Sisters are taking over the MTC!

3/8/2013

Hola, hola!

The sisters are taking over the MTC! It used to be that there were less women's bathrooms than men's, but they just converted one of the men's bathrooms into a women's in my classroom building because the wait was always so long. One stall just wasn't going to cut it! That was a funny day.

One of the "fundamentals" we have been focusing on lately for missionary work is "Teach People, Not Lessons." I have really come to realize more and more that missions are about the individual people we will be teaching and how the gospel is so important to their happiness this life and after this life. I thought I was a pretty good teacher before I left for the mission, but I have found out that I have a lot of weaknesses to improve on- such as listening, focusing on the investigator's needs, and asking "inspired questions" that will really help them.

I have also developed a much stronger love for the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. I can see how it directly applies to what and why we teach. I would encourage everyone to read it more than I did before my mission.

A mission is so fun if you have the right attitude! I have had a lot of time to bond with las hermanas as we eat in the cafeteria together, go to the gym, clean toilets/ vacuum during service time, share things we've learned in personal study and personal experiences, laugh together, practice Spanish, teach, and more. The elders and sisters in my district are so unique and strong in their different own ways. It is such an opportunity to come on a mission to assess yourself and your relationship to God. You have a chance to consider what you really want for yourself and other people.

It's like you age in dog years here. So much wisdom constantly being poured into you! And today is already the day my district should get our travel plans! I can hardly believe we'll be across the country in New Jersey in ten days and meeting and teaching people for real! Oh man, pretty soon I'll be able to see what time our flight leaves and everything- and call hopefully call home from the airport! I hope I can do a good job to deliver the message that God has asked me to share.

I love you all so much! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! Please keep in touch!

Les quiero,
Hermana Martin


To specific people I love:

1. Hodi and Cody!---- IT'S A GIRL! I'm so excited for you!! Thanks for keeping me updated! Hodi, I wrote a letter back to you a while ago, pero no tengo su direccion. Puede enviar a mi, por favor? Congratulations!!!!

2. I got baby Natalie's announcement from Zac and Melissa! Thank you! She is beautiful! I don't get to see babies here, so that was especially exciting! Thank you! Love you!

3. What is the status on Noni and Poppi's calling? I want to hear more about it! Missionary work is amazing!

4. BAILEY MARTIN IS TURNING 11! Be expecting a package, seester! Love you!