Dearest Family,                                                     Letter dated February 16, 2012

I do not have much time, but the MTC President gave us permission to write a letter to our family.

After you dropped me off and drove away, I cried about 3 more tears and then like night and day, my mood changed.  I was no longer scared or sad -- but was suddenly happy and excited for this new adventure!  The elders that took my suitcase were like, "Wooh ... you got over that really fast." and kept saying, "Wow Sister, thanks for brightening our day."  I immediately ran into Sister Christensen--my friend who is going to Denmark.  How awesome it was to see her smiling face!  She is so nice.  

My first day at the MTC was fantastic.  In about the first 30 minutes, I probably saw 15 people that I knew.  What a blessing it was to have Sister Starley [She is in my home ward and was my Sunday School Teacher as a youth but currently is assigned to my student ward!]  put on my missionary badge.  There it was... "Sister Donaldson" on top of the badge. She cried, I cried..it was so wonderful to share that with her -- one of the many women who has made such a powerful impact on my life.  I adore her!  So dang cool.  I am a missionary!  I met my teacher and district -- all of our district except for one sister companionship is going to Indiana.  ROCK ON!  And there are more elders not in our district that are going to Indiana.  My teacher Brother Marlowe is really great.  He's the only teacher I have met so far.  He's very nice, has a sense of humor (as all good teachers should) and kept commenting on how my smile made him feel like someone was listening.  Whatever... I just couldn't stop smiling!  I was just so HAPPY!

We went to a meeting with the MTC Presidency and sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth!"  They altered the words to say "We are as the army of Helaman.  We have been taught in our youth.  We ARE NOW the LORD's Missionaries to bring the world his truth.  It sent chills up and down my spine.  I loved it.  I am a missionary!

My district kept on commenting on how happy I was -- but it was so true!  I have been so happy the last 24 hours since getting here.  My companion's name is Sister Hill -- She's from West Valley, Utah and she's really nice -- we get along great.  She's nice and chatty - which makes for good conversation.  I live with her and 3 other sisters.  Two sisters are going to Armenia -- they will be here for 12 weeks.  Oh my gosh!  12 weeks?! I am so glad I'm speaking English.  The other sister is going to the Baltic State Mission, speaking Latvian.  She's a solo missionary.  So she comes with Sister Hill and I everywhere.  She is also so wonderful -- she's so personable and happy and cute.  I'll have to send you a picture of our unofficial tri-partnership.. When we walk between meals and classes we are always laughing and talking.  It has been such a blessing to have 2 awesome sisters with me almost all the time.  

Sister Hill (my companion) is really great.  She likes top bunks, I like bottom bunks.  She has a hair dryer, I do not!  I have envelopes, she does not!  It has been great.  I was just made the senior companion.  I don't think that will change anything.  I ran into Elder Stuart McGraw who was set apart just before me.  I has been fun to see him around.

Last night (Wednesday night) we did a "teaching experience" seminar - when a group of 20-30 missionaries go into a room with real investigators and try to teach them.  Let me tell you...it was an eye opening, but frustrating experience!  Eye opening?  Because answering some people's questions and concerns is really hard.  Like for example, Jose wanted to fix all of society in one great event and we were trying to tell him that we can make a difference as individuals... and that through coming to Christ, we can help ourselves and our families make covenants that will bless our mortal lives and the lives of those around us.  One Elder, bless his heart, decided to change the subject to welfare and the Bishop's Storehouse.  Arghh!  We were on a roll and then it was gone - just like that.  One sister had just told him that Christ just one man, made a difference in SO many people's lives and we can have a similar impact.  And then, for the rest of the 10 minutes, Jose was distracted by a tangent on the Bishop's Storehouse.  Grrr... That's why it was frustrating!  Now I know why we teach by 2's .. so we can stay focused and stay on the topic!  That is why companionship unity is so crucial!  Sister Hill, me and Sister Gallacher (the solo missionary going to Latvia) are already so close.  I am out of time again.  Lights out in 10 minutes.  So I would just like to say that I love my Savior with all of my heart.  Just as it says in Moses 6, He is walking with me.  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people and have the companion that I do not only the great companionship of Sister Hill, but perhaps the most crucial companionship -- the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  My heart is filled with love - who knew I would fall in love with so many people in the 36 hours that I've been here?!  I love everybody!!!

Keep calm and carry on ... with a smile!!   I feel your prayers!  Keep them coming!!   Isaiah 49:5 - My God shall be my strength!

All of my love (which is a lot!!...),

Sister Rebecca Donaldson