORMONS!!!  Have you ever seen it? Let me tell you something, before my mission I loved to obsess over things. American flags, cats, Harry Potter on and on. Being on a mission there are not many things you can obsess over. Let's see I have my scriptures. I have to admit I love Nephi. But other than that there is nothing. Well besides Meet the Mormons. I am obsessed with that movie. It is sooooo good. As soon as it was over I just wanted them to start it over. It was a really fun day.

I will never stop sending beach pictures. 

When we got back from Mo Bay, our investigator Sonia had her baptismal interview. YAYAYA. Our district leader said she did really well and she was ready to be baptized on Saturday.

Friday night we stopped by the beach to see if it would be quiet for the baptism on Saturday. It was perfect. Quiet and not very many people.

Oh goodness, Saturday. What a day. It started in the morning when not a single soul would let us see them. Days like that are just funny to me now. Seriously, how is it possible that we can call 30 people and NO ONE is home. We eventually decided just to show up at one of our less actives homes. She wasn't there so we visited a member. His name is Brother Francis. Brother Francis was baptized by some elders about 2 years ago. He is a great member. He is actually the only member in Ochi that occasionally feeds us. He is great. We read the Book of Mormon with him and chatted for awhile. He tells us all of his dating stories. It is hilarious. As we were walking out we noticed that one of our front wheels was really flat. Like not all the way flat, but clearly losing air. Bad. Sister Thompson called the office elders (bad idea. Office elders can't stand sisters and their car troubles. It is just a fact). I ended up talking to them. They kept telling me to get the jack from the back but THERE WAS NO JACK. The conversation went something like this:
"Sister Tuttle, the jack is behind the seat."
"Okay well it is not there."
"Do you know what a jack is?"
"Of course I know what a jack is, okay it's okay I am going to figure this out"
I get off the phone and see Brother Francis marching down the drive way with a bike pump. I was just thinking, "A bike pump? What good is that going to do??" We called the senior couple and while I was talking to Elder Hardy, Brother Francis starts pumping up the tire with the bike pump. Oh man, it was so funny. I was laughing, but Sister Thompson was stressing. She kept saying stuff like:
"It is so hot"
"I am so hungry"
"My belly is hurting"
"Why is this happening"
"I am so stressed"
"We have people to see"
"My belly is hurting"
I was just there laughing and taking pictures of the scene. Anyways, it turned out that Brother Francis was able to pump it up enough that it could take us into town.

lol at Sister Thompson's swear face 

BROTHER FRANCIS SAVED US!

On the way to the gas station I bought some chinese food for Sister Thompson and me (priorities) and this funny old rasta man shot a patch into the tire. Quick and easy. The whole time I was just praying that Satan was putting all his focus on us and leaving Sonia alone. We finally made to the church at around 5 o'clock. Sonia was already there. She said that her day had gone so smoothly. She was able to finish work early and get everything done that she needed to. We were so happy for her.  After the service we all walked over to the beach. While everyone was changing Sister Thompson and I walked down to the water. The scene was completely different than what we had seen the night before. There were tons of people on the beach and loud music playing. STRESSING! We talked to the lifeguard and he said it was going to die down in the next 20 minutes. We all walked down to the water together and took pictures. Eventually people left and they were able to preform the ordinance. It was just the best thing ever. So spiritual. I just know this gospel is true. We went back to the church and watched the woman's conference. I love the woman's conference and I am so looking forward to general conference!

Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. Sonia received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She bore her testimony about the past few weeks. It was really great.

SONIA!!!

I don't know if this picture does any justice to the ridiculously small road I was forced to drive on. Trust me it was tiny...and terrifying.

Well, you know that I love you! Have a great week!

Love,
Sister Tuttle!
xoxoxo

March 23, 2015

Watafalls!

Well, what can I say. This week was just plain average. The best kind of average though.

Just taking Jaxon's advice by chillin on our veranda. 

So nothing really cool or out of the ordinary happened this week so I am just going to tell you about all the people we are teaching.

