Week 5- March 26, 2012

Hello everyone!

 

OK, first I would like to announce that my little brother (he's so cute!!!!) got his mission call to the SCOTLAND/IRELAND MISSION!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?!? That's gotta be like....the 2nd best mission in the entire world....only after Indiana of course....:) Dang it, Daniel, I'm so excited for you!!!! I may or may not be crying right now.....;) You're such a stud! I can't wait to see my little Bruder in a kilt! Rock on, kiddo! You're the best! Unfortunately, you didn't tell me when you report....tell me! I guess this means that I'll have to come and pick you up from your mission. It's not optional. :)

 

That officially made my Pday. Oh my goodness! Missions are the best things ever. These last few days have been absolutely incredible for us here in West Lafayette. Yesterday, we had 5 investigators at church. Yes....5 investigators came to church yesterday. Apparently that's HUGE! Sister Gillman and I are so blessed. We have been trying to revamp our door approaches to be less robotic and more sassy. Well, I guess sassy isn't the word....but more "snap crackle pop." We've been pulling out the charming smiles, the stickers for the children, complimenting people's yards, and more importantly never leaving the doorstep until we have testified of the Book of Mormon. Haha...we've noticed that the second you mention the Book of Mormon, 90% of the people we talk to shut down because they've heard all the anti stuff and junk....but Friday afternoon, we tracted for a couple hours and we literally talked to half of the people on that culdesac for 10+ minutes on their porch testifying of the restoration and the Book of Mormon. We ask them if we can read a scripture about a topic (like Christ, the Atonement, Prayer, etc) and then find one in the Book of Mormon, but not tell them that it is in the  Book of Mormon until AFTER you have read it, asked them an inspiring question, and applied it to them. That way, they feel the Spirit, have their faith strengthened by the scripture, and then "BAMMM!" they want to read the Book of Mormon because they know that they feel like its a good book. Its powerful! And it works. The Book of Mormon + the Spirit = most powerful missionary tool. 

 

We actually just got out of a lesson with one investigator. He's a professor at Purdue. And he's an engineer. He's a brilliant man. His name is Y* (sorry, can't say his name!) Most people with an education have a hard time accepting our message simply because they don't see a need for it. He's the exception. He's used his analytical mind to "experiment" as it says in Alma 32. He's read the Book of Mormon and D&C and has prayed about it....he says that he knows it is true. And he's been facing a ton of opposition from some of his family and friends, and he says that they try to tear down the Book of Mormon and his faith. He simply asks them, "well, have you read it?" Of course, they say no. And then he says, "Well, you can't say the book isn't true if you haven't read it for yourself." He's not getting discouraged or disheartened....he knows that this church is true. Ah! It's amazing! I love it. It reminds me of JS-History, "I knew it, and I knew that God knew it and I could not deny it." Y* is wonderful! He wants to get baptized so bad and he will eventually.

 

Oh, so I had my first Bible bash last week. We didn't want to. We walked into a trap....we met a couple and set up an appt thinking that they really wanted to learn about the Book of Mormon. Yeah...no. They didn't. We walked onto the patio, and there on a small table was a book entitled, "Mormonism" or something like that. Obviously NOT written by anyone who had much good to say about us. So we start with a prayer and get talking about the restoration.....pretty soon we are being interrogated with questions trying to argue with us about authority. They pulled out scriptures, we pulled out scriptures. They picked at every little thing we said and if we said anything that didn't make sense to them, they completely discredited it and called us liars. Anyways....I won't talk about it anymore. Its making me contentious....:) The evening ended after they said, "You are ignorant and gullible. Joseph Smith was a nut case." We simply testified, "Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. We have to go now. Our curfew is in 10 minutes" We got out of there. It was just a really eye opening experience. We answered all of their questions but they wouldn't accept it. That's why an open heart and mind is such a crucial element of whether or not someone can be receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. There were 3 or 4 times when they both stopped after one of our answers because they couldn't argue with what we had just said. And then they'd ask us to tell them more. Urgh. It's making me frustrated even thinking about it. Moving on now.

