Family Reunion for Thanksgiving

It's been 12 years since my family was together as a whole, but here we are together again at Hilton Head Island, SC for this year's Thanksgiving.  My dad and Alison flew from Phoenix, AZ arriving on Sunday for the week.  Sandy and Chris flew from Seattle, WA arriving on Tuesday.  They will fly back Saturday morning.  Kirstie and a friend drove down from Reston, VA on Tuesday through a horrible rain storm, and our family (Mark, Betsy, Robert and Marissa) drove over all day Wednesday (we drove through snow, sleet, rain and miserable conditions while in the Appalacian Mountains) arriving in Sea Pines around 6:00 pm. 

 

It was great to be there!  Betsy is filled with aniticipation of a wonderful time together with her sisters and family.  She has dreamed of this time together and hopes and prays it goes well.  She loves her family so much and wishes they could grow close together - the way Mark's family is.

 

Since we drove all day we weren't very hungry but Garry and Alison wanted to walk over to the Crazy Crab for dinner (it's tradition with our family) however, with Kirstie's seafood allergy it is not the best place to go.  I guess Dad forgot about that, or something.  Kirstie was miserable - trying to avoid anything that could have fish oil on it - which is just about anything.  Everyone else is having a good time.  The high light of the dinner is that Chris ordered clam shells - we all watched in awe as he and Kirstie's friend Linda tried to eat these things.  What fun and excitement they brought to the table with each twist and turn of their knives. Kirstie survived but respectfully so, wasn't happy and was having some difficulty.  I wish that we could have gone to a steak house or something but we didn't.  Mark and I share a seafood platter, Robert gets pizza, and Marissa has macaroni and cheese.

time went by slowly (especially for Kirstie) but after the dinner we walked about the Harbor Point and enjoyed memories of times past and the sights and sounds of the evening. 

 

Back at the condo, we played cards, talked and attempted to make out a schedule for the next few days that we will be together.  A point of contention came up when Betsy asked about what we should wear for the family photo.  Kirstie went off - wow!  No need for that, but okay.  It's not a big deal, I just thought we could coordinate if, IF we each had coordinating clothes in our luggage, but if not - no big deal.  Everyone thinks I'm so uptight when really I'm just trying to be helpful.  I was just thinking of the whole effect.  Sure it's fine just to have us all together but it would be even that much nicer if we can coordinate it so that it looks like we planned it, so it can be framed and hang on our walls ... but hey, that's just me thinking way to much and trying way to hard.

 

The big thing was "Elimination!"  We tought Chris and Sandy how to play and they loved it.  We spent hours playing games with them. 

 

The next day we enjoyed breakfast together with everyone before Mark and I took the kids to the beach.  Dad and Alison came with us, but had to leave early. 

 

My dad told me that he fell from a ladder about 10 months ago and his back hasn't been the same.  At the time of the accident they said he fractured a vertebra but it appears that something more was injured because of the excess pain he is experiencing.  I felt so bad for him. I know the feeling of bad back pain.  It's terrible!  He couldn't stand - that was the worst.  Sitting makes him feel better.

 

 

After dinner

 At 12:00 I started the birds! YUM! We have two 9.5 pound turkeys, mashed potatoes, stuffing, waldorf salad, green beans with almonds, and buttered corn. With two condos, we cooked one bird in one oven and the other in the other condo's oven. It worked perfectly. For some reason we didn't do rolls, so that was nice - not having to adjust the oven for other items. I basted the birds ever 30 - 45 minutes.   It all should be done in 3 and a half hours.

 

At 2:00 we walked over the banyon tree for family photos.

 

 

 They were done in 3 and a half hours. Sandy cooked the stuffing, Kirstie did the salad with Alison, Alison made the potatoes and green beans, and I finished up the corn. It was perfect. Dinner was delicious.

Weel 29 - Baptism!!

