Marissa - Week 1 from MTC

FAMILLLLLY!!

I miss you guys so much! Thank you Jessica and Tate for the Dear Elder Mail! It's the best. Dad, Mom, and Robert should do that too. It's a lot easier because through out the week I can get letters from you guys and read them and then on P-day I can just write you guys and not have to read a bunch because I already have read it through out the week. 

Okay so I already sent mom my Mass email for everyone but I want to talk to you guys personally too! 

So my Companion's name is Sister Broyles! She is from Nebraska. She is in Culinary school and wants to be a baker later on in life. She likes to draw with chalk and doodle. She's really sweet, a bit quirky, and her hand shake almost makes your arm fall off. She struggles reading and has to go to tutoring during companion study but I try to help her sound out words and understand them. She's super confident in being a missionary. Me... not so much. I still have a lot to learn and I not that confident when teaching. The only thing is when we are doing lessons I'm pretty much the only one talking. I look over to her to see if she'll say anything to the investigator... but she doesn't. But after were done with the lesson she goes back to talking a bunch (She talks A lot) and back to being confident. I have prayed to love her and know how to work with  her and I think I'm doing a good job at it. She's a lot to handle at times but I know there is a reason I was set to be her companion.

The people going to Logan in my District are: Sister Chesley, Plemons, Broyles, and I. The Elders are Elder Robinson, Warner, and Nienez. Elder Campbell and Sister Cahoon are going to Scottsdale Arizona (They are both from Canada) and Elder Rennolds and Sister Hunnting are going to St. George, Utah. So that's my district! I already love them so much! Sister Plemons is from Georgia and has an accent! She is the sweetest, most funniest person ever. Sister Chesley is more like me personality wise, I really like her. 

The first two days were really hard here at the MTC. I couldn't fall asleep for one, and also I was super stressed! I was so tired and all I wanted to do was sleep! But on Saturday I prayed to feel energy and be awake, and that is what exactly happened. The days are so long here but I love it. I sometimes wish I had more time to study and read my scriptures more. Sunday was one of my favorite days! It was nice to go to church and not have classes. We got to have a lot of personal study that day. My district and I, watched the Character of Christ video of Elder Bednar speaking 3 years ago at the MTC on Christmas. It was to most powerful talk I have ever seen. I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen. In the talk Elder Bednar emphasized that we need to turn outward instead of inward. When Jesus Christ was on the cross he could of been like "look at me, I'm suffering" but no he thought of others and said, "father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Jesus Christ constantly thought of others and never thought of himself and that is what I want to do. I want to be selfless and always think of others before myself. So far, I am on the right track. I am constantly thinking of my investigators and what they need. I wasn't to help them understand and I can only do that with the spirit's help. 

I actually haven't been that home sick until I read your guys emails and especially Dads because he said he see's my empty door and misses and me. I really miss you Dad and I miss Mom and Jessica and Tate and Robert and Devon Too (and Jasper)! But I couldn't imagine going home! I have felt the spirit so strongly here and it's like the spirit never leaves. I constantly feel that warm peaceful feeling in my heart where ever I go. 

I exercise everyday! I run with a couple girls from my district (my companions a little to slow for me, so she runs with other girls in our district). The food is Okay here... I like the salad wraps here, they are super good! i wish I could write more because I have so many more experiences I could share with you guys but I don't have time:( I have pictures to send but I think I need a cord to plug my camera in to the computer for you guys to see because for some reason the sim card won't pop up on my screen., or get a new sim card, I don't really know! If you guys want to send me a package or anything feel free, I'm always up for surprises! Also I need more socks for my flats, so if mom could send me that that would be great! 

I love you guys and keep writing (especially on dear elder) I love hearing the stories. I can't believe stood up to that Black guy at the grocery store and almost got beat up! YIKES! and thats cool that Jessica and Tate's ward is so diverse. Keep me updated. Also get Robert to write me too, I miss him. I'm sorry to here about the Honda Odyssey. Maybe it's time to let go of it cause it keeps malfunctioning. I hope Robert's having a good summer so far and doing well! I hope your final go well Mom, I'll be praying for you! I did see sister Casos mom, she said hi! Sorry I'm not writing to you all individually, I thought this would be the most time productive way. 

Okay I love you guys and miss you! 

Betsy Lowe

Jun 8 (8 days ago)

to Marissa 

Awe - Marissa that was such a great email. Can I read it I could hear you talking.

It is sad to see your empty room, but we are so happy for you to be were your heart desires.  Robert actually has been doing act studying in your room,  I think he likes to be in there so he feels closer to you.  We have been playing a lot of chess and basketball.  He is on high adventure this week.

I finished my last final today - yippee!!  I will start dear elder today!!!   I went for a run today!!  First one in s while.  It felt so good.

I love you so much.  Elder Bednar's talk sounds so good.  Love - hugs and kisses

Mom

Have a great day,

Sent from my iPhone