A terrible cough and a trip to the temple

Sorry there are no pictures this week. I didn't know what to add for pictures so instead you are getting the video of Alyssa singing her solo from Madrigals in high school. It was in March of 2012. Sorry the video is bad but the sound is great! Oh and she is singing in Italian in case you are wondering why you can't understand what she is singing : ) Just click on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=406609089356081&set=vb.100000209798648&type=3&theater

So the rain finally came back this week after like 4 months. I have had a terrible cough this week, but not as bad as when I had pneumonia. 

I got to go to the temple on Friday and Hna. Medellin was there and the members from Boquete so it was nice to see them all again. 

Can you send me the recipe for ramen noodle salad please? 

I got my hair cut today. She just cut the ends but it was like 3 inches because I wanted her to even it out so that it was straight and not in a v shape. 

Q. Is the water back on? Do you ever get any warning the water is going away? Could you store some? I can tell you are learning to be grateful for a lot of things. Dryers, hot water and now just water in general. 

A. Yes the water is back, thank goodness!!!! No we never got a warning. I am learning a lot of things. That’s to say the least. I am grateful for the commodities that we have in everyday life at home. 

No that is a different Hna. Bonilla My comp is from Honduras and she is a really good person and an excellent missionary. 

Elder Astudillo is the best person ever. I seriously love that kid. He wants to come for conference one year and I told him that he is always welcome at my house. 

No pictures this week... sorry...  

Q. Still no ties? I am so worried about your birthday package that I paid extra to get it shipped faster. I think the hold up on them is Panama customs because the postal service assures that they are in Panama within a week. Did you save the stuff to open on the 6th or did you open it lol?

A. I opened everything except for the things that say don’t open until May 6th. 

Dear Alyssa, I want to tell you my favorite colors. Blue, green, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, gold, gray, indigo and violet, those are my favorite colors. Alyssa, did you know that I am so excited for my birthday and mom already wrapped some presents and she wrapped one for your birthday too. Alyssa did you know that I am excited to talk to you on Mother's day? That's only in 14 days and I can't wait! Did you know at Primary this little boy in my class hit my minnie and it made me sad. I think I am ready to try a new food like carrots or broccoli and those red peppers mommy likes and tomatoes and red apples, i think that is all. Alyssa do you still have stick Abby? I hope you didn't lost it. Did you know I have to go to Kindergarten and I don't want to. I like Mrs. King so much. Alyssa did you know that I am really excited when you are going to come home and I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's day and Christmas. I will be glad when you come home but I know you can't right now because there are so many people in Panama who you are helping and it makes me happy that you like to help other people because Jesus said helping other people is nice. Alyssa did you know that I really really really really do miss you and I know that you can't come back home now but you will in a little bit after I talk to you on Christmas. Did you know how to spell Abby? It's A B B Y. to Alyssa, love Abby I love you so so so much Alyssa

Dear Abby, your birthday isn’t for like 3 months... hahaha. I am excited to talk to you too. I am sorry that the little boy hit your Minnie, that wasn’t very nice. I am so glad you want to try new food. Yes I still have stick Abby, I didn’t lose it. I am so excited for you to go to Kindergarten, you are going to love it. Abby do you know that you are so cute and you make me smile!! Frozen is really cute by the way!! I will talk to you in 2 weeks baby sister. I love you with all my heart and I miss you so so so much!! I will be home before you know it! I love you more than most!! Love Alyssa!

Abby and Alyssa

I want to go to Disneyland when I come home!! 

I had dinner with Robert and Elizabeth on Friday because Robert is leaving for Germany on Tuesday. He will be back in August. He is leaving until august!!!?? Holy crap!! 

 Alyssa and her German brother and sister!

I would rather talk to just you and Abby because I don’t know how much time I am going to get to talk to you. I am not really sure what time though... I will let you know. Our church ends at noon but I don’t know when we are going to talk. 

So last Tuesday there was a knock at the front door and it was the sister's from here in our stake. They both got transferred. The elders are taking over our ward. I was so sad, I just sat and cried. I am sure the elders are great but it isn't the same. 

I am sorry the sisters got transferred...

I am fine. I just miss you guys a lot. Thank you for being the best mom that anyone could ever ask for. Really at the end of the day it is me who is blessed. 

Elder Astudillo says yes he is going to come to Utah someday to meet you and that he is praying for you.

I love you more than you know. Thank you for everything. I can’t believe it’s almost half way over. It makes me sad but more excited than you can imagine. I miss you and can’t wait to talk to you on Mom´s day. I love you I love you I love you! Hug my Abby! Chao for now!

No water for 4 days....

