Hello, everyone

Hi Family!!!

Well this week has been wonderful! On Monday we had P-day and then we went to this wonderful Spanish family and we read 1 Nephi chapter 2 with them. Their 11 year old daughter is a member, but the parents can't get married yet due to immigration stuff. But they are such a great family and they love having us come over and read the Book of Mormon with them so they can understand it better.

We have been finding a lot of new investigators. The only problem is trying to retain them. We get in a lot of first lessons, but then when it comes to the second lesson, it seems they either find another church, say they dont want us to come, or just down right ignore us. That's always fun. One of the most important things is to teach people and not lessons, and so we are working very hard to meet peoples needs rather than just teach a lesson. Hopefully that will help us retain them more.

That wonderful family that we met who have the 8 year old who I helped pray for the first time called us and said they found another church. We told them that we still wanted to meet with them though and they were excited about that. Now, if we could just get them to join the true church, that would be great :)

I hope I don't sound like I'm super bummed out or anything. Yes, it is sad that people decide not to have us come over anymore, but things are still going great. In fact, this one guy that we aren't even teaching yet, but have been talking to for like the past month has a car that he can't sell and wants to get rid of. So he called us and asked us if there was anyone in our ward who needed a car and we figured there was, so we called the bishop and he said that he had been praying for this exact thing to happen and he knew exactly who it should go to. We got to tell the people who are going to be getting the car. They were SO excited. It was really fun.

On Wednesday, we had our cleaning day. I spent 7 hours cleaning, and it still wasn't done. We had an entire carful of stuff to take to goodwill and probably that much in supplies to take to the mission office. It felt like Christmas to me to get rid of all that junk though. It was awesome.

We also got to go to the temple on Friday. It was so great. Sister Myers and I did initiatories and then we got to go sit in the Celestial room for like an hour while we waited for everyone else to come out of the session. Then our whole zone got to sit and talk in the Celestial room. It was so awesome. The WQ temple is REALLY pretty.

Well, this week in the TC was really good too. Yesterday was especially good. This family came in. A grandpa, the mom, the dad and their daughter. The mom and the daughter were members. The tour took like 2 hours because the grandpa talked SO MUCH. I don't really know what he was talking about most of the time. He reminded me SO much of Mr. Bean though! hahahaha He kept saying "At any rate" and "That's at a nano-molecular level and I don't want to even get into that" and "Not paranormal but paranatural." It was really funny and weird to me at the same time. Anyways, the Dad is apparently a "dry Mormon." He does everything in the church, even has callings, but just isn't baptized. He said nothing really interested him in the church, and even though he hasn't had a drink in years, he wondered if he wanted one later after he had been baptized. So at the end, we were at the Salt Lake Temple Facade and I asked his wife and daughter what it would mean to them if their family could go there and be sealed. They weren't super vocal about it and so then I told them what it meant to be sealed to my family. I was totally bawling and telling him that it meant the world to me to know that my parents promised to love and honor each other for eternity, that if anything happened we would be sealed and that it made our relationships more important. I told him that even if he didn't find certain aspects of the gospel interesting, that his number one interest should be his wife and daughter. And how he is keeping them from that eternal family. And that they are way more important than having the option to drink in the coming years. I then asked him if he would let me send the missionaries to his house, and he agreed. It was a really cool experience. I was super bold, but the mom and daughter thanked me so much at the end. So, that was awesome.

So, apparently, the sisters have a little saying when they are deciding what to wear in the mornings and it's "what would Sister Proctor wear" hahah. It's so funny. A lot of them come in and raid my closet. I probably would too if I had to come out with the old dress code. Woof.

So, it was winter here for like 3 days. It was freezing cold (only 50 degrees, but it felt FREEZING). And we didn't see the sun at all. I am not super excited for a Nebraska winter. Hopefully I'll be able to get through it haha. But, we decided we are going to need a lot of soup for lunches and dinners. So I would LOVE you to send me some soup recipes. Like Potato Soup, White Bean Chili, that Olive Garden Soup, some easy Chicken Enchilada soup, and whatever other ones you can think of. Writing all those down just made me really hungry.

Anyway, that's awesome that Reeve is in Chicago! I wonder how long he will be there!? That's so cool. Also, I can't believe that Jared's farewell is this Sunday! That is so exciting! I know that his talk is in outline form, but even just those would be really cool. Also, I want a TON of pictures of his farewell and the MTC. ALSOOOO, I can't believe the bike is finished!!! That is so sweet!!! What is going to happen to it while he is gone? I never got a picture of the playhouse being done... that could be cool.

So the pics I sent were of me like 10 minutes ago, the GORGEOUS sunrise this morning (the pic doesn't do it justice), my belly button :) hahah I wouldn't hate it if that didn't get forwarded on to anyone else :), and me and my roommates on Sister Hawkes' birthday. We got up at like 5 and decorated our whole apartment. It was a lot of fun.

So, I cancelled the surgery. So that's nice. Hopefully I won't have to worry about it until I get home. I was looking forward to getting to sleep in during recovery time though... hahah oh well.

We are going to go to the zoo next p-day with our district. I am so stinking excited. Apparently it's way better than the Hogle Zoo (who knew?!) hahaha. Also, I figured out why I got sent to Nebraska... do you remember the Ghost of the Bayou that was at the Hogle Zoo and I wanted to see it SOOO bad, but I missed it? Well, it is at this ZOO!!!! I was so excited when I found that out! Hahaha, obviously I know that's not why I was called here, but it's an added bonus :)

Dad, how did you get the exact address of where I live?

Also, just so you know, I print out all of the emails since I'm at the Trail Center. So if you feel bad because you didn't write me a hand written letter, and then you decide not to email me because it will take up partof my hour, worry no longer. haha. I love me some hand written letters, but if you can't, then you can email me and I will print it out.

I can't believe Jared is going into the MTC next week! That is so exciting. Just know that the first night and first morning is not how it is always going to be. It gets way better. And on Wednesdays and Sundays they have an icecream bar. But on Sunday, they have all these yummy toppings. Get there early if you can. Join the choir, because then you are guaranteed seats. My next P-day is on Wednesday because of transfers, just FBI.

Thank you Casey and Michelle for sending me the recipe! I knew I could count on you :)

Well, my hour is pretty much up. I love you all so much and I wish I could be there to drop off Jared at the MTC. However, I'm glad that now I'll get a letter from him every week :) Please make sure that his weekly email or any hand written letters are also forwarded to me. I am so excited. The MTC is the best place. I wish they had an EFY thing, but just let you go to the MTC. You learn so much there. Anyway, I love you all and I am so grateful for everything you all do and all of the love and support I feel from you every single day. Please continue to send me that love and support by sending me that package ;) I think Sis. Hawkes might get sick of me using her blow dryer every morning. haha.

I love you all very much and I miss you! Have a great week and I can't wait to hear from you!

Love,

Marf

Well, Dwight Has a Big Personality and I Have a Big Personality

Well, it all my fault, I didn't see anyone reading this so I stopped the updates.  Appearantly I was wrong. This letter is from 8-23-2011
Hello!

Well, I am in Nebraska now! I don't know who said Nebraska was a flat state full of corn fields... maybe it is when all you do is drive through it, but it is BEAUTIFUL here! There are a bunch of rolling hills with trees EVERYWHERE! I cannot wait for fall! It's pretty humid, but it hasn't been super hot yet.

