From Katie's Letter 4/28/2011

Mare,

The letters you send always brighten my day. Thanks for writing me. Biggest exciting news? I leave for Norway on Monday! I am so excited. I‘ll be able to call Monday morning, so expect a call! I know you have a meeting, but can you step out? I’ll be calling between 9-12 am. I’m so excited to go to Norway. I feel ready, so that’s good. (I even got a haircut today, and the lady actually took her time—so that’s nice). This might be a little shorter today; I have a lot to do on my last P-day here.

Easter was pretty great here. I got a scripture case that I love from Sheri, and she also sent me this sunflower that I planted and it is actually sprouting. I love it.

I hope email will be better. A lot of the time I get your letter the night of P-day and have to wait a week to write you back. I am grateful that we only write one day because it does help to stay focused, but it gets tiring to write one million letters. I’m sure I won’t be writing as many people once I get to Norway, but that’s okay.

You said you hoped we had a good Easter meal in the MTC—it was awful. I think they have no workers come on Sunday, so the food is the worst on Sunday. But, it was a good day because I tried to read as much as I could about the resurrection. It was very focused on the Savior and I was grateful for that. You know how hard faith can be for me, and at first when I woke up I thought…wow, I can’t believe I believe this man died and lived again. I can think of a million ways to explain this other than what the scriptures say. It feels pretty weird to have that thought and be a missionary, but I am still me. Anyway, I was thankful because as I was studying my scriptures I just felt like—but He isn’t/wasn’t a man, he was the son of God. Really and truly. I don’t know everything about the gospel, but I do trust that Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to be happy. If I ever don’t know something, I go back to that.

Be sure to post my address to Norway on Facebook so people can write me. I really feel so thankful because I have the best family and girlfriends in the whole entire world. I’m so glad you don’t really worry about me. The gospel does bring me so much happiness.

CONFESSION: In 5 days I leave the world’s smallest city for the world’s most beautiful country. I’m a bit excited. END CONFESSION.

CONFESSION: Sometimes during the devotional I can only look at the American Sign Language missionaries. ASL is the 2^nd most beautiful language, the first 1^st being Spanish, of course. END CONFESSION.

CONFESSION: Q-Tips remind me of Ado and eye boogers remind me of Kinzie. Pretty weird. END CONFESSION.

Oh yeah—Michelle’s letters are just awesome. She writes almost every week.

Mare, I just want you know how much I love you. I bet it is way hard to be a mom, but I know you do an excellent job—and I know that it will be worth it. We talk a lot about how hard a mission is, but do you know why it is? Because we are working to save souls a little bit like Christ did, and if he had to suffer the atonement, (which was super hard), we can expect to feel a small part of that same difficulty as we serve others. You are so serving to Ambree “the adorable tyrant.” It will be hard, but what you are doing is so important. Just be patient and take it one day at a time. I think it is kinda funny how stubborn she is. First child syndrome for sure. =) Anyway, even though I’m not there I think about you often and pray for you always. Plus, you have a loving Heavenly Father, who won’t take away our difficulties, but will help us bear them.

Find me a Mexican man who speaks Spanish so I can come home and get married. Ha ha. I just tell Heavenly Father that since I didn’t get called to go one of the 1 billion Spanish-speaking missions, he might want to consider that as a way of providing for my needs once I get home. Mostly kidding. Mostly.

I love you. Make some sort of blog post out of the email I sent and this letter. Include the confessions and whatever else. No time for more today. Tell them I had to spend the day packing—I don’t know—but please do post something.

Love,

Katie

From Katie's Email 4/27/2011

Dear Family:

I am so excited to leave the MTC, but I had a really great experience here so I think I'll miss that a little. I learned so much about myself, other people, and the gospel, and I love it all. It was the perfect mix of fun and learning/spiritual growth. I'll just give a story of each to show you what I mean.

Fun:

The elders often ask me if I am really 4 years older than them...because I don't always (which means almost never) do I act like a little old lady. One day an elder was passing out these pokemon things that he had made and colored...I don't know how he had time to do that, but he did. So we all got a copy and before we went back to our dorms at night I insisted that we all pick which pokemon we were. I don't know anything about Pokemon, I only remember organizing tanner's cards when I was younger. But the reason I wanted us all to pick a pokemon is because it was so funny to see the Elders start talking about Pokemon. They could name all of them (there has got to be 100) and they could tell me there powers, too. I was just loving seeing how passionate they got about pokemon. Anyway, there was this wimpy pink one at the bottom and I asked who that was and they said "Mew. She is the mother of all Pokemon's. She has the most powers; she has all the other pokemons powers combined." As you can guess, that was me. I'm the mother of the district and the most powerful. (I make us start on time, walk quickly, and if Elder B forgets to call on someone to say the prayer, I do it : ). ) Anyway, we laughed about it. I'm not sure this is at all funny to you. But just imagine 19 year old boys in suits...being so excited about pokemon. It was really good.

