Email #4

Nyob zoo kuv tsev neeg!

 

It's officially into my fifth week here, can you believe it! It feels like yesterday that I was sending you guys an e-mail on p-day! Like I said  a couple e-mails ago, the days drag on because of how long and hard we work, but the weeks fly by!

 

The language is coming along really well! The more that I'm learning about the language and the people, the more excited I am just go get out into the field already and get into the actual work. Once a week we take only about half an hour and specifically are taught about the Hmong people/history/culture/traditions, it is so awesome! Like for instance, funerals in a Hmong family usually last around a week, is insanely intricite in their native rituals, and usually they kill a couple cows to feed all the family. Definitely not like how we're used to doing things :) The hardest part about the thing is still understanding the language when it is spoken to us. All our teachers sound like they're speaking different languages sometimes. Bah. It will come, just it comes slowly.

 

Speaking of speaking different languages (that sounded really confusing), there is probably a 50-50 chance when I get there because the Hmong people will be speaking a different dialect. We are learning White Hmong, but lots of people in California speak Green Hmong. Out teachers say that it is like Spanish and Portugese - Portugese people (like Green Hmong) can understand what Spanish people are saying, but Spanish people (like White Hmong) can't understand Portugese. GREAT! I'm actually really excited to learn both. They sound similiar, just Green Hmong is more nasally and some things are switched around. Like I said, I really just want to get out into the field and dive into learning the language!

More importantly, I'm so excited to teach the people and help them come unto Christ. I had something of a mini-epiphany in class the other day. It's really easy here, learning a language at the MTC, to feel like you're only learning Gospel terminology and such, when another part of you wants to just study everyday comman-place Hmong. But Brother Sanchez, one of my teachers (who is also something of a hero to me considering he is fluent in English, Spanish, White Hmong, Green Hmong, and pretty good in Thai and Loation as well) told us about how he felt the same way when he was here, but there he realized that we're not learning this language for us. I'm not learning this language for my own benefit. I've been called to learn this language so that I can help God's children, specifically the Hmong in California, come unto Christ through accepting his restored Gospel. Everything else will fall into place once I am actually out in the field.

My teaching appointments with our "investigators" has turned from something I dread into something I love! I say "investigators" because it is really just our teachers putting on roles, but man are they good at being in character. For instance, Brother Sanchez acts as a 65 year old Shaaman, or the native spiritual-leader, and has often busted out into these yelling-to-heaven prayers when we've asked him to pray. Anyways, I used to just stress out over these (we usually have two a day with different people) because I felt like I wasn't prepared. But it's gradually turned into now where if I know I've worked my hardest to prepare and take the Spirit with me into the lesson, they are pretty amazing! The Spirit for me acts in such subtle ways, more subtle than I think I've ever understood, and it's been amazing even in these pretend teaching-appointments to feel a prompting of the Spirit and to act on them, and then later to see it is what was needed. Nothing is more rewarding then being engaged in preparing to serve the Lord.  

 

So it turns out the MTC has been pulling a fast one on us three Hmong Elders. Randomly one day, our teacher was like, "Oh, and later today, we're going to have a missionary come in who is also speaking Hmong to learn with you guys." Okay, how did we not get the memo there is another Hmong missionary here in the MTC. Turns out that Elder Moua is a native Hmong who grew up in Georgia and is only here in the MTC for three weeks learning the fundamentels and how to read in Hmong, then he's out of here. He is so awesome though! He actually seemed impressed with what we knew considering we had only been there 4-5 weeks, which was definitely a much needed confidence booster.

 

It turns out that many Hmong people, especially the younger generation that grew up in America, can't read in Hmong because they were never taught and aren't as involved in the old culture, so there's a chance I could be teaching Hmong people how to read in Hmong. I know - what the? I've also heard little snippets from out teachers that we could be doing tons off different things for the people, varying from translating for Hmong people if the need to go to court or get a drivers license and don't speak English, translating at hospital bedsides, and tons of stuff like that! No pressure there! :)

And I don't know if I mentioned this already, but I'm pretty sure that when I get back I'm going to have the opportunity to help the church translate General Conference talks into Hmong! How awesome is that! The other day, we got onto LDS.org and looked up some of the church talks in Hmong, and sure enough we could recogive that it was our teachers translating!

 

Let me know how things are going back home! I know you guys probably already told be, but is the family coming up for some of the Summer? Or you guys going somewhere? I wish I could be there, but know I'm in the right place serving the Lord. I miss you guys more than I can say. I pray for you every night. I know the Lord is watching over and protecting our entire family. And hey, we're 1/24 through the mission already! On this end, things really are flying by, hope it's the same back home. I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!