Yeah there is no water in the whole province of Chorrera...... it just barely came back yesterday  (Sunday) and there are rumors that it is going away again today... I am so grateful to be from somewhere this doesn't happen!!!!!!!!!!!! We had to guard huge things of water.

I asked who her new companion was, if Pula and Astudillo were still in her zone, about Mother’s Day, about the packages I sent and about hair flowers.

My new companion is Hna. Bonilla, she is Bianka's old companion

Yes Pula and Astudillo are both still here. Palmer (I am friends with her mom) is here now too (:

Carmen told us we could use her computer to skype so don’t worry about that.

Yes I got two of them but I didn’t get the one with the ties yet. (remember the ties we collected? Yes they were mailed back in March) Thank you for all of that!
You can send the flowers if you want.

Dear Alyssa, did you know that I got a green and purple dinosaur for Easter? Mommy is sending you a picture. Alyssa did you know that I got new Easter eggs from the bunny. Did you know that we saw a flashing light out the window last night, and it was like flash, flash, flash, flash and we thought it was the Easter Bunny so we had to hurry and jump in bed so he wouldn't skip our house. Alyssa did you know that the bad guys took Jesus and hanged him on a pole and he died and those people are not nice for doing that. And then an angel moved the stone. Alyssa I love you so much and I miss you so much! Do I get to talk to you on Mother's day? Because that will make me so super happy!! I hope you like your new companion. What is her name? Do you remember when I got to be your companion? I love you more than most, Love Abby

Dear Abby, I always wish you could be my companion again (:  You are my favorite companion I have ever had.  You are a lot of fun and I really really miss you. I am so happy you got a green and purple dinosaur. I am glad that the Easter bunny didn’t skip your house, he skipped mine. Yes I did know that they hanged Jesus on the cross, and you are right, that wasn’t very nice at all. I really miss you baby sister, I can’t wait to talk to you on Mother´s day. I love you so much! Love Alyssa

You have been out nearly 9 months, what kind of life lessons have you learned?

I have learned a lot of patience and how to forget about myself and just try to love the people, my companions, other missionaries, etc. I have learned what kind of husband I will never have.

I don’t have pictures this week... sorry... (I am really grateful for Sister Carmack's blog! I look forward to it every Sunday night and this week there is a picture of Alyssa!!, So Thank you Sis. Carmack for the only picture of Alyssa this week :) )

The guy without limbs went to church yesterday! He is really positive, the only problem is his job. He works on Sundays. No I was telling him that it wasn’t the true church (not ours, a different one) and he agreed that it’s not. (I think I misunderstood what she said in her email last week)

That just scares me, I hate earthquakes.

I love you

Alyssa

 Q. Are Torres and Caniz still in the same house with you?

A. Torres, yes she is one of my favorite people. I have to go. I love you with all my heart!! Hug my Abby!!

Miracles Happen!

Hermana Curtis and Hermana Wandell 

 

 Those are some tan legs

Those are some white feet Alyssa!

Okay so crazy things happened this week... The other day we got home and we still had time for one more lesson and so we said a prayer to figure out where we should go. So then right after the first thing my comp asks me was "did anyone´s name come to mind?" and all I said was "Melani" and then my comp starts freaking out, "AHHH No way!! Her name came to my mind!!" yeah weird... then this week we got in some good work!! We had 11 lessons with a member, which is not easy to do. This week was super successful and it flew by!

We found a guy that has no arms or legs and taught him. Well we were teaching the restoration and the thought came into my head "Explain how the Catholic church says they believe in the bible but they don’t even keep the 2nd of the 10 commandments." And I was like.. uh no! Well then it happened again and I said no again so then the 3rd time I was finally like alright alright!! I´ll do it!! So I did and the guy was like "Oh my gosh.. you are so right, the catholic church is true.." And I was like WAIT WHA????  Yeah craziness! Then after my comp told me that she was sitting there like "UHHH WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING??" But he totally agreed and was like will you guys come back please, and then when he prayed he asked that God would help him find a way to be able to go to church...

People tell me alllllll the time "I want to take you eyes out and stick them in my eye sockets..." uhhh weird... (that is weird)

Dear Alyssa,

I had an ear ache so mommy took me the doctor to get me some medicine. Did you know that I am going to be done taking my medicine on Wednesday. Alyssa I really really love you. Alyssa did you know  that I  tried  a  strawberry? Alyssa did you know that we squished a spider because we went to Costco and it was in the car right by me and I started crying so mommy had to stop the car and get the spider away from me. Did you know I get to stay up late because I don't have school for a whole week. I am going to miss Mrs. King. Alyssa do you remember when you came to my school for my show and tell? That was so so so much fun! I love you so so so so so super much, Love Abby

Dear Abby,

Abby I am sorry you have an ear ache, I hope you are feeling better! Did you like the strawberry you tried?? You should try eating broccoli with ranch on it! It’s super good!! I am glad that mom saved you from the spider!! What a good mommy is she!! I love you more than most!! Love Alyssa!!

our cool jackets a member made for us!

