Another week

Como estan!? How are you?

This week was wonderful :) So much to talk about, so little time! By the way, please write me as long of letters as you want, I just wanted to let you know that I have little time to read and write so that you know why my letters aren't as thoughtful as they maybe could be, or why they might take a few weeks or months longer for me to reply - but please keep writing long ones! :)

 

This week was kind of historical at the MTC - we had our first ever devotional in the Marriott Center at BYU instead of at the MTC because there are just too many of us! It was really cool. We all walked over there in a big line and people were taking pictures from their cars haha it made us feel all famous. It was kind of weird being on BYU campus, but I feel like I have a different life kind of so it wasn't hard or anything, and no one was really around. Hermana Cornwall's mom found an article online with photos of it and found two with us in them sitting in the seats with tons of other people from far away so you can go on a scavenger hunt if you really want :) I just thought it was so cool that missionary work is expanding so much! There is always such an amazing spirit being in a room with thousands of other missionaries and leaders whose goal is all to sacrifice to bring others unto Christ to experience the joy that we have felt in our own lives! It's amazing. Also to show how much this work is expanding, we got two new districts this week -- usually a zone only gets one (of like 8 or 10 people or something), but we got two,  so 18 new missionaries! Last night we had a meeting with them to introduce them to the MTC and they all bore their testimonies and shared why they were here. It really reminded me why I'm here and how wonderful this work is. Also, Hermana Cornwall got released as the Sister Training Leader and I got made the new Sister Training Leader! (usually you stay in for only a week). So I'm the leader over 20 Hermanas in our zone, and then another 4-6 this wednesday too! The worst part is that I'm SO bad at names, but the best part is another chance to serve and try to be more christlike. Some of the new girls look a little nervous and homesick, so that will be a challenge discovering exactly how to help and comfort them during this big change in their lives! But they all seem awesome.

 

Also, we got to host new missionaries this wednesday - so we got to be the welcomers on the curb and watch all the families say their quick goodbyes and take the sisters to their residences and classrooms. It was actually a lot of fun. It was so nice to be moving and working in the sunshine, talking to people, etc. It's still so crazy to think that I've been here for over 4 weeks and that I leave to Santa Rosa in 11 days!! I'm nervous but really excited. Pray for my Spanish and my motivation to keep working hard!

 

This morning I got to go to the temple again and it was just wonderful. The temple is such a beautiful, amazing place where I feel so close to Heaven. Again I was grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing me with such a wonderful life with amazing parents, and to have the opportunity to have the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life! I know exactly who I am - I daughter of God - I know exactly where I came from, and I know exactly where I'm going. I have a loving Heavenly Father who answers my prayers and wants to bless me when I do what He asks! He knows we make mistakes so He sent us our Savior, Jesus Christ to make up the difference for what we can't do ourselves. We have to try our very best, but our loving Savior makes it so that we can return to live with Heavenly Father again.

After the temple, I ran into a lady in the Cafeteria who told me that she lost her husband of 34 years last year and that she missed him dearly. I could tell how much she loved him and she told me what a good man he was. I was sad for her, but with tears in her eyes she said "I felt so close to him in the Temple today." I again was reminded about how lucky we are to have this gospel of Jesus Christ and how comforting it is! This woman knew that she would see her husband again and she knew that God's plan of Happiness for us is real. She had hope and was able to get through such a huge trial because she knew! I know too, and anyone can know it for themselves as they turn to the Savior and follow His example and plan by being baptized into His church. Baptism is so important because it is what opens the gate to a Christlike, hope-filled life.

 

Now, to thank everyone who has made me the happiest, luckiest missionary alive this week!! I am seriously SO lucky!! I have the best family and friends in the world. Auntie ML and Monica (I saw your writing on the package!), thank you so much! My companion loved getting things too :) (mom, don't worry, she gets things all the time too and thinks we are so nice because you always remember her!)

Mom, Rachel, Dad, and Scott - I got your package last Friday in the evening and it was too late to thank you but I got it!! Thank you so much for the scarf rachy!! Oh, and Rachel, I got your dearelder that night too, and I told everyone "It's from my Sister!!!" when I saw that you wrote me. I laughed so hard at your letter. You have so much personality in your letters and it makes me so happy. I'll write you a handwritten one back today :) Mom, THANK YOU so much for the photo book! I LOVE it. Thank you for including photos of so many important people in my life! It is perfect. Thank you for the time you spent on that!!  Oh and dad, I got the shirt and the father's day card - hint, hint :) hahaha. Thanks for the shirt! It's great! And thank you for reminding my whole district that Father's Day existed. I'll say a little father's day note at the end here.

 

Oh, and just so you know, I get dear elders at around 6:00 each day, so if you want me to get something before I email, send itThursday morning!