 

Awesome experience....last week we had a lesson with C* - he's the one that is 76 and has colon cancer. We went to his trailer and asked him what questions he had. He said with tears in his eyes that he's never been so impressed by people than he has with us and the members. He continued to tell us that no one has ever cared so much for him, spent so much time with him, loved him so much, etc etc. He said that he knows that God brought us to him. And then he asked the ultimate question. "What do you want me to do now? What can I do?" Sister Gillman and I started crying! We taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ and he agreed to be baptized. Tentative date is May 5. He's golden! He called us Saturday....sick as a dog. He told us that he felt closer to death than he has ever before and that he knows that this church is the right thing for him to be involved with right now. He's still got a lot to learn, but he'll get there! We're meeting with him twice a week. He loves the church so much. He was one of the investigators that was at church yesterday....and we had another lesson with him and a older couple in the ward.

 

Oh my goodness, it's so beautiful to see Heavenly Father's hand in this work! There are miracles that happen every single day! Sister Gillman and I are trying so hard to be diligent, prayerful, and hard working in every aspect of missionary work. I'll be honest, it's hard not to get discouraged sometimes. But Heavenly Father always rewards us according to our faith and diligence.

 

Sometimes if I feel so inadequate....because these children of God - my brothers and sisters deserve a better missionary than what I currently am. I have so much to improve on. I need to be better at speaking by and understanding through the language of the spirit. I need to be more familiar with the scriptures. I need to pray more fervently. I need to be more kind, patient, and charitable. I need to strengthen my faith. I need to be happier. Not for me....but more them. They deserve more. Its so motivating. So I strive everyday to strengthen my testimony of some aspect of the gospel and learn the scriptures a little more.

 

Scripture of the day: Alma 26:22 - Look it up! :)

 

So remember how I'm terrified of tornadoes? On Friday evening and night, a huge storm rolled in. The wind was blowing, there were tornado warnings....but guess what? I'm alive! :)

 

Funny of the week....Elder Ovard, he's one of our zone leaders and lives just upstairs from us got bit by a 3 legged dog the other day. hahaha....I don't know why that's so funny. But it is. It's probably the way he told the story. Too funny. Poor Elder Ovard. :)

 

I love you all so much! Sorry for the horribly long email! :) Write me!

 

All my love,

Sister Becca Donaldson.....aka Sister Dolphin. :)

Me and the bingo ladies. :) Love them!

Picture out of car window on the way to Perdue....Notice the smog. So cool!

Sister Gillman and I tracting...just after meeting a presbyterian minister...:S

windmills + indiana sunset

Me and my obsession with spring flowers

Sweet clouds. Yes. Tornado clouds. That night, there were tons of tornado warnings

Me and the tornado clouds. :S

Week 4- March 19, 2012

Oh my goodness family, this last week has been AMAZING. Holy canoli. Where do I start? I wish I had the time to write out everything that has happened, so I'll write just a few of the many many miracles that have happened in the last seven days. 

First, before I get to the good stuff, I wanted to let everyone know that if you've sent me mail since I've arrived in Indiana, I haven't gotten it.....the mission office is apparently being overloaded with mail, packages, etc....so if you are sending a letter to me, send it to this address please: 
Sister Donaldson
2330 Northwestern Ave
Apartment #3
West Lafayette, IN 47906
I will be at this address until at least the end of May. 

Ok....on to the good stuff...miracles. Oh my gosh, the Spirit is AMAZING. We are being led to people every single day and it's all because of the spirit.

One thing I've learned since being out here: our plan Cs are usually Heavenly Father's plan As. 

My first week we met A* tracting. We got into her apartment and taught her the lesson and then set up a return apt. We went back, and she wasn't there. We called, she never answered. For an entire week, we tried stopping by her place and she never came to the door. After a series of super discouraging events (another atheist, a cancelled appointment, etc), we decided to drop by A*'s house one more time. Guess what? She was there. Guess what? She had just been reading the Book of Mormon and the pamphlet that we left her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Guess what? She had thought not even 5 minutes earlier, "Man, I wonder when those Jesus ladies are gonna come back. I may have to give them a call." We went in and started reading the Book of Mormon with her. Not even 10 verses into it, she told us that she thought the book was true because she felt "Gods love all up" in her body.  Score! She also said she wants to repent. I wish we had asked her to be baptized...but our time was so short. Oh well, we're seeing her again on Wednesday. 