Beach! Please excuse the random people in the background

Sonya: Oh Sonya. She is so great! She is just this sweet tiny lady. Her sister was recently baptized in another branch and Sonya was referred to us. Sister Garrett and Thompson started teaching her before I got here. This woman is so prepared! The biggest problem we were facing with her was coming to church on time. We had to push back her baptismal date because she wasn't coming on time. Every time we went we testified of the sacrament and it's importance. She came almost an hour early yesterday so I think she got the message. lol. If everything goes as planned this week and Satan stays away she will be baptized this coming Saturday!! YAYAYA! So exciting.

Beach and tan lines

Kristine: We met Kristine through this other lady we were teaching. She works at the craft market in Ochi. Despite it's name the craft market is not a place you go to do adorable crafts, as much as I wish it was. The craft market is just a one stop shop for all your Jamaican souvenirs. I secretly love it in there. Anyways, back to Kristine. We have taught her the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. She lives pretty close to the church, but she still didn't come yesterday. I don't know why. Excuses, excuses. She is super nice to us though. She gave us bracelets the other day so pretty much she is my favorite.

BEAACCH!!

Nigel: One day we were walking around Parry Town to meet new people. As we were walking by he called to us. He asked us if we knew Elder Martin and Elder Beck. Of course we know Elder Martin and Elder Beck. He told us that they were teaching him about a year ago. He said that with the changing missionaries he was forgotten and the missionaries stopped seeing him. When he told us he was 24 I was like, YES this guy can still go on a mission. Then he told us that he has a 4 month old son. Well, he can still marry his baby mother and get married in the temple. He was supposed to come to church yesterday, but his boss made him pick up some chickens for the cook shop. Darn. Next week. The only problem with Nigel is whenever we go to see him there are always distractions in the lesson. Since we can only see him while he is working he occasionally has to get up out of the lesson to make deliveries. Also there is this guy Shilo that loves to hang around during the lessons. Shilo is a Nazerite.  It is kind of creepy. He talks about all these visions God has given him. He talks about things to come that he can't tell us about them because we wouldn't believe him. Anyways, we just make sure we always have a member in that lesson....

Inside the dollhouse

So those are just a few of the investigators that we have been working with lately. Other than that everything is great. Sister Thompson is kinda cryie lately because she goes home soon, but I tell her that she still needs to smile. Lol it is working out. The branch it great. Tourists come to church pretty regularly. I love it because most of them are from Utah. They are so nice and they just feel like a piece of home. And that is pretty much it.

Inside the dollhouse

I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Sour sap. Delicious

I love you all with all my heart!

Love,
Sister Tuttle

xoxoxo


Following is an email chat between Hannah and her dad.
Hannah: HIIII DAD!!! Loved the pictures from you this week! Especially the mountains! BEAUTIFUL!

Dad: Good to hear from you!!!

Hannah: You too! I love the man cave too! So cool!! are you going to put some up in my room??

Dad: Your room? We've turned your old room into man-cave #2.
Just kidding.
Mom is looking forward to painting your room. I don't think I could convince her to clad your room in rusty steel sheets.

Hannah: ANOTHER MAN CAVE? NO!  hahaha. What color is she going to paint it. You can tell her to throw everything in there away. Except for my clothes. And my medals.

Dad: We won't throw anything away. We'll either put everything in boxes or back on the shelves. That will give you something to do when you get home. Actually, I think you were supposed to do that before you left. Maybe we could ask your mission president if you could come home for a week to clean your room.
I've already drywalled and mudded the area of your room that was affected by the door addition. It's almost ready to paint. We've been using your room for tool storage (and other storage: dressers, dress-ups, etc.). I tried to take some bags of salt into the mechanical room the other day and gave up. I left them at your doorway.
I will vote to paint your colors the same as the guest room. It turned out really well. But if mom has other ideas, I'm sure I could be persuaded. Mom would like to start painting your room now that the bathroom is done. I'd rather to jump back in the laundry room. So much to do . . . so little time.

Hannah: Ya do you realize that you have barely over a year to finish the whole house?? Dad I am almost at 6 months!!!! 6 months sounds like such a significant amount of time!! crazy stuff!! I really wouldn't mind if you painted my room white. Just a white room. OR a nice light gray. I am growing up dad. no more bright purple and green.

Dad: You've been living in pink houses. I thought you'd want pink. (Sarcasm).
White, gray, and/or brownish-gray. It will look good, trust me.