- Es Daws Tooj

 

P.S. - So in the Cafeteria today I randomly ran into Brother and Sister Johanson!! They're here for language training and then off in a couple weeks! It was awesome!

 

P.P.S. - Some more random Hmong words for ya

• Savior - tus Cawm Seej
• Restoration - txum tim rov qab los
• Church - txoj moo zoo
• I'm serious, for every one word in English it is 5 words in Hmong!

Email #3

Tsev Neej!!! (Pronounced Jay Nang - aka Family)

I got my Hmong name!

Okay not really. But we were given a temporary Hmong name for while we are here in the MTC, and mine is Es Daws (Elder) Tooj (pronounced Tong in a descending tone J). Once I get out into the field, I guess an old lady who is a part of the ward there in Fresno meets you, contemplates on what your Hmong name is, and then gives you the Hmong name you are known for the rest of your life! And you’re pretty much adopted into the culture. I’m so excited!

It’s already my fourth week here at the MTC! What the! Time literally is FLYING, which I’m stoked about because I’m counting the days until I’m actually out in the field. I may not understand a word of what anybody is actually saying, but just to be actually out doing the Lord’s work with the people I’m finding I love more every day – I CAN’T WAIT!

The letters/gifts from back home from all you guys basically makes my day. I LIVE to get the mail. Trust me. The companions make fun of me for it. It really does just fill my soul with joy and happiness. Speaking of letters, and I can’t remember if I mentioned this last week, but if you want to get a hold of me the BEST way is mailed letter (because they are magical), then dearelder.com, then e-mail. It’s takes time out of my weekly allotment to check the e-mails, so that would be much appreciated!

Let me think of some highlights from this last week…….

The language is coming really well! I’m getting a lot better at actually saying things correctly, and I can basically read out loud anything you put in front of me, the struggle comes in understanding it when it is spoken to you. We have 3 teachers that switch off: Brother Luke, Brother Sanchez, and Brother Carter. They are all such amazing guys! I really like Brother Carter, he is probably in the top 5 nicest human beings I have ever met. They all are really. But when Brother Sanchez talks to us, he talks around 600 mph, basically meaning we don’t understand a word. Oh and starting next week, literally ALL teaching is going to be done in Hmong. No pressure there!!

 

Hahaha soooo best thing of my life is when we mess tones up, because it completely changes the meanings of words and sentances. For instance, I accidently said that Joseph Smith is dead rather than Joseph Smith is true. Elder Burdick (Now known as Es Daws Npuav hwv, don't even asked out you actually say that) accidently told the teacher he was going to kiss him, and we all accidently told the teacher he needed to sin. Gospel is true folks!

Alright so on a random note, we’ve been slowly learning about Hmong history and religious beliefs as well, and let’s just say it’s very different than ours! For instance, we learned that a rule among Hmong missionaries wherever you serve is that you cannot eat meat that was part of a sacrificial ceremony… or drink any blood they may offer you… actually technically they boil it so it’s more like a jello… ya…

It’s weird because our teachers not only teach us, but also role-play as three investigators we are teaching. And of course Brother Sanchez, the one that speaks insanely fast, plays a Shaaman, or religious leader in ancestral worship, so teaching him is definitely… what’s the word I’m looking for… puzzling? Haha it’s great though, I used to dread when we had to teach because I would be stressed out over being prepared enough, but I’m learning how to trust in the spirit more and more every day and be confident in the testimony I have.

I literally feel my testimony being strengthen every hour that I am here. We listened to a talk given by Elder Jeffry R. Holland entitled Missionary For Life, and in it he talked about how as missionaries, we are going to be more in tune with the Spirit that we likely will in our entire lives on such a consistent basis, and that we need to take advantage of every second we are serving. I couldn’t agree more. Being so in tune with the Spirit has made me the happiest I think I have ever been.

Speaking of general authorities, I guess that next month is the 50^th anniversary of the MTC, as well as training for over 150 new mission presidents and their wives, which means that we are literally going to see the Prophet, both his counselors, and the entire quorum of the 12 apostles next week!!!! I’m stoked!!! I’ll definitely keep you posted on that. 

I love you guys so much. I literally pray for you day and night. While I don’t ever want this work to end, I can’t wait until I see you all again!

Here’s a couple new Hmong words/phrases for ya off the top of my head…

Hlub – Love (Prounded by saying ‘hello’ without the 'e' or 'o', insanely fast, followed by ‘ew’)

Txoj Moo Zoo – The Gospel (pronounced kinda like you are saying dsoh mong zong)

Vajtswv – God (va, then kinda like you are saying jew)

I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kuv paub hais tias Yexus Khetos tau tuag rau peb, thiab yog peb hlooj siab leeg txis, peb yuaj ua txoj kev zoo siab.

