July 18, 2012

HELLO FAMILY!!!!!!!

 

Its so nice to be able to write you. Thank you all so much for the fun packages, and for making my birthday special. The cupcakes were delicious. And I can't wait to try my new sock bun. Thanks for the DearElders, its great to get a little note with updates each week.

 

I couldn't have asked for a better first week in the MTC. First off I have an amazing companion, Hermana Lucy Folland from West Bountiful, UT. We get along so well. She is 21, a hard worker, smart, and has a great personality. There are four girls in my room, and we will all be going to the Guatemala MTC together at the end of the month, probably 7/31 or 8/1. Elder Faught is in my district, so we have all of our classes together. He is doing great, and I see him learn and grow everyday, and think of how proud his family would be if they could see him. I also have seen Elder Adams at meal times. Spanish is coming along quickly, and I'm grateful for the classes that I took in highschool to help me. I have learned how to pray, bare my testimony, memorized the purpose statement, the first vision, verbs, vocabulary, conjugating present, future, and a lot more spanish. I haven't had and nursing training yet, but I think i might have a video conference later this week or next. From the sound of it, most of the training will come either in the guatemala MTC or just when I get there and find out what the mission president has in store for me in 9 weeks.

 

I feel like I grow spiritually exponentially daily, and its the greatest feeling in the world. The hardest part about my mission thus far, is knowing that this will only be for 18 months. Having my birthday on the sabbath day was so amazing. Church here reminds me of a fantasy football team. If you could pick the most amazing sunday program with the best speakers, songs, prayers, topics, and feelings, and then make it real life that would be the MTC. We had a devotional speaker where Jenny Oaks-Baker came and played the violin, and related songs to spiritual experiences. She is Elder Oaks' daughter. She gave up her spot on the National Symphany to raise her family. We also heard from Vaughn J. Featherstone at a fireside. A quote from him that I liked was "I lived for myself, I faught for myself, as if Christ had never lived, as if Christ had never died." I know its important to fight to follow God every day, as if we are the only ones who can help ourself. I know by living this way daily my love and appreciate for the attonement and the Savior will increase. I know that my very best will never be enough in comparison to the greatest act of love and charity that the Savior performed.

 

I wish I could share all the amazing things I learn and feel every day, but I simply don't have enough time. I am keeping a journal though, and know I'll be able to share more in 18 months.

 

The only hard trial I had this week was when I heard about Grandpa. I know that he is strong and was doing what he loves to do, when he developed his blood clot. Through his example of hard work I have decided to work hard through all tough situations, until I find joy in them, just like how grandpa's favorite hobby is working.

 

Dad- That's too bad you weren't able to get those coyotes off of the highway. Hopefully you'll get more this summer. How is everything going with the hay ranch?

Mom- Thanks for the little notes and updates. I'm glad your calling is going well. 

Ian and Michelle- Do you think you could send me a picture of your family with the kids?

Jeramy and Hailey- I would love to get the letters you write to Elder Gunter... maybe you could just copy and paste them. I hope you're having fun in Island Park.

Millie- I love hearing about the kids and all of the cute little things they do!! Thank for your dedication to writing me.

Kiri- You crack me up, and do you think you could drop off some fabreeze and odor eaters to go in shoes?? Lets just say our room smells like sticky feet :)

Lauren- Good luck with your job and move and everything. Tell Ike and Kayla congratulations for me, I'm excited for them.

 

I'll try to respond to you today more with letters, because I'm almost out of time.

Just know that I am having the best time of my life here, and that I love you all very much.

 

Love,

Hermana Whitaker

Millie whats your address?