Dad!

Dad! Oh my gosh, I'm so glad I could hear from you. It's been a rough week to say the least - I miss you all so much.

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. They are an answer to a prayer. I'm so glad that the Lord is watching over my home, because I've been missing it terribly. I'm sorry my email might be short, but I'm oddly much more secure writing letters. Which, by the way, I'm hoping I'll be able to write you about twice a week. Although President's Day was the worst Monday in the history of the MTC. I was all excited to get mail or a package and then the letters I'd sent weren't even going to leave until Tuesday. The worst part was that I didn't even get a day off. It's a stupid holiday (unless you're at Hill).

I'll tell you right now, I only miss college a little bit. My P-day is Tuesdays, and our district is assigned to go to the temple at 9:55, so I'll probably be around nine. Also, any snacks you can spare would be perfect, just so long as they come with words of encouragement. I need them both.

I was so excited to see Sister and President Arrington. They're the sweetest couple in the world and it was such a comfort to know that she had talked to mom between breakfast and lunch. They're going to be so great in Chile.

Oh, and tell Mom that the really helpful blog we found about the sister missionary in Berlin? Her cousin is my companion. Small world, huh?

Highest of highs and lowest of lows

Dad, it's so true that you have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows here. I've never felt so discouraged and inadequate in my life. I love this gospel and I know the doctrine, but I have no idea how to teach these people, or if they even want to listen. My analogy of Marco Polo is getting more and more true every day. You guys wouldn't believe it, but I'm actually the quieter half of my companionship. Weird, huh?

Also, I see this was sent on your tablet. Good job :) I love you so much, Daddy. My valentine's day rose reduced me to tears. I knew that I would miss you, but I didn't know that homesick was such an emotional ailment.

I hope you email me back as soon as you get this, but if not, just wait for my letter on Wednesday :) Give everyone a hug. I'll see you in 17+ months.

Oh, and the only computers that will allow you to send pictures are the ones in the laundry room, where everyone and their dog is camped out all day long. So I'll probably just send my little camera to you right before I leave the MTC so that you can see that I'm alive.

Just once more, I want to tell you how much I miss you all and love you. I have developed such a testimony of prayer and spiritual comforts. I have prayed more in a single hour here than I ever did in a month at home. The Lord does listen and care for all of us, and is mindful of our trials. I wish I could just have you here with me, but I know that the time in Provo/Missouri will be so rewarding, as long as I can make it. I love you I love you I love you.

Her setting apart:(typed up by her Grandma Ellis)

Feb 12, 2013

Stake President Puffer

"She's prepared herself well, and she's been prepared well.  I believe she's been foreordained."

President Parke -

"Parents need a class to get through this.  80 high school graduates (from Cyprus High?) already have their mission calls.  Blessings coming to you are amazing.  Excited for you.  Get out there and serve.  Don't worry about us here.  The Lord will bless you."

Blessing:

Our Father in Heaven has blessed you with a wonderful family and parents who have taught you well.  You have had good teachers and leaders.  Heavenly Father has blessed you with a testimony.

I bless you to go with a positive attitude.  Look for the good in others.  Also in companions.  You will witness some of the fruits of the gospel.  

I bless you with health and strength for the vigorous hours.  Increase testimony.

The Spirit will direct and guide you to places you should go.

Leave a blessing - as you keep mission rules, more study (you will learn) about Church History---

Your Father in Heaven will bless you.

Annika, as she hugged Julie, said, "Do you want to just come out and be my mission companion?  You're already here.  They can set you apart."

Stake President:  "Counsel to parents:  Write every week.  Share her experiences with everybody.  She'll do fine.  She'll do great.  You have raised her well.  She'll come back with a firmer testimony."

email from the MTC Presidency:

Dear Sister Annika Rogers,

Congratulations on your call to serve!  We are excited about your arrival at the Provo Missionary Training Center next week and are grateful for your decision to serve the Lord.  We would like to share some important information about your stay at the MTC.

This will be your MTC mailing address:

Sister Annika Rogers
MTC Mailbox # 43
MO-INDE 0306
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Please share this address with those who may want to write or send packages to you while you are in the MTC.

Also, please pay close attention to the following instructions:

  1. Your service begins the day you check into the MTC.  Remind your family that complete separation from loved ones is part of the sacrifice that families and missionaries contribute to the work.  For this reason, you should ask your family and friends not to attempt to see or visit with you while you are at the MTC, not even during your temple walks or at other places near the MTC.
  2. All missionary mail must come through the US Mail or commercial delivery services.  These services should not be used to send pizzas, fast foods, ice-cream, or any items that will spoil if they are not refrigerated within 24 hours.  Missionaries are not called out of class to receive packages, nor do they have access to a refrigerator.  For security reasons, we cannot accept any items delivered by hand.
  3. Communication with family can be done through your missionary email account on your weekly Preparation Day.  Communication to you from friends should be through letters mailed to the above address.  We cannot accept telephone calls for missionaries.
  4. Families and friends should not visit missionaries as they depart to their field of labor, whether at the MTC or at the airport.
  5. Missionaries are expected to receive all required immunizations before entering the MTC.  Please make sure you have completed all of your immunizations and have recorded them on https://missionary.lds.org/immunization.

Please do not reply to this email.  If you need to communicate with the MTC, please call 801-422-2602.

Sincerely,

Provo MTC Presidency