Week One - Life in the MTC

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

HEY EVERYBODY--

I'd like to start off by telling you how much I love and appreciate you. I feel your prayers and they mean so much. Although saying goodbye was hard and I miss you everyday I have really come to enjoy my time here. The food may be gross and I may have to wake up at the worst time ever but the spirit is undeniable. I have never felt so blessed and guided by our Heavenly Father. Along with working my tail off I am also having a great time with my district. They are absolutely hilarious. My companion is the sweetest thing and I'm so excited to travel to Kennewick with her. 

Every day we wake up, pray, study, pray, go to class, pray, teach investigators, pray, eat weird food, pray, teach again, pray, go to class, pray, and study so more. Im honestly emotionally exhausted every day even though we hardly move. My teachers here are incredible. Brother Barton looks like Agent Cody Banks and he is one of the best teachers ive ever had. He has honestly taught me SO much and has really impressed the importance of our calling. He has made me trust my savior and open my mouth to really be an instrument in his hands. SIster Gibson is also amazing and teaches me how to keep Christ as a focus in our minds and to treat everyone as an equal recipient of Christs atonement.

Wearing the name of Christ over your hear is SO WONDERFUL. Being a set apart representative of him and truly bringing others to know of his love is the best thing ive ever done. You feel such a confidence from him and a trust that can only come from studying and praying your hardest. 

You know how I had been struggling with speaking? Wow, does the Lord care what you are going through. It all happens through the spirit of the Holy ghost. In lessons it is as if there is a teleprompter in my mind telling me exactly what to say and when to say it. It is the most incredible thing ive ever experienced. As we truly come unto Christ and accept his doctrine and his teaching he will put HIS TRUST IN US. can you believe that? My savior trusting someone like me to study, pray and teach for and to one of his most beloved brother or sister? My mind is blown. I encourage you all to study his words, they are true and specific to us. Also as we strive to treat everyone we meet as an equal recipient of Christ's atonement, our ENTIRE point of view changes.

Anyway. I've learned more than I could have ever imagined and it is just the beginning. I've waited all week for this P day and was so excited to talk to you. DEAR ELDERS ARE WONDERFUL. I get them the day that you send them and they make me so happy. At least here in the MTC. In Kennewick itll be better to just email and send letters. I couldn't be more excited to start. Dont worry my entire district thinks I'm crazy and I definitely have loved getting to know them. I appreciate all the love/1

BOYS:
Jacob, I love you so much and Im so proud of you for getting the honor roll at school!! 

Daniel, I bet you are so glad to be out of school, take care of lilly for me and giver her lots of love

Christopher, I loved getting your letter, It was something I needed to hear and I am continually grateful for your example. 

Mom and dad I love you with all my heart and cannot thank you enough for the examples you have been to me. I wont stop talking about you guys to my district and they all are annoyed with me for it. I cannot wait to hear more from you. I will send some pictures so you can see what had made me so happy here

You all are continuously in my prayers and missionary prayers are worth SO MUCH ...I promise. 

I love you so much, 

Sister Madeline Whetten