Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:11:14 -0700
Subject: First week in the MTC
I am loving the MTC and I am so incredibly grateful I am here serving a mission. I can't even begin to describe what an amazing experience it is here.
So, ever since the first day, it has just been information overload. I am convinced they cart you from place to place so quickly the first day so you don't notice that you are missing your family. As I said in my letter, my district is awesome and I love it so much. We are really bonding as a group and that is helping us become better missionaries and encourage each other.
Now my week. I am not sure where to start or what to say so that is going to be super disjointed. Sorry. On the first gym time, I rolled my ankle. Now it is wrapped in an ace bandage and bruising beautifully. I will send pictures at some point, but probably not this week.
I have been learning a lot. The day is filled with classes and study time. We started off the third day here teaching a progressing investigator. It is really just our teachers, but it is still super realistic. We also started teaching in the TRC (Teaching Resource Center - simulated teaching of missionary discussions.)
This week has just been a fire hose of information. I can't really describe it. I have felt the Spirit so strongly this week, and I realize now how incredibly important it is to have a testimony of the things I am teaching. Even more than that, I need to be willing to share that testimony with those I teach so I can invite the Spirit, who is the true teacher. I love the Lord so much. I am so incredibly grateful for the chance I have to share this message with other people. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. I know that I am blessed by Him every day. I am so thankful for the Atonement. Not only does it provide a way for me to be redeemed from sins, but it also enables me to improve and become like Christ as I cast off the natural man and look toward serving others. I just want to be the best I can be, and I know that can only be done through the use of the Atonement. I am just loving my life right now.
That is all I can think to say. I would love letters, since I can read them over and over again. Let me know if you have questions. I will do my best to answer them.
I have a little bit more time, so I will introduce my district. My companion's name is Sister Johnson, and she is from the Sacramento area. She is also going to Ogden. She is such a good example to me as how to study and be a good missionary. I have a lot to learn from her. Sister Despain is also going to Ogden. She is from Raleigh, NC. She is here on her own terms, and I have a great respect for the decision she has made. Sister Murrieta is from La Puenta, CA. She is going to the Washington Tacoma mission. She is a lot of fun. All of the other sisters are 21.
Elders Toone, Richardson, and Holladay are in a threesome and also going to Ogden. Elder Toone is from Canada and has a truly amazing story as to how he got here. Elder Richardson is from Glasgow, Scotland. He is a little older and a very good example. Elder Holladay is from Rochester, Minnesota, and he is definitely a character. Together, the three of them are able to work really well.
Elders Elder, Gordon, Johnston, and Eaton are all going to Tacoma. They are all from Utah. They all have their stories too, but I don't have time to write about them. Most of the elders are 19, but two of them are 25, which is a blessing to me. I was so afraid I would be surrounded by so many people younger than me, and I am grateful that it will all work out.
Sister Sarah Snow