5 Weeks Down!!

Dear family, (and friends)

This week has been another great time at the MTC. I have been thinking about what I could write to all of you about my week that would be fun or cool to hear.

The thing that is first and foremost on my mind right now is that we had the opportunity to hear an apostle speak to us last night. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland from the quorum of the 12 was here. His message was bold, and straightforward, but full of love. I can tell all of you that I know he is an apostle of Christ. His main message was to work as hard as we can, and to understand just a little fraction of what we are doing on our missions. I wrote tons of notes, and felt the Spirit so strongly throughout the meeting. I am so grateful for experiences like that one that have strengthened my testimony SO much.

I can't believe how quickly this week has flown by. On Monday, Sister Coleman and I taught the 1st lesson in Swedish together at the TRC...which is where there are volunteers who speak the language who we practice on once a week. Our lesson went pretty well. I am feeling much better about the language. I still have a lot to learn, and realize that I will get into Sweden and wonder what language they taught me in the MTC...but I am feeling more confident and my vocabulary is growing and we are trying to speak the language as much as possible.

Mom, I got the package!! Thank you so much for the treats, and for the card. My flip-flops are much appreciated. You are wonderful...thank you again.

I appreciate all the letters of support and encouragement. I know all of you are busy, and I know it is probably hard to find the time to write, but I am always so thankful when I get to hear from any of you. I like to know what's going on in your lives, and to still be "in the loop" without actually being there.

Have Taylor read this part:

Taylor,
I am so proud of your decision to serve in the Marine Corps. I know you will be a vital asset to the nation in these hard times. I love you and will always be so glad you are my little brother. Continue to take care of yourself. Be good to Jenny. Always know that you have a big sister who misses you and loves you. I wish I could be at your graduation!!! I know you have changed a lot, and I am so glad that you are having these wonderful experiences. I know you will be successful in this choice you have made. Love you!!!

Sister Coleman has not been feeling well the last couple days, so we are trying to get her feeling better. I continue to have good health here at the MTC. I have been so incredibly blessed to not have trouble with my back. My body is sick of sitting all the time....but I know that my entire district feels that way.

Everyday, our chalkboard in our classroom is filled....two, or three times over with new nouns, verbs, and other things. I feel like my head is going to not take any more sometimes, but then I learn something new, and can use it in my conversation. The Spirit is helping me continuously as I seek it's help in my learning the language.

I feel like I bear my testimony every week....and that makes up the entirety of my letter to all of you. I want to tell you just a couple of funny things that have happened since I've been here, so you know that I am having a good time...as well as growing incredible amounts spiritually. (Please keep in mind I am not a very good story teller.)

So a week ago, Sis. Coleman and I were walking back from dinner to go to class. We were coming in the door, and Sis. Coleman opened it, started to walk through, and totally hit herself in the head with the door. Don't worry, she wasn't badly injured, but it made for some pretty great laughs.

This one is not really a story, but my Zone Leader, Elder Argyle is one funny guy. He's huge!! He's probably 6' 3" and 300 lbs. He is usually sweating and has a fan that has to be blowing on him constantly. Sometimes boys smell...and on lucky occasions, he stands up, and the fan blows some less than pleasant smells in my direction. I have to giggle. He is awesome, but stinky at times.

Ok, last funny thing about the MTC. I will try my best to have this not come off offensively...or grossly. Since the day I got here, I have eaten three times a day in the cafeteria here at the MTC...at first Sis. Coleman and I didn't notice anything, but the longer we have been here, we are starting to realize that we think they have something in the food. Hehehe, something that gives us "flatulence" or "gas" or whatever you want to call it. I know it may sound gross, but it has become a very funny thing to us. It's pretty much expected now. I wonder what it is they put in the food...if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them.

Now that I've had my silly moment, I will let you all know that I am loving this work. This is single-handedly the hardest thing I have done in my life. The schedule is rigorous, the rules are many, and I am pretty much always tired, but I would not trade any of it. I have a work to do, I love it. I am getting so excited to go into Sweden and teach the people there.
I can't believe I have already been here for 5 weeks. Time is flying by. Before you all know it, I will be back, and awkward as ever. :)

I know this gospel is true. I know that God has called a prophet and apostles for us to learn from today. I know that as we feast upon the words of Christ, we will know Him better, and feel of His love for us. I know that trials are for our good, and that they help us to grow. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that it is the answer to any questions we may have about this life.

I am so grateful for the examples you have all been to me. I love you, and will forever be indebted to your kindness and love.

Mom and dad....Bryan, Derek, Stephanie, Taylor, Melissa, Richard, grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews...I love you all SO much. I miss you, and please know that you are in my prayers and that I think of you often. I hope you are all doing well. I wish I was in San Diego with you. Please send me pictures and know that I am there in presence!!!

Friends, take care of yourselves!!! Make decisions that will help you to be closer to your Heavenly Father. Stay close to Christ and follow the commandments. Pray in every decision to know that you are doing the BEST thing you can. I love you all, and miss you.

Love,
Sister Suzanne Wood