Spiritual Growth/Learning:

We also had a cool experience this week with contacting. I love it when our teachers put their money where their mouths are and have us go out and do things right now. Sister L told us we were going to go and do this thing called specific finding. We prayed to know who we were looking for, where they would be, what time, what they looked like, what they needed to hear, why we needed to do it. So we did. My companion and I were looking for an Elder in a blue tie who had been here 4-5 weeks with dark hair. He was supposed to be outside the doors to the gym in the little courtyard. He needed a message about Heavenly Father taking care of his family. We wrote all this down and at 4:30, the time we decided, we went out to find him. It was pretty crazy. There was one Elder with a blue tie in the spot that we were looking (I bet there were about 20 overall in that area). He had dark hair. He was talking to someone, but we went up and asked him how long he had been in the MTC, he said 4 weeks. So I told him... We HAVE to talk to you when you are done. There is something really important we need to tell you. After he finished with the elders we told him what we were doing...we had prayed to know who to talk to and what to share, and maybe could we share a short message with him. So we shared our message and read a scripture. While we were doing it I thought, I bet this kid thinks we are freaks! But at the same time I had this feeling like, no, he really does need to hear what we have to say. When we were finished he asked if he could share something with us. He told us his mom and been diagnosed with cancer in December when he got his mission call and that she had just started chemo and that it sounded like things were pretty hard at home for her. He really felt like what we shared was just for him. And he added that he was grateful for the church and the comfort that it could bring. I'm sure this didn't change this Elder's life, but I think it made him feel better and comforted for at least the rest of that day. I felt so thankful that I could do that, and I am excited to do the same thing in Norway. I hope they choose to except the comfort for more than just a day, but even just a day makes it worth it to me. I feel so lucky that I could be on a mission. The biggest thing is that Heavenly Father loves us, and I am so thankful for that knowledge.

We also had Elder Oaks come and talk to us last night. I feel lucky that we go to hear from 2 apostles. It was really an awesome experience again. He talked a little about "becoming" which led me to read a talk he gave in conference called "A challenge to become." It was so good. I liked it because I have always known that actions have consequences ie punishment or blessings, but these are eternal things that effect who we become. I challenge you all to read it.

I love you all so much and I am so excited that I can call home on Monday. Please don't worry about me because I am doing so great and don't need a thing. Just know how much I love you.

Katie Bug

7th Inning Stretch

Only 1 1/2 weeks left. I'm so excited to see what else is coming. This has been so good, but everyone says the field is better. Here is what happened this week:

An Elder from Norway with a call to serve his mission in Cali arrived. I, of course, couldn't wait to meet him and try out all the Norwegian I've been learning. I had everyone I know on the hunt to find him for me. It was really exciting to talk to a member from Norway. He is a great kid and listened as we all tried to speak in Norwegian. Now, whenever I see him, I tell him as much as I can in Norwegian--like today I shared with him the most pertinent information that I "had just finished washing my clothes." He just laughs...but I know you have to use the language to learn it so I don't mind.

There are missionaries from all over the world here. We were outside speaking Norwegian and a Dane cam up and told us he could understand everything. Also, when I found a missionary from Germany I said the only thing I know "stick your nose in the corner." He didn't know what to do. It was pretty funny. (Thanks Kinzie and Kev). I wonder how many countries are represented here on any given day. In a meeting on Sunday I leaned over to ask a girl if I could borrow a pen--No English--She was from Ukraine--the next girl over Lativia, the next girl over Lithuania. And I still stalk the Japanese missionaries because they smile so big when I say "Ko-Nee-Chee-Wa."

Elder Scott came to give the Devotional on Tuesday. It was awesome. LDS meetings are never flashy or showy--but they have a way of feeling SO good. I felt a lot of peace as Elder Scott was talking. And although he didn't say a word the whole talk about the atonement, I felt so greatful for the knowledge I have about the atonement and the things it does for me in my life. I love this gospel; I'm so proud to be a member of it.

I've changed a lot since I've been here, but some things never change. (I wanted to share a few because I think those of you who get them will laugh).

1) I still think the egg is the best thing to eat for breakfast.

2) A well-made bed is worth the effort. I get teased by the amount of care I put into it.

3) Showering everyday? Nope.

And a few differences:

1) I'm improving at the piano. That must be another gift of tongues. I'm one of two in the branch that even dabble. I've really had to start playing again. I'm happy it is coming back. (Thanks Cindy).

2) I love the Book of Mormon more and more everyday.

3) I shave my legs every single time I shower. (I know those of you who have heard about Chile were worried).

Miss you all!

Una lluvia de bendiciones.

This last week was amazing. First, I loved General Conference. It was a neat experience to be able to watch it in the MTC. There was an excitement in the air for about 3 days before it started. It really struck me this time that we believe these men and women speak to us on behalf of Heavenly Father. Like they are reading an email of advice from God. I don't always remember that. All the questions I had been having were answered. It made me feel so happy. I think Saturday morning was my favorite session. I simply love what a trust and belief of God does to my life. I'm only getting happier the more I learn. I'm thankful for that.