Hey everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving! I actually totally forgot until the other Americans here told me last week it was Thanksgiving, haha.. I'm telling you, being on the other side of the world and being focused on the mission messes with your brain sometimes. Wow, miss you guys tons, especially now during the holiday seasons, but life is still going on here and things are great and crazy as usual! This past week we had lots of ups and downs- welcome to missionary life, haha. Seriously though, it's incredible how you can be on top of the world at one moment and then just devastated or vice versa.  I'll start with the bad news first so we can end on the good news ok? K. 

So, On Saturday we went to Joy's house like normal and began the lesson and were following up on her preparation for baptism- which we weren't worried about at all because she is seriously so prepared and golden and SO excited for her baptism on Dec 7. But when we asked, all of the sudden she just started crying and we were like, “oh no, what happened what's wrong??” She then told us she knows that this church is true and that she wants to be a member of the church more than anything, but her Dad told her that if she gets baptized he will disown her. She's only 16 years old and still living at home and, of course, loves and depends on her family. She just threw her arms around me and cried and just kept repeating, "ano ko gagawin? ano ko gagawin?" aka "what am I going to do?". We told her to keep doing what she is doing, reading the scriptures, praying coming to church and to keep the faith. Sometimes we are given trials to test us and see where our faith is, but we can't let them defeat us. I shared Alma 34:30-41 in the Book of Mormon which talks about patience and that if we do our best and endure we will one day rest from our afflictions. A peace came into the room and I have no doubt that Joy will be baptized. Maybe not this month, maybe not this year, but I know one day she will be able enter the waters of baptism and come out clean and become an amazing member of the church. 

Jessica with Ohmi and Edrei at their baptism

So now for the next news, Ohmi and Edrei we baptized yesterday!!! And their less active/ not so less active anymore parents attended and were so excited for them! It was such a happy day and to see their whole family together at church, smiling and full of hope is something I won't forget. Missionary is hard BUT it is worth it. I love you all so so so much and hope you have a great week!

Ingat po kayo palagi! 

Love, 

Sister Lowe 

1st Shipment to the Philippines

Oh my Goodness, I'm so excited.

Okay so since the typhoon hit the Philippines, I have wanted to do something for the people there that were devastated by the storm.  I put the word out that I was collecting donations of clothing (any age) and hygiene items.  I put an article in the school announcements and made an announcement at church.  The support has been wonderful.

Every day people have been contacting me asking what they can donate and where to take it.  It's so wonderful.  Today I met Gail Cavanah and together we drove up to Columbus, IN to deliver our first shipment of boxes to go to the Philippines.  It was a bit of a mishap trip - totally my fault - but it all worked out in the end.

Okay, so the story unfolds.  I learned of a shipping business that ships directly to the Philippines, called LBC Shipment.  I looked them up on the website and found the closest office was in Columbus, IN.  The drive is approximately 1 hour and a half north of Louisville, but it's worth it.  I totally imagined it was a business like UPS and that we could just drive up, hand over the boxes and money and they would be on their way ... but it wasn't like that at all.  To our utter surprise we found that the address took us to a residential neighborhood.  "Can this be right?" we thought.  I called the number for the location and sure enough, it was the right location, however, the lady that runs it, Rovi Beck was in Chicago.  UGH!!!  No really - it all worked out.  She told us we could leave the boxes on her driveway and that she would pack them up in LBC boxes for us, and would let us know the cost later (she gave us an estimate) - can you believe that - so trusting and helpful.  We left the boxes, addresses and contact information on the driveway and then turned around and headed back to Louisville.  I'm sure Gail thought I was crazy for trusting someone I've never met but it didn't bother me at all.  I knew this was all OKAY!  We were on the Lord's errand and it would turn out great. 

And it did.  A day later, Rovi contacted me with the cost.  I deposited the money in the LBC bank account and off the boxes went to the Philippines.  It turned out to be 3 HUGE meter size boxes that went.  I feel so good!  I'm so excited.  I can't wait for the boxes to arrive there and spread the joy of clean clothes and other items with them. 

Catching Fire - Caught Me

Oh my goodness - what a fantastic night.

Betsy took Marissa to the Catching Fire Premier with her friends:  Makenzie Mullin, Kelsey Wohlgometh, Caroline Butler, Amber Fransiconi, and Katherine.  We arrived around 9:30 pm for the 12:01 am showing on the XD theater screen.