We got here on Tuesday and we went to the Mission Office where we had to watch some safety driving thing for when we actually get to drive the cars (our trainers do). Then we had our interviews with President Kunz, who is SO great! Then we just got all the logistics figured out and rules and what not. Then we went to the mission home and had the lasagna and the best parmesan french bread in my LIFE! It was so stinking good. Sister Kunz is such a good cook. Especially when you have been eating cafeteria food for a whole month. Then our assistants did some training and we did some role play. Then we headed to one of the Senior Sisters house and slept there. Her name is Sister Taylor and she is the cutest sweetest person ever. Everyone says she makes you REALLY miss your grandma, which is super true. hahaa. The next day we went and got a tour at the Trail Center, went to the temple grounds, the cemetary and then to the bronze statues that Blair Buswell did. It was super cool. Then they through us all out with some missionaries that have been here longer and we went finding. It was so fun and so crazy! I was really sad when we were done because I was so excited that the people we talked to wanted to talk to us and I just loved them so much and the area and the companion I was with, I was sad that I wasn't going to be able to follow up with them. Then we went back to the mission home and we had dinner with Elder and Sister Watson (the Trail Center Directors) and a stake President. Then we had a testimony meeting and then we got our first assignment. Everyone had to go to the front of the room and read it out loud. I was the very last person. I got assigned to the exact area I was in earlier that day!!! President knew I would be so excited and so he saved me for the end! It was funny because he was excited to see me excited. It's like Christmas day when you get your assignments hahaha. So I am serving in the Millard area and Sister Myers is my trainer. I will send some pics in snail mail, but I learned today that since we do our emails in the TC we can just put them on the comp and send them in our emails! Which will be so so so nice!

On Thursday, we started out at the transfer point, then we went to our area where we had the longest planning session of my life. Which will occur every week. woof. It will be a lot better when I actually know the people that we are talking about. Then we went around and talked with people and I met a family that they have been teaching. They are the cutest. It's a mom and her 2 little girls, one 6 and one 4. They are super cute and I love them! The mom is wanting to get baptized, but she is living with her boyfriend so we have to get that all cleared up beforehand. Anyways, after that was over, there was a HUGE HUGE lightning storm. It was crazy! I could not have lived here when I was little. There is not a thick enough blanket that I could have wrapped around my head. It was crazy driving home. There were trees that were completely fallen over and on the streets and in some areas (not where we were) there was hail the size of baseballs that dented a lot of the mission cars (we drive a 2011 toyota corolla btw. It's awesome). Then we got home and the power was out. So I got to unpack in the dark. That was a bundle of joy.

The next day was Friday and we were in the Trail Center and I was able to go with my companion for 2 tours and then after that I was on my own. It's an amazing place here! I totally love it. I'm so glad that I get to be in the Trail Center, because I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of tracting. And if I had to do that all day everyday I might go crazy. Although, it could happen, so I should probably bite my tongue. Anyway, on Friday night, we went back to that family and I set her for baptism on the 24th. When you have a baptismal date you get to call the President and he will sing you a song. He was really excited, and we are too. So hopefully everything works out and she can get married and baptized by the 24th. She said in the closing prayer to please help her to get married and baptized by the 24th, so I think that's a good sign.

On Saturday, we had trail center training. It was SOOOOO nice to finally get a little bit trained. It is going to be so much fun here. Plus they do that training every Saturday so it's super nice that we get to see all of the sisters once a week. I love it. Then we were on for the 3-9 shift. In Omaha they are going to do a mormon.org media blitz. They have been doing it in a lot of the big cities and have found it to be extremely successful. I heard it doubled baptisms in new york. Anyway, the 2 general authorities who are over that came to the trail center for a tour. They are also in charge of preach my gospel. Anyway, my companion gave them a tour and asked if I could come and help! So on my second shift I helped give a tour to 2 GA's! It was awesome. I was able to bear my testimony to them in our Memorial Room. Which Isaac and Taniel can tell you about. it's the best place here and it's so sacred. Anyway, that was one awesome experience.

I also gave a tour to Josh Krogue, this boy I had a crush on in the 7th grade, and his wife. It was so crazy when he walked in. It's been a lot of fun working here and I can't wait to learn more about the pioneers and why they did what they did. If you have any Pioneer stories of our ancestors, I would VERY much appreciate them. One of the Senior Elders here is a crazy Geneology man. He is helping me find some too. So that's good.

So now, we have an hour for emails, which is a lot less stressful!!! I like it a lot. Oh, just so you know, there is going to be a quilt show in the TC basement in September. If you go to wqquiltshow or something then you can find it. You can even submit one of your quilts! I think it would be AWESOME if you sent out your faith in every footstep quilt, Mom. People would loooooove it here. I would take really good care of it, and then ship it back to you. Just on option. Look it up and let me know.

It sounds like you all had a bunch of fun at Island Park!!! That's so great! I don't get why Dad was nervous about the canoe tipping? Oh well. Has school started yet? Is Jared all ready to leave yet? One more month!!! That's crazy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them and I will answer you.

The Senior Couples who serve here are the best! I love them. We are all just one big family. We always tell each other we love each other and it's really cool.

I participated in my first Trail Center Run yesterday. Every transfer, they run a 5K. most of the sisters only run a mile though, because we get started later and we still want time to shower and stuff. It was fun though. Maybe by the end of the mish I'll be able to run the whole thing super fast with time to still get ready.

On my last day in the MTC The Sudweeks sent me some brownies!!! It was the best! All my friends from the floor came and we celebrated our last night there by eating those brownies. They were DELISH! Claudia also sent me a letter, that was really really nice. Yesterday, I got a letter from the Fowlers in your ward. I haven't ever met them, but they just thanked me for my farewell talk and for my testimony. It was so nice of them.

Well, I don't really know what else to write. A whole lot has been happening, and I'm busy all the time, and I can't remember half of it now. The TC has motion sensored lights, so when I am taking people on tours, the lights turn on as I walk. It's like an art gallery, so they are accent lights. It's really cool. haha. I don't know why I like that so much.

OH yeah!!! Thank you for the package!! It was so nice to get all that stuff... If you are wanting to send me another package (hint hint ;) ) Then I could use all of the cardigans that I have downstairs (except the short ones). In the TC we have to always wear a cardigan or a jacket. So that would be nice. Also, there was a change AGAIN in the dress code and I can have my pretty coats too. Mostly just that red black plaid one and the black and white plaid one. But I won't need those super soon. But I wouldn't hate getting them... and any other super cute clothes or skirts you want to throw in hahah. It's only been 5 weeks and I'm already sick of my clothes. That's a bad sign. We are headed to Plato's closet today to hopefully find something cute and cheap. I already feel like my sense of style is out the window. Suddenly all I want to wear are clothes from DI. That's bad.

Anyway, I love it here and I am so glad that I am finally here!! It's so beautiful and I am having a great time. I want you all to know how much I love you and miss you. I can't wait to hear what Casey and Laralee are having! That will be so fun! Don't have too much fun partying as you get ready to send Jared off, because I don't want to miss anything good ;) Just keep going with the camping/outdoorsy stuff and we should be OK. hahahaha. P.S. If you could make sure there is 150 in my checking account at all times, that would be nice. Just let me know if the funds start to get low.

I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. I love the people of Nebraska. I love my Savior. I had a realization the other day that the Pioneers knew and loved their Savior too. It wasn't just Joseph Smith and having the "restored gospel." Having the gospel meant they knew Jesus Christ and they were able to access the Atonement. That is so powerful. That's what got them through EVERYTHING that they went through. And none of us are walking across Iowa in the mud for 4 months, but we can use that exact same Atonement to help us get through our hard times. This gospel is true and it is perfect, because it was organized by a perfect Heavenly Father who loves every single one of us, PERFECTLY. I love it.

