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Sunday, December 28, 2014

Happy 19th Birthday Gator!!

Malo Soifua Aiga!!!

Dang crazy week all around! Not really too much to write because I got to talk to you all on Christmas which honestly was my favorite gift. So happy that you all got the box, and I hope you enjoyed your gifts!

Mo'o and Mom at Christmas breakfast. DELICIOUS!!! :)

 Here's the update:

-Elder Mo'o and I were going to a lesson when I had an impression to get on my knees and say a prayer. It was kinda strange because we were on a kind of messed up road in the jungle--but we listened to the prompting and it was a really cool experience. The rest of the day we had really good lessons and gave out a Tusi A Mamona (Book of Mormon).  Sometimes we get small strange and sometimes seemingly awkward promptings.  But I promise you that as you listen to them, you will receive unseen blessings.

-Transfer calls were last night and Elder Mo'o is going to Upolu.
I have been Malolo'd and am no longer a DL. However, I am now a trainer! I pick up my new comp wednesday. His name is Elder Auguso (I think) and he is from Australia. I'm a little worried about my language but the family says they will help me out.

-It's weird but I'm officially 19! Dang this year went by so fast!

Thank you Valentine for my pug shirt ;)

-Thank you soo much for the Birthday gifts!!! I love the Uke. Can't wait to have a jam sesh haha
Remember to be thankful for all of the little things.  For me I'm thankful for:

-Freedom of Religion
-My Family
-A hot slice of pepperoni pizza
-Filberto's California Burritos
-Washing Machines
-Hot showers

That's honestly the biggest things that have happened. My mind is still racing from the transfers! It'll all go well though. I'll make sure to write more next week. I LOVE YOU ALL!

Alofa Atu,
Elder Hunter S.G.

Gator Humor:

I got bored and wrote "SH" on our fan that is an AKIRA fan.
It makes me laugh whenever I see it haha

Some see cute little puppies....Elder Langi sees two little plump steaks hahaha
PS. Is Tilley still fat?

PPS. Is there a Jenny Craig thing for dogs?  JK Love you big booty Judy!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

"Linda"-she's a killer...

Malo Soifua Aiga!

Dang it's almost Christmas/My Birthday and I'm away... Kinda brutal but it'll be all good haha.

I got your boxes!!! THANK YOU! So tempting but I haven't opened them yet.
OH I also got all of Nana's. Fa'afetai tele lava!!! (Thank you very much)

Well here is the update:

-We had a Christmas activity at Vaiola and Fusi this tuesday. It was for all of the kids on the island and it was pretty fun!

They chased a greased pig which was pretty funny haha

-O a'u o se tulimanu!!!!  haha I have officially killed two rats with the black rat trap!

 Mo'o and I have named her "Linda". She's a killer...
Haha honestly our new favorite toy! :)

-It's not a real mission until you do laundry out of the same bucket you use to shower haha

-We have a family who wants to come back to church and get sealed in the temple. We are trying to help her quit smoking and come back to church, but she is determined to get sealed in the temple which is really awesome!

-Transfers are on my birthday. A little worried because I think Elder Mo'o is going and I will have to take over the area. We will see what happens.

All is going well here. I Love you all soo much!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Alofa Atu,
Elder Hunter (Tulimanu) (Chicken Chaser) S.G.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Had to force my gag reflexes to relax

Malo Soifua Aiga!!!

Well not too much to write this week sorry, but here is the update:

-I'm done with the Chigen Gunia. It was miserable but I'm over with it so alls goods

-I ate U'U three times this week. Apparently the village is determined for me to love this stuff by the time I leave. Seriously had to force my gag reflexes to relax a couple of times, but you know all is good.
The nasty U'U aka Lobra

-We committed two people to baptism this week! Pretty cool. One is an older lady who is 74. She's really sweet but there is some concern with regards to her health. I almost lost it because she said, "I got my white dress to wear for my baptism or my funeral." It made me sad, but hopefully it will be for the first. Her name is Avea and she is such a cool lady!

The second is a girl who is dating the bishop's son. They are getting serious so she may have to convert, but we aren't going to force her into the font, we will make sure she knows what she is doing is right or I won't let it happen.

That's really about it sorry. Very excited to call home next week! Happy to hear all is well at home.

Alofa Atu,
Elder Hunter S.G.

My favorite kid in the Nu'u
Cute kids in the village

A family's cow haha idk why I wanted to send it :)

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Chikunguna-I don't plan on going back to Taga anytime soon

Malo Soifua Aiga!

Well this week has been....long haha. I really only have one story so here I go:

On Tuesday we had a split with the Elders in Taga.

Taga is a village on the island of Savai'i in Samoa. It is situated on the south east coast of the island in the district of Palauli.[1]
The population is 753 (2006 Census).[2]

I went to Taga and it was cool because I got to split with Elder Afuvai from my intake. He's the man and it was a good split.

But the next morning was brutal. So you have an idea...I'm pretty sure mosquitos originate from the village of Taga. There are so many!!!!!
Well, in the middle of the night my mosquito net blew over from the wind. I woke up to at least 15 mosquitos in my net and a body covered in a rash... I called the mission nurse and told her my symptoms: rash, sore wrists and ankles, migraine, fever, aching body. She told me that I had Chikunguna-- a disease only transmitted by the namu.

Chikunguna Rash

She then said that because I was on Savaii she couldn't really do anything so to just drink a lot of water, rest , and wait it out. So yeah that's been the past 4 days. I'm getting better but still pretty itchy. Haha I was dying on Sunday because I went to sacrament meeting, and everyone asked my sickness. I told them and they all started laughing because no one in my village gets the sickness...
I don't plan on going back to Taga any time soon...Haha
Well, that really is it this week, couldn't really go out.

On the plus side, I've had a lot of cool things to do out here.  I tried a star fruit the other day. that was a first.  It was good!  It tasted like a sour green apple.

Haven't eaten dog yet, but I feel it coming soon.  There is a Tongan Elder in our zone who eats them all of the time.  Dogs are like pigs in Tonga, so he loves them.  We are pretty close friends and he always says he's going to cook one for a zone p-day. Its a different world out here.

The cool thing about Samoa is that it's a developing country, but no one ever goes really hungry. They have so many natural resources here and they use all of them.  Especially the coconut.

Pretty cool how many uses it has.  The husk  can be used as kindling. You drink the coconut water and it is full of nutrients. You eat the coconut meat inside as a tasty snack. You can grind up the inside to feed pigs/chickens or you can use it to squeeze out coconut milk to use for sauces.  Pretty cool.

All is good though. Man I miss the Holiday stuff. Seriously I'd love to hear an original Christmas song. Every song here is just like the rest of them. Heavy Bass, reggae up beat, and a Samoan singing with a T-Pain sucks...

I miss you all and can't wait to call on Christmas!!!
Alofa Atu,
Elder Hunter S.G.


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Monday, March 30, 2015

The Life of an Islander 3-29-15

-I'm living on a posh island.
-Prayer should be refreshing.

I will miss Paignton Ward but I am stoked to be here on Guernsey! I can't recall everything that happened leading up to moves because it feels like it's been donkey's ears since I have been there.

The Travel and Airport (skip this section it's boring)
Wednesday morning Elder and Sister McBride picked us up early to go to the moves meeting. During our long drive we listened to Elder McBride's travel stories. He gave me lots of ideas of how to get the most luggage on the flight. His ideas include a lot more than strategic packing. Basically what I got out of it was: queue up for the employee who is smiling and be really nice to them and, "Only believe." Using this plan he claims he has never had to pay for his overweight luggage.

At the Staines chapel I find out that the missionary I would be flying with is my MTC companion Elder Hernandez! Neither of us were properly prepared to fly because we did not know our flight plans or weight limit on the suitcases. It is my fault as much as anyone who helped plan it, but there almost needs to be a section in Preach My Gospel about communicating with missionaries and conveying vital information.

Let me explain the challenge. Missionaries are allowed two suitcases at 50 pounds and a carry-on. Missionaries transferred to Guernsey are allowed one suitcase at 20 kilos and one carry on. Between the moves meeting and the flight we ended up in the mission office to get our itinerary while trying to repack our suitcases to make it under the maximum weight. I had to get rid of half my clothes and put all of my books in my backpack.

If airports don't already stress me out enough, we arrived at Gatwick Airport only 45 minutes before the flight was departing. Once we found where we check our suitcases in went up to Kevin, the employee who was smiling, called him by name, explained that we were missionaries and we are new to flying. Elder Hernandez's suitcase was 22 kilos and he somehow ended up with an oversized carry-on, a grocery sack, and a shoulder bag with his scriptures but we didn't pay anything. Security took some time because Elder Hernandez tried to carry-on nearly a dozen full size bottles of bathroom supplies which all got thrown away. Two different people told him he should only have one carry on but we just smiled our way through.

