I have so much to tell you. I’ve
been putting off writing this letter because I knew how long it would take but
I’m on the plane now to Atlanta, GA and have 2 hours before we land. Hopefully
that’s enough time.
I can’t always answer people individually. I’m
sorry if I don’t send you your own letter but I’m going to do the best I can.
First, my entrance into the MTC; I was
overwhelmed. They handed us off to several different host missionaries to take
us to get booklets, luggage, show us to our rooms, and finally deposited us in
our classrooms. I met my teachers and district. People didn’t lie when they
said the spirit is really strong at the MTC. During class I was struck at times
by how much I learned. I never learned so much doctrine in all my Seminary and
Institute years combined! That was a very enjoyable experience.
The weather has been gorgeous, only a few
rainy days and hundreds of bright blooming flowers, trees, and plants
everywhere. Every time we stepped outside or I got close to a window I would freeze
at the sheer sight. Sister Keyes would laugh at me and say how she loved how
much I appreciated the beauty of the earth. It probably bothered Sister Rocha
at times, especially when I stopped at the paintings and photos everywhere, but
she didn’t push me and I moved along just fine.
Next the food - It’s definitely not my
Mother’s cooking but not bad either. It was helpful having a passion for trying
new foods. They had a lot of new foods to try. In my nearly two weeks there I
don’t think I ever had the same thing twice.
We had gym time about five times and it was
really fun because we played as a district, played with the Elders, and didn’t
keep score so everyone could focus on just having fun hitting the ball. We
played volleyball every time because it was the only game we didn’t have to
wait five minutes to play. The power the Elders had in one palm slam was
astounding. And, speaking of Elders, it
was fascinating watching Elders when it came to doors. I rarely had to open my
door because there was usually some poor Elder who had held it for one sister
and then she was followed by a dozen more.
We were late leaving the MTC for the airport;
some Sisters had ticket issues and some bags were overweight (not mine). The
security line was extremely long. There’s my miracle today: that we not only
got through the line in time but that the Sisters with problems got through.
With all that happened we didn’t have time to call home.
There’s no turbulence right now and I am so
grateful. Do you remember those flights to and from Nauvoo? They were traumatic
for me at the time, but definitely worth it. And all my Allegiant flights have
helped me get used to flying. I‘ve been up since 2:00 AM and didn’t go to bed
until 11:00 last night so I am going to try to sleep a bit before we land in
Atlanta.
Well, we landed safely, though a little
rough. I wanted to call home because we had a 2 hour layover but when I finally
found a payphone that worked with my calling card, of course Mom wasn’t home
because by then it was 10:00 AM your time. I really wanted to speak to Mom. I
wished it was Tuesday so Mom would be home and I could hear her voice.
There were a couple times I was really down
and I’m feeling that way now. I thought writing this letter would help, but
it’s not. I’m not feeling very confident….
(finishing
the letter – Wednesday, April 10,2013)
For a brighter side, a tradition was
started in my room at the MTC where everyone would take a turn saying one nice
thing about all the other sisters. We loved this because it was encouraging to
everyone to hear what good things others saw in us but what we couldn’t see in
ourselves.
Karl and Ryan, have you ever heard
of “Narnia holes”? Our room had two. They were secret compartments behind vents
or in our case unused electrical covers and they held little treasures that had
been placed there by someone else who had lived in that room. Ours had a parachute
solider, a skeleton lock and key and a sombrero wearing rubber ducky. Then we
added a fun ball on a string. In other rooms we found Narnia holes but they
were empty.
Now that I finally made it to the
mission field I miss my district. Elder Capron (like apron with a “c” attached)
is in my district now and I used to see him in the MTC. I think the newness
will be good for me but I can already tell it will be hard when I leave my new
companions Sister Cox and Sister Johnson.
The humidity hasn’t been too bad, my
hair looks good, it rained like crazy today, and so far I’m living the
crazyness well. Thank goodness for 2 companions to support me.
Love
you Mucho,
Sister
Stewart
P.S.
I finally met Brian, oops, Elder Stewart again last Saturday and got a photo
with him Sunday!
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