We had an appointment with the progressing investigators, C*. He had a baptismal date for March 31, but he's been so sick that he's not prepared yet. He's 76 years old and has been really sick the last few weeks. Two of the ward members came with their wives and gave him a priesthood blessing. He loved it! C* is so nice and friendly, and he loves to talk. He reminds me a lot of Grandpa Chudleigh....:) Anyways, we got into the lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we asked him if he's noticed a difference in his life since meeting with the missionaries. He started to cry. He told us that he has and then said, "I have never met anyone who loves Jesus more than you people....these two ladies here are of God. They were brought to me by God" Good grief. I almost lost it. I love it! The Spirit was so strong and he is working on C*'s heart! He came to church yesterday and as he was walking out, he said, "I've never felt this good going to a church!" Wednesday, we're going to set another baptismal date with him. 

Another miracle: we have been tracting our bums off out here! And the last house that we go to always seems to be the golden door. That was the case on the 15th. The last door on the street we were tracting, D* opened the door. She came out and started talking with us. I don't know how we got it out of her, but she started telling us that her son had been killed in a motorcycle accident last May and that her dad has terminal cancer. She started telling us about, "I kept on trying to convince my son to get baptized, but now that he's dead, he'll never have that chance." I opened my mouth and said, "D*, he can still be baptized." She looked at us, with a look of complete shock and joy and started crying....like out of control tears, "He can?!?" Oh my gosh. The Spirit hit all three of us like a ton of bricks. We all started crying. "How?!?" She cried. Anyways.....that was the most powerful moment I have had in a long time. We had a return appointment with her yesterday and she loves the plan of salvation. She's coming to church on Sunday and she is so excited. Words cannot express how powerful that moment was. Sister Gillman and I were crying for the next 30 minutes. Wow. 

Oh there are so many more that I wish I could tell you about!  

Now onto some funny things: 

I have a new name among the primary kids in the ward. They call me, "Sister Dolphin" because they can't seem to form the name, "Donaldson." 

You know you're in Indiana when:
You step in Canadian goose poop at least 4 times a day. 
People have to talk to you through the screen doors because they own 4, violent, ferocious, stinky pitbulls. 
50% of the people you talk to are missing at least one of their front 4 teeth (I love it!) So funny. 
The sunsets are some of the most beautiful things you've ever seen. Hawaii sunsets have got nothing on Indiana! 
People start talking to you because you have red hair and freckles (hey, I'll use it to my advantage!)

We do service twice a week at an old folks home.....we play bingo with them. It is the funnest thing EVER!!! The old ladies love to ooh and ahh at my red hair and many of them have actually touched it. Haha....I got called a leprechaun the other day....that's what I get for wearing green on St Patricks day.

That's all for today! I love you all! Keep smiling! Life is so so so good!  

Sister Dolphin. I mean....Donaldson... :)

Alma 8:10 (applied to my life right now) "Nevertheless, Sister Gillman and Sister Donaldson labored much in spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the cities of West Lafayette and Lafayette; that he would also grant that they might baptize them unto repentance."

March 12, 2012


Hello all you wonderful people! 

Oh my goodness, there is so much I want to write! Again, I apologize for typos. Get over it. :) 

So here I am....in Indiana....as a missionary....like....for reals. Weirdest thing of my life. But I'm growing into it! And I am LOVING IT ALREADY!!!!

Here's a summary of my week:

Last Tuesday morning, we got up at 3 am (rise and shine!) to get to the bus by 4. On the drive up to SLC, my mind was so full of so many emotions. Mostly exhaustion and like, "I can't believe this is happening right now" feelings. It was weird to be walking around the airports, knowing that people are watching you and expecting you to like....I don't know....be a missionary. I couldn't believe it. I was such a scardey-cat. It was so wonderful to talk to you mom! Yes, I know I didn't sound like it....with me crying and everything. 