While I tried to navigate from there to the gate I was worried about getting lost so I continued to pray we would make the flight. I saw on the screen that our gate was closed but as we rushed through the airport I just keep thinking, "Only believe." I know I was guided because somehow we managed to find where we were supposed to go without getting lost. We were the last people to board and we sat down about three minutes before the plane was scheduled to take off. That prayer had to be answered especially because I don't think there was another flight to Guernsey that day.

Living in a full size house with another companionship of elders and the senior couple makes it feel like we are a big happy family. We have morning and evening prayers daily and eat together when we can. We have the nicest accommodations and the elders here know how to cook. I feel like a king. My companion is Elder Anderson and it's confirmed, he's from Kaysville again. How the did that happen?

Biking was the most fun thing ever for about two minutes, then I had to go through a two lane round-a-bout with traffic. It has challenged me in ways that I never anticipated. Not only are the roads narrow and full of traffic but there are hills, bad weather, and road features called filters that I haven't previously experienced. After only one day of cycling my seat was sore and I missed the luxurious bus seats.

The work in Guernsey is hard. The character of an offshore financial center doesn't typically breed humble people. It is a drastic contrast to the area I just came from where unemployment was high and abuse of benefits was higher. The people here are so posh. The first time we walked up the high street everyone was wearing classy suits and sunglasses. The sights are beautiful and our house overlooks a bay. It's a dream here but the only problem is its a tourist's dream and more like a nightmare for missionaries.

Sacrament meeting had a total attendance of 10 adults and 1 toddler. Out of those 10 adults, 6 were missionaries and the other 4 were sisters. Convincing investigators to attend  church is going to be a lot different but it helps me recognise how much it  would strengthen the ward to have a strong family or even a priesthood holder. Guernsey branch for days!

One of the coolest things I got out of my study this morning was a detailed explanation of the Lord's Prayer in James E. Talmage's Jesus the Christ. He expounds each characteristic into a paragraph, like he does, and helps the reader understand how to make prayer more meaningful. In a Preach My Gospel self evaluation of prayer I learnt that our prayers can be guided by the Spirit, and even refreshing. Mum reminded me of the Bible Dictionary definition of prayer which I love. It reads:

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part.  Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship.  Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other.  The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them.

Through focused and spiritual prayers I have developed a personal relationship with my Father in Heaven. Each time I sincerely pray I feel the Spirit burn inside of me. I know he loves me. I know Jesus Christ is our Saviour and Redeemer and is our only way back to the Father. Please remember Him during this special Easter week. If you haven't already, check out and share the video. I love you guys!

Elder Price

So rumour has it that I am staying in the most expensive missionary accommodation in the world at over £3000 a month. I have no idea how true that it but it is too nice here. Our bedroom isn't very big but the rest of the house makes up for it. It is so nice to stand up in a hot shower again. We have a large kitchen connected to a dining room and TV room which overlooks the sea. I saw a gorgeous sunrise over the island Sark this morning.

My address is:

La Salerie
1 St. George's Esplanade
St. Peter Port GY1 2BJ
Guernsey, Channel Islands

United Kingdom

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This is Alison, Preston's mom. I will be posting things on this blog during Preston's mission. Preston will not have access to this blog until after his mission. If you would like to send him an email please see his contact information, located to the right of this blog. Thanks

Monday, December 28, 2015

#26: Christmas In Mexico

(From his journal) This is one week that I don't think I'll forget for a long time. The reason being is that Christmas was this week and I felt love and gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ.  I'm so grateful for this time of year, when I can think and ponder about Him and all that He did for me.

The week was filled of fun festivities with the branch here and the spirit of Christmas. On Monday there was a Christmas party with the Branch.  There was tamales, tamales, and more tamales! They are one of my favorite Mexican foods here!  We had a piñata, which was fun to break open and get candy!  Monday evening was really fun.

On Tuesday, we had an awesome capacitation with President Chavez.  He spoke about how obedience is the key to having success in the mission.  There were things he mentioned that I didn't know were mission rules.  So, it was good to be able to ask questions and resolve any confusion.  I think he spoke about obedience so if there was any disobedience, we can make a New Year's resolution to try better.

Christmas day was interesting to say the least!  We planned to talk to our families using Skype at around 5:00pm.  We had the morning and early afternoon to talk to people.  The problem was, that nobody was outside; they were in their homes with their families!  (We found out that in Preston's mission, they never go tracking-meaning door to door, they meet people on the streets mostly) When 5:00pm came, we were so excited to see and hear from our families!  But, we were having technical difficulties and couldn't figure out how to do it.  So, we ended up not being able to Skype on Christmas.  But, we tried again on Saturday morning after borrowing a web cam and ear phones from the local internet cafe and using them down at the church, so we were able to actually Skype with our families!  Hands down, this was the best gift this Christmas!  I'm so thankful for my family and all they do for me.  They are my biggest support.  I can't wait until Mother's day to see and talk with them again!  But until then, I have work to do!

The weather on Saturday was really sour and difficult.  It was really windy and cold all morning.  I know that the wind was bringing more weather our way.  We got SNOW!!  This was the second time this year and I was just as excited as the first time.  We got about a "name tag's" worth of snow....the long way, with is about 2 inches!

I wasn't able to take a shower for the past two days because the pipes that lead from the boiler to the house were FROZEN!!! haha  But this morning I was able to somewhat shower by using a bucket and hot water...wasn't the best but it got the job done! haha
That's my week here in Guerrero.  One week I really enjoyed and will never forget!

Beautiful Christmas tree in Mexico

So excited for snow!!!

Thank you for the Christmas gifts for both my companion and I.
I am using the electric blanket now and it works miracles!
(In his broken English, Elder Castro thanked us for the stocking and
other presents we sent him too, when we were Skyping with Preston)

These are the scripture covers and hymn book cover that I paid to have
made.  It only costs 440 pesos which is like around $25 for all three.
(A member there makes them-pretty cool!!)

(We thought it would be fun to all be wearing these mustaches
when our Skype session started)

(Even Krew got into it- This would be the first time
that Krew, his nephew, and Preston would see each other)

The Best part of Christmas this year-by far, was talking
to each other.

(Preston wanted us to do a crazy photo too)

(Love this missionary of ours)

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

#25: Christmas Dinner in the Mission

This week has been good overall.  No baptisms though to report, but we have a good amount of investigators who are understanding what we teach and are keeping commitments.

This last Thursday was really cool because we had our Christmas party with our mission president and his wife.  The party was in Cuahtemoc which is about an hour and a half drive by bus.  When we got there, the gym of the chapel was all decorated with tables, lights and a lot more.  It was catered and everything. The food was really good!  (As part of the program, the focus was on the importance of having clean hands and a pure heart. At the end, the focus was on hands that have had great importance in their  lives, namely, the hands of their parents and those of the Savior-The mission president asked us parents to send him a picture of our hands together and another one showing our faces)  Then, pictures came across the large projector screen that had pictures of our parent's hands.  Yours was the first to come up, although I didn't recognize your hands because dad is wearing a different watch! I wasn't really prepared to see the next picture, it was of you- mom and dad together!  It caught me so off guard.  I felt immediate love and gratitude for you both, so thank you!  After we ate, we had 3 piñatas to break open.  There's a song that we sung when each person was swinging at the piñata.  There was so much candy from them, so we were all pretty satisfied!  The party ended around 5:30pm, but the next bus to Guerrero didn't leave until 8:00pm!  So, we helped clean up the church and mingled with the other missionaries who were waiting for their ride as well.

We will be able to borrow a laptop from a member and Skype in the church building here.  We are thinking around 5:00, how does that sound?  I did get Brooke and Dylan's package, and I did open it, I hope that's okay! haha  I can't have two boxes staring me in the face for another 5 days!

Because of Christmas this week, they moved the transfers up one week to last week.  So, this means I will still be with my companion, Elder Castro.  So, another transfer completed and in the books!  I must say that the mission is going by quite fast.  I'm really enjoying the people I meet, and the areas I have the privilege to serve in.

Overall, I had a really good, productive week here in Mexico.  I really enjoy the people who live here and love to serve them each day I have been given.  I am looking forward to the blessings and miracles the Lord will place in my path.  I know this church is true, and have a testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and leads and guides this church today.  I'm grateful for this time of year when the whole world turns their hearts to the Savior.  I love Him and all of you back home.  May we all remember our Savior, Jesus Christ a little more this time of year.

Elder Fowler

This week's scripture to Ponderize is: D&C 90:24

Search diligentlypray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.

