T E X A S: ONE WEEK DOWN

Oh my goodness, it's so crazy to think that my first week is already over. Weeks go by so quick here, but the days take forever to get though. And I'm only here for 12 days! The advanced class is really hard, because I have to pay really close attention to every word, but I'm understanding, I'm able to share comments, and the scriptures in Spanish are almost easier to understand now than in English. I'm sorry if I repeat any information, not too much variation happens here. Anyway, my thoughts, dreams, journal writing, prayers are all in Spanish these days! The transition was pretty easy. Plus, my companion is so helpful. She is from Mexico, but speaks perfect English, so she is always helping me. Yesterday was the first time we got to teach an investigator that wasn't our teacher. Pretty sure he's a member still (they won't tell us), but man, it was the coolest thing of my life. He told us a little about his life, and me and my companion just looked at each other so ready to share exactly what he needed. We taught him for a good 45 minutes too! Which is way crazy, because when we teach our teachers, 15 minutes feels like an hour. I'm starting to feel so much more comfortable using the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. We study so much. Which can get pretty boring, but when we really work hard, we learn so many cool new things. I'm so glad I have my Spanish hymn book though, because we sing all the time, and I don't know any of the songs in Spanish! I'm learning "I am a child of God", "Called to Serve", and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" right now, so I have some of the good pump up songs under my belt, haha. I also always have a list of new words with me to start learning. It took me forever to remember the word expiación, which means Atonement. I don't know why, but it took a solid 3 days to get it nailed in my head.

Overall, I'm doing really well! I'm totally exhausted and I miss sunday naps like crazy, but it has been so fun. Me and my hermanas laugh non stop here. We're all so close already, I can't believe we have to say goodbye in 5 days! Tomorrow we get to welcome the new districts for the advanced spanish zone. Since me and my companion are the Sister training leaders, we get to lead their orientation with our zone leaders! This morning I went with my zone to the temple, and we met two sisters (literally, they are sisters) from Paraguay, who will come into the MTC tomorrow! It's so cool how everyone here are just automatic best friends. We're all here going though the same changes, so we all just love each other! I absolutely love it when people ask me for help with their Spanish. It makes me feel so much more prepared to go teach in Spanish.

Also, before I forget, I got my flight plans like my 4th day here. I have to be ready to leave Monday morning, the 22nd, at 4:30. Ha. I can't wait to see how that works out. My flight leaves at 8:10 from Salt Lake, and they like to give us plenty of time to call family! I can't wait to talk to you guys, so make sure you're awake :)

I got mom and dad's letters last night. Mom's made me laugh forever, and then I just balled during dad's. All my hermanas were so worried about me, but I was really fine! I just hadn't had time to think about how much I miss you all so much. The support I'm getting makes it so much easier to be here. My heart breaks for people that are here with no family supporting them. So, thank you all! You help me so much!! I miss life back home, but there is nothing like being here at the MTC. I learn so much everyday. It really feels like the temple here. It's so peaceful, and I have absolutey no idea what is going on now in the world around me. It's such a weird feeling. Mom and dad, I miss you both so much! It's hard not having you guys to talk to, but I know you are home thinking about me and hoping the best for me! I love you guys so much. I have to go now, but I' ll call you Monday morning around 6 am.

Love you all!

Hermana Peck

The hermanas in my district