Hi again!

Mom and Dad,
I just got back from the temple...only day where the meal is good! :) It was really good...it's kinda early but I didn't fall asleep so that's a plus! Ok, so I wrote a list of the questions you asked, so I'll answer them first, so I don't forget! My new companion did come last week! Her name is Sister Alexeenko! She is so much fun! I love having her here! The only bad thing, is that she's only here three more weeks! basically, just to brush up on Russian, and then off to the Hawaii temple visitor's center! But it'll be good having her for as long as we can! we took a bunch of pictures on Sunday, so I'll send them out on thursday...I can only order pictures tuesday, and it takes two days to get back! we didn't have to change rooms, since it's only a temp companionship...we call it a tripanionship though...it sounds better! :) Our teaching appts are going good...we're kinda at square one again in preparing, since we don't know how to teach with three people, but it's getting better. We have a "progressing" investigator, that we taught for the first time last night! it went ok, but we need to work better as a group! we didn't get to see the broadcast Sunday, cause they want us to watch it on Saturday when the Elders are at Priesthood session...it makes sense i guess we just really wanted to see it! No classes though on Saturday cause of conference! Everyone is so excited about it! It'll be good! No we don't have FHE's. It's just a normal class day :( Makes me miss home! And no Mom, I wasn't put in the corner! I was the last one to get to the district the first day so it was the only chair left. And I don't like it so much! oh well...only what, 8 1/2 more weeks! so my schedule...sunday is a day of rest...we have normal meetings and with the time left, we do a temple walk, hang out and get to know each other, or study the scriptures. It's a really low key day which is great after a long week! Monday, wed, thur, fri, and Sat, are all class days where depending on the time of day, we have either language, gospel study, or MDT(Missionary Directed time-personal, companion study). It's a pretty full schedule that's for sure! But it equals out. And of course tuesday is P-day! it's a great day! :) And no I don't like Star Wars...the Elders in my district love make lightsavers with their pens! And they do make for fun pictures! we took more at our temple walk Sunday so I'll get those to you! And Dad, I told the district that you picked out the bag and they were very impressed! they liked that you didn't send a pink bag! :) Oh and yes, it is rude to talk about the pulled pork sandwiches when I'm at the MTC trying to swallow mouthfuls of gross! Ok maybe it's not that bad, but the food is so not improving! So I'm glad you're able to eat nicely! ;) The gym finally opened so I run the track now with Sis. whitney, 3 days a week and the other three days, Elder Windham made a workout plan for us....he even laminated it! It's hard but it definitely gives us energy! So choir practice is tonight for the first time now that the gym floor is open...not too excited, but oh well...it's only 8 1/2 weeks of singing...and I'll go with the attitude of liking it....maybe! :) It's in english, but in class we sing all songs in russian! It's getting bad, cause I go to bed and wake up with them in my head...well I guess that's not really a bad thing! i can't wait to see if i see Jenna on Wednesday! It is fun to go up to the front when all the new ones come in! You know to welcome them and let them know it's not prison! :) we just don't mention the food! So who are the people preparing for missions in the ward? i knew of Jordan, Alex,and Kyle...speaking of I saw Eston and aleta on Sunday! We took a picture so that'll be coming too! eston will be a great missionary...when we were taking the picture, my shirt touched his arm, and he was like "Sister wilson, you're touching me." My district enjoyed teasing me for the rest of the day! Yes, we do have a store, that we go to a lot! it has some things but not everything! I need to buy stamps today or else no one will be getting letters! :) the lesson last sunday went good! i love teaching so much, but it did make me really miss relief Society! And I don't eat in my room, only because I'm only there early in the morning and late at night, so I'm just not eating! :) any food you send, I keep in the classroom! And thank you so much for the package! the food is gone..was the first day! And they again told me to tell you that I have awesome parents! :) Ok I think I answered everything. So how is everything doing? how's the ward? Anything new? well in regards to russian...still hard! I know I sound like a broken record, but it's so true! It's crazy hard! it's still coming...very slowly, but it's coming. I have to keep reminding myself of that! Some days are great and I love every second and then there are times where it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel! There's a saying in the sister dorms...nothing lasts forever...not your bad days, not your good days, not your mission! make the best of everyday! It's hard sometimes, but I have good people around me and that saying isn't exactly correct! families last forever! you all are definifely my biggest support! i love you all very much and enjoy hearing from you every time!! It seriously makes my day and gives me extra confidence...in the language area! but other than that the MTC is great...ok other than the food! I'm getting a little bored, but it's still fun most of the time! i miss you all so much! thank you for everything! I'll write again if I have time while doing laundry! take care!
Love,
Sister Wilson

Ok, so I actually can't reach Samara! But it's close:)

Sis. Wilson and Sis. Margolies (companions)

At our temple walk! It was so hot!!

Brittanys district from upper left:

Elder Bangerter (DL) E. Noren, E. Smith, E. Windham, E. Orther, E. Morris, E. Bahr, Sister Wilson :) and Sis. Margolies

Brittany and Sis. Margolies before doing service...aka-cleaning bathrooms:-)

Another Week Gone!!

