The First Letter!! Dated 6/10/09

To All:

This has been absolutely incredible! From the second I walked through the doors, everyone has been so beyond friendly. I love it here! All the things I was worried about have been forgotten.

My companion is the cutest girl ever! I had a nice sister who escorted me to my room, where I met my new companion: Sister Hailey Card, from Salt Lake (well, and NY, Boston, and others). We get along super well. She's really sweet.

We had "settling"/lunch until 2pm and it's been meeting after meeting since then. We aren't allowed to play soccer anymore! Y'arg! Campus is gorgeous...and huge! The cafeteria is way, way different than I expected. So many options and so little time! Today was ice cream day. We couldn't resist. I've been trying to eat light (salads, soup) and it's workin' out just fine!

OK, miracle time: My first like 10 minutes, I ran into my friend Robyn. Then about half an hour later, I saw my dear old roommate, Monday Lindsey! Oh, she's so great! She could only speak in Japanese (as a challenge/rule for the day) so her teacher/companion/trainer had to translate. Love definitely doesn't need a translator. Then, as I was moving my bags around, I saw Sis. Mari Sasaki, the girl from Japan who is friends with Cynthia Williams. She is so fun! I've only talked to her a little, but we're both VC (Visitor's Center) sisters in Independence, so I'm sure we'll be good friends. Then! At lunch, I bumped into my friend (and distant cousin) Michael Adamson, from Institute. Good kid. Well, I'm sure there were a million other miracles, but that's it for now.

The Spirit is overwhelming here. You can just tell all these missionaries know who they are and where they're going. We had 325 new elders and sisters. 25 of those were from foreign countries. And a bajillion of us were from Utah. There's definitely a powerful feeling here. I feel important, yet am humbled at how little I know.

I met some Polynesian sisters today and we talked about Rugby. I felt right at home! There were supposed to be 6 sisters in our room, but there are only 5. The other 3 are going to the Netherlands. I'm going to have them teach me some Dutch, so I can impress President VanKomen when I get to Missouri.

I'm only allowed to write at certain times, turns out. So, expect another letter written next Wednesday (my P-day). Hopefully, we'll be able to make it to the Temple. I'm super bummed that it'll be closed for cleaning. But! Elder Bednar was here yesterday and we're expecting others from the 12 as June continues.

Pink ties are not allowed at the MTC. Also, in case you didn't know, hugging (sis to sis) is not allowed. We can't shake hands either. A-W-K-W-A-R-D.

A lot of information has been thrown at me today. I am still able to laugh and am making lots of friends! It's strange to call the elders "elder." One of my favorite quotes from today was from President Smith, from the MTC Presidency: "You're not 'guys.' You're not 'dudes' anymore. They are back home dating your girlfriend." Ha!

Ok, it's already time to go! It seems like this morning was a month ago. I love you and am so blessed to have you in my life. I'm excited to be a part of His work.

Love, Sister Adamson

Also, favorite treats= things made of chocolate, beef jerky, wheat thins, triscuits (cracked pepper and olive oil)