Half way done at MTC!

Dear family,

I can't believe I am half way done at the MTC...or pretty close depending on our exact departure date. This week has truly flown by. I can't even tell you how much I learn every day and how much I TRY to remember.

First of all, I want to thank all of you for the letters, and Melissa thanks so much for the package. It means so much to me that you all support me and it's so nice to hear from home. I love to know all the little things I am missing out on.

Mom, I didn't get the flip flops yet, but I think they will get here today. Thank you so much for getting them to Jor so she can send them to me. Jor...or mom....I need Jor's Cedar City address. I sent her a letter last week to her address in Provo, and it got returned back to me.

I hate to keep asking for things to be sent to me, but I would really appreciate having a bottle of vitamin C, and a bottle of daily vitamins. Sickness is inevitable here, and I would really like to have something I can take to fight the germs. I had a little sore throat for a couple days, but I am feeling better, and the rest of the week has been fine.

For mom and dad, who are worried about my health and my back. I am good. My back gets sore, but it is never very bad. I sit a lot and that is hard, but I can stand when I need to. I take ibuprofen almost everyday...I try to remember everyday so that it will keep the swelling down and help with the soreness. The beds are pretty terrible, and the pillow I have doesn't help my neck any, BUT I am fine. I am able to sleep ok even though the beds aren't great.

So funny thing happened last night. I was going to the mailroom to pick up a package...and I was minding my own business when I hear a voice say, "Suzanne???" I turned to look....it was Dillon Perucci!!!! We were so excited to see each other. He leaves for Tampico, Mexico next week. He is so grown up. We visited for a minute, and shook hands, but it was so awesome to see him. What a blast from the past.

Our devotional last night was by Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone. It was incredible. He has such a spirit about him, and his boldness in the gospel and his testimony have changed no doubt many lives. It was awesome.

I hope you all had a chance to watch conference this past weekend. What an incredible experience to be here during conference. I gained so much from the words of the Prophet and from the words of the Apostles and other general authorities. I had several favorite talks, but the two that particularly have stood out to me are Elder Hollands talk about the Savior and the Atonement, and then...I can't remember which 70 it was...who spoke all about faith.

I have felt a lack of faith in the last week. Nothing to worry about, except that I have realized over the last few days, last several weeks, ok, my whole life how important it is to have faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. I can't express to all of you how much I have been able to learn and retain, but I also have realized, and will continue to realize how vital and absolutely important my faith is. Faith that Jesus Christ will make up for what I can't do. Faith that my health will ramain good. Faith that He will take care and be there for all of you while I am gone. Faith in the blessings He is willing to bestow upon me if I will be obedient and continue to turn for him. I can write with a surity and great confidence that our Savior Jesus Christ wants and needs us to have faith in Him. He will make up the difference if we will believe Him and have Faith in Him.

Mom, I have been so worried about you. I know you will find out the results of your test today. Please let me know what those results are. I will try to check my email one more time today...but please DearElder me also. I love you so much, and know that even if there are tough in the future that you will be ok. I know that the Lord will provide for your needs. He loves you Mom, and knows how you are feeling now, and everything will be ok. I miss you so much!

Dad, I know you have been travelling a lot. Please continue to take care of yourself. I miss you, and I appreciate so much that you take the time to write me when you get a chance. Thank you for providing me with all I've ever needed or wanted.

Mom and dad, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you financially supporting me on my mission. I will always be in debt to you. I have learned so much, and my testimony has been strengthened everyday. It has not been easy, nor will it get easier, but I am so glad I am here. I know that there are people waiting for ME in Sweden, and I can't wait to bless their lives with the gospel.

I am becoming more confident in the language because I am relying more on Heavenly Father. There is no explanation for the amount I have learned here, except that I have learned it through the Spirit.

Please take care of yourselves. Remember who you are, and that Heavenly Father loves you and wants to bless you. Stay close to Him. Pray to Him. Read His words, and I can promise you as a representative of our Savior Jesus Christ that you will be blessed!

I love you all so very much, and I miss you, and want you to know that I pray for you, and worry about you, and that I care so very much for all of you. Write me when you have time.

Love,
Sister Suzanne Wood