21 days in the MTC!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Que pasa mufasa?!ahaha. I use that all the time and think it's funny, but apparently I'm the only one. Janna Harris used to say it all the time in high school. My companions tease me that I say ""en serio?!" ALLLL the time! (it's like the spanish equivalent of "Seriously?! I find ways to fit it into every conversation :-) Or ""es la verdad" (it's the truth) or ""vale la pena" (it's worth the pain) Our district also says "como un jefe!" all the time. It's the direct translation of "like a boss." I'm sure Caleb or Chloe can explain how this is used in normal conversation for you. I change it to the feminine "como una jefe" to apply to us hermanas, but I don't think anyone notices or cares--they just think I'm a silly gringa.ahahaha! We have SYL (speak your language) days M,W,F which is supposed to be that you only speak in spanish... except for gym and in the cafeteria. But I try to do it all day long just to get used to it...Let's just say some district members are more diligent than others. We are going to pick a day soon for an english fast--absolutely no english for 24 hours, even trying to think only in spanish. This is what I try to do anyway and it is so hard, but I am noticing the progress in myself, especially when teaching lessons. I feel pretty comfortable being able to say what I want if I have the vocab. That's what I'm working on--not how to say things, but having what to say.

I can't remember what I do and don't say in emails, so sorry if I repeat. Did I tell you that EVERYONE who has been here longer than me rubs in my face that the NIGHT before I reported, Elder Holland came and spoke for the Tuesday Night Devotional?! Yeah, en serio. I think the first hour I was here at least 10 missionaries told be how unlucky I was to miss it...and I was very sad since he is my favorite...but the Lord heard my prayers and in the last 3 weeks we have had not one, but TWO apostles! Yeah, take that and rewind it back-2! Elder Ballard came last week and it was amazing. Our district was 7 rows back on the stage right side, so we saw him come in and like a huge black wave of suits, everyone stood up. He and his wife gave wonderfully uplifting talks--truly a tender mercy. Then at the end of last week, every missionary in the MTC got a copy of the October Book of Mormon Ensign and we were all instructed to read it cover to cover by Tuesday night. Immediately I knew something was going down and it wasn't a normal devotional. Then at choir practice (yes, I have been going to choir-and yes, you all should be SUPER proud of me for this!!!) We were told that we would be singing 'Consider the Lilies'(that song will forever make me think of you, Mom :-) and the beautiful soprano, Hermana Smith, sitting next to me sounded almost as good as you...almost) ...it being Pres. Monson's favorite song, I thought we were going to get the Prophet, but alas-we did not. But we were not disappointed-- Elder Nelson came :-) No one believed me when I said it had to be one of the 15 Brethren because of the Ensign and all the added hype. When do 2 Apostles come back to back right?! Well, he did and I can say that I sang for an Apostle :-))) I was on the front row of the choir. His wife was hilarious! Like, had everyone chuckling for minutes. She brought slides of funny signs she collects, like at a hotel that said "In case of emergencies, please use the elevator. Please be sure the elevator is on your floor before attempting to use" or something to that effect. Then her commentary to go along with it was priceless. The other slide was an old, rundown barn that had a huge banner on the side saying "Not Even Once." Yes, surprise, she talked about exact obedience. I think the barn banner might become a new motto for me.

Elder Nelson terrified everyone by calling up 2 elders and 2 sisters randomly to role play--with him as the investigator. I knew one of the sisters. I think one of the elders was seriously turning green through the whole thing and about to pass out. It was all about "what do you know about the Book of Mormon that is absolutely true?" He was very funny and witty. At the end, he pulled the other sister in for a hug and I swear you could here the collective "whoosh" of air going out of everyone's lungs as 2500+ missionaries all screamed "that's against the missionary handbook rules!" in their minds...but he let us in on the secret--it was his granddaughter :-) although she didn't know that he was going to call her up. He gave her a big wet one right on the lips at the end, too. (You could see all the elder's mouths hanging open...boys!)