 

Clawsons, you are the best!! My district loved eating those donuts - they were devoured so quickly! Everyone is my new best friend because I have the best friends who send me the greatest packages! And I LOVED the drawings from Sophie and Elle - they gave great advice too. Thank you! The only bad part is that I don't have a return address - Scott, can you send me their address please? :)

Madeline, you are the best future sister in law in the world! That cupcake was amazing!!

And Scott, you blew it out of the water. Wow. Thank you SO much!!!!

Also, thank you so much to Rob and Tammy and their kids for the letters from everyone in your family!!! That was so sweet and thoughtful of you all. I love hearing about all that's going on and seeing the sweet pictures from Ellie and Max. I LOVED those letters!!!

 

My only fear with thanking everyone is that you'll all think I'm too spoiled and won't write me or send me anything else ;) Because I seriously am the luckiest girl in the world!! Thank you thank you SO much!!

 

Alright dad, a quick note for Father's day - I love you. You are the best dad in the whole world and I am so lucky to be your daughter. Thank you for always being there for me and being one of my best friends. One of my favourite memories is reading your mission journal before I left. You are wonderful. Thank you for being proud of me and for raising me so well :) I love reading your letters and I can't wait to talk to you when I go to the airport!

 

Adios Familia!

 

Love,

Hermana Vance

 

ps. Let me know about the triathalon! Go team!!!

Dear wonderful family,

 

I've been getting excited to email you! It's been another great week, but not always easy of course. My companion was struggling a little, but this week she got called as the Sister Training Leader (like a Zone Leader for sisters) and it has worked wonders for her mood, her spirit, and our companionship! She is way happier. The spanish is coming along, although I need all the help I can get. I really need to rely on the Lord because I don't have a very good memory :) I can't remember conjugations to save my life! We've been teaching our two "investigators" in Spanish and it's hard to get our thoughts out in a way that makes sense, but even harder to understand them, AND pay attention to the spirit, because the spirit is the one who knows exactly what they need to hear and what God wants them to hear. Sometimes it's discouraging because we're focussing so hard on teaching the doctrines of the lessons, or our spanish, that we forget about what the investigator needs, especially here in the MTC when the investigators aren't real. I have been praying for charity and love for my investigators because when they know that we care about them, they will also be able to feel how much God cares about them. I know that God lives and that he loves us SO much. He has a plan for each of us and He will help us discover that plan when we turn to Him in prayer, humility and obedience.

 

I was looking back in my spiritual journal and remembered feeling the spirit of comfort strongly in a hymn, hearing these words, "Why should this anxious load press on your weary mind? Haste to your Heavenly Father's throne and sweet refreshment find." and "Come, cast your burdens on the Lord and trust His constant care." Although people and things aren't constant, God is, and our Savior Jesus Christ is. He wants us to come unto Him and cast our burdens upon Him so He can lift us up. I am so grateful that God sent His son to suffer and die for us so that we can return to live with our Father in Heaven in joy and peace.

 

Thanks for the mail this week :) Especially to Michelle Davy (your letter was beautiful, thank you), Tara, and Uncle Rob (for your email)! And thank you so much for the package Teals and Ashcrafts! I feel so loved :) Oh, and Mom, I got your package too with the Canadian candy and my driver's liscence! Thank you! My companion loved how she got one of everything too, and she's now hooked to Canadian candy! :) Yesss.

 

So, funny story that happened last Friday night... (you can take this out if you want dad) I lost my little card that we need to swipe to get into the Cafeteria, and so my name was on the Front Desk list on a TV screen. Me and my companion went to the Front Desk and this lady proceeded to lead us down a different hallway and I was wondering why my card was in some other room - we got into an office, and I realized it was President Nally's office, the MTC president. All of a sudden I was being guided into his office and then my heart sank because I realized I was meeting with the MTC president, and I thought "You only meet with the MTC president when someone has died..." Out loud, I slowly said "oh no..." and then went slowly into his office and started to cry as I was waiting for him to tell me who had died - I thought for sure I had lost my Dad two weeks into my mission. President Nally realized what was going on and said "Oh, you don't need to worry!" and I realized then that he wouldn't say that if someone had died, and so I had to completely change my mindset and I was so confused and still crying and I had to collect myself, and he asked if I needed a tissue, and got me one haha and then proceeded to tell me a confusing story of how my dad had written the MTC about how I was sick that one night and politely suggested they get on-call MTC nurses...I was worried he was going to tell me to tell you guys not to send mail to the MTC haha but all it was was that he likes to write back to any parent who writes to the MTC, and he wanted to meet with me to tell dad that he met me and that I was a great missionary. Haha so anyways, it was so kind and thoughtful of him and I was so impressed that he would take the time to do that for each missionary and their family. But boy, did he scare me to death and I was an emotional rollercoaster for the next hour thinking about how awful it felt literally thinking one of you had passed away. It was awful, but it did cause me to think more about  my faith and my faith in God's plan of happiness. Anyways, haha that was exciting :) I'm glad you're all safe and sound and I want you to know how much I love you!!! I know that even if one of us did die, we'd all get to be together someday. Thank goodness for that. Dad, did President Nally email you? I'm excited to hear your side of the story. Oh, and by the way - that pain/sickness was a one time thing and it hasn't been a problem at all. I couldnt remember if I told you that last week or not! But all is well :)

