Week 2!!

Hey everyone! 

I can't believe I've been in the missionary training center for over a week now. The days go by slow, but the weeks go by fast! 

This past week was pretty eventful, I must say. I didn't know this, but in Utah there's this big thing called Stadium of Fire and it's like this gigantic concert they put on every year right before the fourth of July with fireworks, etc. This year, Tim McGraw was playing, and the MTC let all of the missionaries stay up and watch the fireworks on Saturday night. (That means we got to stay out until 10:30!). Pretty reckless, I know. Our district combined with a couple other districts in a classroom with snacks and glow sticks, and we loudly sang MANY American-pride songs. It was especially hilarious because there was a sister in another district who's from Canada, and she was totally freaked out the whole time. "HOW MANY NATIONAL ANTHEMS DO YOU GUYS HAVE ?!?!" It was hilarious. 

On the actual fourth of July, we weren't allowed to stay up and watch fireworks, but the MTC provided a short ice cream social and we got to sit in the grass and look at the Y--which was lit up that night. Basically fireworks, haha. 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my in-person companions Sister Sorenson and Sister Dorius. We have so much fun together. Tuesdays are a little sad for us though, because that's when they do their English fast (so they can practice having to speak in German all the time). I'm proud of them for their dedication, but I'm sad for me, who always has to ask them to repeat what they said over and over while they try to make hand-motions to communicate what they're trying to tell me. But honestly, there's a lot of humor to be found in that as well. 

At the end of last week, I taught my first two lessons as a missionary alongside my online companions Sister Cook and Sister Bryson! We taught about the Restoration both times, and it went really well! I was so nervous for our first lesson that I was sweating the whole time, and I was totally drained once it was over. I ended up laying on the floor for 20 minutes afterwards. But during my second lesson the next day, I had SO MUCH fun. When the lesson ended, I was overjoyed and completely PSYCHED for the next 18 months of my life. I can see how life as a missionary can be fun, and I can't wait to teach real people instead of MTC actors, haha. 

Lately we've been focusing a lot on the Plan of Salvation, and I'm SO grateful for the knowledge that we CHOSE to come to earth and experience trials and hardship so that we can learn and progress. Our goal is not JUST to return to Heavenly Father, but to return to Heavenly Father as people LIKE HIM. In 3 Nephi 27:27, Christ says, "...Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." As we come unto Christ, keep the commandments, and utilize His Atonement to repent, Moroni 8:25-26 promises us that we can develop Christlike qualities such as meekness, perfect love, and diligence--which bring us closer to the character of God. 

And now...pictures!

This was taken on Saturday night after watching fireworks.

This was what me, Sister Sorenson, and Sister Dorius wore on the fourth of July.

I made Sister Sorenson and Sister Dorius take this selfie with me because they served SWEDISH MEATBALLS in the cafeteria. It seemed necessary, and I stand by it.

This is a gym-bro selfie taken this morning after we got RIPPED in the gym.

 I'm so grateful to be at the MTC, and I'm super excited for my fellow Swedish-learners to join me here next week! 

Syster Naatjes