While the girls were waiting they colored cards for the soldiers serving in the arm forces.  It was so nice.  Then we were invited in for seats - we got the TOP row middle seats!  EXCELLENT.

The show was so good - amazing - terrific - fantastic.

It was so worth it.  It didn't end until 2:35 am and we waited for Kelsey's mom until 3:00 am.  Marissa and I didn't get home until 3:10 am - fell asleep around 3:22 am - and woke up at 6:10 am - so worth it!!!

Marissa's Cross Country Banquet

Tonight was such a special night … tonight the girls celebrated their 2013 XC season at the Cross Country banquet.  It was held at the New River Church building (always is).

Coach Sykora

After dinner and the video the coaches took turns introducing the girls and talking a little about their individual seasons.  Coach Sykora had Marissa!

Marissa listening about herself :)

 Coach Sykora said the nicest things - how Marissa trains so hard, then after getting her injury she didn't let it get to her, she didn't quit, she did private work outs with (me) and worked hard so that she could come back to the team and contribute.   She talked about how much of a difference Marissa made to the team and how she came right back to where she was (for the team) but how she knew Marissa would want her times to be better.

Marissa earned her 3rd year Varsity letter / 6th at Regionals / 39th at State.  She also was presented with the Team Scholar Award.  She has the highest GPA of all the girl athletes.

Marissa and her best friend Makenzie

All the girls after the banquet

The CLAN:  Marissa, Makenzie, Kelsey and Caroline!

Marissa and Erin Edmundson (MVP)

Robert's Cross Country Banquet

Wednesday night was a night filled with conflict - three events - only one boy. 
1.  YM
2.  Eagle Court of Honor for Ben, Max, Ephriam and Trevor.
3.  Boys Cross Country Banquet

Robert had a busy day - immediately after a full day at school he attended Fire soccer practice at Fern Creek (30 minutes away).  Upon the completion of practice we rushed him home to change - but into what.

Even though the Eagle Court of Honor didn't involve him, Robert chose to attend it over his own Cross Country Banquet for the simple reason of supporting his friends!  They have been in scouts together since they were 8 years old.  Tonight was their BIG night, they were there for Robert on his big night. 

Robert conducted the flag ceremony as well as sitting in the Eagle's Nest.

While he was there, Mom was at the Boys XC banquet.  Robert was mentioned as being a two sport athlete - that showed great improvement after coming to XC full time (after soccer season was over) improving from a 19:18 to a 17:45 - they really complimented Robert.  It was nice to hear.  He earned his JV letter.

Week 28

Hey everyone!

