Merry Christmas! How is everyone? I am having a wonderful Christmas here in the MTC. I woke up at 6:30 as usual. Me and my comp, Hna Thompson, opened presents! It was way fun! We even had a tiny Christmas tree! I will send pics next week! We have a TON of candy, basically our own candy store in our room. People are shocked. Three people did the 12 days of Christmas for my comp, so that equals a ton of candy! We were always at the post office picking up her packages! Also, we were very privileged and honored to hear from... Elder L. Tom Perry of the Twelve Apostles! He and his wife came, along with some of his children and grandchildren! What an amazing experience and how blessed am I! It was very informal and he had his kids speak a lot and it was so fun to see the way he interacted with his grandkids. It was neat to see the grandpa side of an apostle! Afterward, he announced that he would be sticking around for lunch, so I got to meet him! That was amazing to shake hands with an apostle of the Lord! I had only done that once before and what an incredible feeling it is that takes over you! We also received a gift from the MTC: a lot of post it notes to write thankyous to people, a awesome like 8-in-1 color pencil for scripture marking, candy, and a cd. Others donated items for us as well: pictures, a Christmas card from the first presidency of the church, and another cd of all sorts of songs in different languages. Since I don't have a cd player, guess who gets them until I get back... Merry Christmas family! This afternoon we have a special workshop, don't know what on, and then a meeting/fireside tonight. Last night we had a two hour fireside with lots of music and singing and sharing stories. It was so fun! I missed singing some of the traditional carols so that was fun to be able to do! So this Christmas was amazing, Christ centered with no commercialism, a nice treat!
The rest of my week was great. I am shocked that I leave next Wednesday, so only one more email from me from the states! That means that you can start emailing me, because I wil lhave more email time. So do, cause I love to hear from you! Also, send me some of your addresses, via dearelder if at possible, that way it's already printed out. I would love to keep in touch with you. I am kind of terrified about leaving the MTC to Ecuador, but mainly it is fear of the unknown. I know it will be great and that I will have amazing experiences. As my friend Annie told me, I am starting a thrilling journey, one of the best of my life!
One fun thing I get to do this week is go shopping! That's right, in a mall outside of the MTC bubble! My comps needed some things and we have permission and someone is taking us shopping! I don't really need anything. With volleyball, I keep tearing holes in pants, so I might get a new pair of exercise shorts. That's the second pair of workout pants I have ruined. If you think the pants are bad, imagine how my legs look! I am just way too hard on my body! But it's my last week of volleyball, so sad day!
I also heard from Leuan, my airplane friend. He had a great experience at the temple, but is still a little skeptical. He said that after he reads some of the Book of Mormon, his views might change. He felt like he needed those experiences though because his father just passed and it has been hard. I pray for him that he might find comfort.
Know tha tI love you all and think fo you often. I know this church is true. If you ever feel alone, turn to your Heavenly Father and to your Savior, Jesus Christ. They love you and care for you.
I hope you have an amazing Christmas! I love all of you and till next week!
Kaylee
aka Hermana Sorensen
