What a week! I seriously don't even know where to start because so much has happened. Thank you for your letters! The minute you send a "Dear Elder" message, it is being printed and sent to my mail box within 30 minutes- I have loved receiving them! Also MOM, I loved the pics you put in my scriptures, it totally made my day. Also, I so appreciated the package you sent along with the hand written notes- I will try to get responses sent out today. I am short on time as I am leaving for the temple soon with my district, but even if it doesn't get sent today, know that it is written and will arrive soon. I want you to know that I am so happy here- I am prepared to be here, and though I miss you all, I haven't been home sick in the slightest- nor have I had time to.
As I reflect on my week, I can't even identify which days are which, but I love the work that I am doing. Being dropped off at the MTC seems forever ago, but I remember being quickly whisked away I was to have all my information validated. Everything was so fast, and around every corner I heard "Welcome to the MTC Sister!" So much love- it was a little overwhelming. But after getting signed in I went to my classroom to meet my district. I have such a fantastic district. We have a total of 4 Sisters going to Orlando, FL and 4 Elders going to Edmonton, AB. Everyone in my district works hard, keeps everyone accountable, contributes, and is pretty articulate. The things I have accomplished in our classroom have been incredible. My companion was assigned from that group of sisters. She is superb. Her name is Sis Quinton, and she is from Cardston AB (Mom, Do we have any family close?). She is gentle and kind, yet contributes a lot in our lessons- we make a really great team. The MTC is so great. The energy here is constant. Everyone welcomes each other with "Good morning Elders/Sisters", sisters sing in the showers, prayers are always been said, and the amount of resources that are provided here amaze me. We even had a General Authority come yesterday (Bro. Zwick from the Quorum of the 70). I love it here.
I feel prepared in to be here. Mom and Dad- I am so grateful you have relayed to me how hard I should be expected to work, because it has made this adjustment much easier than it has with other missionaries. I am on fire. I feel so driven, excited, and a little unnerved of the gravity of what I am trying to do- but I love knowing as I look around at so many missionaries, that there is an army of us out there! My comp and I have also been assigned to act as Sister Training Leaders- and because there are not a lot of missionaries coming in this week (with holiday schedules) we don't have anybody to really give orientation to. So basically our only assignment is whenever someone has a melt down, we calm them down. Haha, it's been good though. If there is one thing that I have loved learning this week, it's how to love everyone. We have even begun teach both fake and real investigators. I can't believe how valuable my Vivint training is becoming. Lessons are going well. However, because the Holy Ghost is the real teacher, I have been so concerned with how to best discern what the investigator needs to be said and feel while we are teaching. We visited Elder Bednar's talk titled "The Twenty Mark Note" in our class. He explained that as long as you're being a good girl/boy, remembering your covenants, and keeping the commandments, it has been promised we will be at the right place at the right time, saying and doing the right things. He explained that though in the moment we may not recognize our actions as actions that were "promted" (it's a rare occasion that an overwhelming confirmation is received in short moments), but by reflecting back on those moments the hand of the Lord can be seen.
I am so short on time today, and won't be able to send pics- but I'll be sure to send you double next week :) Also, my P-Day in the MTC is Wednesdays but in the field it will be on Mondays. I will be leaving for my flight to Orlando Florida this Monday. So Mom and Dad you can expect a call from me before 10 am. But I won't be able to email you till the following Monday.
I am so happy here. I love being able to call everyone Sisters and Elders. I love being called Sister Earl. I love wearing my name tag- I now put it on when I first wake up. And I am so excited to enter the field with the fire I have developed here. I love you all- don't worry about me mom :)
Sister Earl
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