14 October, 2009

Hi Family! So, I had no idea what to expect when I got here to the Missionary Training Center (MTC) since I’m here way before my check-in time.  Chris thought that they would just send me to my room and unpack, maybe have a chance for a nap, etc.  I was hoping he was right because I am tired but somehow I doubted that the MTC would be that laid-back.  And, yup, they do have a procedure for early arrivals.  I got my name tag.  It's got an orange sticker on it so everyone knows I'm new.  As if they wouldn't figure that out already. They stashed my luggage in the hallway somewhere to pick up later, then put me in a room with all the incoming early arrival missionaries, most of which were from Russia.  The sister sitting on my right was from Mongolia and the sister on my left was from France and the one next to her was from Denmark.  After a few minutes they weeded out the American missionaries (Me and two elders. I don't have a companion yet. I'm the only American sister who arrived early so far.) and took us to a different room where we met our teacher for the morning.  He gave us a list of things to do until about 11:15 when we will go and have lunch.  One of the things was to set up e-mail so here I am. Checking in and letting you know I arrived safely. After singing "the Spirit of God", the teacher asked us each to share our thoughts about why we're on a mission, what we hope to accomplish, etc.  One of the elders with me said that he's on a mission mostly for self-investment, to learn more about the gospel and also because it's "taboo" in the church for a boy not to go on a mission.  He said he expects it to be easy for him even though everyone says it's hard.  I was laughing on the inside.  I on the other hand am expecting it to be hard.  I'm not afraid of hard things. I like challenges.  It's the best way to learn, to stretch yourself.  A mission is, I think, where the Lord will stretch you to your limit.  I'm interested to know what that will be for me.  And I hope that elder finds out in a way that won't be too hard on him. :-)

So yeah, that's the day so far but it's only 10:00 a.m.  I hope I get a sister companion soon, I feel like I’m with two little brothers, though they don't seem nearly as awesome as my "little" brothers. :-)  

I Love you all! Thanks for all your support! Write me! My 30-minute time limit is nearly up. 

Hermana Evans