First Week!!! (Wed., March 18)

I didn't think I would have the opportunity to write you all emails while I am here in the MTC. Well, it turns out I get to. Mom, dad...I would really appreciate it if you would forward this message on to all the people on my list I gave you.

This week has been a whirlwind, to say the least. There has been no down time since the moment I left you all in the building where we said goodbye. I have been busy with class, study, devotionals, firesides, MTC choir practice, and many other things. I will only be able to email on Wednesdays (my P-Day) but I will write every week that way.

I am sad I haven't heard from either of you yet. I hope all is well at home. I miss everybody there so much, but I am truly happy here. I know this is where the Lord needs me to be right now. My testimony has already grown so much about the Restoration of the Gospel, and my faith in Jesus Christ is increasing every day.

One thing that has been pretty hard has been that from the day I got here, my companion, Sister Coleman has been really home sick. Every day it's hard for her to get up, and she has not had any motivation to study and learn. As of today, things are getting better. We went this morning and she had a conversation with one of the District Presidents, and he recommended that she go to the counseling for a meeting with a counselor. She has the potential to be a fantastic missionary, but she misses her family so much that it is really interferring with her work here. Last night, we talked and I think our companionship will get stronger from here on out.

The language is coming pretty well. I am learning pretty quickly, but there is SO much to learn that I know I still have a long way to go. I can now pray, bear a simple testimony, have a basic conversation with somebody, and count....to a thousand in Svenska. Not that I'll ever need to count to a thousand, but I can. :) I love the two teachers I have that are teaching us Swedish. They are both very cool in there own ways. They have such a great Spirit about them!
I had the opportunity yesterday in the devotional to hear the words of Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve. His words were so awesome. I learned so much from what he shared. We have the opportunity to hear from a general authority every week. No wonder the Spirit is so strong.

We have gym five times a week. I love it. I either walk, or do the elliptical machines, and do a little strength training as well. They always have lots of good choices at the cafeteria...both good for me and bad for me. I'm trying really hard to choose things every day that are healthy. I feel really good about myself right now. I am learning that there is a very real correlation between the Spirit and my self esteem. I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to be in this place where the spirit is so strong all the time, and I have such an opportunity to learn so much.
What else...I have 30 minutes every week, and it's hard to think through everything that has happened to tell you everything.

I need addresses. I need the Lewis' address. I got Aunt Eileen a birthday card, but didn't have the address to send it on time. I also need Katie Lewis's address up at Utah State. Mom, could you call Sheryl and get it for me? Also, I would love to have G and G Morris' new address. I know it's 1100 West, but I don't know the house number. And anybody you else would like to hear from me. I have time to write, but I don't know many addresses.

I'm doing so well. I love you all so much. I miss you, but I'm so happy that I don't dwell on the fact that we have this time apart. Please write me often, and let other people know that they can use DearElder.com to write me messages that will be delivered to me the next day.

I know this church is true, and I am so entirely grateful for the opportunity I have to increase my knowledge of the gospel, and teach the people of Sweden!!

I will write again next week!!! Love you all!!!
Sister Suzanne Wood

By the way, I need Derek's address and email address as well!!! Love you!!! Thanks for all you have done for me. I appreciate you mom and dad for your examples and the courage and strength you raised me to have. Take care of yourselves!!!