We got an email home from Nicole today!
Although Nicole misses home-cooked meals and the silliness of our family, she’s
having a great time at the MTC. She writes:
“Hey everyone!!!
The MTC is GREAT!!! The food is great, the people are great, and
there are missionaries EVERYWHERE which is pretty GREAT!! My district is
absolutely amazing!! I'll send photos next week because it's not working on
this computer at the moment. My companion is a sweetheart and way strong in the
gospel! I have learned so much from her. Working with a companion is SO HARD!!!
I struggle all the time with it because we are so different. But, nonetheless,
I know that God wanted me to work with her because of all the things I've learned
from her! I'm so grateful for the people I've met at the MTC. They've changed
my life and have really strengthened my testimony. Through priesthood
blessings, and focusing all my time on the Savior, Jesus Christ, I'm able to
apply the enabling power of the Atonement to strengthen me further!
I really love it here, but I miss home a lot too. There's
something that happens everyday that makes me think of home. Though I miss
ya'll and everything about Texas, I wouldn't change it for this opportunity.
Being a missionary is already so hard, and I've only tasted a FRACTION of
missionary life, but the blessings you receive are unexplainable! I love it
here and the people are so awesome! The speakers and talks and messages that
are shared everyday are so uplifting. Haha, funny story. I was in the choir for
a devotional and the conductor was talking to us sisters about a specific part
in the song. He goes "now sisters, this is the first and last time you
will ever be told this. But, I need you to be more emotional!!" Haha, I
thought it was really funny!
While being at the MTC, I've found myself extremely grateful for
everyone in my life and all the things they've taught! I'm so grateful for the
elders who taught me so much before I came. I'm thankful for all the ward
members and the strength they've been to me. Lastly, I'm thankful for my
family! I love ya'll so much and I thank God everyday for giving me such a
great support group! I hope all is well! Love and miss you lots!!!”
After hitting send, Nicole realized she still
had time left on the computer! So she sent another email.
“So...I have some extra time on the computer, so I thought
I'd add more!!! The coolest thing EVER happened the first night here. All the
new missionaries gathered for a devotional and our ending song was The Army of
Helaman. The words normally go "we will be the Lord's
missionaries..." INSTEAD we sang "we ARE NOW the Lord's missionaries
to bring the world His truth!" How powerful that was! The Spirit was so
strong and bore powerful witness that this is where I'm supposed to be! Also
during the devotional, the speaker decided he was going to go through all the
countries where the new missionaries came from and have them stand up to be
recognized. When he got to the US, he did it by state. Each state had a few
people stand up. It was really cool to see where all these missionaries were
from. The last state he called out was Utah and 3/4 of the room stood
up...haha, it was pretty awesome! Ooh..did I tell you I'm the youngest in my
district?? My companion, Sister Nakayu (Nick I U), is 23, then we have Elder
Fogle who's 22. Then Elder Williams is 20 and Elder Gentry is 19 and so is Elder
Hunter. Then Sister Erickson and her companion Sister Mills is 19 too.
So.....after actually thinking this through, I realized I'm not the
youngest....oops. Looks like most of the people in my district are my age...oh
well! My district is so awesome! Our elders and sisters are so sweet and their
testimonies of the gospel are so strong and you can see that through their
actions!
So, I'm not sure when my P-day will be in the mission field, but
it probably won't be wednesday. It will most likely be Monday, but I
leave for Washington Monday so you probably won't hear from
me Monday...except you may!! I get to call home at the airport before I
leave for Washington! I can't remember what time my flight leaves though.....I
think it leaves around 7, but it may be around 8....I guess I'll just call when
I get to the airport in hopes that someone is home and able to pick up. If not,
I'll write next P-day and talk to ya'll at Christmas! If there's a certain
number you want me to call, just send a Dear Elder with it. Thanks guys!! Love
you tons!!(:
Love,
Sister Wilson”
