First Week!

Oh my goodness. I'm a missionary! The feeling here at the MTC is absolutely incredible and I can't even begin to describe the immense amount of knowledge that I have soaked up in just the first 6 days. It's weird to think that I only have 7 more to go and then I'm in the field! Our flight to Portland, Oregon leaves on Tuesday morning, so this will be my only P-Day in the MTC, our next one will be spent on a plane! My companion is Sister Maughan (pronounced like a Jamaican saying, "Hey 'Mon!") from Highland, Utah and she is simply amazing. I feel like we have been best friends since the beginning of time, and I've only known her 6 days. It's been such a blessing to have a "normal" companion. I know that without her as my first companion, the MTC experience would have been a bit more of a struggle for me. The food is basically rancid, but we're all hungry so we eat without complaint. :) Our teachers, Brother Trone and Brother Neeley, are spectacular, and I am so grateful every day for the genuine love they have for us and for the dedication they have to teaching us and preparing us for the field. Our district is made up of 6 Sisters (and we're all roommates!): Myself and Sister Maughan, Sisters Shmoekel and Depew, and Sisters Owens and Pedersen. They are all such sweet sisters! We are so blessed to be in a district with each other. Our zone is currently just our District and a District of Elders, 3 of which are going to our mission, and the other three are going to Oklahoma. They're all really wonderful as well.

The first day or so we just sort of got in the swing of things. Going to class, taking notes, attending orientations, and getting used to the food. But since then we have met with four different investigators: Joe, Bryce, Latoya, and Andy. Joe is played by Brother Neeley and is our main focus for progressing investigators. We meet with him just about every day. Latoya is our TRC investigator, which means she may not be Mormon, but she is still an actor and comes here to help us learn. We know that Latoya specifically is a real investigator, which makes us super excited to teach her! We've only had one lesson with her so far, but we have three more for tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. There have been times when Sister Maughan and I have felt discouraged, but after leaving our first lesson with Latoya, something was ignited inside us and we felt ready to teach the world! There really is no way to describe the feelings that come over us as Sister Missionaries here in the MTC unless you have experienced it yourself. On Thursday, Sister Maughan and I were made "Sister Training Leaders" for our Zone. Which basically means that we are Zone Leaders who focus only on the Sisters. The other District of 4 Sisters and 4 Elders that were here as our Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders left this morning for their missions, but 2 more Districts are coming into our Zone tomorrow. One of which is 6 Sisters again. That means we will be in charge of our own District, the new Sister District, and some random District of Sisters in a different Zone that don't have an existing District of Sisters to be their Leaders. Isn't that wonderful? I love serving people, so the opportunity to be in this position is such a wonderful blessing! AGH! So many blessings!

Though it feels like we've been here for months, I have been learning so much and I wouldn't mind staying here for much much longer than just two weeks. I wish there was a better way for me to completely put into words how I feel about being here, but just know that it is all only good things! I consider myself blessed to be having such a wonderful experience because I know that for some, the MTC is difficult and very overwhelming. But not for this Sister! I am doing my best to be like a sponge and suck up as much information as I can while I am here, and for me, that has not been stressful at all! Like I said, I feel extremely blessed! My first week has been absolutely amazing, and the progression I have already made and the many ways that I have already grown are innumerable and unbelievable! I am so glad that I made the decision to serve a mission. I don't think I've ever made a better decision in my life, and I can't wait to see what the rest of my stay at the MTC brings me! I love this Gospel and I know that God lives and loves us each individually as His children. He knows me perfectly, and I know that I am where He wants me to be. I couldn't be happier. Till next time!

I love you all!

Sister Guilott

One Day More

Looks like this is it. I enter the MTC tomorrow which makes this my last post. (My lovely mother will be posting for me for the next 18 months. Isn't she a gem?) Speaking of my mother, I wanted to dedicate my last post from home to my family, the people who I will be leaving for 18 months to serve the Lord. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without my family. My wonderful sisters, Emily and Caroline, have both helped strengthen me and have been such a beautiful example of pure goodness and joy. They are so sweet and genuinely kind hearted toward everyone around them, and they know how to have a good time. :) I love them dearly, and it will be hard at times to be away from them, but I know that my dedication to serving my mission will bless them. My Dad is the kindest and most spiritually in tune man I have ever met. I am so grateful for the example that he has set for me in leading me to make the right decisions, and teaching me to love and understand the Gospel and the effects it has on my every day life. He is an amazing father, and I am so grateful for him. And finally, my Mom. She is my absolute best friend, and there is no way I would be where I am today without her. She has been by my side during every trial and triumph, helped me know which path to choose and how to succeed, and simply loved me with an undying and incredibly loyal love that I will be forever grateful for and mindful of. She is my biggest fan, and I am who I am today because of her love and her example.

Family is the most important factor in this life and on into eternity. With the power of the Gospel, we have the privilege of being with them forever and ever, for this life and beyond. This is one of the greatest gifts that God has blessed us with. I cherish my family, and I know that serving a mission will bless them. I am so grateful for them and for the love and care that they have showed me throughout my life.

"You don't choose your family.

They are God's gift to you."

-Desmond Tutu

I couldn't be more excited to enter the MTC tomorrow and begin my 18 month adventure! I know that this Gospel is true, and I know that if you pray and "...ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." -Moroni 10:4. God hears your prayers and will always answer you. He knows me personally and perfectly, and He knows that Vancouver, Washington is where I am supposed to be. I love my family. Including God. He has supported me through everything, and I know that He will be close by my side the entire time I am serving. I love this Gospel. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His Atonement and for the love and understanding that I feel from Him daily. I am excited to serve in the Washington Vancouver Mission, and I can't wait to get started!

2 Weeks Till I Go

Woah. It feels like time has been moving so slowly as I've been counting down the days until I enter the MTC, but all of a sudden it's almost here! I leave in only 14 days. That's exactly two weeks from today. I have gathered all the necessities and am ready to go! Now all that's left is my farewell on January 19th, and then I'm off! Woo-hoo!!!

My dear friend made this video for me back when I opened my call, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. I'm so grateful for the friends and family that I am surrounded by. Who love me and support me and will always be there. I love you guys! The song I picked for the video is by my favorite LDS Musician, Hillary Weeks. It's called "Come Take Your Place," and truly is a wonderful song. Everyone should take a listen to miss Hillary. She's phenomenal.

Well, there ya have it! I think I'll post one more time before heading out on the mish, but never fear! My dear mom will be taking over when I leave. I hope everyone had a splendid Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I can't wait to see what the Holidays will be like in the mission! AAAHHH!!!