How are you all doing? School, work, sports? I hope everything is going well over there! Things are starting to calm down a bit over here from the super typhoon but there are still so many repercussions from the damage of the storm and the people who were killed :( One of the Elders in my mission found out both his parents were killed in the storm and that his house is gone. I can't imagine the pain and hurt he as well as so many of the people here are going through... please keep them in your prayers. But my companion found out her family is safe and she still has a house to go home to so we are very happy about that! So this week has been another challenging but great week! We got rejected pretty bad this week BUT sister Lariosa and I didn't let that get us down! haha we just kept trying and trying and we actually found some really progressing and truth-seeking investigators. And on top of that, I literally think I had the best day of my entire mission earlier this week! So who wants to hear what happened?? Well hope there is someone who ants to know because I'm telling you anyways haha. K so here's the story :D Last sunday our investigator Joy came to church and she said she liked it and we were super excited to teach her the next day, but something came up and she said we could come on Wednesday. We were a little worried when we began the lesson on Wednesday because before we had started she asked if she could just go to church and not be baptized. My mind was going everywhere while we were singing the opening hymn trying to think of what I could say to her to help her in our lesson. We opened up with a prayer and I just prayed so hard that my mind would be cleared and be able to listen to the spirit and that Joy would be able to feel the spirit in the lesson. As soon as we ended the prayer I asked her how her Book of Mormon reading is. Get this, she got the Book of Mormon on Nov 5 and by Nov 13 she was in Mosiah!!! She said she loves it and just can't get enough of it. She said every time she reads it she feels so much peace and happiness she doesn’t want it to end or put it down. I then felt prompted to ask a series of questions to her. The first was "why do you think you feel that way when you read the book of mormon?" She thoughtfor a couple seconds and then simply stated "because I know it's true. It is the word of God for us in our day and contains the fulness of the gospel." (all of this took place in Tagalog by the way haha this is just in english for your convenience) :) So then I asked her if the Book of Mormon is true, which she just said it was, what does that mean for her? Once again she thought for a second and then with tears in her eyes she said "that means God restored his true church back to the earth after centuries of it being lost after the death of Christ and his apostles through the prophet Joseph Smith because He loves us. It means Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God. which means this church, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true." The spirit was so strong and I seriously felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest it was burning so deeply and sister Lariosa and I could barely even speak. I told her yes, yes it is. We bore our testimonies to her and all 3 of us were crying and just feeling the spirit SO strongly, like it was almost tangible in the room. Then I asked her, "so Joy, if you know the church is true what must you do to be a member of the true church?" she just smiled and then whispered "be baptized". I am so excited for Joy to be baptized Dec 3rd and she cannot wait! I have not felt the spirit so strongly my entire mission and I have never felt so guided by the spirit orthat I (me, Sister Lowe) was truly able to help someone. On the days where it gets tough or I miss home, its moments like this that make it all worth it and more. I love being a missionary and sometimes can't imagine what it will be like in a year when I am not wearing this black badge. I love my Heavenly Father and my savior Jesus Christ and know they are very aware and mindful of us. I love you all and you are always in my prayers. Mahal ko kayo at ingat po kayo palagi!

Love always,

Sister Lowe  

pics

me and Sis Lariosa at zone conference

2 Sister Mack, Sister Garrett at me at Zone conference

 Zone conference

Game #2 Showcase Tournament

Much better game than the first one - but still not the best showing…

First off - again we are a new team and it really shows against the better teams - this game no exception.
2nd - the weather was freezing - ugh
3rd - our second game of the day

Well, if that doesn't spell it out for you, we played hard but not technically very well, we lost.

Even though we were down, I love how hard Robert played.  He fought for every ball possession - even being fouled in the process.

We played a great first half - only down by one goal - score 0-1
After the Metro team scored a second goal - our team's spirit got down and we made some defensive mistakes that cost of two more goals.  Final score 4-0.

Game #1 ShowCase Tournament

Saturday 8:00 am game vs the Chicago Fire Academy - it was strange to play a team with the same uniforms - just from Chicago…

Today Robert didn't start - the other team was huge - I'm guessing that's why.  He is much smaller that the competition. 

This game started out like any other - good but then our weaknesses started to show.  Our team is playing with a new formation (goalie, 3, 2, 4).  We haven't quite adjusted to it as evident by our  last game (5-0) and this game… 

1st goal:  CFA scored when Ben Carper missed a defensive play - goalie missed the catch.

2nd goal:  CFA scored when our goalie didn't catch an easy ball.

3rd goal:  CFA scored when our defense wasn't in the right position.

Robert went in at 15 minutes and played the remainder of the first half (40 minute halves).  He played very aggressive as a center mid and man-to-man against his player (#40) and they were evenly matched size wise…  He won a lot of balls and made some great plays but they were lost before we could score or the goalie caught it.

 

I like the intensity!!!  Keep it up!

evenly matched against #40

Robert didn't start the second half.  

4th goal:  While Robert was out, Ryan P (defense) made a pass directly to a CFA player whom immediately  returned it for a goal. 

5th goal:  CFA broke through and defense left a huge hole in the middle - easy goal.

Robert was subbed in at this time as a center mid.  Unfortunately, most of the team's spirit was down by this point.  With the exception of Robert, no one really got back on defense to help out.  It is clear our team has not figured out the new formation in the back.  Up top we look pretty good if we could only get it past the goalie.  The final score was 7-0.  It sounds like a total blow out but it shouldn't have been.  Our team is better than that!  We just broke down and didn't recover.