First P-day

We got our first letter from Ann Marie on last Saturday (March 10th), but technically it wasn't "ours" it was moms. On Friday all the sisters were granted permissions to write their mamas. So mama got a lovely one, that made us all cry and miss her a lot. She said the first week was HARD. But she loved the MTC and was already getting excited about the work. She introduced us to her companion, sister Ouimette (wee-met). She says they're getting along great!

Then on Wednesday, her official P-day we got our first email. I'm just gonna post the whole thing. I won't usually, but since it's her first and I don't want to miss any of the good stuff I'll just let her tell you in her own words!

Family!!!!

 

There is this annoying little timer in the corner that is stressing me out.  I will try to make sense as I speed!

 

I told you a little about the first few days.  Sister Curtis was my Host Sister.  So good to see a familiar face :)  Since then I have run into several people I know (I would tell you all their names, but you wouldn't know them and I have so much more to tell you!)  I did see Elder Freeman though.  Love that family. 

 

Anyway, the first day was incredibly long.  Actually the first three.  All the other Elders and Sisters told us it would be better after Sunday.  I thought that was stupid.  We were feeling the spirit so strong already, and besides the days being long they were great.  I was expecting a lot worse from what I heard.  And to be honest Sunday was not great.  I had a break down (the one I anticipated on Friday).  Sister Ouimette and I were really struggling with being comfortable teaching, and we had a lesson with our investigator, Sean, on Monday.  So we decided that we would use the optional Sunday evening film time to study and prepare our lesson.  I was sitting on my bed.  I have the top bunk in case you were wondering, and searching the scriptures for something we could share with Sean.  I was coming up with nothing.  I've learned that when you are stressed out, it is hard to listen to promptings of the spirit.  And boy was I stressed out/missing home/ tired/ unprepared for my lesson.  The Lord recognized that I needed a little boost I guess because when I moved my Bible, a note fell out.  It was an unopened envelope containing a note from Misti.  She had given it to me at my farewell, and I had forgot that I put it in there.  I opened the note, and there were some words of encouragement, but my favorite part was that she included this quote from President Hinckley.

 

"Many young woment are serving missions.  Many are preparing to serve, not because they aren't married or have nothing else to do, but because they have a desire to serve and therefore are being called to the work.  The reason so many are going is because in the next generation Heavenly Father will be sending His priesthood army to the earth.  He wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the gospel, and what better training can a young woman have than that of serving a mission?"

 

It was a gentle reminder that I don't need to be homesick.  This mission won't be forever, and not only will it help me now and the people that I serve in California but it will also help me as a wife and mother.  Thank you Misti.  It really cheered me up and helped me gain perspective.

 

I guess it does get better after Sunday, but it wasn't bad before.  We sit in class most of the day.  Ok like all day.  Sometimes we accidently say stuff like, "I'll show you that scripture when we get home - eh - class."  And it's awkward.  I love my district though.  There are 5 elders and 4 sisters.  Elder Henrie came late, so he joined Elder Nelson and Elder Pettingill in a tri-panionship as they call it.  The other elders are Elder Cartwright and Elder Jacobsen.  They all have such strong testimonies.  Sisters Carlton and Katoa are also amazing!  Sister Katoa was struggling at first, she actually called home and was ready to leave, but then she had an amazing lesson on Monday and changed her mind.  I'm so glad!  She has so much love, and I know she won't regret this decision.  I'm not regretting mine!  I have learned so much in one week, I don't even know how my heart and mind will be able to handle 18 months of this!  I'm excited to find out.

 

Only five more minutes!  Aah!  Well I will tell you really quickly, out investigators Ben and Sean are actually our teachers Brothers Marlowe and Craft.  They promised they would come to Wingers and say hi.  Look for them.  They are great.  It is hard to teach them though because it is hard for me to not see them as my teachers.  Sister Ouimette and I are praying that we will be able to get over that mental block.  Our other investigators are Lawanna and James and Joni.  Lawanna is THE BEST she has such a strong spirit.  Love her.  I'll tell you more about her later.  Ugh time.  And please pray for James!  Joni wants to be baptized, but he has too many questions and she doesn't want to drive a wedge in their relationship.  They are volunteers, but they are actual nonmembers.  That is uncommon because most of the investigators here are members just acting.  Please pray for them! 

I'm praying for you every day.  The MTC is great.  I will be happy to get out of here, but it isn't as bad as I expected.  I love you all so so much.  Thank you for your letters, they really are the happiest part of my day.  Keep them coming! 

 

Love,

Sister Hyde

On this Saturday (The seventeenth) Kaytie and Lizzie both got personal letters on Ann Marie's cool red stationary. They both loved them, and Lizzie read hers to anyone that would listen. She read it so much that last night she told me she might have it memorized. I don't doubt it! She was very excited. Except there is a secret part in it about Mom's birthday present. So she just skips that part while she's reading it aloud. 

We all love hearing from Sister Hyde and can't wait for next P-day!