Day 1 at the MTC

September 15, 2016

Greetings, everyone!

I have been told to email you and let you know that I am here safe and sound--though as you dropped me off, you know that already. :) After you dropped me off, I was whisked off to get my packet and books and go to drop things off at my room, and I feel like I've been running ever since.

I am doing well. I have a fantastic district of 11 people, one elder companionship, one elder trio (we had a missionary not turn up yesterday) and three sister companionships. All of us sisters are going to the Dakotas--Sisters Johnson, Lawrence, Weaver, Young (who we met at the temple), and Gabler. We all love each other already and laugh every time we're together, Elders and Sisters. My district is quickly becoming close.

Sister Gabler is my companion. She is 19 years old, a dancer and improv pianist, and one of the most fantastic people I've ever met. All of yesterday, every time someone mentioned companions we nudged each other or bumped fists. We bonded immediately at dinner over our mutual love (nerdiness) of Harry Potter and Star Wars (yes, Lydia, my companion is a Potterhead. It's the best). :) We are getting along great. We taught our first discussion today to our teacher (Sister Spence--a wonderful person) playing one of her past investigators, Shelby. Considering that it was our first shot, it went really well.

It hasn't all been easy. I feel like I've been drinking out of a firehose for the last two days. There are so many standards and rules and guidelines and doctrines and scriptures and ideas to remember that I can hardly take it all in. I miss you all more than I can say. Even so, I know I am supposed to be here. Yesterday when I first arrived, I was directed to a sister who pinned a badge onto my chest--Sister Pullan. I broke down crying all over again. I am a missionary. I am Sister Pullan. I still can't quite believe it. It is hard and I have a long way to go, but I am in good hands and I think I can get there.I love you all so much. I have felt your prayers. I will write again on Thursday. Hurrah for Israel!

Yours ever, 
Sister Pullan 😊

We all said good-bye to Rachel on the lawn in front of the Provo temple.  This is Rachel with Lydia, Nathan and Matthew. (Daniel is in Jerusalem studying at the BYU Jerusalem Center.)

Good-bye Mom & Dad.  We all cried a lot, but they were happy tears.
There is no place better for your kids to be than serving a mission.

Rachel was welcomed to the MTC by this cute sister missionary (heading for Italy in a few weeks).