I love all of you and I miss you! Please write me back lots!!!

Love you,
Martha

Another letter from 9-6-2011
Hi Family,

First things first. Yes, I have a hernia. I appreciate all of your prayers and concern. But from the sound of your letters, it sounds like Sister Kunz didn't tell you that it's TINY. My belly button is just a little bit bigger than it normally was. I don't think it's super noticable. But for some reason, I play with my belly button a lot. hahahahah. This has been the most awkward thing to tell people. Because they ask me when it happened and if I think I've had it for a long time. and I have to be like "Oh no, I KNOW my belly button." Bahhh aha. It's super awkward. Anyway... I am going to find a surgeon covered by Beechstreet today and set up a consult with him. I'm not super worried about it. It doesn't hurt, it just feels a little bit sore sometimes and I can't lift, pull or do sit ups. So that's annoying. But the surgery/recovery shouldn't be too bad. On to bigger and better things...

First of all, Joe, Laurie's nephew, is in my area! His wife referred herself at the Trail Center! That was crazy when we made that connection. Anyway, we will be visiting them in the near future.

Have you all made mormon.org profiles? I want to see them. Send me your link :)

Mom or Laura if you are planning on sending out packages anytime soon then I would LOVE my Womens Chorus CDs. there are 2 sets, with 2 CDs each. They are by my DVDs in my room. Also, if Jake isn't using the Denise Austen yoga VHS, we would love it here. We work out in the TC sometimes. Especially now that its getting cold. He can keep the DVD, we can just use the VHS. Also, if Jake and Laralee could send me that tiny picture of me and Brooklyn and Hannah for the locket, that would be fun :)

So, Nebraska is super great. There are a TON of bugs. A bunch of the sisters have chigger bites. Chiggers are so gross. I have yet to have any bug bites. But they are like microscopic ticks that burrow in your skin and suck your blood. It grosses me out big time. I'm hoping to avoid them for as long as possible.

It's starting it get chilly here. They have a real fall. It's awesome! I'm so excited for it! Especially with all of the beautiful trees here. I saw my first corn field like last week. It was a lot of fun.

So things are going well with the people we are teaching. We had another one of those experiences where we were walking down some apartment stairs and we saw this family of four and asked them about their beliefs and then they invited us in right there to teach them! It was awesome! I love when that happens. Miracles! They are really great and were so open to learning and we left them a BOM and they are reading it and we will see them this Saturday. So that's really fun!

So, I was in the TC all day yesterday. It was crazy how many people came in. A lot of them weren't members. Apparently there is geocache here, and once you get here, it's like a puzzle thing you have to complete with clues, so that was fun, I got to help someone do that. Then I gave a tour to this baptist lady. She is VERY baptist. She had so many questions, and sort of wanted to Bible bash with me, but I just kept my cool (as much as I could). She asked me if I had ever read the Bible straight through, and I told her no. She then asked me to read it and I said I would if she would read the Book of Mormon :) She took one and promised to read it. and in the end I asked if she wanted to refer herself and talk to missionaries, and she said she only wanted to talk to me. So we exchanged addresses and I will be writing her. So we'll see how that goes. It was a good experience, but crazy at the same time.

My P-day next week will be on Monday. Just FBI.

Also, where is Reeve? Did he get his Visa?

Mom, yes I wanted Alma 26:16. Perf. When is Jared's farewell? I can't believe he is leaving so soon! That makes me so stinking excited!

So, one of the Senior Elders here is a family history CHAMP and he does a chart thing for us from the info he downloads off of family search. Then he finds the people that we are related to that are buried here. There are 7 Utleys that were buried here and one Grant. Anyway, the chart he printed off was HUGE. It went from where we have the Nauvoo temple facade all the way out the door. It's the longest one he has ever printed off. He said that there must be a lot of people doing family history in our fam. Hahaha, I was like "if you only knew!" It was crazy! I'm pretty sure that he will send you a copy of it, as well as a copy of all the peoples stories that we have here. So that will be fun.

So I had this apostrophe (epiphany) in the TC the other day. We always heard that every single thing that goes into a VC is inspired and has to go through the 12. Well, we have a handcart that you can pull across the carpet just for fun. Anyway, on one of the tours I had this 17 year old kid pull the cart and there is 400 lbs in it. His sister asked him if it was hard to pull, and he said something I will never forget. He said "the wheels make it easier." and right then it hit me why they have that handcart there. It is an invitation to repent!! Here's how I figure:

We all have 400 lbs to carry in life. It's hard, but we have to do it. However, the Atonement of Jesus Christ (wheels), makes it a lot easier. He helps us carry the 400 pounds and we don't have to feel the weight or the burden of trying to carry that everywhere.

However, in the handcart demonstration, we also put tiny rocks down in front of the wheels that make it WAY harder to pull the wagon. Those rocks are our sins, or bad attitudes that we are putting down ourselves that make it so we are not taking full advantage of the healing and carrying power of the atonement. So, as I was giving the tour, I told this new epiphany I had and I told them to remove any rocks that they are putting down. If they are feeling the burden of the 400 lbs to get rid of the rocks and allow the Savior to fully carry you. My mind was blown.

Anyway, I invite you all to do the same thing. The Atonement is real. It works. It's so full of love. When we fully access it, and repent of our sins and come unto Jesus Christ, he will carry our burdens. Remove whatever rocks you have put down and come unto Jesus. He is there waiting for you with open arms.

This gospel is AMAZING. I don't know if I ever fully realized just how blessed we are to have been raised in the gospel. To know at a very young age that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. That the Book of Mormon is the Word of God. And that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's true church once again restored to the earth!

Well, I love you all very much. And I miss you lots and lots. But I love hearing from you and I can't wait to get more letters from you , and Michelle's package :)

Love you!

Love,
Marf

9-12-12
Hello Family!

Well, to start off, I just have to tell you that I was so shocked to hear about Brian's Mom. I found out on Thursday night I think and I have just been praying that all of the Jones family can feel peace. That is really hard to go through, but as my mission president told me when he called, it's a great time to reflect and think of the blessing of life. Most importantly, the blessing of knowing what happens after we die. And that Mike and Marci are together FOREVER. What a great promise we each have. In the meantime, I would love it if that was the only call I had to get from my president :) As soon as the phone rings and you see that it's him calling, your stomach drops and it's no fun. So let's let that be the last of any calls my president has to make, deal? Deal.

So, I go in tomorrow to have a consult with the surgeon. I can't believe that I have to do this. I've never had to go to the doctor for anything, and when I do it's always like, "you're just paranoid, get over it." and now it's for real. And I'm seeing a surgeon. Crazy! However, my companion and I joke that maybe they'll just have to remove my belly button and then all of my companions from here on out can talk about how they had a companion without a belly button. Which makes for really cool stories. Hahaha, but like I said it is a TINY hernia. Not that noticeable, so I'm sure they will be able to save my belly button :)

Happy Birthday Jake!!! Tomorrow!!!!

The pictures that I sent were from our P-day last week. My companion took me to this place called Scheels. It's like Cabelas and they have a Ferris Wheel inside! (I don't know why I capitalized ferris wheel, ahhaha) It was awesome. The only funny thing was that Dad had finally explained in his letter that day why he always said "Don't take any wooden nickels" and then the token to get on the ferris wheel was a wooden nickel. Anyways, it was a lot of fun. We went with 2 other sisters and then walked around this mall thing and got ice cream. Also, there were the Kencraft candy canes at Scheels, as you can see in the picture. So that was crazy.

