Mikayla on a Mission: Week 2

So Its my second P-day but my first full week in the MTC -- and it's just weird is like all I can say.

Its difficult finding the balance between language and gospel study but everything will come together as long as I practice both. haha.

This week started out with lots of meetings about rules and no gum, being modest, that sort of wonderful stuff (haha). It was not entertaining but, I mean, they need to go over it, so its understandable

The food is not the best, but it's food. Normally I get soup, a baked potato (BECAUSE THEY HAVE A POTATO BAR!) or a wrap because they also have a wrap bar. I try not to eat too much -- but it's a given. I'm now working out almost every morning from 6-6:30 doing a sisters only class and my favorite class is Fridays -- which is kickboxing.

On Sunday nights they play nine different films and so Sunday I half-watched Elder Bednar's address titled "Come unto Christ" which made me laugh and cry. It was beautiful -- the only problem was during the rest of that address I was bent over because I did not feel good at all -- but I didn't want to make my companion leave the video because we choose as a district what to watch.

The next day was awful! I was so sick, I fell asleep sitting up in Frere Kellett's class. I felt awful because he noticed, but I wasn't asleep too long because I woke myself up coughing. Our district leader, Elder Lutu offered to give me a priesthood blessing and it was so sweet and powerful. He and his companion Elder Johnson are the only elders in our district and we love them. Afterwards I really wanted to hug them -- but of course that would've been frowned upon -- so we just shook hands. haha. Although of course -- just like Joe and Josh -- they went back to being buttheads once the blessing was over ;p (love my brothers<3 )

Everyday here is pretty much the same except for Tuesday evenings when we have devotionals with a General Authority and this week it was Elder Neil L. Anderson -- which was awesome. He was funny -- when he saw one elder sleeping he had everyone stand up and stretch. The meeting was broadcast to all the International MTC's so if you can find it, I'm singing in the choir on the right near the bass guys and near the top wearing my bright pink blazer.

This week we focused on teaching our investigator Nora. We didn't too badly -- we only had three lessons and she prayed for us which was grea,t but really eye-opening in how hard it's going to be to be a missionary -- but then also a missionary speaking a foreign language.

The best thing that happened this week features three elders. Elder Palmer, who is in my branch and going to Tahiti, Elder Plug (ploog) who is from France going to Canada, and then his companion Elder Castro (from Portugal) going to New York, New York.

So, ever since we got here stinking Elder Palmer tried to convince us that he was French -- his accent is amazing because everyone in his family has served in France (he has like four brothers) and they all speak French at home -- but me and my companion didn't know if he was lying or what -- and we would all argue back and forth about it -- and it was stressful because who takes advantage of newbies naivete?

(No idea if I spelled this wrong. I am losing my English but not gaining any French! haha)

Getting off track. Anyway, on Sunday me and my companion met Elder Plug and Elder Castro and made a plan to debunk or prove Elder Palmer right. It was wonderful when it finally happened!

Elder Plug asked Elder Palmer "Where are you in from?" in French and all Elder Palmer could say was, "Yes." Elder Palmer turned so red. Elder Plug put his hand on Elder Palmer's shoulder and said in a sad voice - in Engish, "You're not a Frenchman." It happened in front of all the other elders in our district and they were on the ground -- crying because they were laughing so hard. Elder Palmer was a good sport about it and now he speaks in a normal voice (without a French accent) which is weird now for us to hear -- but he congratulated us on a good job.

Just a little bit about everyone in my district.

Elder Johnson- from Logan Utah. His parents are mission presidents in Pennsylvania, He's amazing on the violin

-- he's been playing for most of his life and he loves star wars -- he always has a little star wars figure in his pocket -- not sure why but haha. He's super sweet, loves rom coms, Pride and Predjudice and has a cute girlfriend named Donni.

Elder Lutu- he's is our district leader and he's half Samoan. He's from Idaho and is funny but a dork most of the time, he thinks w'ere too loud sometimes.

Soeur Long- she looks just like Suzette! her favorite color is purple and she;s from American Fork and is super sweet.

Soeur Stephens is her companion. She's from Las Vegas and worked at Kohl's - just like me - so we always comment when we see a Kohl's skirt.

Soeur Kelley is from Mesa Arizonia and is a physical therapist. She did dual enrollment - I think - to get certified and loves it.

Soeur Wadsworth is from Rexburg, Idaho - and she sings harmonies so well and is adorable.

And then me and my companion make up our little classroom and district. We are all together -- like constantly -- everyday so it's interesting but we get along SOOOO much better than the other two districts that came at the same time as us. We may be a dysfunctional family -- but we all get along and play games so that's unifying:)

Its been 11 days and I have no words to truly describe what its been like. I miss you all and my lists of what I need to tell you is so long but it makes up I think for not seeing me!

Love you all,

Soeur Beatty

Soeur Beatty's branch at the temple. Her branch president - President Dowling in in the back, right

District at the temple - Soeur Stephens, Soeur Long, Soeur Wadsworth, Soeur Kelley, Elder Lutu, Elder Johnson, Sister Beatty and Sister Thompson

Soeur Kelley, Soeur Wadsworth, Soeur Beatty,Soeur Thommpson, Soeur Long, Soeur Stephens, Elder Lutu and Elder Johnson

Soeur Thompson, Soeur Beatty, Soeur Kelley and Soeur Wadsworth singing in the choir for the Neil L. Andersen Devotional

Soeur Beatty and Soeur Thompson with the Sister Training Leaders (she said the one on the right is from Canada and has a Canadian accent - she says "aboo")