Week 20 - More rain, More success

Hey everyone! Kumusta po kayo?? 

Wow its been quite an exciting week here in Hermosa! Last P-day after I left the computer shop to email our Zone Leaders called us and told us we had to stay inside for the rest of the day because the flooding was so high! In some places in my area the water went up past my waist! It was awesome!! haha. I mean of course I was sad we couldn't go out and work that day but the experience was really fun. So this week was super successful and I have some pretty sweet stories for you :) 

Up to her calves in floods

Happy in the rain

With missionaries from her district

So the first one is from Tuesday.. We had been walking all day and it was POURING rain so we had gotten punted (missionary term for rejected haha) all day. We walked past one of our members homes and I suddenly felt like we should go back and drop by. So we visited with the Jaring Family and they had company over. We introduced ourselves to them and found out that they had seen us earlier in the week and wanted to talk to us but were too shy. So we talked with them for a while about the church and our beliefs and they told us they want us to come to their house and teach them! I have such a good feeling about them and they are so so nice. I am so grateful for the guidance of the spirit and that I was listening and acted upon it. 

Ok so next story!! So we have been teaching a less active member family for a while now and we have been praying for them so much to come back to church. Then, this past Sunday they all came to church and Kim brought her fiancé’ who is not a member and we got to teach him yesterday! He said he loved church and we asked him to pray to know if the Book of Mormon is true and if this is the true church and after the lesson he prayed and said he felt peace and happiness in his heart and knows that it is true!! Yayy! 

Then, another one of our investigators- Chona, said she has been reading the book of Mormon everyday and loves it! She said she stays up at night with a flashlight reading it haha, how cute is she? I invited her to be baptized on Saturday and she said yes! She is so nice and has such a cute family... I’m so happy and excited to see them grow stronger in their faith and for their happiness to increase :) 

Ok I saved the BEST story for last!! So we were teaching one of our new investigators, Joseline, on Friday and I asked her if she prayed if the Book of Mormon is true and if our message is true. She said she did and that she knows it is the word of God for us just like the bible is. After that she told us a story of why she was interested in our message in the first place and why she let us in to her home to teach her. So apparently, when we first met her she saw us coming up the hill to her home and she was going to go inside to hide haha BUT, then she said she saw a person or a light behind me so she stopped and watched us walk up the hill. She told me that when I approached her there was a light or aura around me that made her want to talk to me and find out why. I asked her are you sure its not just because I’m the only white person for miles? haha. she laughed but then got serious again and said that she felt peace when she saw me and when I spoke to her and she knows that God was trying to tell her that we had something she needed. HOW COOL IS THAT? Man these people are so prepared to hear the gospel and I feel so blessed to be apart of this great work! 

I love the Philippines, I love the people, I love my companion sister Lariosa- we get along so well and have so much fun together, and of course I love this gospel and all of you :) Thank you for all your support and prayers- I truly feel them. I love you all!! 

Mahal ko kayo at ingat po kayo palagi!

Sister Lowe

Marissa goes to the St. X meet

So, Finally Marissa is feeling better - enough to go with her team to the St. X meet in Cincinnati, OH.  This is where she earned her PR from last year.  It is such a shame that she can't run this course today, but thank goodness we found out before some very serious damage was done.  

 Marissa was so positive and cheered both the JV and Varsity teams on from the side line.  She couldn't really move from place to place but she could still cheer because the girls repeat the course a few time.

The Varsity took 1st place and the JV took 2nd.  It was a great day!

North vs Tates Creek - What happened?

It was a beautiful day for a soccer game.  Our game started at 12:30 pm at Oldham County HS.  Right off the bat the Tate Creek boys catch our boys off guard and take advantage to earn a goal.  No good for us, but that wakes us up.  Right away NOHS boys were counter with a nice play down the field.  Bradley Dean shoots, misses but Robert is there for the rebound and nails it into the back of the net.  YEAH!!!!  

WHAT!?!  The ref blows the whistle and says he was off side.  NO WAY!  He was behind the last defender.  What a rip off, but then again that happens to the best of them so lets just do it again.  NOHS fights hard.  There was another great play were Robert is bringing the ball down the side but a defender comes and slide tackles the ball.

Robert had to jump out of the way not to be clobbered.  We got the throw in and had a perfect shot on goal, but the goalie caught it.  Robert played the first 15 minutes and then subbed out, he came back in for the end of the first half.  After he went out the Tates Creek boys scored again.  Half time score 2-0.