So, there are these bugs called Sacadas? or something like that. They are the weirdest bugs ever. I have only seen one a couple of times, but they are big. They make the weirdest noise. There is a constant siren sound outside when you are by trees that they live in. It's SO LOUD! It's crazy stuff!

So, for the last 4 weeks since I've been here, the members have been providing us dinner. We pass around a meal calendar and they sign up for a night to have us over for dinner. However on Thursday we learned that would be NO MORE. Because prime proselyting time is between 5-9. And we were having dinner from about 5:30-7 sooooo to maximize our time we have stopped eating dinner with members. It's pretty crazy! I'm excited about it though. Plus, they feed you 5 course meals with dessert every night, and so I feel so sick every night from stuffing my face. So I'm really looking forward to eating like a normal person again. Also, this Wednesday, they are making us schedule out 4 hours to de-junk and deep clean our apartments. I have never been happier hahaha. I love cleaning and I have been wanting time to do it in our apartment, but writing letters on P-day is so much more important. But NOW I can do it with my comp and roommates so that will be great! Also, they will be having monthly cleaning inspections. WOO HOOO. I'm probably the most excited about this out of anyone hahah

I still haven't received anyone's mormon.org profiles.... Also I sent that questionnaire thing to you of "how has____ blessed your life" or something like that. If you could send that, that would be great. ALSO, if you want to subscribe me to the Friend and the Ensign, that would be SO sweet! Just have it sent to the mission office and then I will get it. Please Please Please! They would be so helpful in our Effective Member Visits.

Well, we were in the trail center a lot this week and then doing mormon.org visits to prepare the members, so we didn't have a ton of time to teach investigators. But we got 3 new ones yesterday. They are the cutest family. A mom and Dad and 3 kids. One who is almost 9, 6, and 4. They are so great. They don't know anything about any religions, but they believe in God and they want to learn more. They really loved having us there yesterday and we taught them the restoration and how to pray. At the end of the lesson we asked if one of the parents would like to pray and they were too nervous, they said they would next time. Then Sister Myers asked if any of the kids would like to. The 9 year old's hand shot up and said he would pray if I would tell him what to say. It was the SWEETEST thing ever. This darling boy had said his very first prayer to his Father in Heaven and I got to witness it. Such a great experience. His Mom was just about in tears after he finished. They were so excited for us to come back and to come to church with us in 2 weeks (next week is Stake Conference). Anyway, I am excited for them and I am so grateful for that opportunity. Heavenly Father loves us. And He wants to hear from us every single day. He is so ready and willing to let us feel His love if we just pray sincerely to Him. It is a challenge for the new missionaries to spend 30 minutes a day praying during personal study. It's really cool. I feel like my prayers are becoming a lot more heart felt and I realize more that I am speaking to God rather than just spouting out the things I hope would happen. I recommend trying it.

The good news is, they have a Target here. ("that Heaven has a Target!" hahah, I just thought about that). My comp and I went and it was just great. Hey, if anyone comes in contact with a GPS that's like 40 bucks, I would like to buy it. I can send cash your way. But, I'm going crazy here without one. I definitely want one whenever I become the driver. I feel like I am lost almost all of the time and we would be able to save time and be on time if we had one haha.

Thanks for the package Michelle and everyone else who had those story things in it! Oh my gosh. That bear with it's stuffing coming out of the belly button was hilarious. I didn't get it at first. I was like, oh, a crappy bear that's falling apart. And then my companion was asking what I got and I showed her all of the stuff and as I was showing her I caught on that it was a JOKE! hahahah that was really funny. But that story game looks way fun! I was dying about the one with the 11 kids and only 7 of them having torsos, and then the one where a man was sentenced to 2 years for flinging dung covered fly swatters and Rosie the robot from the Jetsons. hahahahahha. So good.

So, one of the Elders from my district in the MTC would like my weekly emails forwarded to him, so if you could do that, his email is nathan.epstein@myldsmail.net. Tell him that he can email me, but I can't email him and we should be good to go. Thanks. He probably won't get half of the things that I say in here since they are all inside jokes, but still, it will be fun to hear from him.

Well, I can't think of anything too crazy that has gone on. I told you earlier that we drive a 2011 Toyota Camry, but we switch cars all the time. Mostly we drive a 2010 Chevy Malibu. I really like nice cars. I love that we get to drive them everywhere :) OH MY GOSH. I can't believe that Butch is not working right!!!!! Poor Melodie. Everything I sell her turns to crap as soon as I sell it to her. OH man. I hope they can get that figured out in time and it won't be too expensive!!

I still haven't heard when Jared's farewell is??? I would really like to get a copy of his talk. Also, I don't know where Reeve is now. Come on! I ask all these questions and nothing! ahhaha jk. I understand that it has been a crazy week. I'm glad everything went OK with Mom at the Dr... Sister Kunz said after I'm out of surgery she will spend the day taking care of me. That's reason enough to get surgery hahahah. She is so great and it will be like having a Mom again for a day!

Well family, I love you all SOOOO much! I almost tear up every time someone asks me why I came on a mission. I tell them that my family was so strong and so happy and so close, I wanted everyone to have a chance to have a family like ours. I know that we have our problems, just like every family does, but we have been and can be healed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And we are blessed to know that.

Well, I can't think of anything more to say, so I hope you all have a wonderful week and I look forward to hearing from you soon! My P-day next week is on Tuesday. I'm almost done with my first transfer. CRAZY. Anyway, I love you all very much and I miss you!

Love,

Marf

Another Week

Hi Family!!!

Well this week has been wonderful! On Monday we had P-day and then we went to this wonderful Spanish family and we read 1 Nephi chapter 2 with them. Their 11 year old daughter is a member, but the parents can't get married yet due to immigration stuff. But they are such a great family and they love having us come over and read the Book of Mormon with them so they can understand it better.

We have been finding a lot of new investigators. The only problem is trying to retain them. We get in a lot of first lessons, but then when it comes to the second lesson, it seems they either find another church, say they dont want us to come, or just down right ignore us. That's always fun.

One of the most important things is to teach people and not lessons, and so we are working very hard to meet peoples needs rather than just teach a lesson. Hopefully that will help us retain them more.

That wonderful family that we met who have the 8 year old who I helped pray for the first time called us and said they found another church. We told them that we still wanted to meet with them though and they were excited about that. Now, if we could just get them to join the true church, that would be great :)

I hope I don't sound like I'm super bummed out or anything. Yes, it is sad that people decide not to have us come over anymore, but things are still going great. In fact, this one guy that we aren't even teaching yet, but have been talking to for like the past month has a car that he can't sell and wants to get rid of. So he called us and asked us if there was anyone in our ward who needed a car and we figured there was, so we called the bishop and he said that he had been praying for this exact thing to happen and he knew exactly who it should go to. We got to tell the people who are going to be getting the car. They were SO excited. It was really fun.

On Wednesday, we had our cleaning day. I spent 7 hours cleaning, and it still wasn't done. We had an entire carful of stuff to take to goodwill and probably that much in supplies to take to the mission office. It felt like Christmas to me to get rid of all that junk though. It was awesome.

We also got to go to the temple on Friday. It was so great. Sister Myers and I did initiatories and then we got to go sit in the Celestial room for like an hour while we waited for everyone else to come out of the session. Then our whole zone got to sit and talk in the Celestial room. It was so awesome. The WQ temple is REALLY pretty.

