Wednesday, July 15 Letter

(Email from the MTC)

Hello Family! This will be pretty disorganized because I have a lot of thoughts and things I want to share with you.  First off Happy Birthday Nelson!! I would totally write you a separate letter; alas I don't have your home address.
Ok so yesterday was a very good day. My companion, who is still amazing and thankfully I get along with very well, and I were walking back from gym and a man stopped us. At first we thought he was a member pretending to investigate because he started out with Are you missionaries? I have some questions I want to ask you about prophets.  So we said yes, and started talking to him about prophets and answering his questions with scripture even, thanks to Hermana Godfrey.  He was from Tanzania and his only friend here was an elderly man so he couldn't contradict him so he wanted to ask younger people. Anyway a gym coordinator saw what was happening and decided to come down.  He told us it wasn't our place (which it wasn't, and I feel terrible for breaking the rules, but we didn't know at all how to handle the situation).  But he was able to take the Tanzanian and was going to have him meet with some Provo missionaries. It was so crazy to have real contact with real investigator face to face! (I have talked to people on the phone, however it isn't quite the same as face to face.
The truly amazing thing was that the Tanzanian was asking us questions almost exactly the same as what our practice investigator was asking us that morning! Also Hermana Godfrey looked up a scripture that morning that answered his questions. I love how nothing is a coincidence. We were truly prepared for the questions he had!
My companion and I go to choir and it is so fun! The elders in our district also have a deal with us. Because they love our singing so much, if they ever take our trays at a meal then we have to sing to them. It is very fun though and Hermana Godfrey has a truly BEAUTIFUL voice!! Also in sacrament meeting the sisters in my zone sang Nearer my God to Thee while I played the piano. They sang the last verse a cappella, all parts. It was so amazing, and really brought the spirit to the meeting.
Also Hermana Waldrop in my zone is my cousin!!! Well, second or something. But she is so nice and cute and I love her and all the sisters in my zone.  Also I think I might be related to an elder, Elder Hardy, in my district- his mom's maiden name is Dunford, we are going to compare pedigree charts very soon.
For sacrament we have to write talks every week and then be called if it is right to speak. Ay!! That makes me very nervous. And I really don't like writing talks. Nevertheless, it is great preparation for the mission field, and also great extra study time for a topic of the gospel- I think it is usually Christlike attributes, this last week was Patience and Humility. I was not asked to speak. :).  
On Sunday we were able to walk to the temple and we took lots of pictures with our district. I love them so much. The first week I was a little worried about whether we would be friends, and now I am a little worried about how good of friends we are! Sometimes it is a little distracting when we get along so well. But they are all so spiritually strong and nice. I love being treated how I am here. Everyone is a perfect gentleman.  
So Spanish. Coming along ok, I'm trying my best to speak what I can.  We are going to do an English fast every night now from 930 to bed. We have done it once so far. It was pretty quiet in our room! HAha, no it was really fun, but definitely difficult to say all that we wanted to. Luckily we already say companionship prayers in Spanish! 
Sometimes we play games and the Elders always joke about wanting to make theirs a dream team, and all they need is the sisters. It is very nice that they think we know so much! But we truly are working very hard to increase our knowledge and ability.  
I have received amazing packages! Thanks to Candace and my Uncle Mark I have many delicious treats to share with my district! Also my mom- your package was the perfect lift-me-up. I was sitting there opening it, and reading all your letters thinking ah what did I do to deserve this! My mom is so amazing. How can I repay? And it's crazy because I always want to think of a physical gift. But I know I can just be the best daughter I can be. Then I was like, ok, If I feel that way about my mom, how much more do I feel about my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ? How can I ever repay them? I can't. But I am going to be the best daughter and servant that I can be. I am going to try my hardest to share the love that I know they have for me with all others. Sitting here even now, I am overcome with the spirit, knowing the truly wonderful blessing it is to have the atonement in my life.  
The MTC is hard work. A different Hard work than I have ever done. There is so much to learn, so much to practice- the expectations are so high!! However whom the Lord calls he qualifies. I know with His help I am already accomplishing so much. I can't wait to see what other miracles he can have happen in my life.
I am so blessed with amazing roommates, who are also spanish speaking (And already know so much! and are very willing to share that knowledge as well :).  My companion and I get along so well. My coordinating sister was interviewing me and said wow all the sisters have commented on how well you two get along! You're always smiling or studying. I am so happy that I am happy enough that others can notice that.  Also She said that she feels like she is taking a break when she is able to talk to the elders in our my district at meals. Wow, I am so blessed. 
My teachers are also so amazing. I have learned so much from them. They are so powerful and filled with the Spirit! we also have a teacher in training who comes in often to help and he is also amazing.  His name is Hermano Bilomawicz.  Haha it is a mouthful. 
Hna Godfrey and I already have an inside joke about our other teacher Hno Nelson. He says perfecto in a way that is very fun to repeat.  
Last night we were able to have the temple president of the Ogden Temple come and speak to us. It was so amazing! We learned so much about preparing for the mission.  We also had the councilor in the mission presidency speak as well. So amazing! All their kids that have served missions came and gave us advice, it seems like it will be very helpful.  I Know the church is true and I am so glad to be able to serve a mission!! I love you all so much. Thanks for all the letters and support.
With love,  Hermana Dunford.