Family Letter - February 4, 2010

Bramgus Seimas,

Here I am and another two weeks have flown by. The MTC has thus far been a wonderful experience, full of challenging moments that force me to strengthen my faith in the Savior, and His abiding love for us.

I'm so happy to have heard so many great things from home. Word spreads pretty quickly around the MTC, so I get plenty of news about St George and Home. My condolences go out to Marylynn's family. These Romanian Elders were spoken of by Elder Hinckley of the Seventy this Tuesday fireside. I don't know if I already mentioned this, I also had the privilege of listening to Elder Holland speak to us on our first Wednesday here.

I serve closely with Sister Hallewell. We have already seen our first batch of stateside roommates leave, and it's a little sad, thinking we'll be here until the 16th of March. We have meals together, church together, and do our laundry together. She's such a great friend and a blessing. There was a while where Sis. H, my companion, and I were taking care of Sis Jensen, who had just had her Gall bladder out, and Sis. Deaver, who had just had foot surgery. We were shuttling every meal back and forth from the cafeteria, and running all sorts of crazy errands. We were quite the funny looking bunch. The only perk is the great fireside seats for people who can't do stairs.

I'll have my loved ones know that I am in good shape here. I wake up at 6 am 5 days a week, to go to yoga, tybo, step, or weights. I am also a force to be reckoned with in four square. My coordination is surprising considering that my high heels are constantly catching in cracks in the sidewalk, sending me sprawling.

The language goes as usual. I am doing my best to make the best use of my time here as a missionary. We returned from the temple this morning. It was a good refresher, and a joyful experience. Last week, we stood as daughters for sealings, and that was a neat experience as well. We did a lot of family names for a gentleman from Saxony, Germany.

I want to thank family and friends for all the love and support. The muffins were delicious, the letters and cards have been beautiful. It means so much to hear from you, when I can't tell you face to face all that I'm experiencing. It was good to talk to mom, dad, and Skylar this week after losing my retainer to the garbage disposal. Thank you Jeff and Keri for the pictures, the letters, and the wonderful artwork. They will adorn the walls in my room. The pictures of Lorelei look beautiful.

I am really enjoying the the classroom experience. Our teachers are fantastic, both in the language, and inviting the class to become missionaries. I know they work very hard to invite the spirit,and I have seen growth in both myself, and in other members of the class through their
guidance.

Family, please feel free to send me personal emails, and I will try to respond to them personally. I will try to get to all the letters soon as well.

Many thanks,

Sesuo Hayley Paul