Email #2

Nyob Zoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bah, I miss you guys so much!

First off, all the birthday gifts were so perfect. The picture of the cat - classic :) And we all ate the cake. It was honestly just what I needed, so Thank You so much! It's so weird that I'm twenty now, no longer a teen!

 

Well I'm kind of in shock it's already the end of the second week. Time here is FLYING! Lot's of people asked, so here is a general idea of my usual day...

 

• 6:30 - 7:20 - Get up and sprint to the showers so I can beat the line
• 7:20 - 8:00 - Breakfast
• 8:00 - 8:30 - Study time until...
• 8:30 - 9:00 - Go get ready for...
• 9:00 - 9:50 - GYM! until...
• 9:50 - 10:10 - Sprint back to the residence halls to again beat the people to the shower.
• 10:10 - 11:00 - Personal Study, meaning it's just me uninteruppted. All this studying is all done in the same classroom.
• 11:00 - 12:00 - Companion Study!
• 12:00 - 12:40 - Lunch!!!!
• 12:40 - 1:00 - Go check the mail / chill with the Vietnamese Elders and Sisters
• 1:00 - 2:00 - Appointment with investigator. We go to a room where we meet with an 'investigator' we are working with. All in Hmong. No pressure, eh?
• 2:00 - 4:00 - Classroom Instruction, usually done in English focusing on Gospel principles
• 4:00 - 5:00 - Language Study just with my companions
• 5:00 - 5:40 - Dinner!!!!!
• 5:40 - 6:00 - Go check mail again and probably throw some extra studying in.
• 6:00 - 7:00 - Another appointment with a different investigator, again only in Hmong.
• 7:00 - 9:00 - Language Instruction with a teacher.
• 9:00 - 9:30 - Daily planning session with my companions.
• 9:30 - 10:15 - Personal Time (In which is usually just more studying)
• 10:15 - 10:30 - Quite Time (aka we are just in our Residence Hall rooms getting ready to go to bed
• 10:30 - LIGHTS OUT! Usually I'm asleep within 10 minutes, which is pretty good considering there is no Harry Potter to turn on to fall asleep to :)

Yeah so obviously it's Pretty Busy. I love it though. There is something so rewarding about putting 150% of your effort into something and collapsing when you literally fall into bed. It is so rewarding. Especially considering it is the work of the Lord!

Sadly, Sunday's are usually even busier than this. We get up even earlier, around 6:00, so that I can go to branch leadership meetings and then I have even more leadership training meetings through out the day! Sunday is probably the most busy day, which was kind of shocking the first week.

 

Today, Tuesday, is my P-day. Still pretty crazy because I'm trying to CRAM as much in as I can! Went to breakfast, did some additional studying, laundry, and I just got back from doing a session in the Provo Temple. It's great, we just literally walk across the street. It's such a blessing to be able to go.

 

The language is coming. It's similiar to English in it's structure, but words are often flipped which is pretty confusing. One of the hardest things is retraining my tongue! You have to point it and move it in weird ways to say these crazy words, but it's really fun though! I LOVE THE LANGUAGE AND THE PEOPLE SO MUCH ALREADY! I honestly am SOO excited for when I'm finally out in the field. I know this is the mission that I'm supposed to serve, and that I have unknowingly being prepared by the Lord for it my whole life.

 

Everyone said that if I could just make it to the first Sunday, I'd survive. I feel really good though! Obviously it is stressful, but what I've learned to compartmentalize (is that a real word) my priorities. For instance, I used to stress out about these teaching appointments with investigators all day leading up to them. Now I've learned that if as a companionship we maticulously plan our time and plan when we are going to be studying for each appointment, I can just not worry about it and have fun!

 

Speaking of fun, Gym is a life saver. I've already been dubbed the runner by everyone because there is a little track above the gym and I just run laps and laps and laps. I love it! It takes 10 laps to do a mile, so I'll run around like 60 times. Kind of monotonous, but I love being able to keep my milage up while I'm here. And some days we go outside and I just run around the huge field they have. XC for life!!

 

My companions and I are getting along really well! I'm definitely rubbing off on them, they have started unintentionally speaking in Indian accents - Mission accomplished. They think I'm crazy sometimes, but that's alright.

 

Soooooooooo in case you were wondering, I requested the cinnamon because we did the cinnamon challenge in our room.... got to still have fun, right?

And speaking of challenges, there is another challenge here called the 'colomn-challenge.' It's so gross. So in the lunch room there are these huge colomns of cereal, and people will eat a whole colomn as a district or something. It's so funny because there all all sort of these weird 'MTC' things here. Like there is a tree in the middle of the MTC that smells like Cream Soda!

