Day One in the MTC….as relayed to Dad!

Here are excerpts from Anne's first letter home that she wrote at the end of her first day in the MTC!

My first letter home!!! Oh, man, I don't even know where to start.   Today was my first day in the MTC.   It was CRAY CRAY!!!!   I'll do a bullet point list:
1.   The MTC food is NOT as great as everyone says!   But, I shouldn't complain.   I know I'll come to love it in the future, cause it's my food source and all.  But I just wasn't impressed…  (I think Anne was setting up a subtle request for cookies, brownies and rice crispy treats!).
2.  My estimated departure date from the MTC is 4 December 2012…. (I think she was giving us the timelines for sending goodies!).
3.  My companion is (drumroll)  Sister Hills from (bigger drumroll) CANADA!!!!   How cool is that?!!
4.  My P-Days (Preparation Days) are on Tuesdays while at the MTC.   (This is the only day Anne will be able to send or answer e-mails.   The only get about 30 minutes of computer time each week, so while I suspect Anne will answer every e-mail, there may be a bit of a lag time in her response.)
5.  I don't want to be a wish list missionary.  I really don't.   But, it would be so handy if you could send….  (we're still smiling!) a plastic water bottle so I can stay hydrated!!!   (It went in the priority mail today!).
6.  Light out in 3 minutes!   Dang!  (Missionary cursing, I believe!) I'll have to write more tomorrow! 

First Day in one word:   OVERWHELMING!!!   

It wasn't until her second letter home that Anne told us that on her very first day in the MTC, she was asked to give the closing prayer at the New-Missionary meeting with over 650 people in attendance.   In her words…"It was intimidating!"   Way to go Anne!

By day 2 things were looking up!

Day 2 has been better!   I have a feeling it will only get better and better day by (grueling) day!  I mean, let's just be real for a second, they are not lying … THIS IS THE HARDEST THING I'VE EVER HAD TO DO! 

Day two in one word:  Determined.  Tired.  Excited.  Eager.   Nervous.  Developing.  Changing.  HUMBLING! 

I wish I could just write and tell you everything I'm experiencing.  All the feelings of my heart, my struggles, fears, hopes and testimony…but there is literally not enough time in the day.   They keep us jam-packed here!  I know it's all worth it though, because by the end of the next 9 weeks I will be able to hold my head high, a representative of Jesus Christ, a prepared missionary for His church, ready to invite others to come unto Christ and help them accept the Gospel, so that it can change their lives and they can blossom into something they never imagined.   Like I have!