Wow that girl is awesome!! So do you have lunch with them every Saturday?? (the sister missionaries in my area)

I know that at least one of the packages is there so I will have it soon. 

They aren’t really in the dangerous part of Darien, but it is still crazy that they are there. The reason why it is so dangerous is the drug cartels and the gangs and the jungle and what not. 

I have learned a lot from this change. So we did an activity this week about the iron rod and we didn’t have blind folds so we taped paper towels on their faces... haha

We get the new house in May. That blue skirt is now mine and that shirt is now hers haha... (I noticed in the pictures last week that her and Hna. Torres were wearing each other’s clothes!)

I love you too! Thanks for everything!! I will let you know who my new comp is next week!

Okay well I have to go in 2 minutes. So I love you I love you I love you!! I will talk to you in less than a month!! Hug my Abby for me! Tell her I love her more than most!! Chao for now!!

Hermana Cooper and Hermana Wandell 

Hermana Curtis and Hermana Wandell 

Elder Maynard and Hermana Wandell

Elder's Maynard and Sargent and Hermana's Wandell and Curtis

 

Elder's Santizo, Escobar, Polio, Astudillo, Ishmael and Snyder and Alyssa

Hermana's Wandell and Castillo

2 Utahn's in Panama!

Hermana Wandell and Elder Sargent

Hermana's Caniz, Wandell, Curtis and Torres

"The Bridge"

Hermana Wandell and Hermana Curtis

Okay I saw this video this week, it's amazing!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JSXqVb8Kc4 but warning, you will probably cry. I watched it and it is indeed amazing. I strongly encourage you all to watch it. It is really worth the 6 minutes! Oh and grab a tissue :)

We did divisions with the other sisters this week and we are doing it again tomorrow. I definitely love it here and I still don't really think of home. So no worries, I don't get trunky.. like ever.

Missions have a way of giving new meaning to scriptures which is so cool! Check out John 14:18 it has a new meaning for me. "I will not leave you ^acomfortless: I will ^bcome to you."

There is an area in Panama where they haven't had missionaries for over 30 years cause it is super dangerous... well one of my friends, Elder Romero is going to be one of the first 2 elders to go there in I don't know how long. They are opening an area in Darien!! The work is hastening!

Q. According to my calculations May 6th is your half way mark. I sent you a package, don't open until that day please!

A. Okay yes my half way point is the 6th of May. Also I will be coming home on the 5th of February, so you can change that on the blog if you want. I still have not received any packages, starting to worry.

Q. What is the last envelope I sent you? May 31, June 1 or your Bday and do you have any favorites?

A. The last envelope I have is June 1st. There are lots that I love. There is one that really cracked me up the other day. It is this guy in Walmart and he is on the beer/soda aisle and it says choose the right when a choice is placed before you. haha

Q. Carlee's comps parent's are in your mission???? Are they like the Presley's and don't transfer? Speaking of which how are the Presley's? Are they all better?

A. Yes the Flake's are the missionaries here that are Carlee's comps parents, They are super nice. They will have one area their whole mission just like the Presley's, and as far as I know yes they are better.

Q. What kind of cool Panama shirt? Give me an idea.

A. I don't know, just surprise me. Maybe like a Panama jersey or something. but if you do that I want 27 as the jersey number. Speaking of cool Panama clothes a member made us sweat shirts that say our names, the mission and years we are serving and the flag. I will show you when I get home. I love it!!

Dear Alyssa, you know the popcorn trees? Do they have those in Panama? If they do what colors do they have? In Utah they have popcorn trees and they are pink and white and yellow. My ear hurts so I have to go lay down but I love you so so so much. Love, Abby

Dear Abby, We don't have popcorn trees here, at least not any that I have seen... I really miss you a whole super lot! Feel better little girl!! I love you more than most!!

Q. Did you watch conference in English or Spanish?

A. We watched conference in English (:

I love you I love you I love you! Hug my Abby and take care of her for me!! Give her a mommy kiss, those make everything better. Tell her I love her and feel better!!

Chao for now!!

Hermana Wandell

Pictures:

 The gringos at conference and some of the elders in my zone. 

Conference with the gringos, Cabral is in the back, then Ogles, then me then Curtis, 

then Bond and then Peterson and then Snyder. 

