Another week, another lifetime

October 6, 2009

Dear Fam,

Well, I am officially surviving week 2 at the MTC. I feel like I can't even remember what life was like before the MTC, what was I like before I came here? What did I like to do? Sometimes it is hard to remember. Ha. But I am finally adjusting. I am sleeping much better which has made a tremendous difference. Somethings I forgot to mention. Our district is just composed of various Spanish speaking missions. About half of us (6 elders plus myself) will be leaving in a week to the DR MTC. All of those elders are serving in the Dominican Republic. I haven't met anyone going to PR. My companion will be serving in New Jersey Spanish speaking. She gets to go to Ellis Island every week to help with family history. How awesome is that. I never thought Genealogy could be so glamorous. Others of our elders are serving in Paraguay, Argentina, Florida, etc, so we are a bit scattered. These Elders are so amazing. We had a testimony meeting last week where four of these boys shared that their moms were each diagnosed with cancer shortly after they put in their papers. I am so amazed at the faith and conviction of each one of them. It is hard for me to look at the them as I can feel the Savior's love for each of them and understand how the Lord can expect so much from them. They all have the opportunity to become great men and leaders. I marvel at the power of the priesthood.(That is not to say, however, that they are all currently angels. They still reek of 19 year old boy humor! But it is amazing, that I, who am so intolerant, still love them SO much.)I love my little routine within the already INTENSE MTC schedule. Every day I love to run for exactly 30 minutes on the same elliptical 9despite the elders desperate pleas that I should play volleyball with them. I remain firm in my determination not to be a victim of gym time) . Everyday I have my pleasant bowl of cracked wheat, and everyday I strive to find the healthiest meal in the cafeteria. I have eaten so much salad I think I will soon turn into a rabbit. It is awful. the food is so heavy, but I really cannot eat any more lettuce, so I am beginning to rely more and more on the simple PB sandwiches. Dad would be so proud. One thing I miss desperately is color. The elders wear plain black and white every day and the sisters are garbed in morose plaids and neutrals. My own wardrobe is comparatively bright, but my eyes are deprived of pretty things. I just want to see flowers, pleats, ruffles, pastels, ribbons, anything. Hopefully things will be more colorful in the DR.Watching conference at the MTC was incredibly different. It was much easier for me to see what the Lord would have me listen to and work on. I, like Tanya, saw a great theme of love. I know that this is what the Lord wants me to learn right now. How to genuinely care about people quicker and more deeply. Sometimes I can feel surges of the Savior's love for other people, but I want to understand that more fully. We have been making several phone calls in the Referral Center and we just check to call and see if customers have received their orders of the Book of Mormon of Lamb of God DVD's, etc. We are encouraged to share our testimonies over the phone. Talk about being way out of my comfort zone. I don't even like talking on the phone, much less "prying into" stranger's lives. But I see the example of one of my teachers and I can see that he sincerely loves the people he is talking to. That is such a spiritual gift. That teacher really inspires me. I know that the Lord has humbled me very much. I always thought that I would be good at these things, but everyday I am affronted by my weaknesses. The story that Granny sent me has been very inspiring. From it I learned that the Lord will grant me the gifts that I need--when I need it. It is hard to trust in His timing and also my abilities. But I also know that through Him I can do His great work. It is such an opportunity to see the the Lord's hand in my life and the life of these elders so directly. It is a unique experience. I am so grateful for my testimony which truly is my pillar of strength. I know that the book of Mormon is true, that this gospel is the restored fullness of the truth and the Joseph Smith, although just a humble boy was indeed a prophet of God.

I love all of you so much!

Hermana Palmer