Week 2

Time in the MTC is literally the strangest thing. I feel like I’ve been here forever. So much is happening. As much as I’d love to tell you about everything, there really just isn’t time. Last P-day was the most stressful/overwhelming day for me because I felt like I had to tell you all every little detail. I didn’t even get a chance to read or respond to any emails so I’m going to do some things differently this week. I honestly have no idea what I wrote about last week, I was so overwhelmed so I’m sorry if some of this is repetitive but I’ll do the best I can!

First of all, I love being here. It really is an incredible place. It’s so surreal.

MTC. There are about 150 missionaries here, it’s pretty small. I attached a schedule of what an ordinary day looks like.

The food. It’s pretty interesting. Rice. Rice. Rice. And a potato. Some kind of meat. You often can’t tell what it is. Rolls. Fruit. Vegetable bar. (Usually broccoli, green beans & carrots). Our first day they warned us that all the North American missionaries get sick. I was a little suspicious. I just assumed it was in their heads until we found a worm in our broccoli. I don’t eat the broccoli anymore. Now it’s like waiting on death row counting the days 'til I get my turn.

Last week we celebrated Argentina’s Independence Day. Shout out to Elder Wilcox and Gagnon. We had Argentinian food. But on the cookies, instead of putting powdered sugar on top, they accidentally used baking soda. Not quite the same. Go pour baking soda on your tongue and you’ll see what I mean.

Wednesday - Really hard. I definitely struggled. First of many bad days I’m sure. But it’s gonna make me stronger. Aint nothin’ gonna stop me.

Thursday - Something about Lima, the sun never shines. Ever. It is always gray. No sun, no moon, no stars, no clouds, nada. But we could actually see the sun for a few hours. It was incredible. Lesson of the day: I can’t rely on the Lord to make it easy for me. If I’m not trying to be happy, the Lord ain’t going to force me.

Personal study is my favorite time of the day. Sometimes I feel like I’ve never read the scriptures before. Every time it’s just like whoa. Everybody go read El Libro de Mormon.

Also Sister Sixty is real. Sorry mom.

Our teacher does little post-lesson reviews with each companion. She said that our strength was our animado (excitement)aAnd it really makes her want to listen.

Friday - We watched President Packer’s funeral. So great. Love that even though it’s sad, it didn’t feel sad, you know?

All the days are starting to blur together.

Saturday - This is a gospel of joy. Smile!

This really is hard work and it’s easy to get discouraged. But you just gotta laugh, smile & be happy!

Hard work can = happy work.

Sunday - Sundays are great. Everyone is assigned to write a talk, then on Sunday in sacrament meeting they call on 4 missionaries to give them. Did I mention they’re all in ESPAÑOL! Yeah that’s a nerve wracking 15 minutes. I made it through this week.

We had a missionary health day. Loved it. J Except for the ingrown toenails. Don’t look that up.

We watched the best movie I’ve ever seen, Legacy. GO look it up. Great acting and everything.

Not sure why we watched it. It’s like a chick flick for 90-year-old women. It was literally the worst movie ever. But we all got a good laugh out of it. Grateful for the sacrifices of the pioneers though. Singing in church is always great. We’re usually accompanied by a symphony of the piano & police sirens.

One teacher described Lima central as the matrix. Gotta keep them BoM’s close. (Missionary bullet proof vest).

Found two elders who knew Summer. Don’t remember their names.

Also found Summer & Cameron Mayo’s Latino doppelgangers.

Monday - Can’t remember. Missionary work is great!

Tuesday - 2 WEEKS! (eternity). Started to feel sick right before a lesson, like real bad. I didn’t think I’d make it. Said a quick prayer. POOF! GONE! I keep finding miracles in my life! Love it.

I’m getting everyone’s emails and I love it! It’s so nice to hear from everyone but I really haven’t had time yet to reply! I will as soon as possible! The support is much appreciated!

Living the dream!

Endure JOYFULLY to the end!

Love and miss you all!

Thanks for the prayers!

Much love,

Hermana Anderson

Still loving Lima!