 

So, you went on a trip to California!! Hahaha dad, I love how in your short letter I got yesterday you said, "As you've probably heard, we..." and then proceed to tell me everything I had no idea about!! Haha you're the only one that would have told me these things :) I'm glad you're all having fun! I'm excited to hear more about it, and I'm pretty jealous!! I had a smile on my face and a jealous pit in my stomach as I read that letter.

 

Oh, and someone pleeeease tell me more about Tyler and Madeline's wedding! Madeline sent me a letter this week with a package from Jenny (thank you!!!) and it had some great details. It was awesome! However, I have no idea when or where they are getting married!! I'd love to know some more details :) I'm so excited for them. I'm pretty sure everyone at the MTC knows about how my brother is getting married and how I'm getting an amazing new sister-in-law, especially since she and her mom spoil me with cookies!! It's awesome.

 

I'll send photos in a few hours! :) I love you all!

 

Love,

 

Hermana Vance

 

Ps. We got a new district this week and two Hermanas are coming to Calgary! Oh, and there's a "special event" which we think is a worldwide mission leadership training something or other that we're in a choir for on June 23rd - i dont know if you're watching it or can, but look for me!!

 

Surprise visitor

Hola mi marviliso familia!

 

I have been so excited to write to you all week!!! This is the best and most stressful part of the week because I'm trying to write so quickly and I only have this one chance!

SO you probably saw the video Jenny sent to you :) :) It absolutely made my day to see her this morning!!! It was the best part of the day for sure. She is such a sweetheart and I'm so excited we get to be family. We couldn't talk for long but it was her idea to send the video. Afterwards I wished I would have said more but it's kind of awkward talking to a phone haha. When I was talking to "you" I started getting a little emotional if you couldn't tell just because I love you all so much!! Thank you thank you thank you for all your support and love. I pray for you every day and i feel SO blessed and so loved. I am the luckiest girl in the world. This week, on Wednesday, the drop off day, I went on an eliptical facing the front of the MTC where families were dropping their missionaries off. It was so touching to see the faith and the sacrifices of so many wonderful people. We each sacrifice in our own different ways and this is such a leap of faith, but the Lord knows us and is so proud of what we're all doing (and I'm not just talking about missionaries). I had to stop watching them after a while because there was a family with two little sisters and I immediately thought of my sweet sisters and that really hit home. I love you soooo much Rachel and Emma! I couldn't ask for better sisters. I wish I could be there with you but I'm so proud of you and am proud of your goodness and strength. People look up to you both and you are wonderful girls - remember who you are and always be good! I pray for you often and love you so much :) Rachel, mom and Scott told me that you sang in the Youth Choir this week for Moroni's Quest and told me how wonderful it was. I am so proud of you! I wish I could have heard you :) And Emma, I heard you gave an awesome talk in Primary! What was it about? I bet you did great. Remember that one time when I tried to help you write a talk when Mom and Dad were away but your ideas were better than mine? Did you write it all yourself this time too? ;) Can't wait to get a letter from you both!

 

So we write on fridays but there is so much that happens, especially on Sundays and Tuesdays (devotional days) that I made sure to write a note to myself to tell you about it. Devotionals are THE best. They are a little piece of heaven. Hundreds of missionaries gathered together in one room with a general authority or leader in the gospel to speak to us. The spirit is so strong and heaven feels so near in that room. I forgot to tell you but Mary Ellen Edmunds (sp?) came and spoke our first week - dad, I think you have some tapes of her or something? She was hilarious. AND brought the spirit. It was amazing. She is a neat lady. We've had some other general authorities come from the Seventy and their wives, and they've all been amazing. Like I said, heaven is so close. One man (I can't remember his name sorry) and his wife came on Sunday, and he had planned something completely different but we were watching Sister Monson's funeral afterwards so he felt prompted to completely change his message and go off the Spirit. It was amazing. He talked about death and about heaven. He talked about not giving up on something we've started and to not run away from challenges. Then, we all sang Come, Come, Ye Saints along with a recording of the Mormon Tabernacle choir int he middle of his talk and it was so powerful. Music is so powerful, especially here. These words stuck out to me: "Why should we think to earn a great reward, if we now shun the fight?" It was so profound to me - we need to rely on the Lord during hard times. These challenges won't be easy but the Lord will strengthen us and we will earn a great reward if we perservere.

