Jessica's 1st Letter from the MTC

Hey there!

So, first P-Day at the MTC. Suh-weet! Its crazy how I've only been here for 3 days and already you start to look forward to when you can wear jeans again! Haha but no the MTC is phenomenal! People aren't exaggerating when they say the spirit is overpowering here. Its nice, just having a constant peace, except for the few moments when you realize you now that having the Spirit apparently gives your tear ducts free will to go all at it whenever they want.

So my companion, Sister Ingram, such a kind darling girl. What patience she has! In case you missed my last email, she is completely Deaf, and cannot lip read.... and unlike the other four sisters in my district who've had 4+ years of training/experience, I don't. I know this will help me learn so much faster, but it can be a little hard because whenever I talk to other elders or sisters from other districts, I have to try and interpret the conversation, which then I forget half the time, or don't know the words, so besides being the companion of the "cool deaf girl," I haven't really met a lot of missionaries outside our district. But they are all so vigorously trying to help catch me up, and I feel God trusts me with this challenge and I know without a doubt that if I can just keep smiling/laughing and trust in the Lord, and give Him everything I can that He can work through the most unqualified vessels and edify them in ways I can't imagine. DC 6 has inspired me, like it was written for me. Verses 10-17 (I'll make you look it up), phenomenal. Doubt not, fear not. I doubt myself, and fear my first lesson to teach tomorrow. But I don't doubt my Father in Heaven and I have no fear that if (or when) I fall He'll help pick me back up.

Details... well, my room is bigger than my apartment was at USU. Bunkbeds are... fun. But hey, its not a roach-infested floor in Africa! The food is good, occasionally edible=) Nah its just cafeteria food. Unlimited icecream though, that's a bonus!! Both my Language teachers are Deaf, and my main one, Brother Patterson, has been helping us prepare to teach an "investigator tomorrow (Saturday) ahhhh! Well, if nothing else, I'll just let my brilliant companion take it away while I just smile and nod. I tried to pray in sign language today, totally sincere, not just using the words I know.Man, its amazing how much more natural your true feelings come out when you sing. Its no longer just words, just your mouth, its your whole body. Its the coolest feeling in the world, signing Hymns. I looooove singing, and so I thought it would be kinda hard to learn the sign when my throat wants to sing... Wrong-O. You put that same passion & that same energy into your hands, and your soul still catches on fire.

Anyhow, I gotta go. That's another thing, you have- no free time, especially when it takes a half hour to read through the first chapter of PMG with your companion as you flip back and forth to teach the English word and then learn the sign. But hey, it makes me happy tho think that my Heavenly Father entrusts me with this adorable girl, and I will give my heart, my will, my soul to my Father to help edify and perfect me. Love you all!  Love you Seth. Love you Dallin. Love you Dad. Love you Mom. Love you random citizen who is reading this eternally long email! If ever doubting, read Alma 34- major comforter. 

Talk to ya in a week!

Doubt not; Fear not.

Love,

Sister Jess McNeill