Hannah: HAHA that is probably the reason I want white gray or brown... I trust you. I cant wait to see it! Take down those cork boards and that collage of me.

Dad: Take down the collage of you? No way. Half of the house looks like a shrine to Sister Tuttle. We love Hannah collages!

Hannah: Are you serious?? I want to see pictures of that!! Speaking of that is my plaque up in the church? How does it look?

Dad: Yes, your plaque is up at the church and has been moved from the 2nd ward to the 3rd ward. You are not at the bottom any more (meaning there are other missionaries who come home later than you). We like to see you move toward the top. But don't get trunky. Keep working hard and think about what you can do TODAY.
Your picture looks good at the stake offices, too. Eileen Waite revised the missionary display at the stake. It looks much better and you look great.
Jerry Howard (junior) had his picture rejected from the stake. He had a pin-striped shirt on. They made him take another one with a white shirt.
I'm debating on whether to show you the Hannah Shrine. When I started, mom said, "That's a little weird" We just have a bunch of pictures stuck to the wall. No statues of you (at least not yet).

Hannah: hahaha show me anyways I want to see the pictures you like enough to print out!

March 16, 2015

HELLLOOOOO!!!

Pretty outlook

So last week Monday I was told that a few of my Aunts and Uncles were on a cruise that was stopping in Ochi. Let me tell you I spent all of Monday in the most touristee places I could think of. I even prayed that I would randomly be able to find them. Well, all things are possible through the Lord, but I think he kept them from me for a reason. I probably would have gotten on the ship with them and left. lol.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER THOMPSON

Anyways, this week has been great. I don't know what I did or how I did it, but I broke down a wall with Sister Thompson. Where there was tension and stress there is just laughter. Seriously, I think that was the key. Just laughing. Sister Thompson is the funniest companion I have had yet. Sometimes I am laughing so hard that tears fall and my belly is aching. It is so great. Of course there are still times where I can feel the tension building, but I have officially learned how to handle it. Everything is great. I am not kidding right now. No sarcasm at all. I LOVE SISTER THOMPSON.

An adorable little boy

Wednesday night there was a young single adult fireside broadcasted from the Dominican Republic. Pretty much the whole thing was about marriage. My favorite topic..... (I know you can't hear sarcasm over the internet, but trust me it is there.) Elder Holland spoke and he said, "We need to take the Y and S out of YSA you are no longer young and you are no longer single! It is time to be adults!!!"  I am pretty sure that missionaries should not have been invited to that devotional. Actually now that I think about it, I don't think we were invited.... we just showed up. lol it was fun anyways.

Fern Gully 

Saturday was Sister Thompson's birthday. We washed for an investigator and then went to lunch and for ice cream. We spent the rest of the day teaching. I checked the calendar. My one and only birthday on my mission is on a p-day....SWEEET!

Sister Thompson's seashells

Our investigator Sonya is supposed to be baptized this Saturday, but unfortunately she didn't come to church on time yesterday. Church attendance. Everybody and their dogs problem. I just don't understand why it is a problem. Most of the people we teach have grown up in churches where Sunday service starts at 9 in the morning and goes until 8 at night. All day at church?? All the Lord asks of us is 3 hours once a week. WHY IS IT SO HARD!!??? Other than coming to church on time Sonya is doing great! We still have quite a few things to teach her, but we think she can be ready by the 28th. Also did I mention that they baptize in the ocean here?? SWEET!!!

The view from a members house. We went on a hike straight up the mountain to get here, it was really great.

Jungle

Yesterday I spoke in church. I think I almost spoke for 30 minutes... There is something about being a missionary that just turns you into a talker. Seriously, I hardly planned anything for my talk, but I got up there and talked and talked. I even put a few people to sleep. Lol that is when I ended. The branch is really small so I may have a few chances to speak in church. YAAYA (only slight sarcasm, I really don't mind speaking).

Pretty flowers

Last night we were eating dinner outside a members house. It was dark and all of a sudden all these little fire flies came out. It was magical. Probably the most magical thing I have ever seen in my life. The member said he will catch some for me. Pictures to come!

Frying my own breadfruit... Lol I am turning Jamaican

Well, I love you all very much!!!! I hope you have a great week!!

really really pretty

Love,
Sister Tuttle
xoxoxoxo