Starting the second half NOHS works hard.  We seem to always lose the ball in the middle.  UGH!!!  Robert finally has a chance - he steals the ball, brings it down the side and passes it off to the mid before it's stolen, but then the midfielder bobbles it and we lose the ball.  Just after that they took Robert out (15 minutes again).  This happens too much on this team.  It's not like the 8th grade team.  They worked very well together.  Tates Creek actually scored 2 more goals (both while Robert was out) to win the game 4-0.

North vs Manual - close one

Tuesday, September 24... The boys are pumped after winning last night's game in a sudden death PK Shoot out.  Alex Foote did a great job.  Tonight's game started at 5:30 pm at Oldham County High School.  We are at their JV Invitational Tournament.  

Robert started the game as a left wing.  He really is more suited for center mid, but that's not our call.  Robert had a few runs for a good play, but didn't get a good pass.  

Robert makes a good move here and steals the ball, looks up and makes a perfect pass!  Way to go!!

With 16 minutes left in the first half there is a Free kick for us just at the top of the box.  Matthew Morris does a night roll back and Keyon Geyhomi plants one into the back of the net.  Goal NOHS!!!  1-0.  Robert plays another 2-3 minutes and then his subbed out.  

Robert dribbling away from trouble

With only 4 minutes left in the half, Dupont Manual scores.  Robert is brought back in to finishes out the half.  

After the half Robert starts again on the right side.  We are doing a good job but then again so is Depont Manual.  It is a very evenly matched game.  The game is tied up and everyone is on pins and needles.  Everyone wants a goal.  Robert played the majority of this half - he was in for 20 minutes.  He  had a great run and pass to Jack just at the top of the box, 

but Jack lost control and the ball went to Manual.  

On more of a defensive play, Robert had gotten back to help Evan Grady.  The Manual player came from behind as you see in the photos below ...

He not only goes for Robert's back leg but he grabs onto his stomach.

And then starts to pull on him - all the while Robert is desperately trying to get away and maintaining possession of the ball.

Robert breaks free, but loses the ball.  Luckily the refs blow the whistle and we get the ball at the spot.  Unfortunately, our free kick goes straight to a Manual player and we are back on defense.  Shortly after this Robert is subbed out.  The last 10 minutes of the game we didn't play as aggressive or as passionate.  All the parents were yelling - get into the game... first to the ball.  

Before Robert leaves the game, I was able to get a shot of Robert and Sam in the same frame.  Robert and Sam play on the same club team (Kentucky Fire Junior).

Just with about 3 minutes (or less) left in the game, Manual has a great play, they miss the shot but draws our goalie out of the box. Our defender that is supposed to cover for him did not get back fast enough and ... we missed the shot on goal.  Manual scores again.  The team worked very hard to get another chance to tie the game, but it was to no avail.  Final score Manual 2 - NOHS 1.

Week 19 - Super Typhoon

Hello everyone!

Jessica loves her mission

Wow what a crazy week it has been here in Hermosa! So on Wednesday Sister Calaunan my trainer had an emergency transfer to Lubaw and Sister Ila is now in our apartment and is sister Smith's companion. We all get along really well in the apartment and it is super fun to have sister Ila back in my apartment again because she is one of my besties out here on the mission :) All four of us love to work hard, but we love to have fun too so life is good and happy here in Hermosa :) I LOVE being a trainer especially to sister Lariosa! She is such a hard worker, never complains (even when we walk for hours in the rain) and is just the sweetest thing ever. We get along SO well and are always smiling and laughing while we work. 

Jessica loves the people of the Philippines

Playing in the rain

Us with the Capoquian Family

This week there was a TON of rain and flooding but man did we have a good time in it haha (I put some pics of our adventures below!).  Being a trainer definitely is a lot of hard work and responsibility because everything is on you now, but I've really been able to feel the lords hand in my life this week and we were able to have one of the best and most successful weeks I’ve had so far on my mission! Plus I've really been able to see how much my Tagalog has improved from when I first got here because now I lead all the lessons haha. 

Johnmar's baptism

Sooo, guess what?? We had another baptism this week!! Whooo! Johnmar was so excited it was just the cutest thing ever haha! I just love him and his family, we've really become so close in the past 3 months i've been here and I feel so blessed to be apart of their lives and part of their journey in coming closer to their savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. As Johnmar got up after his baptism and bore his testimony, I felt the sweetest feeling in my heart and know that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. I can't imagine my life now without serving a mission and even though of course i love and miss you all, I am so happy here and truly have never felt more at peace with myself. I know this is what the Lord wants for me and that he wants all his children to be happy and return to him after this life. 

I love this gospel and I LOVE all of you! Never forget that the lord loves you and I love you too :) Mahal ko kayo at Ingat po kayo palagi!

Love always,

Sister Lowe

1.Us with the Capoquian Family 

2.Ako at si Sister Lariosa sa baha! (Me and sister Lariosa in the flood!)

