Last Day in the MTC

Hey everyone!!  I would love to say that I am writing this email from the lovely islands of Vanuatu. . . but unfortunately I can't.  On Sunday,  Elder Jefferies and I went to the airport to fly to Vanuatu but when we got to the front desk to get our tickets, the lady said our passports hadn't been stamped with our visa.  Because it was Sunday, no one was at the travel office to help us so we were taken back to the MTC and told we might be here for another 2 or 3 weeks, depending on how long it took to get our passports processed.  I was devastated!  The MTC is great and all, but I was so ready to get out and teach!  

The next morning, Elder Jefferies and I went to the travel office right when they opened and talked to the main lady about what had happened.  She said that the driver had forgotten to give us our papers that were in the office all along and that we had our visas and would be leaving on Tuesday (today)!!  Huge relief!!! I fly out tonight at 5 p.m.  We fly to San Francisco; then to Auckland, New Zealand; and finally to Vanuatu!  God is watching over us:)  Except for that little bit of excitement, that last week has been pretty normal:  classes everyday, teaching TRC investigators, enjoying my new companions and killing my district in basketball;)  My new companions have been amazing and I love them sooooo much and already miss them like crazy, even though they've only been gone 2 days. They will do amazing things in Barbados. 

Today at breakfast I met two sisters and one elder who came from Vanuatu.  They just got here yesterday and are going to Haiti on their missions, French speaking.  I listened to them speak Bislama for a little bit and am a little scared!  They spoke so fast and I couldn't understand a word they said.  I guess I should be thankful for the few more days in America where I can still understand people!

On Sunday night Lloyd Newell, the spokesman for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, came and spoke.  We got to do a MTC "Music and the Spoken Word."  He talked a lot about not giving up and we sang songs about the pioneers and their drive to keep going when things get tough.  I loved it!!  Must have been part of the reason I didn't leave on Sunday.

Because my district left on Sunday night and I came back on Sunday night, I was reassigned to a new district and given two more companions (if you're keeping track, I have now had 5 companions in just under 2 weeks- that has to be a record!)  Their names are Sister Abagellan and Sister Filmilaro.  They are super sweet and super obedient.  It's been good for me:) 

I'll let you know how this week goes!  Thanks for all your prayers, letters, emails, packages and support.  I love you all.