Do You Always Shake Your Voice Like That?

Why, Hello!

Sister Brinkerhoff here. Holy cow, it is crazy that it is all readyTuesday and I haven't even been here a week yet. Time is flying, yet going so slow at the same time. They say that the days go by slow and the weeks fly by. I guess I'll tell you if that's true when I've actually been here longer than a week.

 

I miss you all so much. Yesterday in particular I had a moment where I realized that 18 months DOES seem like a long time. I gotteary-eyed for a second, and then I was OK. I have to be honest, I really do love being here and love what I am learning BUT I really do miss home. Feels like I've been gone WAY longer than a week, so I can only imagine how much I will miss you by the time it's time for me to come home.

A couple things. FIRST off: There is a website called Dearelder.com.I totally forgot to tell you about it when I left. You can get on there and write a letter to me and they deliver it the same day. I know you didn't know about it, so I won't be mad that I was the only missionary in my district who wasn't getting letters everyday (Except for Cameron, my old Roomie Lauren, Todd and Mega, Jere sent one to my actual box... These people knew about it- and I LOVED getting letters from them- OR they love me more than my own family....just kiddin. Karen Merrill also sent some cookies and a letter with Brad that was delivered to me. So sweet. ) from you all. Get on there and send me letters! It really is amazing how much those letters motivate me and give me a breath of relief for a few minutes.

My MTC address (Mom- You should have it, do you not?) is Sister

Bailee Alise Brinkerhoff MTC Mailbox #170 CA-LA 1013

2005 N. 900 E.

Provo, UT 84604- 1793

Feel free to send anything :) I get it the day it gets here, not just mail days.

SO now that that stuff is over, I'll share what it's been for thefirst couple of days here at the MTC. I walked in, and it's true what they tell you, the spirit is dripping off of the walls. It'spretty crazy. I got directed around by another Sister who was VERYexcited to help me (thats a common trend... people are just happy here.) get all my things to my room and such and then we went to our class. My teachers-- Bro. Oldham and Sis.Tan-- are really great. They totally get me, and I appreciate that Ifeel I can talk to them about things. I loved my first couple ofdays. SO much. I was so excited to learn, excited to grow andanxious to get teaching. My companion-- Sister Mortenson (I refer to her as Sis. Morty in my journal because it's too long to write)-- is really great. It's funny to meet people who don't know me at all. I always feel alittle bit apprehensive about some things. Talking about myself, for example, because I feel like when I say things like "I study Music, Dance Theatre" people don't take me seriously.

At one point,  after a hymn, Sis. Morty said "Do you always shakeyour voice like that?" I laughed pretty hard. I'm singing in churchthis Sunday so the word must've gotten around that I sing. I kind ofthought I would leave that part of me at home, but who am I kidding? I was born to sing! I am grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony with my talents. I think it will be a huge blessing while I am here.

 

Anyways. Wednesday and Thursday were REALLY long. Class, group meetings, learning things about the MTC... Thursday night we had interviews with our Branch Presidency and I love them. Their wivesare involved with us too and they are really great. I was called asthe Coordinating Sister of my Branch which basically means I am responsible for the other Sisters' obedience, well-being, and some logistical stuff. I thrive in leadership, I'm learning. I really like being able to be focused on other people, it takes away from me being so dang focused on my own faults.

Sunday was amazing. I was in meetings ALL day and it was reallygreat to meet Sisters from all over the world. Our Sacrament meetingwas so empowering. A few elders sang a medley and the spirit was so strong. I was really humbled. Probably the thing I have felt most this week was humbled.

I have taught 4 lessons now to investigators (people "acting" like investigators. But they really make it seem real...) and I am learning so much about teaching with the spirit and having it direct the lesson rather than following a lesson plan. I love it.

My time is-a-tickin. I want you all to know how much I love you andam grateful for all of the people in my life who are supporting meand have shaped me into the person I am. I love you all soooo much. Thank you. The church is true, I promise you that.

Love

Sister Brinkerhoff (weird, right?)