Well, this week in the TC was really good too. Yesterday was especially good. This family came in. A grandpa, the mom, the dad and their daughter. The mom and the daughter were members. The tour took like 2 hours because the grandpa talked SO MUCH. I don't really know what he was talking about most of the time. He reminded me SO much of Mr. Bean though! hahahaha He kept saying "At any rate" and "That's at a nano-molecular level and I don't want to even get into that" and "Not paranormal but paranatural." It was really funny and weird to me at the same time. Anyways, the Dad is apparently a "dry Mormon." He does everything in the church, even has callings, but just isn't baptized. He said nothing really interested him in the church, and even though he hasn't had a drink in years, he wondered if he wanted one later after he had been baptized. So at the end, we were at the Salt Lake Temple Facade and I asked his wife and daughter what it would mean to them if their family could go there and be sealed.

They weren't super vocal about it and so then I told them what it meant to be sealed to my family. I was totally bawling and telling him that it meant the world to me to know that my parents promised to love and honor each other for eternity, that if anything happened we would be sealed and that it made our relationships more important. I told him that even if he didn't find certain aspects of the gospel interesting, that his number one interest should be his wife and daughter. And how he is keeping them from that eternal family. And that they are way more important than having the option to drink in the coming years. I then asked him if he would let me send the missionaries to his house, and he agreed. It was a really cool experience. I was super bold, but the mom and daughter thanked me so much at the end. So, that was awesome.

So, apparently, the sisters have a little saying when they are deciding what to wear in the mornings and it's "what would Sister Proctor wear" hahah. It's so funny. A lot of them come in and raid my closet. I probably would too if I had to come out with the old dress code. Woof.

So, it was winter here for like 3 days. It was freezing cold (only 50 degrees, but it felt FREEZING). And we didn't see the sun at all. I am not super excited for a Nebraska winter. Hopefully I'll be able to get through it haha. But, we decided we are going to need a lot of soup for lunches and dinners. So I would LOVE you to send me some soup recipes. Like Potato Soup, White Bean Chili, that Olive Garden Soup, some easy Chicken Enchilada soup, and whatever other ones you can think of. Writing all those down just made me really hungry.

Anyway, that's awesome that Reeve is in Chicago! I wonder how long he will be there!? That's so cool. Also, I can't believe that Jared's farewell is this Sunday! That is so exciting! I know that his talk is in outline form, but even just those would be really cool. Also, I want a TON of pictures of his farewell and the MTC. ALSOOOO, I can't believe the bike is finished!!! That is so sweet!!! What is going to happen to it while he is gone? I never got a picture of the playhouse being done... that could be cool.

So the pics I sent were of me like 10 minutes ago, the GORGEOUS sunrise this morning (the pic doesn't do it justice), my belly button :) hahah I wouldn't hate it if that didn't get forwarded on to anyone else :), and me and my roommates on Sister Hawkes' birthday. We got up at like 5 and decorated our whole apartment. It was a lot of fun.

So, I cancelled the surgery. So that's nice. Hopefully I won't have to worry about it until I get home. I was looking forward to getting to sleep in during recovery time though... hahah oh well.

We are going to go to the zoo next p-day with our district. I am so stinking excited. Apparently it's way better than the Hogle Zoo (who knew?!) hahaha. Also, I figured out why I got sent to Nebraska... do you remember the Ghost of the Bayou that was at the Hogle Zoo and I wanted to see it SOOO bad, but I missed it? Well, it is at this ZOO!!!! I was so excited when I found that out! Hahaha, obviously I know that's not why I was called here, but it's an added bonus :)

Dad, how did you get the exact address of where I live?

Also, just so you know, I print out all of the emails since I'm at the Trail Center. So if you feel bad because you didn't write me a hand written letter, and then you decide not to email me because it will take up partof my hour, worry no longer. haha. I love me some hand written letters, but if you can't, then you can email me and I will print it out.

I can't believe Jared is going into the MTC next week! That is so exciting. Just know that the first night and first morning is not how it is always going to be. It gets way better. And on Wednesdays and Sundays they have an icecream bar. But on Sunday, they have all these yummy toppings. Get there early if you can. Join the choir, because then you are guaranteed seats. My next P-day is on Wednesday because of transfers, just FBI.

Thank you Casey and Michelle for sending me the recipe! I knew I could count on you :)

Well, my hour is pretty much up. I love you all so much and I wish I could be there to drop off Jared at the MTC. However, I'm glad that now I'll get a letter from him every week :) Please make sure that his weekly email or any hand written letters are also forwarded to me. I am so excited. The MTC is the best place. I wish they had an EFY thing, but just let you go to the MTC. You learn so much there. Anyway, I love you all and I am so grateful for everything you all do and all of the love and support I feel from you every single day. Please continue to send me that love and support by sending me that package ;) I think Sis. Hawkes might get sick of me using her blow dryer every morning. haha.

I love you all very much and I miss you! Have a great week and I can't wait to hear from you!

Love,

Marf

Greetings Earthlings

Hello!

Well, I am in Nebraska now! I don't know who said Nebraska was a flat state full of corn fields... maybe it is when all you do is drive through it, but it is BEAUTIFUL here! There are a bunch of rolling hills with trees EVERYWHERE! I cannot wait for fall! It's pretty humid, but it hasn't been super hot yet.

We got here on Tuesday and we went to the Mission Office where we had to watch some safety driving thing for when we actually get to drive the cars (our trainers do). Then we had our interviews with President Kunz, who is SO great! Then we just got all the logistics figured out and rules and what not. Then we went to the mission home and had the lasagna and the best parmesan french bread in my LIFE! It was so stinking good. Sister Kunz is such a good cook. Especially when you have been eating cafeteria food for a whole month. Then our assistants did some training and we did some role play. Then we headed to one of the Senior Sisters house and slept there. Her name is Sister Taylor and she is the cutest sweetest person ever. Everyone says she makes you REALLY miss your grandma, which is super true. hahaa. The next day we went and got a tour at the Trail Center, went to the temple grounds, the cemetary and then to the bronze statues that Blair Buswell did. It was super cool. Then they through us all out with some missionaries that have been here longer and we went finding. It was so fun and so crazy!

I was really sad when we were done because I was so excited that the people we talked to wanted to talk to us and I just loved them so much and the area and the companion I was with, I was sad that I wasn't going to be able to follow up with them. Then we went back to the mission home and we had dinner with Elder and Sister Watson (the Trail Center Directors) and a stake President. Then we had a testimony meeting and then we got our first assignment. Everyone had to go to the front of the room and read it out loud. I was the very last person. I got assigned to the exact area I was in earlier that day!!! President knew I would be so excited and so he saved me for the end! It was funny because he was excited to see me excited. It's like Christmas day when you get your assignments hahaha. So I am serving in the Millard area and Sister Myers is my trainer. I will send some pics in snail mail, but I learned today that since we do our emails in the TC we can just put them on the comp and send them in our emails! Which will be so so so nice!

On Thursday, we started out at the transfer point, then we went to our area where we had the longest planning session of my life. Which will occur every week. woof. It will be a lot better when I actually know the people that we are talking about. Then we went around and talked with people and I met a family that they have been teaching. They are the cutest. It's a mom and her 2 little girls, one 6 and one 4. They are super cute and I love them! The mom is wanting to get baptized, but she is living with her boyfriend so we have to get that all cleared up beforehand. Anyways, after that was over, there was a HUGE HUGE lightning storm. It was crazy! I could not have lived here when I was little. There is not a thick enough blanket that I could have wrapped around my head. It was crazy driving home. There were trees that were completely fallen over and on the streets and in some areas (not where we were) there was hail the size of baseballs that dented a lot of the mission cars (we drive a 2011 toyota corolla btw. It's awesome). Then we got home and the power was out. So I got to unpack in the dark. That was a bundle of joy.

