Happy Birthday Cate!!

My MTC Pals

Family! First off, happy birthday Cate! I miss you so much and always laugh about crazy memories with you. The big 18. I think you can now buy dried ice. Don’t get too crazy! 

Another week here in the D.R. Sorry that I didn’t have any photos last week.

This week we had another hermana meeting this past week. An meeting exclusively for the hermanas. We got there early to help set up and it was so hilarious watching all the hermanas pile in and say to all their fellow hermanas that they havent seen for a while. Hermanas are so peppy. I really do enjoy reuniting with my hermanitas. It’s especially fun to see the girls from our MTC district. We laugh and talk and catch-up as if we were old time friends even though we only spent six weeks together in the MTC. I really love those girls and know that we will always be friends. 

My Sistah's 

The theme of the meeting was boldness. We talked about being bold and where our value lies. Hermana Hernandez said that when we are timid we lose opportunities. It is so true that our self-doubts, fears, and shyness can prevent us from growing. We listed all the things that scare us in the mission field.  Then with that list we talked about how we can overcome our fears. We have a mission psychologist and she also gave a presentation. Something she said makes me laugh: she said that when missionaries come in who show signs of depression - they take that missionary through a questionnaire. One of the questions is "do you feel unattractive?" She said that without fail all the hermanas answer yes they feel ugly and the elders answer no; they know they are attractive. 

I love living in the house with three other hermanas. It feels like a college dorm room. We do each others’ hair and nails and relate all the funny stories that happen to us during our day. 

In this country it isn't uncommon to name two of your kids the same name. I’m not sure if it’s because they can’t think of more names or maybe the parents just really like the name. Anyhow, we are teaching two brothers - both named Juan. 

A highlight of my week: There was a big centipede in our room and when my companion saw it, her first reaction was to say, "Oh my gosh!" I am so proud. I have been teaching her English phrases. 

Unfortunately, I don’t have much of an update on Carlos. I’m not really sure how to help him at this point. Keep praying for him. 

I got my package!!!! I love it so much!!! Thank you for all the treats and dental supplies and Meish - thanks for the pearls. You know me too well. I love them!!!!

Love you all so much. Have a wonderful week!!! Xoxoxo

Meg