Hermana's Curtis and Wandell, Elder's Mejia, Vaca, 

Escobar, Santizo, Astudillo and Ishmael

Elder's Escobar, Mejia, Hermana Wandell, Elder's Vaca

Santizo, Astudillo and Ishmael

Elder Astudillo and Hermana Wandell

Hermana's Curtis and Wandell, Elder's Mejia, Escobar

Vaca, Astudillo, Santizo and Ishmael

The really tall kid is my ZL (Elder Escobar, he is awesome!!)

 Elder Astudillo, Hermana Wandell and Elder Escobar

Hermana's Bond and Wandell

 

  Hna. Walstrom (Peru, she was in Alcalde Diaz with me as well), 

Pictures from Last Week:

Monkey Handshake

Petting a jaguar

El Nispero

Mama Carmen and Hermana Wandell

Hermana Wandell and Daniela

I decided that I want a cool panama t-shirt for my birthday, maybe Kathy could make one??(aren't all the cool Panama shirts in Panama?)

How am I possibly going to travel to Germany, Guatemala, Ecuador and Mexico with a job and school??

We didn’t get to watch frozen..... it didn’t work....

Please tell Elder Quimiz, AHHHHHHHH QUIMIZZZ MI PAPA FAVORITO!!! Como estas?? Q Xopa?? Espero que todo esta bien y que estas disfrustando tu casa! Gracias por todo tu apoyo y por ser un buenisimo ejemplo por mi! Te quiero mucho!! Chao!!

So funny Abby story this week. She has watched Frozen at least 20 times, she rewinds it to the part where Elsa sings “Let it go” over and over and over again. She watches it on Youtube time and time again. It is #5 on the CD so everytime she gets in the car she wants to listen to#5. You know how she is, right now it’s all about Frozen. So at work I keep hearing Jeff sing “Let it Go”. So I went home one night and told Abby guess what song Jeff was singing at work today? She said give me a hint. So I said it is your favorite song. And she replied,,,,Called to Serve? hahahaha

Bahaha I have the cutest little sister ever!! Tell her I can’t wait to learn let it go so we can sing it together!!

Shout out to Elder Sargent´s mom!! He told me today that she blog stalks me!! Haha I love it!

Q. How many times have you had to speak or sing in church?

A. In church only 3 times.

Dear Alyssa, I am really really glad that you get along with all your companions. Did you know I have a cough and I don't feel very good so I'm sorry I can’t tell you more because I don't feel very good. I can't go to school tomorrow because I am sick and it's my turn to be the special helper. But mom called Mrs. King to see if I can be the special helper a different day. I do like primary, I like to sing songs. Guess what I am going to be for Halloween? It is the same as what my birthday will be. Elsa. Did you like Frozen? Alyssa, did you know that I haven’t been watching Mickey Mouse for a long time but now I begin to watch Mickey Mouse more. I miss you. I love you more than most. Love, Abby your sister

Dear Abby, I am sorry you have a cough, please feel better!! I didn’t get to watch frozen... I have to wait until it gets here in the package you sent me. I love you and I can’t wait to sing Let it go with you! I miss you too!! Love Alyssa!!

Q, Do you mostly walk, take a taxi or ride the bus?

A.We walk a lot. 

How much does it cost to go to Mexico with them?? (on a humanitarian project to build schools)

We got to go to the temple this week.

 Here are pictures from the zoo we went to today. (: it was soo cool!!! OH MY GOSH A MONKEY SHOOK MY HAND!!!!!! AND I PETTED A JAGUAR!! How many people can say that they have petted a jaguar?? Not many....

Hermana Wandell at the zoo

feeding a monkey

Elder ?? petting a jaguar 

 An elder took a picture of me petting the jaguar but he is going to send it to me  so you have to wait for that picture

 Alyssa's selfie with a sloth

  

 Hermana Merlo (Z ella) and the raccoons

 Anyways thanks for all your love and support! Keep those prayers coming please!! I love you and miss you!! Chao for now!!

Hug my Abby please!!

I love you I love you I love you!! Please help my Abby feel better and tell her how much I love her!! In a week from now I will be at my 8 month mark!! Wow times flies!

I love you both more than most!! Haha bye!!

Pictures:

Hno. Gonzalez 

Hermana's Caniz and Wandell

Hermana's Torres and Wandell

Elder Mejia

Hermana's Wandell and Curtis - our not very good rice that we tried to make

Hermana Torres and Elder Vaca, DL

P.S. Carlee's comps parents are in my mission!!... they are the other senior couple….wow small world! (Carlee is Alyssa's cousin) 

Now and Then!

Hermana Alyssa Wandell serving in the Panamá, Panamá City Mission  

Sister Carlee Panlilio serving in the San Fernando California Mission (ASL)

Cute little frog

Poison Dart Frog

cute little monkey looking thing

Toucans

 

Peacock

Pretty Flowers