The next day was Friday and we were in the Trail Center and I was able to go with my companion for 2 tours and then after that I was on my own. It's an amazing place here! I totally love it. I'm so glad that I get to be in the Trail Center, because I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of tracting. And if I had to do that all day everyday I might go crazy. Although, it could happen, so I should probably bite my tongue. Anyway, on Friday night, we went back to that family and I set her for baptism on the 24th. When you have a baptismal date you get to call the President and he will sing you a song. He was really excited, and we are too. So hopefully everything works out and she can get married and baptized by the 24th. She said in the closing prayer to please help her to get married and baptized by the 24th, so I think that's a good sign.

On Saturday, we had trail center training. It was SOOOOO nice to finally get a little bit trained. It is going to be so much fun here. Plus they do that training every Saturday so it's super nice that we get to see all of the sisters once a week. I love it. Then we were on for the 3-9 shift. In Omaha they are going to do a mormon.org media blitz. They have been doing it in a lot of the big cities and have found it to be extremely successful. I heard it doubled baptisms in new york. Anyway, the 2 general authorities who are over that came to the trail center for a tour. They are also in charge of preach my gospel. Anyway, my companion gave them a tour and asked if I could come and help! So on my second shift I helped give a tour to 2 GA's! It was awesome. I was able to bear my testimony to them in our Memorial Room. Which Isaac and Taniel can tell you about. it's the best place here and it's so sacred. Anyway, that was one awesome experience.

I also gave a tour to Josh Krogue, this boy I had a crush on in the 7th grade, and his wife. It was so crazy when he walked in. It's been a lot of fun working here and I can't wait to learn more about the pioneers and why they did what they did. If you have any Pioneer stories of our ancestors, I would VERY much appreciate them. One of the Senior Elders here is a crazy Geneology man. He is helping me find some too. So that's good.

So now, we have an hour for emails, which is a lot less stressful!!! I like it a lot. Oh, just so you know, there is going to be a quilt show in the TC basement in September. If you go to wqquiltshow or something then you can find it. You can even submit one of your quilts! I think it would be AWESOME if you sent out your faith in every footstep quilt, Mom. People would loooooove it here. I would take really good care of it, and then ship it back to you. Just on option. Look it up and let me know.

It sounds like you all had a bunch of fun at Island Park!!! That's so great! I don't get why Dad was nervous about the canoe tipping? Oh well. Has school started yet? Is Jared all ready to leave yet? One more month!!! That's crazy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them and I will answer you.

The Senior Couples who serve here are the best! I love them. We are all just one big family. We always tell each other we love each other and it's really cool.

I participated in my first Trail Center Run yesterday. Every transfer, they run a 5K. most of the sisters only run a mile though, because we get started later and we still want time to shower and stuff. It was fun though. Maybe by the end of the mish I'll be able to run the whole thing super fast with time to still get ready.

On my last day in the MTC The Sudweeks sent me some brownies!!! It was the best! All my friends from the floor came and we celebrated our last night there by eating those brownies. They were DELISH! Claudia also sent me a letter, that was really really nice. Yesterday, I got a letter from the Fowlers in your ward. I haven't ever met them, but they just thanked me for my farewell talk and for my testimony. It was so nice of them.

Well, I don't really know what else to write. A whole lot has been happening, and I'm busy all the time, and I can't remember half of it now. The TC has motion sensored lights, so when I am taking people on tours, the lights turn on as I walk. It's like an art gallery, so they are accent lights. It's really cool. haha. I don't know why I like that so much.

OH yeah!!! Thank you for the package!! It was so nice to get all that stuff... If you are wanting to send me another package (hint hint ;) ) Then I could use all of the cardigans that I have downstairs (except the short ones). In the TC we have to always wear a cardigan or a jacket. So that would be nice. Also, there was a change AGAIN in the dress code and I can have my pretty coats too. Mostly just that red black plaid one and the black and white plaid one. But I won't need those super soon. But I wouldn't hate getting them... and any other super cute clothes or skirts you want to throw in hahah. It's only been 5 weeks and I'm already sick of my clothes. That's a bad sign. We are headed to Plato's closet today to hopefully find something cute and cheap. I already feel like my sense of style is out the window. Suddenly all I want to wear are clothes from DI. That's bad.

Anyway, I love it here and I am so glad that I am finally here!! It's so beautiful and I am having a great time. I want you all to know how much I love you and miss you. I can't wait to hear what Casey and Laralee are having! That will be so fun! Don't have too much fun partying as you get ready to send Jared off, because I don't want to miss anything good ;) Just keep going with the camping/outdoorsy stuff and we should be OK. hahahaha. P.S. If you could make sure there is 150 in my checking account at all times, that would be nice. Just let me know if the funds start to get low.

I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. I love the people of Nebraska. I love my Savior. I had a realization the other day that the Pioneers knew and loved their Savior too. It wasn't just Joseph Smith and having the "restored gospel." Having the gospel meant they knew Jesus Christ and they were able to access the Atonement. That is so powerful. That's what got them through EVERYTHING that they went through. And none of us are walking across Iowa in the mud for 4 months, but we can use that exact same Atonement to help us get through our hard times. This gospel is true and it is perfect, because it was organized by a perfect Heavenly Father who loves every single one of us, PERFECTLY. I love it.

I love all of you and I miss you! Please write me back lots!!!

Love you,
Martha

Hi Family!

Thanks for all of your letters! I didn't get as many emails this week, maybe you forgot my P-day would be switched to Friday since I am in the Visitor Center training now. Anywho...

I did not win the most dear elders on a Saturday contest. For some reason Dear Elder hates me, and I don't always get them the day they are sent. I got all of the ones you sent on Saturday on Monday night, after the Elders had left, so I couldn't even brag about it hahah.

Laura, how much does my comp owe you for the stuff. Also, a CHI?!!!! Holy crap! That's awesome! I'm a little bit jealous. Thanks for th muddy buddies, they were exactly what we needed haha

Happy Birthday Jared!!!! And Casey tomorrow!!!

It sounds like Katie's birthday was a lot of fun! I wish I could see a video of all the kids dancing, especially Katie trying to dance in her chair. Hahahaha

I loved the pics from the Highland Fling!!! I'm glad you all got lots of candy. Thank you Michelle for even making sure I got some of that candy in that package haha Michelle, can you make sure that I have at least 150 in my checking account? I want to make sure I have enough money for the airport. Thanks!

Let me know in a dear elder what number to call on Tuesday morning. If it was possible for me to talk to the grandkids, that would be really cool! It would be easiest if you were all in one spot... Again, It iwll be Tuesday morniing between 8 and 930 ish. Sorry that's so broad.

So this last week has been great. Since the Elders left Monday morning, and VC training didn't start until Wednesday, we had our teachers to ourselves. It was AWESOME. Anything we wanted to talk about or learn about or go over they would do it. It was seriously so so so nice. Then on Wednesday we started the training. There are 22 sisters in our class so it's kind of crazy. A bunch of them are going to Temple Square, some to D.C., some to the Mormon Battallion ( they already got their pioneer dresses, I'm so glad that's not my mission), and then of course Winter Quarters. It is so much fun. The first day we just learned how to approach people or welcome them. Then we learned how to most effectively use the referral cards so it isn't so annoying when we ask them to fill it out hahah.

Yesterday we learned more about the Christus statue and how to introduce it. Then we played the recording and asked each other (role playing) what they thought of it. It was a lot of fun. Except I don't think that there is a Christus statue at WQ. Oh well. We got all of the information for what we have to know EXTREMELY well in order to give tours. It's pretty cool stuff and I'm excited to learn more about it.