He went through a history of the Book of Mormon--printing, editing, editions, etc. He even had old copies to hold up for everyone to see. It was so cool. I LOVE the new Ensign so much. I'm going to have to laminate my copy or something because it is already getting worn out from so much use. The testimony from Elder Holland at the end is so amazing. I love when he talks about a personal plan of salvation made for him. Wow, I feel the same way. I've always had a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, but it is still getting so much stronger. I finally understand some small part of what it means to feast upon the word. I can't get enough of it, in english or spanish. I love being able to read and ponder every day.

I'm so glad that the Eagle Scout project went so well--minus crotchety old man :-) haha! Way to handle that like a champ Dad! Our teacher, Hermano Lee, who got back from his mission to Colombia last year, showed us a devotional from Elder Holland from a couple years back that helped him decide what kind of missionary he wanted to be. In typical Elder Holland fashion, he got way fired up and it was amazing. I dunno if anyone can get ahold of it outside of the MTC, but I am going to ask around and try. It's just that good.

Oh! I found Parker Harmon. Or more accurately, he found me! The sister next to me during choir practice was like, "Hey, that Elder keeps looking at you. Do you know him?" After a cursory glance, it was a nope!haha, but then he came over and I saw his nametag and recognized him! He looks SO different than I remember! We didn't get to talk long, so I hope that I bump into him again.

Hey Mom, can you send some more socks in a couple of weeks--with the padded bottoms? They are disappearing like Harry Potter and an invisibility cloak--due to a potentially sketchy roommate and hungry washing machines here. Also, it would be amazing if you could send as many packs of that 5 solstice gum that you can find...pwease?...and Dad-hook me up with your hard candy ways, por favor? That's the only kind of food we can have in class and candy helps the 3-hour blocks go by just that much faster...

Ok, shout outs:

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE DEARELDERS!!!!!!

Cregan-excellent story about the crotchety old man and I feel no guilt in using this word because I watched a video of Elder Holland speaking at the MTC and he said it! I miss football so much. Thanks for the updates. Enjoy every game for me!

Mom-How'd the med/physical stuff go? The french vanilla/white chocolate cheese ball sounds positively heavenly! I can't find any good white chocolate here. That is so exciting about the G & G personal histories! They came to the right editor--you fixed all my papers!haha

Clecca-Yeah, trios are hard. I'm still in one, but with a different third sister. it's me, Hna F and Hna K. Hna L is still in our room and Hna K's "official" companion, but the 3 of us are in a class together so we are a trio pretty much all day which includes teaching. Hna K has a...strong personality--only child type...so we clash. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? LOVED the Uglies/Specials reference made my day! I tried to explain it after I burst out laughing...but I'm the only reader in the room. Sadly, our little cafeteria game got kaboshed my some crotchety lunch lady. BAH! But yes, I ended undefeated and never had to carry the trays, along with Elder Greenwood...Tinkerbell hygiene tips? Hilarious! I can totally picture this. So cute. Clark-praying a lot before everything? Yeah, I know what you mean. But it always helps. Thanks for the reminder and tip.

Chloe-You should listen to "The Tender Mercies of the Lord" on lds.org under "other music for YW/youth." I love it and put it on repeat for the whole hour of my computer language study program. Makes me think of you :-) Love you! Thanks for your stories. They make me smile so much. Sometimes I wonder who the older sister is!haha

Dad-My comps get a kick out of your AZ postcards and funny one-liners on the back! So do I. You''re the best and I won't forget AZ. I''ll send you a letter/email today...hopefully. Oh, the charge on my debit this month is from immunizations--I had to get my 2nd Hep A shot. I need to pick up a reimbursement sheet for it or something and mail it to you.

ARI!!!! Wherefore art thou?! I need your/Kelsey's UT address so we can write!

Chandrea! I loved the dearelder :-) You all make my day. I promise you are at the top of the list for letters today. Vesper-thanks for the tip about stinky feet! One roommate that left had some RANK feet and it made sleeping unpleasant--she slept on the bunk above me. ahahaha, so funny!

Well, I hope I hit on everything I wanted to--I can't remember and I left my list in the room,haha! I love everyone and love it here--even if I'd rather be in the field. My testimony is strengthened every day and I wouldn't be any place else (except serving in Spain!) Muah! Give my nieces kisses and hugs from "Auntie Tare." I miss them all so much!

Te amo,

Hermana Dalton