Well, I've survived 2 weeks here in the good ol' MTC! What an... interestingly amazing place it is. The amount of emotions you feel in a 24 hour time period is..... exhausting! But amazing. haha. My district is wonderful! I love them all and we've become our own little family away from our families. My companions name is Hermana Six and she is from Virginia. The other pair of Hermanas in my district are Hermana Harris and Hermana Asay! They are so cute. Then, we have a trio with the Elders and their names are Elder Andrews, Elder Jensen, and Elder Ah Sue. They are all so great!

So I have to admit the first week....and a half.... was super overwhelming! I walked into class that first day and English was no longer allowed. Spanish it is! All day everyday. My companion and I taught our first 40 minute lesson on Friday (two days after we got here) and have taught at least 1 lesson everyday since! It was extremeley scary at first but it's the best way to learn, that's for sure. The language isn't coming as easily as I hoped it would but I just have to keep reminding myself that I've only been here for 2 weeks. The Lord doesn't expect us to be perfect, only to do our very best. So that's what I'm doing! Giving it all I've got and then some. The Lord makes up the rest.

So July 4th was pretty exciting here at the MTC! We had an awesome devotional - my favorite part of that was the opening prayer in which the Elder said "We are so thankful to the for the founding fathers. Thank you for separating us from England." Yes, he really said that is his PRAYER for the ENTIRE MTC. - Then we got to watch 17 Miracles, and then ended our night the right way with Stadium of Fire Fireworks! Soooo amazing! It was a great day and we got to stay up past our bedtime. We payed for it the next day though at 5:50 am. SO WORTH IT.

On Sunday I was made the new Sister Training Leader which in the MTC is the sister equivalent of a Zone leader. So that's pretty exciting! I'm a little nervous about it but I know that it will be a great experience!

I see tons of friends here in the MTC. It's like a high school reunion everyday and meals! haha Bonneville is pretty well represented here. What a blessing!

I am learning so much and the time is starting to flyyyy by. I've already been here two weeks and it seems like I just got here. I literally cannot wait to get to Costa Rica and start teaching real people instead of fake investigators! haha. What a blessing it is to be a part of such an amazing work. "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" -Joseph Smith

I'm so thankful for a loving heavenly father who has strengthened me through the hard times here so far. I don't even know how many hours I have spent praying in 2 short weeks but I do know that my prayers are answered daily and I'm so thankful for that! The MTC is not easy and I would not be able to do it without all of the love and support from family and friends back at home and of course from Heavenly Father.

I really appreciate all of the letters I have received from everyone as well! They mean so much to me! I now know why it's such a big deal to get mail here. It can totally turn your day around for the better! haha

Well, thanks again for all of the love and support everyone! I love and miss you all! La iglesia es verdadero! (:

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Sincerely, Sister Gray.