Then we went around the main building and had to teach people using paintings. It's a lot of fun. It's a lot less pressure, and I feel like all I have to do is testify, so who wouldn't like doing that?! And last night we set up a visitors center and had volunteers come in acting like visitors and we gave them a tour. It was a lot of fun!

I cannot wait for Saturday! I am so excited to go to Temple Square. But the best part is, is that now I get to be a missionary on Temple Square! It's going to be SO SO SO cool! I'm actually really jealous of all the sisters who are going to Temple Square. I secretly wish that I could go there on my mission too, but I'm sure I'll love WQ just as much when I actually see it. Anyway, that will be very exciting.

I am getting along really well with all of the sisters in VC training. We all have so much fun together. Yesterday we all played soccer together. My team did really really bad. But, the one goal that we almost made, was from me, so that's pretty great. I think that tells you how bad we were that I was the one who was closest to making a goal ahhaha.

It is so crazy because we have sisters from Mongolia, Cambodia, Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand and then some from the states. It's so cool to hear their stories. Although sometimes it makes me feel like a selfish brat, because they all came on missions because their families are inactive and they wanted to show them a good example. And I just came because I finally decided to get over myself. haha oh well. Their stories are AMAZING. I love hearing how they got the gospel and what it did for them. It just testifies to me that it is true. I always knew that the gospel touched lives because I saw it around me all the time. But it was always with people in my similiar situations. It's cool to realize that some sweet girl in Mongolia can have her life completely changed because of the gospel. And just knowing that with how different her situation is from mine, the gospel still touches her the exact way it needs to. Goodness gracious, it's so cool! That just testifies even more of how true it is! When we were practicing with each other on how to fill out the referral cards, I was with the sister from the Philippines. She is the cutest, sweetest girl. I love getting to know all of them and the experiences we are having here.

Another fun thing about the VC training is that we have our own special classroom with a keypad to get in and everything. Inside are all of the pamphlets and resources we can use, then a bunch of kiosks where we can watch the videos that they will have at VC and a Christus statue cut-out. I was carrying it across campus yesterday and Reeve saw me. He was like, what the heck are you doing? hahaha Kind of a funny thing to see. Someone just walking around with a bigger than life cut out of Jesus. Too funny. Anyway, it has been a lot of fun.

I can't believe that I will be in Nebraska on Tuesday. Or that it's already been a month. It's crazy how fast, and yet slow at the same time it all goes. I have loved my MTC experience and I'm glad that I am going to WQ. It will be such an amazing experience.

Anyway, how are things going back at home? Did you get the back yard fire pit in yet? I hear you are going to Island Park next weekend! That's awesome! Someone be sure to push Isaac along in the river and then make sure his whole back side gets wet. For me :) Thanks! Hahahah oh man that's funny! Well I hope you all have a fun time!

AAHH I just remembered something. Will you all send me this back? Don't Dear Elder me on Monday, I'm pretty sure I wont' get them. But before then, or just email, or send them to Nebraska.

Anyway here it is:

How has _______________ helped you come unto Christ?

Modern Prophets

Temples

Book of Mormon

Priesthood

Ordinances

Tithing/Fast Offerings

Church Attendance.

Tell me how each thing has helped you come unto Christ. We had to do it for VC training and it was a really cool experience. So, I think it will be cool for you too. Also, it will help me know more blessings I can promise to people as I invite them to do things, which would be REALLY helpful. Anyways, I love you very much! I might be able to email again on Monday while I am packing, but I am not sure. I will talk to you all on Tuesday though! Remember that I love you and that I love my Savior. I know we would not be the amazing, close and blessed family that we are today if it wasn't for His atonement, sacrifice and love for us. I miss you all a lot and I hope to get lots of pictuers of Island Park! Please keep writing me lots, it really makes everything 10 times better when you get a letter. I love you and I thank you all for your examples, support and your love!

Love always,

Marf

Hello, Hello, Hello

Life is still great here at the MTC I can't believe I only have a week left!! We got our travel itinerary and we are flying out Tuesday morning. I can call you from the airport. Probably between 8-930 am... let me know if you would like me to call. You might all have to be in one place. I can't talk for more than 30 or 40 minutes.

This morning our Elders left for South Africa. It was really really sad to say goodbye. They have become some of my best friends and it will be hard to not have them around. But we exchanged addresses and plan on writing each other and stalking each other on facebook when we get back :)

Visitors Center training doesn't start until Wednesday so this week me and my companions get our teachers all to ourselves. That will be weird, but good. We feel like orphans a little bit. Oh yeah, when I switch to VC schedule, it will make my Pday on Friday. So this Friday is my next and last P-day here. So feel free to email me by then.

I see Reeve a lot. We have gym together so sometimes we play four square together. I have become quite the force to be reckoned with when it comes to 4 square. The elders were all very proud. One time I saw Reeve in the cafeteria and their district does "part your hair days" and they all had it parted down the middle. It was really ugly hahaha.

Well, we have all been sick this week. It was the WORST. We think it's because our AC unit in our room was leaking water and we're pretty sure there was mold. So that was special. But, we moved rooms and are feeling a little bit better.

I got my first package from Casey!!! It was like Christmas! It was funny though because she sent it in a prepaid cell phone box so I looked like I was trying to sneak in a cellphone haha. Thanks Case!

So, on Friday we had in-field orientation. It was really cool and a total "PUMP YOU UP" for the mission field. Also, they started a new 12 week program for when you get to the field that also helps train you. I am kind of excited about that.

MTC choir is so COOL! We sing every Tuesday for devotionals. Last week we sang "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands." such a good song.  Yesterday our district sang "Nearer My God To Thee" for our departure song in Sacrament Meeting. It was gorgeous. We all know how to sing, so it sounds SO GOOOD. Our teachers have told us we are the best singing district they have heard here. So that's way cool.

We are going to be at Temple Square this Saturday. That will really be a lot of fun. I'm excited. It will be weird to drive by Highland though.

OK. So enough about that.

The MTC is the coolest place. The other day, we were at the TRC with our investigator named Hely. She is from Guatemala and she is Catholic. She wanted to know why if we were so young we would come on a mission. I told her about how I knew the church was true and what not, then I talked to her about the BOM and how it had helped my life and how it could also help her life. She started to tear up and said I was speaking to her heart. Which is great, because it means that the Spirit was speaking through me. Very very cool. It is so cool what happens when you bear your testimony. Elder Holland said in a video we watched to never let your faith be too hard to detect. I like that a lot.

Another really really cool thing I realized this week was that without the restoration of the gospel, the Atonement would have been in vain. No one would be able to fully repent because they are not baptized by the proper authority and even the Sacrament where we renew those covenants and partake of the Atonement if not blessed with the proper authority does not count for anything. My mind was blown.It is so cool to be here because I learn more and more of how true this gospel is. I don't even feel like it's an act of faith anymore. It is true, it's logical, it makes sense, and I just KNOW IT! I am so glad that I can be here. A few days ago, we had a Testimony meeting with one of our teachers. It was really cool. He had us sing Nearer my God to thee and then we all realized that it wasn't US becoming nearer, but it's Jesus singing those words. That even though it's a cross that raises Him up, He is Nearer to God. It was really cool and makes the song so much more special! I am so excited for Jared to get here and to be able to feel the Spirit that I feel daily.

So, like I said, the Elders left this morning. This was my first freak out panic attack of the MTC. hahaha. I could not fall asleep last night because I was so worried that we would miss our last breakfast together. I seriously woke up probably every hour and just stressed otu about it. Luckily, we didn't miss the breakfast and we were able to say our goodbyes. They were really really great friends and will make amazing missionaries and even more amazing men. I will send some pictures home today so you can see them and my companions.