Wearing the sweater that Brooke and Dylan sent him for Christmas

Elder Fowler with President and Sister Chavez

Elder Fowler (second from Left) at Christmas Dinner

Christmas Dinner Party  2015

Catching candy from the Piñata

The Sister missionaries received make up and the Elders received a tie.
All were given a stocking of candy

Monday, December 14, 2015

#24: Snow in Mexico

This past week was full of greatness, surprises, and full of the Spirit.  This week we were blessed to have one of our investigators, named Maguel Rubio Dominquez, be baptized on December 12th.  I was pretty stoked because he is someone who has been prepared by the Lord for us to find and teach. About 20 years ago, he received a Book of Mormon (and it was well used) but he never attended church but understood all the principles and doctrines of the church!  He's a really awesome man!  He was super easy to teach because he already knew the material that we were teaching.  He then was interviewed by our District Leader and then we prepared for him to be baptized.  In Guerrero (his area) the casa de oracion (prayer house-or chapel) doesn't have a baptismal font, so we had to go to La Juata.  On Saturday, the day of his baptism, the weather looked terrible.  Strong winds, rain and cold.  While driving to La Junta, it started hailing!  Pretty crazy, right?  When we got to the chapel, the hail let up a little bit.  Only 5 minutes later, it bagan to snow!  Snow in Mexico?!  I never would have believed it unless I saw it.  All us gringo missionaries freaked out and enjoyed ourselves a bit, making snowballs and what-not!   After the fun in the snow, we baptized Hermano Rubio.  But the really cool party is, he was confirmed right after by our Branch President.  The reason for doing so, was because Sunday was the dedication of the Tijuana, Mexico Temple.  Hermano Rubio was then able to attend with us!  It was really something to see our new convert "attend the temple" via satellite transmission!

The dedication of the Tijuana Temple was absolutely amazing and the spirit was so strong for all three sessions.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder Dallin H. Oaks were the General Authorities who dedicated the House of the Lord.  What is really special, is President Gordon B. Hinckley's son is the temple president of Tijuana!  And, his spanish is pretty good!  I could feel the Lord accept this magnificent building as a "casa del Señor".

To say my week here was great is an understatement.  I'm looking forward to this upcoming week to see the blessings from the Lord, not only in my life, but the lives of those around me.

(We asked him if he had read the email from his friend, Jacob Wolf who received his mission call this past week and will be serving in the Argentina Salta Mission and will be leaving on March 9, 2016)

I did hear from Jacob!!!  How awesome is that?!?  Los tres amigos Hablan español después la misión!!!  I'm super happy for him!

(What's crazy is the three young men from our ward that have known each other since they were little, and are the best of friends, all leave within 9 months apart from each other.-Matthew: October 2014, Preston: July 2015, and Jacob: March 2016.   Matthew left on the 7th, Preston left on the 8th and Jacob leaves on the 9th.  All will be able to speak Spanish, which was something we were hoping for them.  Each of their missions boundaries are around the same distance from the Pacific Ocean too)

My companion and I are planning to Skype on Christmas day, just so you know.  I'll let you know what time you can expect a call from me.  I think we found a member who has Skype and just need to ask. I get 40 minutes to talk, that's it.

The scripture this week is D&C 50:24, I really like this scripture a lot.

24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

I love you all and know the Lord is watching over you.
Elder Fowler

Snow in Mexico!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Branch President, Elder Castro, Manuel Rubio Dominquez, Elder Fowler
December 12, 2015

Elder Benson, Elder Castro, Rubio, Elder Fowler,  his zone leader: Elder Anderson

Friday, December 11, 2015

#23: 5 Months Under My Belt

It's crazy to think I have 5 months now under my belt, Wow! The reason why I couldn't email on Monday was because we had a zone meeting all day in La Junta.  I really didn't have a regular P-day!  But, we played soccer and had lessons and what not, but  by the time we got home to our area, it was 8:00pm.

Our investigators did attend church with us this week again and we have 1 maybe 2 baptisms this Saturday!!!  Pretty exciting!!  I love seeing the blessing that come from serving.  There are a lot of missionaries here in my mission who are great examples of obedience. I never want to be a missionary who baptizes for the numbers....I'd rather have all my converts stay converted throughout their entire lives.  I am often reminded of you (dad) and Jim Love; what a great experience. (Philip taught Jim the gospel when serving his mission in CA-Jim went on to serve a mission, marry in the temple and is raising his kids in the gospel)  Thank you dad for your willingness to serve the Lord and set the example for me and Brecken.

I did get my Christmas package!!!! I've looked inside, but haven't opened anything!  I will wait though until Christmas since we have changes (transfers) the week of Christmas and you sent gifts for my companion too.  This way, I will know who my companion will be and give them to him on Christmas.

I Love you,
Elder Fowler

(This week's scripture to "Ponderize"  1 Timothy 4:12)

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

#22: New Investigators

   This week has been better here in Guerrero.  We've had some awesome investigator lessons!  We have 5-7 really interested investigators right now and 4 of them attended church with us yesterday.  December may be full of baptisms, hopefully  :)

Questions that we asked Preston:
Q:  Do you drink the water there?  If so, do you need a filter bottle?  Would you like one?
A: I received a filter water bottle when I left the CCM, but I don't used it... in Anahuac, we bought clean water, but here in the "Sierra", the water is okay to drink from the tap.

Q: Are you getting enough to eat in your new area?  If not, are you having to buy your own food?
A: We only eat with members like 3-4 times a week so the other days we eat in our house or buy something... buying food is so expensive, even though it's cheap here!  I can buy a bag of chips and a liter of water for 15 pesos! haha

Q: How is the speaker box working out?  Were you able to listen to the latest General Conference talks that was sent in the last package?
A:It's AMAZING!!  I love it!   I haven't listened to it all, I think  only the first couple talks!

(This week's scripture to "ponderize" was submitted by Kylah)
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

A selfie for your Tuesday-haha-Selfies are weird in public places!
Like my camo tie?
(This is the place where he goes on his P-days to email home)
Christmas tree in Centro

Monday, November 23, 2015

#21: What I Call Home- Here in Guerrero

To answer your questions:  I DID get my winter package this last Tuesday!  I am super grateful for all the love that you guys give me!  It sure means a lot!  This last week we were able to move into our house here in Guerrero and it's really nice!  I feel like I'm back in the States when I walk in.  I have pictures because I know that you would want to see where I live!  haha  We do have a washing machine, but not a dryer.  I don't think the mission has dryers for anyone....maybe the sisters, haha

As for my companion, sometimes he doesn't want to wake up until 7:40! I've tried talking to him about the importance of exact obedience in all things.  It's hard because I grew up in a house where we were always on time to everything...EVERYTHING!!!  I hate being late to things...some mornings I want to rip the sheets off from him!!!

The branch here is really small.  Only about 20 people attend each week.  We meet in a Prayer House,  it's not even a chapel!  I really love the members and all that they do for the missionaries in their area :)

I love the scripture from this past week (2 Nephi 4:34) We can always rely on the Lord through everything.  He is the one person that will be there through it all. It kinda reminds me of a song that I have on my flash drive.  This week, I chose the scripture:

Alma 7:23-24

23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

In the CCM, I read this scripture and felt that it applies to me during my mission.  It explains so well how I need to act and behave during my mission. Let me know your thoughts as well :)

(I had told him that our little  8 year old friend, Cameron Kaesche, who used to live in our cul-de-sac, will be getting baptized this Saturday)  I'm so excited for Cameron!!!  Can you tell him that I still have the paper he gave me in my suit jacket, the one that says, "Dear Preston, Sorry that Rudy (our dog) died"  I look at it each Sunday during the Sacrament.  Also, tell him that I love his decision to be baptized!!  He's gonna make one great missionary! ;)

They don't celebrate Thanksgiving here of course, but November 20th is a holiday here for Mexico's Revolution. We had a baptism this week.  I will tell you more about it next week, but there is a picture.  Her family is a part member family and we found them using the Teaching Records.  She has had all the lessons and was able to be baptized.
I love you!  Thanks for being my biggest fan.
Elder Fowler

Baptism of young girl

November 20th-Mexico's Revolution Day

Mi Casa from the outside

(Quite an upgrade from his last area.)

The bathroom!

My bedroom

Walk-in closet  ;)
It's very American, well I think so! haha

Monday, November 16, 2015

#20 A New Companion

Well, this week was full of different experiences to say the least!  On Monday (November 9th) I had my first transfer changes in the field.  I no longer serve in Anáhua.  I'm now serving in a place called Guerreo.  In the mission, the part where I'm serving is called La Sierra. And what I know so far is that it's much colder here than any other part of the mission.  I have a new companion now as well.  Elder Vergara is home now and I really appreciate everything that he taught me during the 12 weeks we were together.  My new companion is Elder Castro; he's from Mexico City and has served 20 months in the mission.  We are still in the "get to know you" stage and the language barrier doesn't help either.  Everyone that speaks Spanish, speaks differently, so I just need to focus and concentrate harder on what others are saying.

