Sister Mahrt's First Letter from the MTC

It feels like I have been here for years. You are always doing something around here that it is difficult remembering you used to have a life.


I have been doing really well. People keep telling me that it is natural to feel overwhelmed, nervous and scared, and that it will get better with time.  I have no idea what they are talking about. Being here has felt like the most natural thing in the world. I love the classes! For our first workshop some of the new missionaries gathered in a semi-circle and got to watch as someone acted out the role of investigator and some missionaries that have been here a while taught them. Then we would critique the missionaries and teach him/her ourselves.  So cool! It made us realize how interesting it can be to teach with other people.  Some missionaries said some things that were a bit out there, and it was hard to bring the subject back on topic while supporting your companion.


My companions are incredible. Sister G - I instantly felt a kinship with. I am not exactly sure why... but I think a lot of it is because she reminds me a lot of myself. Sister C is from the Isle of Man (an island in the middle of Scotland & Ireland) and she is hysterical!  Her British sense of humor kills me.  I love them both and feel very blessed to be learning from them already.

My district is really good. It is comprised of 7 elders going to the Salt Lake South Mission and our threesome of sisters.  Most of the elders seem very mature and we have already had neat growing experiences together.  We have an elder from Australia who was baptized when we he was 19 (he is 22 now) who has a kinship w/ sister C since they both speak with an English accent, a brother from Tonga, Denmark, Lous, and then the rest are from United States.

Teaching seems much more simple than it ever has in the past. I am glad I was able to practice teaching in my missionary prep class because the contrast is like night and day. I can feel the mantle of the missionary and it is difficult remembering what it was like to think about myself or get anxious about teaching.  I know the mission will be a challenge and it will not always seem this easy but I sure am enjoying it now.  I am so thankful for this opportunity I have to serve a mission and share this amazing message with others.  Since being set apart I feel as if I have an unending capacity to love.  It is a spectacular feeling!