My companions and I are still getting along swimmingly so that's great.

I always write a list of things I want to write about, but then I get here and I spout them out and I don't know what else to write. Luckily for you, I do hand write that one that might make my letters a little bit better. So I"m sorry if my emails are super lame. It's just hard to concentrate when you ahve the time ticking down in the corner haha.

The other day we had a workshop where we practiced teaching people about the Atonement and what it could do for their lives and what it has done for your life. Right as I walked in I felt the Spirit so strong I just knew that I was going to end up bawling by the end of the night. And, obviously I did. It was so cool. It amazes me that God has this perfect plan. And the central focus of that plan was the Savior and His Atonement. So we could overcome both Spiritual Death and Physical Death. He loves God so much that He would do this. He knows how amazing God is and so He would do this for us, to help us get back to Him. But most importantly, he loved all of US individually, to not only receive the punishment for our sins, but experience everything that we experience so He could be the perfect comforter. It's amazing. it's really cool to read John 3:16-17 and replace the word "world" with your name. That is really special. That is what I focus on mostly with our "investigators." People's minds are blown when they find out how much someone loves them and did EVERYTHING for them. It's really cool. Like I said, I love this gospel and I know it is true.

It's really cool to teach things to other missionaries just role playing, but to feel the Spirit so strong when you are doing it. Even if we aren't saying the things that they need to hear, the Spirit speaks to them and helps them individually. really cool.

I am already amazed by the person I have become through this short time. I feel so much more confident and happy. I love who I have become because I was willing to follow my Savior.

I love all of you very much and I can't wait to hear more from you!

Write back lots!!!

Love,

Marf 

Week 2

Hi family!!!

Well, it's still going really well here at the MTC. I love it here, and I can't belive I am already half way done. It makes me sad to think that I won't be here, but i'm excited to go to nebraska and have real investigators that we actually follow up with. we have fake investigators here, but i'm excited to get real ones. Tell Claudia that I see Reeve alot. I got a picture with him today, but it takes a couple of days to print, so you'll probably get it and a bunch of other ones next week. Thanks everyone for their dear elders. It's actually kind of sad to go a day without one, but I guess I can't expect a letter everyday ;)

I keep hearing about some elusive package. That sounds nice. I need some no show socks like there is no tomorrow.

I have been writing down things throughout the week that I wanted to tell you, so here it goes.

EVERYONE loves my scripture case. They want Jared to make them one.

This one is funny. We had to all write on the board why the Book of Mormon was the keystone of our religion, and Elder Klumker wrote "Without it, the whole church is false." Then, he didn't like how that sounded, so he went back up and erased the "without it" and thought about what else he could say. So then, I look up and all I see is that someone wrote, "the whole church is false." baaah ha. we all had a good laugh about that one.

There is a creamsicle tree on this campus. No joke. You go up to it and smell the bark, and it smells EXACTLY like creamsicles. It's amazing. Also, sometimes when it rains, in certain spots it smells like cherry jolly ranchers.

Our teachers (who are AMAZING, ps) always pump us up for the mission. Brother Brown had us imagine when Christ came to the Americas, and they all shouted "hosanna" which means, save me or grant me salvation. Well, he can't come down right now to everyone, so he CHOSE us. He chose me, knowing my talents and my weaknesses, when he could have had anyone else, to help others find salvation. That was a really really really cool experience.

How's David doing?

I had a substitute teacher that knew Laura. Her name is Julia Carlson

Also, unless Jared has already bought a new pair of scriptures, they sell them here and you get a sweet discount on everything at the bookstore. A quad is like 30 bucks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!!! AND KATIE NEXT WEEK!!!

Oh, I got proposed to. By a Tongan. So I guess I'll be coming home pretty soon. hahaha. It was at the gym. He kept talking to me, and I kept avoiding him, since that's what we're supposed to do. And then at the end, he was like "You wait for me for two years?" And I was like, I can't, gotta go! and he just yelled, "I'm serious!" as I ran away. haha that was good. P.S. 4 square is really fun.

Dad, can you tell me that story about the sheep that you told at Grandpa Goodwin's funeral?

Have you shipped my bedding to NE? It needs to be there in 2 weeks?!

Jared, there is such thing as an inflatable tie. So you can use it for a pillow. Kind of genius. This Elder in my district has it. He reminds me SO much of Louis from Even Stevens.

We have to pack up tomorrow and move 2 floors down. Woof.

We had Mary N. Cook or something come yesterday to Relief Society and talk about Virtue. She wanted us to thank everyone in our lives who were role models of virtuous women. So, that would be all of the women in my family.So, Thank you. Also, could you thank Sister Holdman? Thanks

On Tuesday night, we had a devotional where the speaker talked about the purpose of missions and there are 2 reasons. 1. do the work of the Lord. 2. Sanctification of the missionary. It was really cool. He told us to pray every night to be blessed with the knowledge of who we really are and that we will be astonished. He said that Sanctification is the process by which we become what we've always wanted to be. That's really cool. I already see myself growing in to a better person, the kind of person that I want to become.

Yesterday, our Branch President and his wife gave us a departing lesson, since they won't be here next week when the Elders go to South Africa. They shared a story, and at the end it was pretty much have a mission where you don't want to take your tag off at the end of it. I started freaking out. I don't want this to end. I've only been here for 2 weeks, but I don't want it to end. I want to keep doing missionary work, and do the things that I am doing. I know I have a while to go, and I might change my mind a couple of times, but I know I will definitely be sad to take that tag off.

We are learning more and more about teaching people and not lessons. It is SO cool!!!! Something else that is cool, is that we have all of these fundamentals of how to be a good missionary, and they can all be found in Alma 18. It's so cool that we are patterning our curriculum based off of what the Sons of Mosiah did, and also Christ in 3 Nephi, who were obviously the best missionaries. Pretty great.

I love preach my gospel. Study it. It will make you a better person. Casey said she is studying it to teach her children. I love that idea. We learn more and more about how it was developed and how it will make us more effective missionaries. It's amazing.

This morning I woke up at 520. WOOF. we had to be at the temple dressed and ready to go at 630. It was really cool, and the Provo Temple is so pretty! Funny story, the elders in our district had to change their alarm to wake up earlier than normal, but for some reason it went off at 130 am. But they didn't even notice, so they got up and started showering hahahaha. That just shows how sleep deprived we are if 130 am feels the same to us as waking up early in the morning. hahahahah. they realized a little later and then went back to bed. haha. Luckily on p days we can take naps. I took about a 1 1/2 hour nap today which was AMAZING! I get so exhausted by the end of the week, that just helps me to make it through haha. I fall asleep way fast now. That's really nice.

Well family, keep sending me letters! One Elder got like 8 letters one day. I wouldn't hate beating him. hahaha. I love you all very much, and I miss you, but it helps that I have Sister Belka. She is so much fun and she helps me whenever I start to get a little discouraged- nothing huge, I was just sad when we went back to teach our "investigator" that it wasn't this huge spiritual experience where I was bawling like the first one. She told me they wouldn't all be like that and that it wasn't always our fault. hmm.. go figure. I probably should have figured that one out on my own. But I'm glad to have her. We have a lot of fun. It also helps that I love my district and I love what I am doing here, and the person I am becoming. This church is true. There is no doubt about it. Heavenly Father loves every single one of us PERFECTLY. He wants us to come back to him and to do what is right. He set up a way for us to come back to him through the Restoration. Way cool. Well, I only have 30 seconds left, so I better get this sent off before it gets deleted.

I love you all, and write me lots!

Love, Sister Martha Proctor