 

. I wish I could explain my feelings and experiences better but sometimes you just can't because the spirit is so profound and hard to describe. I am so amazed at how close heaven can be when we devote ourselves to the Savior. I need to be a lot better, but the Lord is blessing me so much. I am not ALWAYS happy as a missionary because this is hard and it is supposed to be hard, but I feel so full, at peace, blessed, and loved by God. I am coming closer to my Savior each day which I have wanted for a long time. I feel His enabling power in my life. The spirit is so strong here and I love it. It's hard, it's a sacrifice, but it is going to be so worth it.

 

I bet you weren't expecting such a serious email after last week's one :) I'm glad you all liked my silly stories and caveman spanish translation haha. I didn't believe Scott when he said I'd laugh every day of my mission, but he was right! (as always :)) We have so much fun here - too much fun actually! As a district we're struggling with using every moment of the Lord's time wisely. It's difficult to balance all these things, but we're getting better. Personal study is sometimes hard because we all make each other laugh so much and we all study for an hour in the same small room. But we're getting a lot better, and personal study is THE best!! I learn so many new things and recieve personal revelation during that hour - it makes me so happy.

 

Oh, and I can't stress enough at how much I LOOOOVE mail!!! A big thank you to Tyler, Madeline, and JENNY (she puts Tyler and Madeline on the return address but I know she's a huge part of it) for the AMAZING package this week! Those cookies are amazing. I am now the favorite person on our floor because everyone has been devouring the cookies! Thank you so much!!

And dad, I'm assuming Valerie gets these letters but could you please send me her address?? She sent me the best package this week. It was so thoughtful - she is amazing!! Tell her thank you for me and please send me her address. I met/re-met her nephew, Elder Vance this week :) He's Richard's grandson and Regan's son I believe. AND I met a Sister Vance (no relation I don't think) who is going to Independance daddy! Carrying on the Vance tradition. Oh, and a couple in the MTC presidency (the MTC presidency is amazing by the way) were mission presidents in Independence. I always tell everyone about how you served there when it's mentioned haha.

Actually, I always tell everything random things about my friends and family! I don't know how many people are sick of my "My brother's engaged! To the best girl ever! (have a cookie she sent me)" story :)

And lots of people have asked about my Tara and Monica photobooth bookmark (they know what I'm talking about).

 

I literally do a little skip whenever I get mail - so thank you thank you thank you for everyone who has sent me a letter this week and last - I'll try and reply as soon as I can so don't think you're forgotten! I found out I'm only supposed to write handwritten letters on Pday too so it'll be hard to get them all done but I'll try my best. Thank you all so much! Especially this week (and some from last) to Tara, Monica, Natalia, Brooke, Tressa, and Jenny (Romeril)! If I forgot you, you're a regular writer :) (which makes you more awesome), or I haven't read your letter, or I forgot because I'm rushed :)

 

Mom, your letter that I got two days ago I believe was awesome. I love you. Thanks for the updates. Dad - sounds like the squirrel hunt is pretty fun :) hahaha I loved that. Scott, I love your letters too. I love all the details and I just wish I had more time to reply to everything!!! I'll send you a quick email after this if I have time.

 

So I have the best family and friends ever. Oh I'll try to send photos in a few hours too on a different computer!

 

So like I said, the MTC is great - it is SO beautiful here - the campus is gorgeous and the weather has been great. Oh, and that weird pain from last week is totally gone and it was no big deal. Sorry if I worried you mom - i regretted saying that after I had sent the letter last week. Esta bien!

 

My companion is still struggling a little bit with being discouraged but this week I've learned that service is key. Serving her helps me love her even more and it helps our companionship. She really likes everything scheduled and orderly and planned out (and to be on time - I'm trying!) so we're helping each other out in different ways. Yesterday we taught a lesson to Juilo, one of our investigators, and we had planned to teach The Restoration, but right before I had the clear thought to teach the Plan of salvation. I knew she wouldn't like that at all, esp. since she was already stressed, but I told her and it was a little rocky for her because she likes structure so much, but it turned out to be great. I felt good about it and Julio accepted our invitation to come to church on sunday. And he prayed! It was a great learning experience for both of us. Oh, and did I mention that it was in Spanish? Caveman spanish, but spanish none the less. It's coming along...slowly but surely :)

 

Well familia y amigos, I love you!! Thank you again so much for your support. God is real, He answers our prayers, He loves each of us so much, and He sent His son Jesus Christ to atone for all our sins and sorrows. This church is true and I love being a missionary.

 

Love,

 

Hermana Vance

 

ps. could someone please send me Krista's address - I want to write her :)