I've Got Travel Plans!

Whoa, it is such a small Mormon world. I just got my hair cut here at the MTC and I was rocking my U of A basketball sweatshirt and the sister cutting my hair started asking about U of A...and get this Dad, she is best friends with Brooke Jackson! We talked about her and basketball for awhile and then she asked, "Hey do you by chance know an Assante family in Tucson?" ahahaha She is ALSO best friend's with Thomas Assante's wife and was like, "I just had lunch with Michael Assante the other day!" So we talked about the Assante's and how Becca is their cousin and ya, it was great. I think her name was Katie West? It was nice to talk to someone about familiar people.

Oh, hey did I mention I got travel plans Friday at lunch? Ya, flying SLC - ATL, ATL - Madrid Tuesday morning. I dunno if that means I'm staying in Madrid for a day, week, weeks or going on to Barcelona by another means of transportation. Also, I didn't have to go anywhere to sign my visa like Hna Farrell did, so I don't know if that means they are hoping my visa gets here by then, but my Branch Pres. told me to plan like it's here because I have travel plans, so I am. Ok, I can't act like I'm not freaking out right now like I have been all week-- I"M FINALLY GOING TO SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whew, that felt like a certain elixir named after Felix in Harry Potter. So, yes world, I am leaving Nov 1st. Family--I get a phone call. Pres. said to keep it to 5-10 minutes. Should I call from SLC early in the morning or from Alanta later? I'm not sure what time my layover is. Shoot-- I'll have to check. Um, and I've never made a payphone or collect call before...so I don't know how to do that. Is that what I should do? Or buy a phonecard here? What do you think and what do you want me to do? I'll send you another quick email about whether I have a layover or not. I'm the travel group. Yo-- solo--ahaha. Just me SO...that should be fun--nice on the plane, but you all know how I get nervous with airport security and such. Madrid should be fun with everything in spanish...can't wait...

Oh, speaking of "it's a small world" the gentleman at the front desk of the Temple this morning thinks we are related somehow, although I didn't really understand how. He says he has Dalton relatives in Burley, ID. I think his name was...Br. Thorn? Not sure--haha. It's been a week of "not sure" with people I may or may not know or be related to. I met another Elder Dalton from Arizona. SO crazy. Someone in my zone thought it was my brother and told everyone and it was very confusing to sort it all out.ahaha

We had FHE in our district this week and I was in charge of the activity with another elder, Elder Wood. We made up PMG(Preach My Gospel) jeopardy focused around commitments. It was very fun...and very competitive--ahaha. I was so happy that I wasn't playing so it didn't get out of hand--heehee Me? Competitive? Naaaahhh...

Our 3 roomies left for the field this week, the 3 Visitor's Center sisters. Missouri watch out--Sister April Atkin is there now in the Independence, MO. I told her to ask find people I know.ahaha We'll see. We got 2 new sisters, both in the advanced spanish class and both studying at BYU to teach spanish when they get back...should be interesting. I should use this situation to my benefit and practice my spanish more.haha

It has been a great week for pondering things and learning about how/what I need to improve personally to be the person I want to be. It is hard to face and work through but vale la pena (worth the pain). This is my favorite phrase from my teacher. Completely sums up serving a mission. Did I mention how excited I am to get to Spain?!?!?!? Because I am!

So, what are the Halloween plans? Dad, don't throw too many parties!ahahaha Some sisters on my floor want to "trick-or-treat"...we'll see how that goes or if it works out--ahaha-- silly missionaries.

Well, next week I should be writing from the beautiful country of Spain! I can't wait to get there. And I am oh-so-excited to talk to my family on the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Knowing that is going to happen next Tuesday is getting me through the week. I love you all so much!

Con amor,

Hermana Dalton