The Mission Begins!

Excerpts from her first letter home written the day she went into the MTC, June 19, 2013 (sent by mail and arrived Saturday, June 22nd):

First Night in the MTC

June 19, 2013
     . . . It’s still setting in that I’m in the MTC, but indeed I am and I’m alive and well.  The MTC isn’t what I imagined, but I didn’t know what to imagine.  It’s wonderful though and so full!  They said over 800 missionaries entered today and that there are over 4000 here total!  Wow!
     My companion is Sister Carter from Highland, Utah.  She is 19 and is super fun and a good talker which I like.  We room with 2 other sisters who are in our district – Sis. Williams and Sis. Tebbs.  Both are from Utah too!  There are 4 elders in our district and one is Elder Hunter Dawe from PG!  I can’t remember the names of all the others, but they’re all great.  We did some group teachings today, and a tour, meeting with our district, and a group meeting with the MTC presidency.  And guess what!?!!  We all get to go to the world-wide broadcast on Sunday!!  All of the missionaries get to go!  I’m so excited and feel so blessed that I am here at this time so that I get to have this opportunity.  Almost all of the 12 will be there and many other general authorities.
     . . . Keep smiling – even through tears – and know that I am happy and well.  I know this is where I’m supposed to be right now.