My companion and I are the first missionaries in Guerrero for a couple months so we don't even have a house there yet.  We've been staying with some Elders in LaJunta, which is about a 40 minute bus ride away. Hopefully, this upcoming week, we can move into a house and start working in Guerrero.  We have to cover the whole city...and that's a lot of work for just one set of missionaries.  In Anáhuac, we had two sets of missionaries which made the work a little easier.  I feel like having a new area, new companion, new everything has given me a new start as well.  I feel like a reset bottom has been pushed, and this is a new beginning. I'm super excited to be serving where I'm serving.  I know that the Lord has placed me where I am now for a reason.  I can't wait to see what amazing things will happen in Guerrero when we give everything to the Lord.  I am thankful for everyday I have to serve the people in Chihuahua and the Lord.

(This week's scripture is:
2 Nephi 4:34)

O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

Adios mi amigos!
Elder Fowler

Elder Fowler with Elder Garcia
(I believe they are waiting for a bus)

And the sun begins to set on another day.

Such a beautiful sunset, I just couldn't resist taking a picture of it.

Monday, November 9, 2015

#19: 4 Month Mark & Transfers

(Yesterday, November 8th marked 4 months that Elder Fowler has been serving)
 I am able to email right now.  It's earlier than usual because I have changes (transfers) this week!!  Yikes!  Last night and this morning was super hectic and crazy with packing all my stuff and going to Cuauhtemoc.  I'm not going to Chihuahua where we usually do the transfers because the mission doesn't have the money for that, so I will be meeting my new companion later today in Cuauhtemoc when they return.  I was told though by my current Zone Leader that I'm going to the "Sierra's"!!! BURRRRR!!!!  Hopefully my winter package gets here today because I will definatly need that coat and gloves! hahaha  It's pretty crazy!  I can't believe that I'm leaving Anahuac and starting somewhere new.  Apparently, my new companion and I are going to be opening up a new area called, Guerrero, but idk if it's 100% true yet, but we will find out later today!
I love you,
Elder Fowler

Elder Vergara on his last day of his mission-
"He gave me 3 of his ties, I felt so lucky!"

Elder Beeson and Elder Fowler on day of transfers

Visiting with people they had taught before being transferred
from Anáhuac.

Saying goodbye to the Branch President-Marquez and his family

"Plates from Nevada!! I thought this was cool!"

Monday, November 2, 2015

#18 Halloween Package Arrived :)

First off I want to say that I love dad's costume!! That's legendary (his dad dressed up as Doc Brown from Back to the Future)!!! I've been thinking a lot about you all this week because of Halloween!  In Mexico, the big day is November 1st and is called, the Day of the Dead.  Which, I didn't even see anything change or anything big happen.  There were a couple kids who went trick or treating- or Dulce o Truco, haha!

 I did get the Halloween package you sent!  Elder Vergara appreciated the love you sent him too!! He loves candy a lot, LOL.  The sad thing is, Hermana Chavez (The mission president's wife) has a rule that we can't eat sugary cereal-at all, so I can't have the cereal you sent...Sucks.  I don't understand the rule completely because we can eat candy between the hours of 11am-6pm, but I obey the rule anyway. haha  For breakfast I usually have Cheerios, or eggs with a tortilla, ham and salsa, or a sandwich.  I enjoy having the small set of scriptures that you sent too because I don't always remember where things are in Spanish, so I can quickly pull it out and find it in the small English set. I defiantly feel my mother's love by everything that she does for me.

This week has been really good.  We almost had a baptism this week but it fell through and didn't happen. It's super hard to proselyte once the sun goes down after 6:00pm with 3 more hours in our day!  Plus, that's when it get cold and miserable. I've started to find the things that I've learned from my trainer, Elder Vergara, and overall, I think I take him for granted.  This week was great for our companionship and I feel like we could talk all day to pass the time when we walk.  Today was his last P-Day because he goes home next Monday.

The scripture from this past week (Alma 42:31) is  super relatable to me, especially as a missionary.  I really love the same part that you mentioned in your email.  For this week, the scripture I chose for us to "Ponderize" is: 2 Nephi 22:2-3  It's really powerful and I just love it.  I came across it in my personal studies this week.

(2 Nephi 22:2-3)

 God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.
Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Love, your missionary,
Elder Fowler

At Los Arcos to celebrate Elder Vergara's last full p-day
before he returns home.

Looks so good!

Elder Fowler with his Zone

The awesome moon; it was huge!!!

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

#17 Not Affected by Hurricane Patricia

Comó esta! I really enjoyed reading your letter this week!  It brought a smile to my face! :)  (We asked Peston if he had any effects from Hurricane Patricia that hit Mexico on Friday, October 23rd) I honestly had no clue there was a hurricane that hit Mexico!  We didn't get anything besides cold weather and rain but that's about it, nothing more!

I enjoyed "ponderizing" Mosiah 24:14 this week.  It really gave me strength whenever I have difficult times.  The Savior is the only person that knows exactly what we are going through and He can make our load less and eventually into nothing!  I really love doing the "ponderizing" a scripture each week because I can then share them with the members we eat with as a spiritual thought!  I have a feeling that this up coming scripture in Alma will be really applicable to myself! hahaha

Dad, during your mission did you ever feel like you walked in circles all day?  Because I've been feeling like that this week.  We taught maybe 2-3 lessons in homes and the rest of the time we walk and try to contact people in the streets.  It's hard and frustrating walking in circles hours on end.  Let me know what you think.

(Dad's response- "Many days I felt like that.  Then all of a sudden there are many people to teach.  It is the ups and downs of mission life.  this won't be the last time you experience this.  I would always try and make games out of doing things like that.  It's all good.  This too shall pass.")
From the amount of walking I do, I play the best game ever!!!  It's called, Kicking Rocks and Seeing How Far They Go!!  It's a great way to pass the time-insert sarcasm here, LOL!!

(This week's scripture is:
Alma 4:31And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen.)

As always, I love hearing about your week!
 I Love you dearly!
Elder Fowler

See-Saw Kings; Elder Fowler, Elder Greenwood

I Believe I can fly!

From a training meeting

Monday, October 19, 2015

#16: 100 Days Out Serving

This last week was pretty busy, and surprisingly-time went by pretty fast.  Tuesday morning we had a Capacitation with Presidente Chavez in Cuauhtémoc that was really awesome!  He taught us about lineage and how descendants of Joseph, which are (for the most part) people in Mexico, will receive the restored gospel from the Gentiles.  this really was interesting to me because we can see this work going forth today.
Wednesday, my companion and I had Divisions with the District Leader, and I was with his companion, Elder Valdivieso.  He's really cool and he's one of the few native speakers I can understand.  That same day, our Zone Leaders set a goal-every day make 50 contacts!!  When we heard this, we thought it was impossible.  We normally have 10-15 contacts a day.  But, Elder Vergara and I did all we could.  We told ourselves that if we reached our goal, we'll go get ice cream.  By 8:00pm we had an hour left with only 40 contacts.  Once it gets dark, there's hardly any people in the streets so I was questioning whether or not we would find 10 more people!  But, with faith, determinations, and hard work, we contacted 11 more people that hour!  I will gladly tell you that we went for some hard-earned ice cream!!
Thursday was my 100th day on my mission.  I was on exchanges with the District Leader, so I guess that is how I celebrated the day.
(The scripture of the week that Brooke chose: Mosiah 24:14  And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions) The Lord can ease mine and your burdens.  He is the only person who knows exactly how we feel about everything.  I've learned to rely on the Atonement so much already during my mission in times of stress and hardship.   I find peace and comfort through the knowledge of the Atonement.
This Sunday was special because we had a General Authority from Salt Lake in Anáhuac.  His name is Elder Martinez.  I really enjoyed the spirit that he spoke with and his message was really great. I was able to understand most of what he said . I always enjoy listening to the voice of the Lord through the general authorities because I know the things they share are inspired by the Lord.
I never thought that Mexico would be cold but it sure has been lately, especially in the mornings during our study time, and the last two hours in the day before we head home.  But overall, I'm excited to be serving where the Lord needs me at this time.

Elders-Moreales, Vergara, Fowler and Greenwood

Not sure if this happened before or after the picture above.

We wanted to see pictures of his apartment. Dishes clean :)

He has a washing machine, but not a dryer.  We believe that
next to that must be his water heating source for his shower.

Their study area.  Preston's is on the left. Gotta love the
red and purple walls :)

He must not have a closet, but at least he has somewhere he can
hang some of his things.

His bathroom


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Monday, May 13, 2013

Mother's Day Phone Call

It was great to talk with my family. Though email and letters work fine, skype is definitely better! It sounds like everyone has had a good time lately, and I am STILL here in San Nicolás, Argentina, about to hit 22 months in the mission! Don´t worry, though, I´m still working hard :). Anyways, here is some quick information about this past Mother´s Day.