So anyways....we landed in Indiana and I was immediately disoriented. I'm used to the mountains. I could see for miles and miles and there was no sign of even a hill. We got off the plan and all 12 of us walked to the terminal. And as expected, there was Pres and Sis Collins and the APs. Oh my gosh, they are WONDERFUL! Sister Collins is officially in my top 5 favorite people now. She is so nice, so happy, and SO dang funny. On the ride to the mission home, she was telling us about herself and what she loves about Indiana. She loves the squirrels here....they are practically her pets hahaha....funniest thing ever. 

President Collins is amazing. When I met him, I felt like I already knew him from somewhere....one of the first evidences that I was foreordained to come here. I think we were friends in heaven. :) He is so kind, gentle, and just oozes the Spirit. I officially have the best mission president on the planet. Anyone who says otherwise is lying and should be shot...:) He is marvelous! I am so excited to serve under such a great, powerful man. 

The Elders that I arrived with (there are 10 of them....) are so wonderful! I was lucky to have been sent here with a awesome group of them. They will be awesome missionaries. 

We slept at the mission home and then went to transfer meeting. Apparently this mission has one of the highest baptism retention rates in the world....pretty cool, huh? Also, this mission is known for whitewashing....which means that President Collins double transfers people in and out of areas a lot....putting fresh, new blood into areas that need a boost. 

That's exactly what happened to me. My trainer is Sister Gillman. Mom...you will be comforted to know that YOU KNOW HER. Or, at least, SHE KNOWS YOU. I pulled out our family picture and put it on my desk the other day and she said, "Oh my gosh, I know your mom!" Sister Gillman worked at the Costco optical shop for like 5 or something years! She remembers talking with you mom! Your prayers worked. :) I have an awesome trainer. She is a super star and I have learned so much from her already. Like I said, her name is Sister Gillman and she is an older-ish Sister. She calls herself the "Granny." I won't say how old she is...but I will say that she's about 10 years older than 90% of the mission. :) But she doesn't act it! She's so fun and happy and PATIENT! Oh my goodness, she's maybe one of the most patient people I know. :) 

Ok...so my first area is the Layfayette 2nd Ward. Yep. This is Purdue town. Purdue is like a mile away from our apartment. A few facts about the ward: Bishop Call went to Timpview High School and knows Uncle Dan. There are 60 kids in nursery. There are 101 kids in primary. Yes, you read right. 101 kids in primary. Like....101 Dalmations, but with kids. Sacrament meeting yesterday was the funniest thing of my life! Kids crying, toys falling, doors slamming, haha...lights turning off during the closing prayer? So great! I absolutely love it! That means that about half of the ward is 11 years old or less. :) But the members are so wonderful! This town looks and feels a lot like Utah....until we get doors slammed in our face. :)

So yeah....it is wonderful here! We haven't been teaching as much as we'd like to....a ton of our investigators have been out of town, sick, or just had a baby. But things are looking up this week. Much of last week was focused on meeting some of the members and finding people. Sister Gillman and I did a finding fast yesterday and we're doing another one today. We need to find more people to teach and we are coming up with ideas on how to find them. We are tracting like crazy and teaching lessons here and there. I ran into my first atheist yesterday....that was interesting...:)

We are trying to work so hard! It's only been a week since getting here?!? Feels longer than that. But I'm learning so much! Every time we get a rejection, Sister Gillman says, "This is good! It builds character!" I'm learning to adopt that attitude....I have definitely had some "trial of your faith" moments, but I know its helping me refine my skills and helping me put trust and faith in the Lord. 

The first lesson we taught was about 3 hours after getting to Layfayette. I'm not allowed to say their real names on emails, so I'll just put their last name initial when I refer to investigators and such. We taught the R* family. The previous Sisters tracted into them. They are both reading the Book of Mormon and they had great questions. I'll be honest, Sister Gillman did most of the teaching....because I was so scared. :) These are real people! 

But over the last week, I have gotten over my fears and just open my mouth when I feel like I need to say something. And it comes out.....clearly and powerfully.The Spirit is great! "Open your mouth, and it shall be filled!" I love it! 

We visited a potential investigator, A*. That was my first "real world" experience. When she opened the door, cigarette smoke came billowing out of the house. She invited us in and there were 3 women there.....each with like 3 kids. And the house was chaos. The kids were screaming, the women were swearing on the phone, and....I don't know, I just hadn't been in an environment like that before. It was dark and sad. But she needed to hear what we told her. Dispite all the noise, I was praying so hard that she would be able to tune out all of the noise, put down her cigarette, and listen to what we had to say. And she did. You could see her countenance change as we talked to her. We'll have to go back and see her again. 