I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH! My time is about to run about, but just know that I am literally praying for you guys all the time. I know the Lord will always provide. And I'm SOOOOO excited for when I get to see you guys again and speak my crazy Hmong to you guys!!!!!

GOD SPEED!

Es Daws Doane

Email #1

Everyone! I miss you guys SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much. I'm frantically typing, we only have half an hour to type, so sorry for any typos or such :)

Mom, sorry that letter I sent was so frantic, you probably thought that I was on the verge of dying. We literally just haven't had any time to do ANYTHING other than work. Work work work. All the time. I love it! I was sort of nervous coming in, but can already feel strengthened by the Lord, and am taking everything really well!

Well, day 1 was insane. So after you guys dropped me off, I was taken inside and got my id and name tag! It says on it "ELDER DOANE, YEXUS KHETOS (Jesus Christ) LUB KOOM TXOOS NTAWN TSOOM HAIV NEEG NTSEEG HAUV HNUB NYOOG KAWG." So immediately I was terrified. Then I was left in this classroom by myself, then a teacher came in only speaking Hmong (if I say Hmoob, that's because that is how it is spelled). It was so frustrating, but yet empowering. When it comes to the language, I usually am on one extreme or the other. I feel amazing and like I'm a prodigy and that I'm going to have it down in no time, or that I don't understand anything and that I'm hopelessly lost. I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO excited to be able to speak it well! (and just in case you were wondering, 'w' is a vowel, hence all the crazy words that made no sense)

Quickly my companions are Elder Lowry and Elder Burdick. Elder Lowry is from Daytona Beach Florida and Elder Burdick is from Virginia. We're getting along AMAZINGLY! I was kind of worried about companions coming in, but I feel really like myself around them, and we are definitely all focused on succeeding in the work. Nothing more I could ask for.

Anyways, later that first night, we were all team teaching this girl called Luana (if you were wondering why were we teaching already, the phrase I've heard most here is they use the 'fire-hose-in-your-mouth-technique.' Painful, yes successful :) ). Anyways long story short she came up to me, looked me straight in my eyes, and in the most intimidating voice I've ever heard said "Why should I trust you?" It was amazing because I know usually I would have been terrified in this sort of a situation, but I felt the spirit and I told her that we were dedicating our own time to serve the people and spread the message of Jesus Christ, and that we would do anything for her. It was such a cool experience. I truly do feel the powers of the priesthood as I have completed my calling as a missionary of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bah, only 16 minutes left to type!!!

Another thing I've heard a lot from other missionaries at the MTC is that the days are long, but the weeks fly by. I definitely agree. Every day we literally work in a classroom for over 6 hours working on Hmoob, teaching our investigator Meeg Laug (and yes, he only speaks Hmoob. And we had to give our first lesson to him on our second day here. Like I said, fire-hose-in-the-mouth technique), reading from scriptures and PMG, planning, and serving. I go to bed more exhausted than I have ever felt before, but also more content I have ever been before. It's amazing how when you put every ounce of energy you can muster into this work, the blessings you recieve from it are 10 times more than what you put in.

 

Like I mentioned in the letter, I've already been called to be a District Leader. Which is kind of decieving, considering our tri-companionship are the only people in my district. The three of us are the only Hmoob speakers in the entire MTC, so we're our own little district. I love it actually! It's only the three of us in our class, so we get lots of personal attention, which is great considering how CRAZY the language is. You guys are going to DIE when you hear me speak it! The tones make it sound like I'm singing basically. I LOVE IT!

There's a rumor that we're going to get another native-speaking Hmoob speaker coming in a week or two, which would be kind of sad because that means they would probably break our tri-companionship up into two normal companionships. We'll see!

Next door to our class is the Vietnamese class, and we've become pretty close with the missionaries in there. There are two Elders and three Sisters, and the great part is one of the Sisters (Sister Yang) is a native Hmoob speaker! We go to her all the time asking for help, it's great!

The food here is deceptive. It's amazing, don't get me wrong, but you have to be careful what you eat because a) I now understand why people gain so much weight here and b) eating all the rich food gives you stomach problems. I've been pretty careful in what I eat. Let me think............ best thing I've probably had yet was this lemon salmon salad. Classy eh? :)

 

I love you guys so much! I really do miss you guys, but I know being here at the MTC right now is what I'm supposed to be doing. The Lord is endowing me with power as I've worked my hardest to remain obedient, and I know He will do the same for you. I know things will probably be crazy, adjusting with me not being there, just know that my prayers are with you and that the Lord is on our side.

 

Doireann gets the favorite sister award for writing me. I basically cried of laughter from it. MEOW! (I'll hand-write a response ASAP)

 

Sib Ntsib Dua! (Good bye!)

 

- Es Daws (pronounced Eh Daw) Doane, aka Es Daws Fierce.