Congrats to Markie

Dear Family,

First off, congratulations to Markie for getting piano students. I am so proud that she is growing up to be just like her big sister! ;D I will have to think of some tips to send you, but as you can imagine I am pretty rusty.

We're Headed to Puerto Rico.  Sister Melgar and I

Sorry, Dad that you are so busy at work. I hope things settle down soon, but thanks for the note. I look forward to hearing from you.

Well, my days here in the CCM are at an end. It has been a unique and valuable experience. I have learned a few funny things while I have been in the DR. Fisrt off the value of a peanut butter sandwich. That is the first thing I want when I land in Puerto Rico. Also, I love the people of the Dominican Republic. They are so friendly and religiously minded. I am surprised that these people seem so inclined to faith. I also learned that Dominicans are BEAUTIFUL. I have yet to see an ugly Dominican they could all be models. And Dominicans can not sing. I thought that they would be more musically inclined, since Africans are supposedly very musical. But I often chuckle as I walk past a classroom and hear a hymn being sung in at least 5 different keys.

And in honor of the grand occasion of my exit I guess I will write down just a few of the highlights and lowlights
HIGHLIGHTS:
I love the air-conditioning, probably the last I will enjoy for a year and a half.
I will miss working so closely with the elders, it has been a good experience.
Accomadations are lovely with only four in a room as compared to 6 in Provo. Our beds are big and soft.

I am going to miss the teachers here so much! I have learned so much for all of them and they are so patient with our Spanish.

I love being so close to the temple. Everyday after dinner, Hermana Miller and I power walk as many laps as we can around the temple.
LOWLIGHTS;
I often wonder if many things are sanitary.
The food tastes good, but is not good for me.

Overall, I guess the experience was pretty good. I have enjoyed my time here and learned more than I ever thought I could. I have learned a lot about what the Lord expects of me. He expects all of me. When I look to the future, I know that things will be hard, harder than I can understand right now. But I am also begining to feel, bit by bit, that I can give all of myself to the Lord. I want to. I know that he will be with me every step of the way if I will just surrender my will to His. I know that things are quickly going to become very hard, but I also know that the gospel of Christ is worth it. I have felt so much peace and love throughout my time here.

I love you all!
Hermana Palmer

Spicing things up in the DR

November 12, 2009

I am so happy to hear that Uncle Mel is recovering. I am also glad that the Cranes were able to make it to Grandpa's funeral. How fitting that everyone was fed with his beloved green chili.

I wrote down some memories of Grandpa on the night that I found out he passed away. I will snail mail them to you, Mom. Speaking of snail mail it is probably time to start sending things to PR. Anything sent after today probably won't make it to me in the DR.

Things are becoming more routine and easier this week. Hermana Miller and I have come up with a basic summary of our daily highights.

Monday-Contacting at the university
Tuesday-Laundry
Wednesday-Mail (supposedly)
Thursday-P-day
Friday-Simulation teaching
Saturday-Cookies from Hermana Hendricks (Literally the only thing in the CCM that does not taste like rice and beans)

Sunday- Movie Night and Ice cream

It was nice this week because the Latino's arrived and totally spiced up the "system". The American culture is the only culture which has an infatuation and respect for rules. Lines, schedules, forget about it. Things are much more lively than the subdued Provo MTC where the hottest topic was whether or not girls are allowed to wear flowers in their hair.

CCM Sisters

We had our first weekly district fuzbol tournament. Each of us drew names for a team mate and contributed one item for the grand prize. I contributed stickers, but it consisted mainly of candy and pass-along cards. Elder McBride adn I put up a good fight and won two out of our three games. Unfortuntely we did not win overall. Gratefully the elders allow sisters to spin the handles. Otherwise I would not stand a chance. They are disturbingly GOOD.

I am learning so much here! and loving it! Especially since the Latin sisters are here. It is fun to share a room with them. they have totally different habits than I am used to. Like Chelsea mentioned, they use laundry detergent to clean everything. And since they are all black and have ther really course hair. thay have to straighten their hair each night and wrap it up in hairnets. It is quite the ordeal, but interesting to watch. I am happy and sad to leave this country--but also very excited

Love,
Hermana Palmer

A busy week for everyone

November 5, 2009

Mom, I don't really know what to do with this letter, I just kind of vented and let everything out.

Wow. I cannot believe all of the news from home. My heart is overwhelmed and I wish I could be with all of you. Especially Tanya and Devaun. I feel so much for you. I just found out all of this today. We only get mail once a week and there was a problem this week, so I feel a little isolated. I was able to talk to Dad on the phone this week, but with Presidente breathing down my back I didn't feel too comfortable really talking. I will keep Uncle Mel in my prayers and all of the Cranes. Tanya, I love you so much and I think of you all of the time.

