First Week in the MTC

Mom's Note: 

I was told at the MTC that Christine would have a chance to email home in the evening. Later I talked with my brother Jon and he said that with Jaren that call came on the second day. I’m glad he let me know that, because that is what happened to us as well. 

6 October 2016

Hello!

Mom and Dad,

I had a fantastic first day at the MTC. :) I'm feeling a little off and my heart's going crazy, but the Spirit is so strong here. Everyone is amazing.

My P-Day is going to be on Fridays. Talk to you soon.

Love,

Christine

(Note: Christine deals with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia. So the higher elevation and the new experience could make her heart beat a little fast.)

7 October 2016 

P-day!

We went to the temple this morning and participated in sealings! Missionaries are only allowed to be sealed as a son or daughter. I'd never done sealings, so it was really cool to see. Sister Sorensen (my companion) had done them in the Provo temple before, so she led me and the two other sisters (Sister Page and Sister Christiansen) that we share a room with and showed us what to do/where to go.

We met our Branch Presidency yesterday. They and their wives are awesome. President Williams was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. (I believe he said he flew F-7s and something else he said carried tanks.) He said to thank John for his service. Sister May came back with us to our dorm afterwards and told us stories about her missions. She has served FIVE full time missions with her husband! As she left and hugged us all, she stopped and held my hands for a moment, looked me in the eyes, and said, "You're going to be a good one. I can tell these things." At that point I was exhausted (mentally, physically, spiritually) and trying not to cry.

We also taught our first investigator yesterday! Sister Sorensen and I were the first to teach her, so we didn't have nearly as much time to prepare our 15 minute lesson as everyone else in our district. It was incredible to see how similar everyone's lessons were after praying and conferring with our companions. It was cool to see the Spirit working through us to teach her.

I've been a little stressed and sick, and mornings are not fun. It hit me a little bit this morning as I was trying to wake up. But I actually feel better physically today than I have the past two days.

I love our district. It's fun to share experiences, laughter, and the Spirit. I love love love all the pictures in the hallways here of missionaries serving. I'm still totally lost on where everything is, but Sister Sorensen picked it up super fast, so I follow her. :) She's also the senior companion, they just do that based on alphabetical order here. :P

I don't know how to connect pictures to these computers, so I'll have to ask and figure that out. I might have another chance to email today. :)

Thanks for the pictures of the Salt Lake temple! It's gorgeous! We have had a few people today tell us about the hurricane.

Love you both,

Christine

Also forgot to say that because I was late, I didn't find my companion and district until around 8:30 the first day. The sisters I was with initially are going to Japan. They were awesome too, but I'm glad I'm not learning Japanese. :) Other than that, I just missed orientation and a few welcome activities that I had to catch up on, and the first maybe half an hour of the welcome meeting with the MTC presidency. I'm glad I had the couple extra hours with you and got to meet those other sisters. My district was very happy to finally see me that night, haha.

Late on  7 October 2016

Turns out I need an adapter to get pictures on the computer. They're about $13 in the bookstore, so I'll send pictures next week. :) Also going to get headphones for the exercise machines. We were only in the gym for about 15 minutes today, but I can't exercise for an hour without listening to something. :P

I saw Jaren today! He's in a trio and seems to be enjoying himself. I've also seen a Ewell sister, but I only recognized her, don't really know her. The Elders and Sisters here that are from Utah know so many people.

About to head into class, so I'll write you next week!

(Jaren is Christine's cousin who will be serving in Alabama.)