After church yesterday, our Ward Mission Leader, Fabio Vazquez, let Elder Brasher and I use two computers in his house to skype our homes. Their family loves and opens up to almost anyone, and I am grateful for their service and devotion to the church. Around the world you find incredible, loving families, and I know that the gospel blesses their lives on a daily basis. Families like this somewhat become my adopted families on the mission! My mission has been both hard and rewarding, and members have helped me out along the way. :)

As many of you know, I started my missionary service back in July 2011. Yep, let´s just say it´s been a while haha. Even without all the old friends and family gathered around me, I´ve grown to love those whom I serve while here in the mission. The church helps the family, and the family helps the church. Both the church and its families help the missionaries, and we as missionaries try to help everyone. When everyone does their part, small miracles become a part of our lives. I promise. :)

I really hope everyone had an amazing Mother´s Day, wherever they might be living right now. I´m extremely grateful for the support and strength I received yesterday from the two most important components of my life: the church and the family.

Have a great week! Serve others when you can!

Yours truly,

Elder Jones

P.S. I love you so much, mom! It was so great to talk with all of you. I hope you have a great week.

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Book Junkie

I admit it:  I am a book junkie. Books are tucked into nearly every room in my house. Because I've spent most of the last three decades working as a writer (journalist, technical writer, or editor), I have a collection of writing books that I probably will never get rid of. But most of my books reflect my always eclectic interest in learning something new. And because my old farmhouse doesn't have room for a dedicated library (sigh), they're tucked into logical places throughout the house.

In my office are books on technical writing, creative writing, graphic design, desktop publishing, photography, and jewelry making (my office has the best light for that hobby). My downstairs sewing room has the rest of my crafting books, plus sewing, quilting, bag making, picture framing, and painting. The wide hallway on the second floor holds books on travel, geology, gardening, home repair, wine making, and fly fishing, plus the hardback fiction and the books from my childhood.

The paperback fiction books are across the patio in a tiny apartment at one end of the garage, because there is no room for them in the house! Years ago, Dave built custom floor-to-ceiling bookcases just for paperbacks, and my favorite authors are there, anytime I want to re-read them.

I'm also a library junkie, and have been since I first learned to read. At any given time, there are 20-30 library books in the house, usually a few cookbooks and gardening books, plus whatever topic I'm trying to learn more about. Listing all of them would be way over the top, but I plan to include the topics that caught my interest (so I won't forget), and my favorite titles and authors that I discover along the way. I hope you enjoy.

January 2015 books
February 2015 books
March 2015 books
April 2015 books

Books for Spring 2014
Books for Summer 2014
Summer reading, part 2
Books for an autumn road trip
Books for October and November
Books for winter

January 2013 books
February 2013 books
March 2013 books
April 2013 books
May 2013 books
June 2013 books
July 2013 books
August 2013 books
September 2013 books
October 2013 books
November 2013 books
December 2013 books

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I love that you took the time to read my blog, and appreciate your comments. If you have a website or your own blog, please include your address so I can explore your site.


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About Elegant South America

Elegant South America is a specialized South America tour operator, who offers inspiring experiential tours and custom crafted itineraries for the avid travelers. We have been in the market for over 8 years. Our team comes from a different part of the business. All specialists in International Trade, we have a different perspective of the business. We build strong relationships with hotels and local operators to offer the best rates and services possible, and to overcome difficulties, that may arise, faster than many others. Moreover, we have good relationships with governmental sectors, which could lead to a better deal for special groups with specific requirements that may not only involve tourism but business as well.

We believe that we must never stay put and keep moving forward and adapting to the market’s needs. The world is becoming more interconnected, and we need to take this into consideration when planning our business, which is mainly, creating journeys for our clients. When we do things well, people start to reach us. If we do something wrong, even more people will decide not travel with us, and that is something that we prevent every day from happening.

Besides the typical tours in every city, we offer luxury experiences that will amaze the travelers who come to the region.

We have many things to offer. Don’t wait one more second and contact us to start living your journey through South America!


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Consider Forgiveness: Rabbi Meir Sendor

Forgiveness as a learning process, justice and wholeness, love and God

Rabbi Meir Sendor

Consider Forgiveness features interviews with leaders and scholars from the Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian traditions. This project was filmed in Amritsar, India, at Sharing Wisdom: The Case of Love and Forgiveness, a meeting of the Elijah Interfaith Institute’s board of religious leaders. View these clips to learn more about each faith’s approach to forgiveness and how it relates to justice, love, compassion, retribution, revenge, and empathy.


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Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Myers Headin' To Triple-A

Phillies pitcher Brett Myers is 3-9 this season with a 5.84 ERA and has been optioned to Triple-A. The Phillies are sending him down to mostly work on his delivery, but it could lead to a trade if he fails to show improvement. "I can't say enough about Brett's willingness to accept this assignment," general manager Pat Gillick said. "He understood and is eager to get back on track again. He is struggling right now, but he is a quality major league pitcher who we are going to need in the second half of the season."

Myers' willingness to go down to Triple-A should motivate him to do well as well as some of the other minor league pitchers down there. Playing with a successful major league pitcher could jump start the team.

Anonymous said...

Where's your source on the "...could lead to a trade..." remark?

Everything I have read and seen on the Philly sports channels mention nothing about a trade.

Are you just trying to stir up controversy?

Anonymous said...

I don't think that's what he's tryin' to do. I saw it mentioned on ESPN yesterday, and heard it on Mike & Mike in the Morning too from Tim Kurkjian. Kurkjian has by far, better sources than Peter Gammons, and Gammons said about a possible trade of Myers on Baseball Tonight.


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Friday, June 22, 2012

Trouble in Paradise

I had posted a review for Kevin McGill's amazing book a week ago and was surprised by the backstage hits it got. Here I haven't been blogging, and you have been showing love for me? I find that extremely humbling...

Let me share with you some crazy things that have been going on.

First, I've lost sight of why I started to blog. It became a task as I scrambled my brain, trying to think of things I think you'd like to see. I started comparing myself to the great Elana Johnson and how full of useful writerly and authorly info is always packed on there. I tried to keep up with her by posting like stuff, but it soon wore me. How destructive is it for me to compare myself?

I've taken workshops on how to be an effective writer and how to make my blog appealing to readers. I soon felt inadequate and unworthy (yes, silly to say, but true) to continue posting at all.

Guess what? I was trying way too hard and becoming something I was not.

Being a published author has done some crazy things to my brain. I no longer think of my blog as my personal backyard, but as a place I must appear gracious, graceful, and polite but also as a pubic relations representing yours truly. I've most certainly lost sight of myself here on the web. These wild ideas have taken me far offshore from where I want to be. My lack of confidence has created a huge mental block that tells me "I can't." I literally feel blinded from being able to function as I once had before I was published, and it always leaves me feel for wanting and always lacking.

I want to have fun and make it simple, heart-felt, and helpful. Where have I gone wrong?

I just wanted to share my thoughts with you. I'm gathering my broken courage streamed across the web so that I may return with confidence in my ability to blog without losing myself in the fluff of author politics (oh boy, what was I thinking!?!)

How do you go about reinventing yourself if you ever have? Please share with me your thoughts so that I can know where I can begin...

  1. I think you are very special and am certain you will find your voice again. Actually, I think you already have. Much love from a fellow writer

  2. Just be the gorgeous creative and wonderfully talented self! Blog what makes you happy!!
    :-) Take care

  3. Just go back to your passions! You know my blog isn't the typical author blog. I just blog about what I enjoy whether it has anything to do with me being an author or not.

    1. So true, Alex. Yes, you're blog isn't typical, but very fun! :D

  4. Just keep breathing... Seriously, that's how I keep reinventing myself. Of course, running after 4 kids that now span from elementary school, junior high, high school, and college, breathing can be a little rough. lol

    1. Whew! Breathe, indeed! Mine are strewn from elementary to high school. No college yet, but in a few years! Yikes!

  5. I can relate- I'm having trouble myself with some of the same things you are touching base on. I'm reinventing myself and spent several months away from my blog while i completed my English degree. Now I feel like I'm running blind through the caverns of the blog world.

Welcome to my blog! I love reading your comments, so please don't be shy and comment away. Also, because of the outrageous number of Anonymous Spam comments I've been receiving, I have opted from that availability--I apologize for any inconvenience!


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Friday, April 15, 2016

Janette Rallison's The Girl Who Heard Demons #BookTour

Welcome to my home, the humble blog of Elizabeth Mueller! I am a homeschooling mother of five children ranging from the ages of 19 all the way to 3. When I saw that Janette Rallison was holding a book tour, my heart stopped. Though my time is riddled with the pidder padding of little feet and incessant voices fringed with high demands, I knew I could make time for Rallison; she is one of my most favorite authors! I knew I just had to get my hands on this book and share my eager thoughts.