I have been thinking so much about the Plan of Salvation this week. We have been studying it and preparing to teach all week. After I found out about Grandpa I had to ask myself: "Do I really believe this?" The answer is yes. I know that the Savior has a simple but profound plan for each of us. He intends for all of us to be happy and a large part of that includes being with our families forever. I know that this gospel is true and I know that Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know that I have little power to help anyone while I am so far away, but I just want to extend my love to everyone, my family, and especially the Cranes.

Mom, I love you so much. I wish I could be there for you. I would imagine you are carrying a lot of weight with Grandpa's funeral and such. You have such a useful and valuable hobby. The story that sticks out most to me in my mind of Grandpa is how hard he laughed as I learned to drive. At one point I found myself driving in the wrong lane of the highway and I will never forget how hard he laughed. Somehow I cannot help but picture him laughing happily right now.

We don't have much time, but don't worry about me. I am happy. We recieved 5 more Latin sisters today in la CCM which is a huge relief. We will get to know each other quickly since tonight we have to fit all seven of us in our TINY room until other accomdations open up. They don't speak a word of English, so Sister Miller and I will have to fight to keep up.

I am loving the DR. The culture is so similar to Chile. The streets are just a crowded, noisy, and hazardous. Sister Miller just cannot get over the fact that there are several open man-holes in the sidewalks and she is TERRIFIED to cross the streets. She also cannot believe that people sell food, stickers, and home decor in the streets. I love it all and I truly feel at home.

I love you all so much!

Hermana Palmer

Another week bites the dust

Dear family and friends,

Well, Things continue to roll along quite nicely here in the DR. I feel so at home in this culture. And I am learning more and more about missionary work each day. I have learned so much about the basic principles of the gospel. I never realized how much I knew until I had to start simplifying my own knowledge to the simple doctrine. When you can actually get it down to that point you realize how beautiful and perfect the gospel plan is.

Yet at the same time, I feel like I have just made a huge realization of how broad the gospel is. It no longer feel like just an important aspect of my life, but I realize it is my life and my purpose. Not just as a missionary, but just as a child of God.

We ate this EVERY day in the CCM

I am so glad to get Letters each week from my other missionary friends. I feel a sort of commradship with them now. But they seem so far ahead of me. I especially appreciate Tanya's letters. Life is different for sisters. Especially at this MTC. Our domain is VERY small. (Bascially we are allowed in 4 rooms and a hallway) and we are often forgotten or overlooked. But soon 5 more latin sisters should be coming. Although I am nervous to share a bedroom with another culture, I am eager for the strength in numbers.

Well, the buzz of tis week is that Elder Hinckley came to inspect us. The Presidente and wife were all in a tizzy. They assured us all week that this was nothing special and we should all act as usual, but I began to notice more decorations and flowers appear. And we did an EXTRA thorough cleaning last week. Things seemed suspiciously unnormal. But, I am pleased to announced that we passed the inspection. The only correction we were infromed of is that the sisters are not to wait in line the cafeteria, but proceed directly to the front. BAM! Take that!

Well, I am getting more and more excited about missinary work. I feel like I am actually going to be ok at this. Maybe I will even be good, but I can definitely feel the love and support of the Lord. He is guiding me and protecting me.

I appreciate so much your letters!!! Markie, I think that is just great that Jono answered you like that! Mostly I just enjoy picturing dad laughing hysterically.
I can't believe you are applying to hollister. I would too actually. especially if you know someone who works there. That is the best way to get a job, but I never pictured you working there. Do they have good undershirts? I sould use a few more? I was reprimanded because two of mine are too low. But that is another bitter story.

Please give Stacy a hug for me too! I am glad she is there taking care of us all.

Dad, you were right about the stupid rules at the MTC. . . It is pretty sad because I was building up this great desrire to be so obedient and such an active missionary and it is hard to reinflate that desire each time. Last week we were told that we can't look out any of the windows in the CCM becasue they are too close to the elder's rooms. That sealed the feeling that we live in a prison. We sisters only see the outside world a few times a week. It is depressing and I am hoping that I will be under less scrutiny once I leave here.

I am glad you learned from brother Zaharis' talk. It is defintitely harder done than said. I totally understand. I am my father's daughter.


LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!

Hermana
Morgan Palmer

PS. I told our Harry Potter World Premiere story to my elders. They thought it was pretty much the best stroy EVER!

PPS.  I saw the milk, and the memories came back of the taste and the floaties on the bottom, Yum-O.