First Mission Email

8/9/23 

 

Well I have officially been a missionary for 2 weeks! And I'm not quite sure if it's gone by fast or slow! 


At home MTC

Let’s just say that at home MTC was quite the roller coaster. I was on classes for about 6-8 hours a day and the back pain was real, but so was the spirit. It was so special being able to start my mission at home with my family, and it really made it such a nice transition to being here in provo. Honestly, HMTC feels so long ago, and I can’t quite remember much stuff that happened, so sorry for not having any more details!


Companions

I have gone from having one companion, to two companions, to three companions, and back to two companions in just under 2 weeks. My original companion is Sister Pounders, and she is so awesome! She’s really great to teacch with cause she is able to remember scripture references (something I am slowly, but surely, working on) which is SO helpful when teaching lessons! Sister Tolley is a bonus companion because her original companion pulled her papers, but oh how grateful I am that she is now my companion. She is quite the miracle, but I’ll come back to that. Once I got to the MTC we gained Sister Lima, from brazil, because her companion was traveling from the Philippines, and let’s just say it is hard to keep track of a tiny Brazilian in a crowd of hundreds of people in a cafeteria, but we managed. Now we’re back to just the three of us and it’s quite the party.

 

MTC!!!

I LOVE THE MTC!!! Guys, you have no idea! I have never been so happy! I am surrounded by the most amazing people that have so many of the same goals as me, the spirit is so strong all the time, the MTC teachers are the absolute best, my relationship with Christ has grown so much already, and I wish I was speaking a language so I could stay here longer! The MTC has such a sweet spirit, it feels like an extension of the temple, which is really special.

My district is absolutely incredible! We all get along so well and I feel like I’ve not only gained 15 friends, but 15 siblings. I’ve never gotten so close to a big group of people so quickly. The girls in my district are like actual sisters, we’re basically a companionship of 5!

They recently instigated a new program at the MTC called temple immersion, where we are able to participate in each ordinance at the temple while at the MTC. This has been super special and meant a lot to me. I love the temple so much! And honestly it’s really helped in the transition of leaving home, because as soon as I walk through the temple doors I feel the same peace of home.


Sister Tolley Miracle

Sister Tolley is an absolute warrior. The first day of MTC, she was doing great, happy, engaged, and social. As time went on, she started to draw back and really really struggle. The light that had been there for a while just kind of started to slip away. She was struggling to be involved, wasn’t making comments, walked way behind the entire group, and just had a glazed distant look in her eye. Let’s just say I prayed A LOT for an extra measure of patience. I’m the go-getter type, and it was really hard for me to have to slow down and just be there for her. We were all worried about her going home. On sunday, she went and talked with our branch about going home, but after a series of events her light came back and I can genuinely say that I did not recognize her when she walked out of that room. I can’t even express how proud I am of her. This girl has gone through so much already, and I wouldn't have blamed her for going home. But man, this girl is going to be able to touch so many people because of the life experience she has, and I feel like a proud big sister!

The whole experience was such a good reminder that the devil will try his hardest to take the people who will have a strong influence for good. Stand with Christ, and never let go, and you can make it through!


Spiritual thought

We had a devotional called The character of Christ. The Character of Christ is to turn outward in love, compassion, and service, when the natural man would turn inward and be self-absorbed, self-centered, and selfish. I have reflected on this thought many times through the week, especially with what we went through with Sister Tolley. As missionaries (and members of Christ’s church), we are representatives of Christ, and we should continually strive to turn out and think of others. 

So as we have been learning to make invitations in class, I would like to invite each of you to work on turning out. In moments when you feel anger, frustration, or selfishness arise, try to think of Christ and his character!


I love you all so much!

Sister Wanlass

-Random Pics with the District

-HMTC zoom call

-Sister Prince thought a couple sisters got stuck in an elevator cause she pressed the button too much

-Temple Trips:  Temple Trip with my Distric; Provo City Center; Provo 









 

 

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