*The Girl Who Heard Demons.

Imagine if you could hear demons. What would they say? What secrets would they hold? They slither and hiss and writhe about their victims, like a noxious cloud of leaking riddles. Never had they shared an omen, especially of their prey’s impending doom.

Adelle Hansen is an ordinary girl who bears an extraordinary gift. She can hear demons. Though this bane has been a part of most of her life, she suddenly pays particular attention when she overhears one celebrating the imminent demise of popular quarterback, Levi Anderson.

As I opened the book, I knew it would be a good one. I did wonder how Janette would execute a girl hearing demons, though. I imagined something along your paranormal romance, you know: demons and witches and vampires, oh my!

Was I wrong on that count.

She weaves a fascinating and intricate plot of intrigue, lies, and betrayal that Adelle must unravel—a race against unbelievers to save Levi’s life when it seems everything works against her.

I am impressed with how Janette spins the story. The pacing is steady; nary a dull moment as there is a surprise at every corner. The characterization is candid and impressive, the romance, swoon-worthy at best.

As cheesy as this sounds, I have a special bookshelf in my heart for Janette Rallison novels.

You can find her at:

Official Website:

*I received an ARC copy for an unaffected and honest review

  1. Wonderful review of Janette's latest book. I also loved it and thought she did a fabulous job.

  2. I'm honored to have a bookshelf in your heart!

Welcome to my blog! I love reading your comments, so please don't be shy and comment away. Also, because of the outrageous number of Anonymous Spam comments I've been receiving, I have opted from that availability--I apologize for any inconvenience!


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Friday, December 30, 2011

A New Year Getaway to Lake Toba.

This is a place where I have been dreaming of going since last year. After a LONG thought, I decided to get a last minute ticket to Medan to join my girlfriends for a 4 days 3 nights trip. Welcome a new year and a new me with full of new resolutions! May all the people in the world live peacefully and be happy always. Muaaahhh!

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Saturday, January 30, 2016

Emotions and its identification with the thinking process - Atman Nityananda

Emotions and its identification with the thinking process

When there are not strong emotions associated with the thinking our identification with the thoughts is very weak. In this case the thought process subsides very easily only by giving attention to it.

But when there are emotions or a desire behind the thoughts, the identification is strong and becomes difficult to us to stop the identification and the thinking process.
The stronger the emotions or the desire associated with the specific thoughts the stronger the identification  will be and more difficult the disidentification will happen and the subside of the particular thoughts. That's why for example when we are angry we cannot control our mind and usually we regret for the words we said and the action we did under the influence of anger. The same happens with fear. When fear is expressed in relation with something then particular thoughts occur repeatedly in the mind. The same happens with desire. When desire for sex is activated the mind is filled with sexual thoughts.

Thus it is necessary to investigate not only the thoughts but what emotions, desire, need and belief is behind these thoughts.

When we are in the self-observation mode (we must be always or as much as possible we can) we must also focus our attention to our body in order to discover what emotions, sensations, impulses are functioning in relation with the thoughts that appear in the mind.

By being conscious of our emotional and mental patterns we have the opportunity to free ourselves from its dominion. We cannot free ourselves from something that we ignore or we do not know well enough.

Then with the power of laser like attention, discrimination and enquiry* we must stop the identification of emotions or the desire with the particular thoughts which of course are related with some object or situation aw well as we must  apply some ´technique´** in order to eliminate the emotional or desire energy.

This is the only way to free ourselves from the egoic tendencies and enjoy the peace and bliss of our true nature (Atman, consciousness).

attention, discrimination and enquiry*:
ENQUIRY BY QUESTIONING: Appropriate questions are perhaps the most helpful way (especially in the first period of our sadhana) to stop our identification with the thoughts and the emotions and also to disassociate the emotions from the thoughts (viz. to perceive thoughts and emotions as separate). By questioning what we feel and think we take the energy from the mental and emotional stuff and also we gather our attention and we become alert and self-aware. From that state (of self-awareness and alertness) we can take farther 'steps' to eliminate the emotional energy (of course the dissolution of all egoic tendencies and emotions needs a more holistic approach). Together with questioning is also necessary a focused discriminative attention.
The energy of emotions or the desire starts to fade out already by disidentifying from the stream of thoughts and the emotions and much more by perceiving the emotions or the desire (which nature is also emotional) as separate 'things' from the particular thoughts that are associated. We can manage to perceive the emotions and thoughts as separate by putting full attention on them alternately (on the thoughts only and then to the emotions only) and by the capacity of discrimination.

In the case of desire in order to stop identification with it, perhaps the most powerful way is to change the imagined image of the desired object. The desire always in order to delude us projects itself on an image. By the power of imagination the desire makes this images to appear very attractive. So if we change this image with a disgusting image then the attraction fades out and the desire subsides. Together with this we can apply a ´technique´** (see below) to dissolve the desire energy.
For example if the desire for sex arises in us and is projected on an image of a woman with blond hairs etc. then we must change this image and imagine this woman without skin, seeing the flesh, the blood and the bones behind the skin or we can imagine how this woman will be at the age of 80, with a wrinkly skin, without hairs etc.
Another way is to think about the momentary nature of pleasure and that one day we have to abandon it any way as well as the suffering that is associated with pleasure. Of course a tamasic and rajasic mind cannot do these reflections; it sees the pleasures as paradise on earth.

We can pray to divinity or the Divine Shakti to dissolve this particular energy.
We can also repeat a mantra of God or the Divine mother (Om, Om Sri Durgaye namaha, Om Jesus Christ namaha, Om nama Shivay etc.).
Another more advanced way (if we are capable to do so) is to 'download' the power of the silent space within on the emotion by focusing our attention in the source of the silent space and then without to lose connection with it to put our attention also to the emotion.


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– Corey Kaye Miller, Executive Assistant at Center Partners

“Jennifer is always extremely accommodating even when we are working with tight turn-arounds. She and her staff have never missed a deadline and the quality of the work from EmbroidMe is predictably perfect. I never have to worry that my orders will look exactly the way I want them to. It is great to know we can get this kind of high-quality work and value from a local business.”

Linda Larsen, Administrative Assistant/ATLS Registrar UCHealth-North

“It has been my pleasure to work with Jennifer Snyder of EmbroidMe.

We needed shirts with our company name – Fred’s Used Websites – embroidered on them. Jennifer found shirts that met our criteria from the vast selection of possibilities. Then we received an e-mailed mock-up of what the embroidered font would look like, and gave our approval.

The next thing I knew the shirts were ready!

Jennifer’s suggestions were right on the mark. The embroidery and the shirts themselves still look great after repeated washings. I recommend Jennifer for company apparel. She will save you time in finding what will best suit your needs and will deliver high quality work on time.”

 – Maryjo Faith (Costanzo) Morgan, Fred’s Used Websites Customer Service Maven

“When asked to only pick three top attributes for Jennifer it was hard to choose because Jennifer truly is all; Personable, Good Value, On Time, High Integrity, Creative, and we received Great Results. The product we ordered did not arrive in the quality we expected but Jennifer took care of the problem and we received our product on time for our Bridal Show. We would recommend Jennifer for your marketing needs and will be using her in the future.”

 Roxie (Norman) Ellis, Co-Owner of Ellis Ranch Event Center & Wedding Park

“Jennifer has been a great resource in supporting our marketing efforts. She has helped us identify promotional items that represent our company well and maintain strong market awareness with our clients and prospects. She listens well to our need(s), respects our budget, and delivers good solutions on-time.”

 – Don Overcash, Sales Trainer & Sales Coach Sandler Training- Keynote Speaker Top Line Growth, Inc.- Principal


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My Story

Please watch this short video to learn more about my own recovery story.

It started as panic attacks that became so severe that I couldn’t get out of bed.  I was in college and terrified.  Slowly, what became diagnosed as bipolar 2 disorder started to take over my life, until I just couldn’t function.  After at least a dozen hospitalizations, I was interviewed to be locked away in the state psychiatric hospital, without an end date in site.  I knew that I didn’t want this outcome, and that I had talents that I wanted to use to make a difference in this world.  So began my journey to wellness and recovery, and a happier, healthier life than I ever thought I could attain.  I’m living proof that recovery is 100% possible!

Training and Experience:

Emily Grossman is a peer specialist, trainer, speaker, and author. She currently works for The Jewish Board as an Organizational Development Specialist with a focus on Recovery and the Peer Workforce. In this role, Emily trains the agency’s three thousand employees, including peer specialist, therapists, psychiatrists, and other practitioners about how to implement recovery-oriented care in their work. She also has developed and implemented a successful Peer Training Program at her agency, which consists of eight classes for peers and three for their supervisors.

