Amanda's letter 1/22/09

Dear Family,
I hope everything is going well at home, I told you life would go on without me there. How was Ethan and Ella's birthday party? I wish I could have been there, but I'm having a good time here at the MTC. This has been the hardest week of my life, nothing could ever prepare me for sitting in class from seven in the morning till nine thirty at night. We're constantly going from one meeting to another or from one class to a workshop. Most days I feel I'm some animal being constantly herded from one place to another, its quite tiring, especially after sleeping on a twin bed with no support in a room with five other girls. I try not to complain, even though its hard I still love it!
I'm amazed at how much I've grown in one week (not physically, although they feed us all the time here, and good food too! Self control is a pound saver) Spiritually though I can't believe how much I've learned. Heavenly Father truley blesses missionaries with the gift of knowledge and understanding. Nights are the hardest for me here. When class gets out at 9:30 Sister Thatcher, my companion and I head back to the residence hall and get ready for bed. Although its nice to sit and relax, its difficult because without constant work and study my mind begins to wander off towards home. I start to think about what everyone's doing and then I can picture Dad watching Jay Leno while Mom plays solitaire. I can see Molly stretched out in the hallway, and then I start to imagine myself there with you. some nights when I have a hard time falling asleep (which isn't often) I can almost feel Mom hugging me goodnight. During the day I receive constant comfort from my district, even though we've only been together for a week they're like family to me. We have four sisters: Sister Thatcher my companion, Sister Waters, Sister Anderson and myself. There are six elder: Elder Miles our district leader. Elder Curtis, Elder Vanotten, Elder Robison, Elder Waite, and Elder Reeves, he's my favorite! We spend all day together, so ts going to be hard when we leave for the field because only Sister thatcher and myself and Elders Waite and Elder Reeves are going to South Carolina, everyone else is heading to New Mexico.
There at the MTC there are a lot of missionaries learning another language. so when they pass by they always say hello in whatever language they're learning. since my district is all English speaking we came up with our own way to slay hello. Everyone going to Mexico puts their hands up and says "how", then only sister Thatcher and I say in a very Southern accent "hey yall!" with a big grin and a really stupid wave. Along with all the spiritual experiences we try to have ourselves a good time too!
Today is our p-day, which means that we got to go to the Temple. I was so excited. I think on the outside the Provo Temple is one of the more....less fashionable Temples, but inside it is gorgeous! While I was sitting in the Celestial room, I had an amazing spiritual experience. When I was done saying my prayer that I always say, I felt a warm wave over my body and I could feel a definite presence. I could feel Grandma and Grandpa there with me. It was like I could almost see them smiling at me. I just cried because I know now how proud they are that I made it to this point in my life.
Well I love all you guys, but I really need to go put my laundry away. Thank you for all the letters, thoughts and prayers.

Love, Sister Amanda M. Richards

P.S. Justin, I laughed my butt off when you put that "men in tights" quote in your note. I really needed it, thank you. Tell Melissa I said HI and that I love here. Tell Erin that I'll send her a seperate letter. I love to get stuff from "dear elder.com" it makes me feel special ... hint, hint........

P.P.S. I love this Church, I know what I'm doing is what Heavenly Father wants me to do. I know that while I'm gone you will be blessed.

P.P.P.S. Tell everyone that asks that I'm doing fine. I love the MTC and I'm learning so much!