Oh, I'm out of time! I've gotta go! My first week: long, but so good! I'm excited to get to work! Keep the prayers coming! Pray for Layfayette 2nd Ward Area! There are people here who are ready to hear the gospel, we just need to find them!!!!!

Hello Family and Friends who I love SO much!

 

I am learning so much here! For example, I need to type FAST. So forgive the typos if there are any. I'm also learning to avoid the tatertots in the cafeteria, get to the shower before everyone else, and get to class early to switch my desk to a comfortable one with more desk space to put all my stuff.....etc.

 

I am also learning so much about the Spirit. He is literally a still small voice and I have learned how to better recognize his promptings. He teaches gently, quietly, and I am trying to live more worthy....more intent on having him as a constant companion. I have learned that HE is the real teacher. 1 Corinthians 2:4 hit me like a brick wall last week and I think about it all the time. Powerful teachers don't speak and preach through wisdom of men - but teach by the Spirit and that is what makes the lesson powerful! Without the Spirit, we cannot become truly converted. He is what motivates me and will motivate others to change attitudes and beahvior as we learn simple doctrines.

 

I have had so many experiences already with that! One of our "progressing investigators" name is Sean (he's really our teacher, but we role play with him). After the first two lessons, I was really frustrated because we could not crack him. We couldn't place our finger on what he needed to hear. The entire day before the 3rd lesson, I was thinking about him, praying about him, and studying for him. I knew we would teach him the Plan of Salvation.....but wanted to figure out what to teach so the Spirit could act on him. As we were walking into the room, I still had no idea what we were going to say. But I felt calm. I felt like the Spirit would take care of it. We started to teach, he asked questions, we had answers. The lesson flowed and about half way through the lesson, I knew what we needed to focus on. We talked about the atonement. He was excited, enthusiastic, and attentive to what we were saying. The Spirit screamed in my ear, "INVITE HIM TO BE BAPTIZED!" So I did....I spit out: "Sean! Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God?" Haha....best moment of my life? Yes. He said, "Yes! I do!" Ahhhhhhhh! I wanted to squeal! I squealed in my heart! I had to control myself. I just smiled at him and then at Sister Hill who was looking at me like, "Oh my gosh, Sister Donaldson, did you really just do that?" Yeah....I did. The Spirit made me do it.

 

We also invited a TRC investigator to be baptized half way through the first lesson and she said yes.....that was pretty cool.

 

The point is, I love them all! I have caught a glimpse of the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us and the joy he feels when one of his children chooses to follow the Savior, repent, and be baptized. For example, I was so happy for Sean! I love him.....in the most least awkward way possible....does that make sense? Hahaha....Charity,....the pure love of Christ.

 

Dr. Meyers was the fireside speaker on Sunday. He walked in and I was like, "WOAH! That's my doctor!" Anyways, mom or dad, when you see him next, tell him he did an awesome job! :)

 

Funny moment of the week: Sister Gallacher (going to Latvia, and my pseudocompanion) went on a little sleep walking adventure. Haha....Someones alarm missfired at 1:00 am and she slept walked out of bed, to the door, to the shower (once grabbing all of her shower stuff, clothes, and unlocking the door?)....and woke up in the shower 40 minutes later. Haha....she came in and woke me up and said, "What time is it?" I told her 1:40 and then she started laughing. Too funny. She brightens my day.

 

Elder Holland came to devotional lastnight. SO AWESOME!!!!! Changed my life. He talked on how important it is to have our testimony fill us - get it permanently and forever. I need to come back with this so deep in my soul that it will never ever leave me. He said that we are expected to perform at super human levels....I say, bring it on!

 

Since being in the MTC, my patriarchal blessing has come alive! I listened to a talk by Elder Bednar on the Character of Christ and no joke - he quoted directly from my patriarchal blessing and expounded on it. Not once, not twice, but THREE times. Same thing with elder holland last night! He talked about unassailable testimonies....something that is promised in my blessing....it was amazing. It is amazing how the spirit tailors people's messages to meet our needs.