NOHS JV Soccer WINS in dramatic PK Shoot Out

more to come

In the end Alex Foote has to stand as lone goalie to protect the goal in an overtime PK shoot out.  It goes every other team ...

1 - Ballard scores 1
1 - NOHS is blocked 0 (Matthew Morris)
2 - Ballard scores 2
2 - NOHS scores 1 (Nathan Ball)
3 - Ballard is blocked
3 - NOHS scores 2 (Trevor Degruccio)
4 - Ballard scores 3
4 - NOHS shoots too high (Keyon)
5 - Ballard is blocked
5 - NOHS scores 3 (Bradley Dean)

Tie 1-1 game, 3-3 PK shoot out so it goes to a sudden death PK shoot out.

1 - Ballard is blocked
1 - NOHS is blocked (Cameron Gray)
2 - Ballard Scores 4
2 - NOHS scores 4 (Alex Foote)
3 - Ballard is blocked
3 - NOHS socres !!!!! 5 (Holden Thompson)  WE WIN the game!!!!

Betsy helps with Missionary Care Packages

On Saturday, September 21, 2013 - Betsy had the opportunity to work with the Stake youth leaders on a Stake Youth Temple Trip.  One of the activities was to prepare Missionary Care Packages.

There are 19 missionaries serving from the Crestwood Stake, 5 from our ward.  I was asked to help with this project.  I was happy to help, but I'd have to leave early to see the kids run.

From 9:30 - 11:15 I directed the kids on writing a letter or card to the missionaries and had them pick treats of any kind to fill their boxes.  It was so nice to share how it is to be a missionary and why it was so important that we remember to write them.  I shared that my daughter has been out for four months.  At first her friends wrote her emails, but as time went on, only her family writes her.  It's so sad.  They were all her best friends, but somehow they forgot about her now that she is in the Philippines.

I had a great time.  It will be so sweet when 19 missionaries open their care packages.

Robert Runs in the Trinity Race

Robert was happy to be able to sleep in Saturday morning.  The rest of his cross country team loaded the bus at 7:15 am and headed to Tom Sawyer Park, but because we live so close to Tom Sawyer and because Robert is on two sports teams this season (soccer and XC) his XC coach let him gain an extra few hours of sleep.  Robert got to the course around 9:40 to see the JV and Varsity race, his race is at 11:40.  He had a good warm up and was ready to run.  There were only 4 freshman running from North Oldham, Robert's goal is to be in the top 25 overall and 2nd for the team.

The gun goes off, unfortunately the course is really muddy and slippery causing Robert to slip on the very start, but he worked hard to get back into position.

Robert looking strong at the 1.5 mile mark

This is Robert's 1st 5K race.  He really doesn't want to do it because he hasn't been practicing with the team, so he knows he's not in the same condition and shape as everyone else, but we know he'll do fine!  Nobody is expecting him to be as fit as the others, but this will help keep him up there with them.

Still strong - around the 2 mile mark (just short of it)

There is tough competition - it seemed at every point we could see Robert there were runners right there with him.

Going for a strong finish

giving it everything he has

The St. X runner passes Robert while Robert passes two other runners, but then the St. X runner slips in the mud just before the finish.  Robert avoids the mud and finishes in front of him.  It's so unfortunate for the St. X runner - he had a great race.

At the finish!!!

Robert came in 25th place at the Trinity Valkyrie Invitational race with a time of 19:18 for his first 5K.  So proud of you!!!

Marissa has a Stress Reaction in her FEMUR

We had the MRI on 9/18 at 7:30 am.  By 10:00 am that same day the doctor called me with grim news. It's not her muscle, but something much more severe.  She had a Stress Reaction in her left Femur - just shy of a stress fracture.  She has to go on crutches immediately.  She's not allowed to run for at least three weeks.

Wait till I have to tell Marissa.  She's going to be devastated.   When I get to Marissa (after school) and tell her she what she has, and that she has to use crutches for the next three weeks, no impact what so ever!!!, and can't run she doesn't believe me.  It's like she's in shock!  She just can't comprehend it, but after she gets the crutches and the thoughts start to sink in, she realizes what this means... it's so sad.

She was having a fabulous season, so far... now we just have to wait and see what will happen.

Marissa gets an MRI

After the Rumble through the Jungle Race, Marissa's leg has been hurting her.  We've put her on Aleve and heat to increase blood flow, and ice to reduce swelling.

On Monday she was limping again.  I told her if it doesn't get better, I would take her to the doctor.  She really didn't like that...

By Tuesday night it was still hurting so on Wednesday I called the orthopedic doctor and they worked me in.  It was super - we had an 1:45 appointment on an Early Release day from school, so Marissa didn't really miss very much school.

