Week #2

Hello family! I can't believe how fast this week has gone! The first 5 days felt like FOREVER! But the rest of this week has gone by super fast! As you heard from Ren Noorda, I am sick with a cold. I have been having coughing attacks and a runny nose since I've been here. I've been taking medicine too and I haven't really gotten any better. Yesterday I woke up with rashes all over my body (legs, arm, chest, face), but then they went away after gym and showering. But when I got back to my room last night, I had a rash on my face and legs again (and then on my foot this morning). I don't know what it is, if this continue I'll go get it checked out. I'm just not getting a break here. Even though I've been sick and feeling weak, I felt the Lord bless me with energy to get through the day and to learn. I've seen almost everyone I've wanted to see here at the MTC. I saw Ben Halverson on Saturday. He teaches on the floor below me, I'm going to stop by and say Hi again tonight. I've seen Ren a couple times in the Health Clinic, because I've been sick. She brought me a care package which was really nice. And Steven Hopper and Jared Tate have stopped by my classroom to say Hi! It's really comforting to see a friendly and familiar face around here.

I've gotten some hand written letters from friends and TONS of Dear Elder letters (Thanks Mom :) ). All have been so fun to get! Dear Elder is so awesome! I LOVE it! And it's free and prints the day of, so spread the word please :)

Just a general update, I am struggling with my Spanish. Even though Hermana Kendell has said she's heard me talk in my sleep in Spanish, I don't even think that's helping either. I am definitely learning patience with Spanish and am trying my best. I know I am going to freak out when I get to the Peru MTC. The sisters got our travel itinerary for leaving the MTC. We fly from SLC to Atlanta, then to Lima on the 26th. The Peru MTC is ALL SPANISH, so I should be able to pick up Spanish much faster there, but it is still so scary. I don't think I'm ready to leave the MTC-Provo, I'm finally getting comfortable. I met some Mexican sisters on my floor who said they'd help with Spanish, but we'lll see how that goes.

Wow, there is really NO TIME to write! I have so much to say and can't say it all! I have to let out a Joe Bang yell...AHHHHHHHHH!!!

I'll just write the highlights of my week:

Sunday was AMAZING. In Relief Society we had an awesome talk by Cathy Clayton and she talked about how our missions are like a story and we have to make the best of it. We got to walk to the temple with our district and we had some great bonding time! In the afternoon, Brother Gubler gave a fabulous and inspiring devotional about our missions. He shared the scripture in D&C 18:15 about bringing one soul until Christ and how the one soul can be us. He also talked how we gain 40 years of gospel experience and knowledge. It was all and all just amazing.

There is SO SO SO much more I want to tell you. My experiences teaching a lesson and Spanish, getting a blood test, but I'll just have to tell you the highlight of the WHOLE week.

On Tuesday night's fireside, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came and spoke. It was AMAZING. He has so much power and emotion and it really touched all of us. He talked about how our life before our mission is over. Jesus Christ asks "Do you love me?" and because I do, he tells me to "Feed his sheep forever", It was just overall a wonderful fireside.

Well, I have to close this now. Just know I am happy and doing my best. I am loving my district (I was quoting Hot Rod with the Elders the other day...made me miss AJ a bunch) and I am seeing the atonement work in my life everyday as the Lord makes me stronger than I was yesterday. I love you and miss you tons! Thank you for all the letters!

Love Always,

Hermana Smith :)