Also, we got new roommates, and I LOVE them. Just when I think I know all the amazing people in the world I find more truly amazing people. I remember crying 4 months before I was to leave Logan because I thought I would never find such great people but over that summer and fall, I met more beautiful people. And since I've been here I've met so many people who amaze me. My roommate sister S being one of them. She is 29 and from a non-conventional Mormon background, but her faith just shines. Added bonus? She is as funny as they come. One of those humors who never misses a beat. When one Sister starts talking about the million and 1 uses a ninja has for his sword, she doesn't even pause begins to carry the conversation. It isn't too often you meet a person who instantly impresses and changes you, but she is one for me. Her capacity for love is out of control.

Another reason this week was so glorious? I turned 23. The MTC is the happiest place to have a birthday. Thanks to everyone who helped me to celebrate! I got sent some pretty fun things in the mail. Bubbles, glow sticks, cakes, pillow pets, everything you need for a good ole party. My branch also went out of their way to help me celebrate, and my teacher sang and danced the Norwegian birthday song. So Good.

Finally, this week was so good because I got a pretty good story. I was playing volleyball and jambed my thumb. I didn't do anything about it, but by the end of the day by thumb/hand swelled up about 50% and I developed a sweet bruise. They had me go to the doctor here, and he had me walk down to the BYU Wellness Center to get an x-ray. I'm sitting in the doctor's office right now. I think it is pretty funny, because I'm pretty sure my thumb is okay, but they don't take any chances here. I was just laughing while amazing Marty x-rayed my hand, and its even funnier because I am so terrible at volleyball. I should just stick to running.

I love being on a mission. I love all that I'm learning. I even like waking up early everyday. Thanks for reading and supporting me!

P.S. I have a badly sprained hand with an embarrassing brace to go with it. Love it.

A day in the MTC.

I get lots of requests for things people want to be on my blog—this is my attempt to appease the masses. It’s a typical day here in the MTC. Anytime and activity is not specifically specified, you can assume the time is spent studying. I chose Saturday, because it is generally the most entertaining.

6:30 am—Gym Time. I run everyday. Love it!

7:30 am—Walking home from gym I see a group of sad looking Elders. In an attempt to cheer them up, I turn back to say some (witty, I’m sure) comment. I, however, don’t stop walking and SMACK! run right into a huge metal pole. It was so loud and my head hurt real bad. Needless to say, I’m sure running head on into the pole cheered up the Elders more than whatever it was I had intended to say.

8:15 am—Breakfast. Best meal of the day, because it is dependable. Always boiled eggs. I also cut up an apple and force my sugar-consuming Elders to eat something, anything, with redeemable nutritional value. I have been dubbed “mother” of the district.

10:07am—I put on Original brand Chapstick, and miss my dad terribly. He is, I’m sure, enjoying not having one of his chapsticks disappear daily. Mostly, I just realize that my Chapstick reminds me of my dad so much because that is what he smells like. Go out and buy and Original brand tube of Chapstick and try to tell me I’m not right.

12:15 pm—I’m hungry…and so is everyone else, so before lunch is always an interesting time. Elder B and I have similar senses of humor, so just before lunch usually turns into a battle of wits, ending with Brother Jaffa making Elder B and I exchange compliments which are still secretly biting in some way.

1:00pm—Lunch. We talk only in Norwegian. Whether it is really Norwegian or some newly invented language that we created, I’m not sure. But we do communicate in something that isn’t English. (As a side note I have got to add how amazing it is to see how fast we can learn, especially given the circumstances. Our language teachers are not specially trained instructors, but return missionaries. We hardly use computers and only have about 2 hours to study the language every day. We spend part of that time attempting to read the Book of Mormon in Norwegian, only I feel like I’m learning this language so fast. And not just me, but all of us. There is something amazing going on here.)

2:47pm—Without thinking about it, I make a monocle out of the plastic bottle cap I’ve been playing with. Brother J is teaching, and turns from writing on the board…and he doesn’t even notice for about 2 minutes what I’ve done. There are only 4 of us in class, so I’m assuming it is because he is used to our craziness by now. But once he does realize he can’t stop laughing. Elder B, jealous of my eyewear, wants to try, so he ends up wearing it for the rest of class. We both agree that it is strangely comfortable.

3:21pm—Sister R’s desk falls over, with her in it. We take ten minutes to recover.

6:00pm—Dinner. I’ve developed a crush on all the new Japanese missionaries. They don’t speak English, and all my dad taught me was Konnichiwa—but it is enough to get a round of smiles and laughter as I try to act out my next conversational question.

8:30pm—Game night! I guess that is what happens when an education major is in your district. I spend all week thinking about how we can use games to expand our vocabulary. This week we are playing reverse Apples to Apples, in an attempt to master Norwegian adjectives and have an amazing Saturday night.

10:30pm—I jump into my perfectly made bed. The secret to a good night’s sleep is a well-made bed—and I’m the master. Goodnight!