The doctor thought it was her abductor muscle on her right leg that was giving her trouble but was concerned there might be a slight tear. She left it up to me as to whether we should get an MRI or not.  I said, "I'd rather be safe than sorry," so we ordered the MRI for the next morning.

First, Marissa is really upset - she has to miss seminary because our appointment is at 7:30 am.  She thinks it's nothing and it will get better soon.  She says it's a waste of money.  She might be right, but I still believe this is the right thing to do.

We had the MRI on 9/18 at 7:30 am.  By 10:00 am that same day the doctor called me with grim news. It's not her muscle, but something much more severe.  She had a Stress Reaction in her Femur - just shy of a stress fracture.  She has to go on crutches immediately.  She's not allowed to run for at least three weeks.

Wait till I have to tell Marissa.  She's going to be devastated.   When I get to Marissa (after school) and tell her she what she has, and that she has to use crutches for the next three weeks, and can't run she doesn't believe me.  It's like she's in shock!  She just can't comprehend it, but after she gets the crutches and the thoughts start to sink in, she realizes what this means... it's so sad.

She was having a fabulous season, so far... now we just have to wait and see what will happen.

Week 18 - Jessica becomes a Trainer

Hey everyone!!

Wow time sure is flying here! It feels like just yesterday I got here and now here I am finished with my 12 weeks training program! So as I said last week this week was a big week! I found out last Tuesday night that I would need to come to the mission home on Wednesday because... da da da daaaa I'm now a trainer!! Ahhhhh! and I just finished my training! Talk about feeling inadequate haha. So Wednesday we went to the mission home (me sister Calaunan, sister Ila, and Sister Mack because surprise! we are all training the next 2 transfers!) where we had training to be trainers and then found out who our new missionary trainee is! So they lined us up and one by one President Querido assigned a trainer to a trainee. It was so funny because there was one sister trainee who I kept making eye contact with and we just got along really well from the start and I totally thought she was gonna be my new companion, guess what? She was! Her name is sister Lariosa from Bacola Philippines. Tagalog is not her first language (she speaks a different dialect) so we are in for quite the adventure here haha! An american and a Filipino who both struggle in Tagalog haha but hey we make it work! We get along SO well and she is literally the sweetest cutest thing ever! She's willing to work hard and do her best so I already know we will have a great time these next 12 weeks. So we live here in Hermosa in our new apartment with Sister Calaunan and her new companion Sister Smith. She's an american too and super super shy! But she's really nice and she's really starting to open up to me now :) Its so funny because I've been teaching them how to cook, wash their cloths (Filipino style) and how to be a missionary when i still feel so new myself! But hey this is going to be such an adventure and growing experience for me and I know that through our challenges we come closer to the Lord so I am happy :) 

Jessica with President Querido and his wife

Trainers with their new trainees

President Querido talked to me and sister Mack after the meeting and told us that he knows this will be a challenge for us but he knows we can do it and he knows that God will help us. He said there is a reason we were chosen to be trainers even though we just finished the training program ourselves the day before. I know that God is with us all through our trials. He loves us and his only desire is for us to be happy and to return to live with him after this life. That is his plan and our whole purpose in life- to be challenged and learn and grow and prepare ourselves to be worthy to live in his presence once more. 

I know that He has provided a way for us to accomplish this almost impossible feat and that is through our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Through his mercy, grace, and infinite sacrifice we are able to be cleansed from sin - because hey lets be real no one is perfect. But its ok because He loved us enough to die for us and take upon himself our sins. There was a moment in the Garden of Gathsemene when he suffered specifically for each and every one of us. Not only our sins, but our trials, pains, and afflictions too. When we feel alone or that no one understands- there is ALWAYS someone who does. I love my savior and my Heavenly father and am doing my best to be deserving of their love and un-repayable gift to all mankind. I Love you all so much and hope you all are happy and safe :) Thank you for your support and love!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Love always, 

Sister Lowe 

Jessica's new apartment

North vs South at Home

Robert receiving a ball

Robert following the ball

Going in after half time

Coaches Niedert and Filmore

Robert on the move - keeping control of the ball

Robert attempting to steal the ball

Robert getting in position

Robert had a GREAT game against South.  We had so many plays on the goal - Robert setting up a good play.  It ended in a tie 1-1.

Seth Junion

After the JV game the Varsity team played a very competitive game against South.  The final score was 1-1.  All district Varsity level games can not end in a tie, so it went to overtime.  Twice!  After that it goes to a PK shoot out.  Seth Junion our goalie for the game, was able to block all the shots that came to him.  South scored 0 in the PK shoot out, and we scored 2.  It was awesome - we won 3-1.