Week One

Hi Everyone!

It's still going well here! So much happens and I don't know what to tell you so it'll probably be just the highlights. I forgot to tell you last week how our zone welcomed us. We were all sitting down and the zone leaders came in singing the song from Mulan. The others in the zone were on the computers and they joined in one by one, getting louder and louder. It was kinda like a flash mob and it was awesome. I wish I had a video of it! My Spanish continues to improve, it's definitely getting easier but sometimes I wish I could've just gone to Italy and then it wouldn't be so hard. I'm learning so much about the Gospel and about teaching people. Our lessons with our investigator, Jacob, were not going so well so we started focusing more on what he said and the spirit so we could better understand what to talk about and it's helped so much. Praying and listening to the Holy Ghost make everything a million times easier. It's amazing.

     We finally got gym for the first time last Saturday. We have it everyday except Preparation Day (Friday) and Sundays. Our zone plays volleyball in the third dome, which instead of actual gyms, we have these giant igloo looking structures that are white and puffy. I'll have to take a picture for you guys. We've also played basketball, two on two, and it was great. I love having time to exercise every day. Our zone also does choir, so on Sunday we all went, learned and practiced a song called "One Small Babe" which we then sang for devotional on Tuesday at the main campus. It was amazing; both the song and the devotional, which was President Ronald Rasband of the 70. He talked about spiritual gifts and how at this time, Christmas, we should not only thank Heavenly Father for the gift of Jesus Christ, but also for those spiritual gifts which help us to grow in the gospel. We were encouraged to share one with our family and friends. One I've always been grateful for, and especially so here in the MTC is that of discernment. I've always felt close to the spirit and as we continue to learn more about teaching by the spirit, I am so grateful for it. I hope you will all take a moment to think of a spiritual gift and think about how you can improve and grow.

     

The gym domes used at the west MTC.

One sad note is that our teacher has decided to retire from teaching at the MTC since he will be going to graduate school next year and has a more useful job on campus so we are getting a new teacher. We wrote him a card and got him his favorite candy to say thank you and goodbye. He was awesome and we will miss him!

Katherine and her district saying farewell to their teacher.

So today is P-day and we went to Brigham's Landing with some of our zone. We stopped by Jamba Juice where one of our zone leaders bought everyone what they wanted! It was so nice. Three of us got wheatgrass shots which they love doing. It was actually kinda nasty but I'm glad I did it at least once. Apparently it cleans you out, so I guess I'll find out what that means. After we stopped in Great Harvest to get a sample and they asked if we wanted any bread but since we're missionaries without much money we said no. A lady picking out bread heard us and told us to pick one and that she would buy it! So, so nice! We got a loaf of pumpkin chocolate chip bread and we can't wait to eat it! Our last stop was the Cocoa Bean where some of us got hot chocolate. I tried the hazelnut cocoa bean and it was delicious. A great end to a great day :)

Katherine and her district mates at Jamba Juice.

Sister missionaries with their spoils from Great Harvest.

I love you all and love to hear from you but since I haven't heard from anyone but Stephen and Lizzie, I will suggest that you use DearElder.com. It allows you to type a letter which they will then print out and give to us. It's fast and easy and free! All you need is my address which I have up on my blog but just in case I will add it at the bottom. Thanks so much!! And stay warm! I don't know what it's like in Virginia, but it's pretty cold out here and I regret not bringing more warm clothes. We got a few inches of snow last night and it's surprisingly slippery.

     I know the Church is true and that we are all blessed with wonderful gifts that we can improve upon. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas on Wednesday and I look forward to calling you when I leave for Mexico in January!! Love you so much!

Love,

Katherine