HOLA!

I want to start off by saying THANK YOU for all of the dear elders that I've received and continue to get!! One of the Elder's in my district said "man you are SO loved!" I know I couldn't ask for better support. We get them every night at 9 and thanks to the BEST family and friends a missionary could ask for, I'm known in my district for getting the most every night! I'm sorry that I can't reply to them all, just know that I appreciate each and every one! Each night as I open and read them, my whole district loves to watch my facial expressions as I read them, apparently I make faces and get really into my letters :) I even cried in front of my whole district on day 8, so you could say I love getting them. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the support - I wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for you all :)

Yesterday we taught our first "real" investigator. Before our investigator was just our teacher, but now it's a real person that we hadn't met. Her name is Hely and she's Catholic.They say that some are just members acting, but I legit think that she is truly Catholic! Our lesson was an hour long and I was AMAZED at the fact that I could communicate to a fluent Spanish speaker for such a long time! El don de lenguas is real :) The spirit was SO strong in our lesson and I even cried! I'm just amazed at how much I can grow to love someone who I barely even know!

It's really hard to explain time here in the MTC. No one really understands it unless you've been through it! Honestly, the days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days. I was so confused when people would tell me that, but now I know! It's true. These past two weeks have been the longest, but I also can't believe that it's already pday!

Spanish is the best. Sometimes I think about how easy it would be if I was just speaking English, but I know that it will be so worth it. It's just hard in lessons wanting the communicate and tell them things about this wonderful gospel, but not being able to because my vocab is so small! It's only been two weeks, but in Spanish I can: introduce myself, make small talk, pray, share a scripture, share an experience, share my testimony, and I have the missionary purposed memorized, the first vision, and the baptism invitation! I'm learning and growing SO much! I love it.

I'm officially the "mom" of the district. I knew it was bound to happen when I pulled out my Tide-To-Go the third day. I'm totally ok with it though :) My district is the best. We get off topic kinda a lot, but we are so fun and work hard. All the Hermanas make me laugh SO hard, and it's the BEST stress relief :)

For gym time, my district plays sand volleyball! Sometimes I play, but usually I run around the court while my comp plays! It's the best!! I love running, and it's awesome to do it at my own pace! Hopefully I won't gain the dreaded MTC weight ;)

So we all know that my fav holiday is the 24th of July, and I was sad to be here and missing out! But the Sunday night devotional made up for it. The Nashville Tribute band came and played a legit concert for us! The spirit was so strong and of course I was crying like a baby! I was also pumped because it's been a long 2 weeks without music :)

I didn't get called to speak in Sacrament meeting this week but, I did teach our district meeting with my comp! We taught about the Book of Mormon. Luckily it was in English :) It went good! That was when I finally felt like I was a missionary :)

I bought a MTC Camelback water bottle from the bookstore this week and it's the best purchase of mi vida :) i love it! My district makes fun of me for how much water I drink lol

This is the hardest thing I've done in my life. But, God is SO good and He is constantly sending me tender mercies. I know that I can do ALL things through Cristo who strengthens me :) I'm praying for you all! Love you so much. Thanks for all the support!!

hermana hansen :)

The Hermanas. We love each other. 

It's the best because we are always giggling and helping relieve the stress of a mission.

Memorizing is our fav ;) Herman Haroldsen helps me so much.

She's so positive and supportive.

Everything we need to study. It is a little overwhelming.

I see Sister Maxey EVERYWHERE, at least once a day. It's the biggest blessing! I love it! 

She leaves for Oregon tomorrow and I'm dreading the goodbye. 

It's been so nice to have someone that understands me here :) 

Our study view last night. I LOVE having the mountains close to me! I'm gonna miss it.

This is Hermana Hansen! She's in my branch! Her room is next to mine and we literally have become the best of friends. If it already wasn't awesome enough that we have the same name, she SWAM in high school too! If it could't get better, she swam the 500!! We were dying when we found that out. We talk about all things swim :)