 

I keep on feeling that these next 18 months are setting me up for the rest of eternity! I will be a better wife, mom, friend, and person because of this mission! It won't be easy! I have to push myself. Heavenly Father will push me. But I know that if I saturate myself in the scriptures, gospel, and the Spirit, I can be a valuable instrument in his hands!

 

I liove you all! I'm out of time!!! Keep writing me! I need your prayers and support!

 

All my love,

Sister Becca Donaldson

Dear Family and Friends that I love and adore so much,  :)

 

Here it is!!! My first mission email! This last week has been full of "firsts" for me....I have a lot that I'd like to say and not much time to write it.

 

You may be wondering what my first impressions were of the MTC....is it what I expected it to be? Absolutely. It's exactly what I had anticipated, but so much better!!!! Being the Finding Nemo nerd that I am, this quote ran through my head several times the first few days:

 

Bubbles: "So what's it like? The Big Blue?!?" Nemo: "Uhhh....big and blue?!" Bubbles: "I knew it!"

 

This last week has been one of the most challenging and rewarding weeks of my entire life. I have learned so much, grown so much as a missionary, and have gotten to know some people that have already made an impact on my life.

 

Its hard to believe that I've only been at the MTC a week...I'll be honest, the first half of the week went really slow....not because I was miserable or homesick, but I was learning so much and had every moment of my day scheduled for me.  It felt like I was at BYU again....studying and working so hard to understand and learn about everything thats going on around me. I am so grateful that I learned how to wake up early, stay up late, and work all day long to study and succeed at what I'm doing. Not to sound prideful, but while some of the people around me struggle to get through the day without falling asleep during personal or companionship study, I have been able to focus and make good use of my time. I attribute that to pushing myself in high school and BYU classes. I also feel so blessed to have been able to sleep well. That is such an amazing blessing! I have been a little sick the last few days with a cold.....but its nothing too serious.

 

I have seen SO many people I know over the last week! I think I already mentioned a few of them....but the biggest surprise came last night during choir practice just before the devotional. I was sitting next to my companion and I see an older lady and her husband out of the corner of my eye. She starts talking to her husband in German, and I thought, "Oh my heck...I know that voice! How do I know that voice?!?" Yeah....I saw her from behind and thought, "I know her..." So she finally turns around and it was Mrs. Greer! Yeah! Mrs. Greer! For those of you who don't know Mrs. Greer, she was my middle school orchestra teacher. Hahaha...oh I almost died! She hasn't changed a bit! After I gasped and gave her a hug, she said, "Hello Rachel!" Hahaha....oh how awkward. Oh well....I'm used to that. :) My companion corrected her on my first name. Awkward! Oh well. We had a good chat. She and her husband are going on a mission to Cambodia and they leave in a week. She told me that about 6 months ago, they got back from living in Saudi Arabia....for the church....on like some sort of secret mission of sorts. I always knew she worked for the CIA! That woman is insane! Oh my gosh, it made my evening!

 

My goodness, why do I type so slow! I'm out of time! Ugh....I have so much I'd like to say in this email, but it will have to wait for a letter in a few minutes.

 

I have learned that God loves me so much and that he gives us weaknesses so we can humble ourselves.

 

I've learned how crucial the Spirit is as we teach others and invite them to come closer to Christ.

 

I have always loved the Book of Mormon, but I love it more than ever now! It is a powerful tool, a source of truth, a road map that helps us know how to live, and is teaching me so much about how to be a powerful missionary. I love the sons of Mosiah! I've read many of those chapters several times over the last week as I try to pin point what areas I need to improve. My goal this week is to have more faith! I love Alma 32, Moroni 7, and Ether 12!

 

Scripture of the week: Ether 12:27 - (paraphrasing) give unto men weakness that they may be humble....

 

I am a weak teacher! And one by one, heavenly father is showing me my weaknesses! And they are getting stronger! I know it!

 

I love you all! I've gotta go!

 

Love,

Sister Rebecca Donaldson

 

PS.....you all need to write me more letters. Yes! Even you!

Sister Donaldson entering the MTC on 2/15/12

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