Additionally, Emily has her own private peer specialist practice, where she sees young adults and adults with behavioral health struggles, and helps to inspire them by sharing her own experience and giving them hope that recovery is possible for them, too.

Emily also speaks around the country about mental health recovery. She has spoken at such venues as Columbia University, NYU, Rutgers, and the Mental Health Association’s National Conference.

Prior to her work for The Jewish Board, Emily worked as a trainer for the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia Psychiatry where she helped to bring a recovery lens to OnTrackNY and OnTrackUSA, a program for working with youth with a first episode of psychosis which has been replicated all around the country.

Before this, Emily got her start in training at the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioners (NYAPRS), where she was responsible for training mental health practitioners all across New York City and Long Island.

Before training, Emily began her work as a peer specialist working in community mental health where she served as a peer specialist for Care Plus NJ and the Mental Health Association in NJ.

Emily is a blogger for Huffington Post where she writes about her own recovery from bipolar disorder as well as writes to help de-stigmatize mental illness. She has also written two books about how to recover from mental illness- one for adults, and the other for teens and ‘tweens.

Emily is certified as a peer specialist through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board. She also is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, and has a Masters in Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a Bachelors from Rutgers University. While Emily brings years of experience to each person that she works with, more importantly, she also brings her heart.


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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

I can't wait for tomorrow to kick off the festivities

'Twas the night before J’s birthday
and all through the town
People were conspiring
Uptown and down

On how best to celebrate
Our most favorite girl
A dinner, perhaps? Bayona?
With our favorite Ann and Earl?

Or maybe a party
With neon aglow?
We'll whirl ‘round the rink,
(She loves that, you know!)

Or even, at a lovely new favorite,
A decadent brunch,
Followed by the kindest gift of all,
A snausage donated from the munch!

Why not do it all
And shower the one
Who day-in and day-out
Is a constant source of fun

With love and excitement
We’ve plotted and schemed
On how to make this year’s birthday
The stuff of dreams.

{Image by Elsa Mora}

Mari said...

What an amazing tribute to J's birthday!!! And the image is darling too!

Steve said...

You have a wonderful gift and the poem is such a great creation for your sister. Very Cool.


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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Applesauce Bread

1 TB (or package) yeast
2 1/4 cup bread flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
4 TB sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
2/3 cup applesauce
1 TB butter
1/2 cup apple juice or cider
1/2 cup shredded fresh apple, room temp

Combine applesauce, butter, juice in microwave safe bowl and microwave 1 1/2 minutes (until like warm, butter does not have to melt). Pour into mixer bowl and add yeast. Let sit 5 minutes or so. Add salt, sugar and spices. Mix. Add flours and shredded apple. Knead until dough clings to hook and sides of bowl are clean.

Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until double.

Form into ring and place in bundt pan.

Cover. Let rise until double.

Bake about 15-20 mins on 350.

I made a glaze with apple cider and powdered sugar. It was gone in less than 15 mins! What a hit!

Spaghetti with meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1 TB dried parsley
1 TB grated Parmesan
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1 egg, beaten

combine, form into balls (about 12-20), refrigerate.

3/4 cup chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 (28 oz) cans tomatoes
2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 bay leaf
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
3/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp pepper

In large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in oil til onions are translucent. Stir tomatoes, salt, sugar, bay leaf. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 90 minutes. Stir in the rest including meatballs and simmer 30 more minutes. Serve over pasta.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Slushy Punch

2 1/2 cups of sugar
6 cups water
2 (3 oz) packages strawberry jello
1 (46 oz) can pineapple juice
1 qt (4 cups) orange juice
2/3 cup lemon juice
2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime soda

In large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and jello mix. Boil for 3 minutes. Stir in pineapple, orange and lemon juice. Divide mixture in half and freeze in two separate containers.

When ready to serve, place the frozen contents of one container in punch bowl and stir in 1 bottle of soda until slushy.

This has a LOT of sugar! If you're making this for kids, you can use the full amount. For adults, I'd cut it in half. And if you like it on the tart side, you could just use 1 cup of sugar.
Don't freeze more than 24 hours. If you have to make sure you remove frozen contents at least an hour or two before serving.
I used a potato masher to mash into slushy and worked GREAT.

Hamburger Buns

2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 TB or 2 packages yeast
2 tsp salt
about 6 cups flour

In microwave safe bowl, mix first 4 ingredients. Microwave for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. You want the mixture to be luke warm (butter does not have to melt completely, but you want it soft). Mix in yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

Add salt and 5 cups of flour. Knead in mixer. Add flour as necessary until dough clings to hook and cleans sides of bowl.

Rolls dough into balls (anywhere from 15-25, depending on how big you like your buns). Place on baking sheets (or stones :). Let rise 20 mins-1 hr.

Bake 375 for 15 mins.

Cool slightly before slicing for buns.

Coat with egg wash and sesame, dill or poppy seeds.
Add 1 TB of dough enhancer with the flour to add more fluff to your buns.
If dough is too much, you can bake them all and freeze the rest. I have also wrapped extra dough around polish dogs, baked them and froze them for future "bagel dogs" (not really a bagel, I know, but they're yummy!)


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Revesby Kitchen Renovations Quotes

New Kitchen Renovations Revesby

Being realistic with your budget is the first rule of renovation. In renovation, budget is key. It will hopefully keep you from making lots of wrong decision and choices before you are well into your renovation.

Do research before setting a budget so you will have an idea what contractors, appliances and materials you will need for your kitchen renovation. Once you have all your information for every aspect of the design, then you will be able to work out a workable budget. It is wise to have a little bit of a cushion for the unexpected. Even the best-planned budgets can get thrown off track if something unexpected pops in during the installation or final renovation stages of your kitchen. It is always good to source at least three quotes from contractors to make sure you’re not paying too much. Never automatically go for the lowest bid because it certainly worth your money to spend a little extra to get quality work.

In reference to your appliances for your kitchen, it’s best to shop around and not buy the first thing you see. Price ranges vary from store to store so take your time. It is definitely worth the time to wait on a sale. Also you can use as a bargaining tool too by buying all the kitchen appliances from one store. Anyway you can safe money is the name of the game in kitchen renovations. Keeping your kitchen renovation on a budget is to be disciplined. When the urge comes “I just have to have that” syndrome, you will have to exercise discipline. Buying things that you had not planned on will send your budget through the roof.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, there are several things you need to think about even before acquiring the services of a professional contractor, or making appliance selections. More than any other room of the house, the kitchen is the most versatile. It is used to prepare meals, feed the family, store foods, and clean and store service ware and other household items.

The kitchen is also the family gathering place. Everyone undoubtedly migrates to the kitchen because it is the main focus of the home. Therefore, it is important that every kitchen remodeling idea be taken into consideration. Search through home decorating magazines and catch some great ideas on TV. Whether you decide to design the kitchenyourself, work with a kitchen remodeling contractor or home center, formulating a plan will be the first step. In other words, write the vision and make it clear.

The first kitchen remodeling tip is to consider the three basic kitchen functions: storage, food preparation, and clean-up. A well thought out kitchen design will accommodate each of these three functions. The layout of the kitchen design should be defined with convenient layout and ease of movement. The classic “work triangle” should be the basis of the floor plan. The kitchen sink, refrigerator and stove, as the three kitchen features used most often, should be arranged in a triangular pattern. This work triangle saves unnecessary steps when cooking and has proven to be the most convenient layout.
The work triangle concept saves unnecessary steps when preparing foods, and proves the most convenient layout design.

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Sunday 18 February 2018

Refugees flee to Zambia, accusing DR Congo troops of killings

Refugees flee to Zambia, accusing DR Congo troops of killings
(AFP (eng) 11/09/17)
A family of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo sit by their makeshif hut at the Kenani refugee transit camp in Nchelenge, in this October 30, 2017.

Recounting horrific stories of rape and murder allegedly by government soldiers, thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo have sought safety on the Zambian side of Lake Mweru.

About 6,000 Congolese residents have fled across the border since late August, triggering an emergency response from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) which has struggled to provide basic food rations and shelter.

DR Congo's huge eastern region has long been wracked by violence, but fighting between government soldiers and militia groups, as well as inter-ethnic clashes, has increased this year.

The UNHCR said that the unrest had caused the largest influx into Zambia for the past five years, with many refugees blaming DR Congo President Joseph Kabila's troops for the worst of the violence.

"I witnessed an incident where one pregnant woman was raped, her stomach ripped open and the baby killed before they killed her," Kaimba Kazili, 39, a former subsistence farmer, told AFP at the Kenani transit camp in Nchelenge, northern Zambia.

"It is not safe to live in Congo any more because government soldiers are killing people," she said.

On her journey to the camp, Kazili gave birth to triplets Ari, Kalangila and Kanaila -- two boys and a girl -- who were born on August 20, before she finally arrived in Zambia on September 14.

- 'Never go back' -

"It was not an easy thing but luckily we found a man driving a minibus who gave us a lift," said Kazili, originally from the Kivu region of DR Congo.

The triplets were shown to Zambian President Edgar Lungu when he visited the camp last week accompanied by UNCHR officials and reporters.

But Lungu had an uncompromising message for the refugees.

"You have run away from lawlessness, so don't bring lawlessness here," he told them.

"We have laws which should be obeyed by everyone. If we jail you, when you finish your jail, we will send you back to Congo."

Despite Lungu's harsh words, Pierrine Aylara, the UNHCR head in Zambia, told the president that she wanted "to applaud your hospitality towards those displaced by war and conflict."

For those in the camp, the only priorities have been the safety of their lives and getting enough to eat.

"Thank God that we all arrived safely as a family with my husband and all the four children," said Mauno Rukogo, 42.

"I will never go back to Congo because war is tough. Kabila's government was supposed to protect citizens but is killing its people."

Rukogo said she had been repeatedly displaced inside DR Congo, where the eastern region has been roiled by conflict for more than two decades, before she fled to Zambia on September 9.

The UNCHR said the refugees have fled inter-ethnic violence and clashes between the army and myriad militia groups, particularly in Haut Katanga and Tanganyika provinces since end of August.

Earlier this year, security worsened sharply in the Pweto area of Haut Katanga, which shares a border with Zambia.

Many refugees said that they feel safer in Zambia but that food rations were scarce and children were not getting enough to eat.

"We are also asking for medical clinics for the children," Rukogo added, with rampant malaria and diarrhoea posing major health problems.

- Wife 'killed by troops' -

The UNHCR has set up tents and grass-thatched shelters at the 56-hectare (140-acre) site, as well as sunk two boreholes and nearly 300 pit latrines.

An agency official said that they provide 400 grammes of maize (14 ounces) and 60 grammes of rice a day for each family, as well as other food supplies.

"I saw my wife be killed by government troops and I only just managed to run away with my three children," said Minga wa Minga, a 40-year-old school teacher.

"I had to keep going until I found some Congolese heading to Zambia," he added.

"The UN have described the situation as a humanitarian crisis but let them do something to stop Kabila from destroying the country."

Kabila failed to step down after his second and final term last December.

Elections were re-scheduled for this year, but have now been announced for December 2018.

DR Congo's military spokesman in Kinshasa could not be reached for comment on the refugee's accusations.

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87 HaYarkon Street, Tel Aviv  - 03-5226464

Visit the website »

32.07777900 34.76742600

Child friendly information of Restaurant Raphael

  • high chair
  • children's menu

Though Israel is also known as the start up nation and leading in internet technology inventions, you might be surprised how long it can take to answer an email. Use your phone if its urgent or if you don't get any reply.


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 | Rylkov Foundation
Andrey Rylkov Foundation
for Health and Social Justice

Russia’s Methadone Ban Is Fueling an HIV Epidemic in Crimea
Russia’s drug policy kills
Government Rolls Out Naloxone in Moscow, But Is it Enough?
Crimea – where Russia’s war on drugs has deadly consequences
Russia’s Drug Control Chief: Spice Drugs Used for Color Revolutions
All posts
ARF needs your support to continue providing lifesaving health and human rights aid to young disadvantaged drug users on the streets of Moscow, Russia. You can find a description of our project and donate here.

December 12th, 2017

Russians Targeted for Links to Foreign ‘Undesirable’ Groups. Our case is also highlighted in the article.

December 12th, 2017

Russia accounts for nearly two-thirds of all new HIV infections in the European region, the report found. After Russia, Ukraine has the second largest HIV epidemic, with 240,000 people living with HIV. Drug users are most at risk.

November 25th, 2017

The requirements of the Prosecutor's Office are absolutely illegal and we will appeal against them. We consider that the situation is completely unacceptable as we have to pay these illegally imposed fines instead of spending this amount of money on saving lives, protecting people from HIV and preventing drug overdoses.

November 22nd, 2017

A court in Moscow fined us for 50,000 rubles (US$862) for a 2011 hyperlink at our website to a publication on the OSF website

November 6th, 2017

Interview with Maxim Malyshev - the outreach work coordinator in Andrey Rylkov Foundation

October 16th, 2017

A Report by the Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice on our work in 2015 - 2016

October 16th, 2017

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has recommended that Russia change its punitive policy approach within 18 months and consider decriminalizing drugs for personal consumption.


text:
Andrey Rylkov Foundation
for Health and Social Justice

A Life of Dignitiy for All

This post is a speech given by Michel Kazatchkine on the opening day of the 4th Conference on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

As we open this conference, I would like to salute the physicians, scientists, healthcare and social workers, representatives of civil society and of the community who tirelessly work in the region to fight AIDS, TB and MDR-TB. A number of them are here today; others have decided not to come. Everywhere I travel in the region, I meet extraordinary, dedicated people working in hugely challenging contexts.

Despite the many challenges that we face, I have always had strong confidence in what the people of this region can achieve by focusing together on our shared goal of ending these epidemics.

Since I attended the first of these conferences in 2006, the numbers of new HIV infections, new AIDS cases and AIDS-related deaths have continued to increase in this region. Of the 130,000 new infections reported in the WHO European region in 2012, three-quarters occurred in countries in the East. While reported AIDS cases declined by 54 percent in Western Europe, the number of people newly diagnosed with AIDS increased by 113 percent in the East between 2006 and 2012. [According to UNAIDS and WHO, the numbers of estimated deaths were 91,000 in Eastern Europe and central Asia compared to 7,600 in Western and central Europe in 2012].

These figures are in sharp contrast with the decreasing numbers of new infections and AIDS-related deaths in other regions and globally. Coverage of antiretroviral treatment in this region also remains well below the global level of 60 percent.

The epidemic pattern is also evolving, with heterosexual infections now representing a significant proportion of newly diagnosed cases in addition to the “concentrated” epidemics, particularly among people who inject drugs and gay men that continue to expand, undefeated, and inadequately addressed.

Significant investments have been made in this region, but very little of it has been for effective prevention. The epidemic remains largely uncontrolled. This must be of major concern to all of us, and to anyone who cares about global public health. We need a common understanding of why this is the case and what our strategies should be, so that we can make more substantial progress.

I expect that this conference will focus clearly on this question. “Business as usual” is not enough, and we need a frank and solution-oriented debate on what needs to change. I am not talking about a polarizing or simplistic debate, such as whether treatment or prevention is the right approach. I mean a real debate about both the evidence, and its implications.

For example, there is strong evidence that antiretroviral treatment decreases transmissibility of HIV. But the implication is not that we should abandon prevention in general, and harm reduction efforts among vulnerable groups and people in vulnerable settings, such as prisons, in particular. I strongly believe that an open debate based on evidence will show that, of course, we must do both these things together.

The same is true for harm reduction. Harm reduction for people who use drugs is a set of interventions, including OST and NSP, that is recommended by WHO, UNAIDS and UNODC, and for which there is comprehensive and compelling evidence that, together with ART: it averts HIV infections, reduces HIV transmission, decreases mortality, reduces drug dependency, improves quality of life and reduces crime and public disorder. A health-based approach to drug policies starts with the implementation and scaling up of harm reduction. If there is any evidence to the contrary, let it be debated, in the spirit of scientific enquiry, and the conflicts resolved, so that we can finally move forward with one voice and a common strategy for action.

In this context, as a scientist, physician and in my role as UN Envoy, I must clearly say that the recent statements made on the lack of effectiveness of OST in Crimea and the decision by the Crimean authorities to discontinue these programs, are to me unjustified by the evidence, inconsistent with human rights standards, and a source of unnecessary suffering.

I want to take this opportunity to call on the Russian and regional medical and scientific community to engage in the open and evidence-based debate on preventing HIV/AIDS that for too long has not been a real confrontation between evidence and evidence, but an issue where science has taken a back seat to politics and ideology. This conference provides a critical venue for such debates, but more are likely to be needed, and the UN is ready to support the region in organizing them in the coming weeks or months.

We cannot avoid this debate any longer. Too many lives have been lost to HIV, TB and hepatitis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Too many people have become resigned to this region not making progress, because of ideological differences, and to the grim inevitability of even more disease and death. It is past time to change this paradigm. But whether we do so ultimately depends on us. It is within our power alone to make different choices than have been made in the past, and to shape a more hopeful future.

In the words of the Secretary General: Let us “continue to listen to and involve the people… We must continue to build a future of justice and hope, and a life of dignity for all”.

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