Mom and Dad,
Ok, so I'm first going to answer your questions so that I don't forget this time and then I'll tell you more about my week! Time permitting of course...they have this little 30 minute countdown that is very stressful to continually look at. Oh well. Yes I did get your letters! I got Dad's letter the day after I sent you mine, and I got the package! Thank you so much! The MTC is good, but they don't pick out good kleenex! So thank you! And my district loved the candy...it was gone in about 20 minutes or less! You actually are getting something in the mail from them! They are so sweet! P-days aren't too exciting after the letter part. Basically just laundry and getting ready for the evening devotional. The devotional I heard is usually pretty good but I have to be honest...last week I nodded off a bit. They work us hard, it's impossible not to once in awhile! At least that's what I tell myself! Dad, when we teach investigators, it's volunteers from the community and they usually know Russian. So far we teach the first 10 minutes in Russian then the next 35 in English so it's not too bad. In about two weeks it will be 45 minutes in Russian! Then it should be interesting! I don't get to go to conference but you should definitely go to the Priesthood session(this is for Dad The MTC is having a choir and I hear it's amazing! Speaking of...I have to go to choir! Stop laughing, it's not funny! Sis. Margolies wants to go and I said I'd go with her so we wouldn't have to do a companion exchange. We'll see how it goes! Our new companion is actually coming tomorrow. Another mess up for the MTC. They were off by two weeks, not one! Which means we might have to switch rooms since there isn't room for her in ours. Right now we have four other roommates and they are all speaking Russian, going to different missions. I'm the only sister in the MTC right now that is going to Samara in 9 weeks! Crazy! We go to the temple every Tuesday morning so we just got back a little bit ago! It was really good, of course! And no Mom, no volleyball yet! I actually have started running with a sister in the Ukraine district, Sister Whitney. She's so sweet and we have a lot of fun together! Running is better than volleyball anyday! And less embarrassing for me! Ok, I think I answered all of them...if not I'll have time later to write a letter too! We have a lot of time during our laundry waiting period! So about this week! It's been good! I'm still not going to lie, Russian is way hard! It's easy to get frustrated and discouraged but you just keep pushing forward! I do have a little bit of a cold, nothing to worry about, just a little one, but it doesn't make for fun nights! If you could, whenever you have a chance, send some Alka Seltzer nightime? It's not a rush but the cold and flu is going around this place like wild fire and it'll be good to have it just in case! Two other elders in the district are sick and three roommates, so it was bound to happen! At least one of the elders tried to wear a mask...the picture is on it's way! It's pretty funny! I do have some pictures but not a lot! There really isn't a lot of time to take them, or things to take them of. We're in class most of the day and if we're not, then it's MDT(missionary directed time) which is where we're in charge of what we learn and how well we do. So really not time for pictures, but there are a few of them! Some are funny too! Not of me! My elders are pretty entertaining! Oh I saw Eston, and Aleta...I actually see her all the time! We all ran into each other at the fireside on Sunday and set a time to meet this Sunday at the temple for a picture to send to the ward! It'll be fun to have time to talk with them. Eston looks happy! And Aleta looks ready to go! I have to teach District meeting on Sunday(Sunday School). Yeah...I'll give you a guess on the topic, but you'll only need one....yep, the Atonement! Not that I'm not happy about it, but I'd rather have a topic that I don't think I'll bawl all the way through! It's just me! So that should be fun! Ok so I forgot one of the questions and it's an important one!...the MTC food...good or bad? Well, if you're asking Brittany, I would have to say it's the worst food I've tasted...bring on the borshe and meat jello cause it couldn't be much worse!! But if you are asking Sis. Wilson, well it's alright and I'm grateful for what I have! No but seriously it's bad. I don't see how elders gain weight! I've already lost weight! It's gross! Vending machines are good though! The weather is ok, still kinda warm outside, but cold at night! First day of fall is today so I'm hoping it cools down a little bit soon! It's not fun running in the heat! Hm....I'm trying to think of stories! I need to write them down through the week cause I always forget come Tuesday! The elders are still keeping me very entertained! It's amazing how many different ways, 19-year old boys...men, can entertain themselves. Yesterday our district leader, he's really cool so don't let this affect his image , tried to hold his breath til he turned purple. It almost worked...he had a bad headache afterwards, so he won't be doing that again! But for whatever reason, when it's been a discouraging day, that kinda makes me laugh! We're all really comfortable with each other, and we're working on the high five thing! We just don't understand why we can't, cause you have more contact shaking hands then you doing high fiving. But the Branch President said it's inappropriate for sisters and elders to high five, so we're working on it! We'll have it down in about 9 weeks! So it looks like my departure date is being switched to the 22nd of November. It'll proabably switch five times but I'll let you know as they tell me! I think that's all for now...my time is getting really low so I better wrap it up! Thank you so much for your letters! It makes my day hearing from you! It's hard here, being away from everyone, but it's also an amazing place to be! When 2500 missionaries stand and sing Called to Serve in over 50 languages, there just isn't another place where you can feel that kind of spirit! And we heard a video clip from Elder Holland and he said, "Whenever you find yourself asking why is my mission not easier? why is this so hard? Remind yourself that someone grander asked those questions a long time ago, and keep on moving." It's amazing how much the Atonement blesses me life! I love you both so much! Take care and I can't wait to hear from you again! Love you!
Love,
Sister Wilson

One week down!!

Mom and Dad,
So, first off i'm going really good! It's what the majority of the letters have asked so I figured I'd start with that! It's been a week that's for sure, but it's been good! I do have a companion going to Russia, but a different mission. Actually my district consists of 8 elders, and the two of us, and not all of us are going to the same one. I have two elders that will be going to Samara with me, so I'm grateful for that! anyways my companion's name is Sister Margolies, she's from Wisconsin, well her family is, she doesn't claim it. She's very nice and we're getting along good. We actually found out yesterday that we are getting another companion tomorrow, making it a threesome. So here's the story, there was a mix up at the office so she's coming a week late, but she lived in Ukraine for 7 years, so knows Ukranian, then Germany, so she knows German, has been at byu for the last four years and received her call to serve in Hawaii....RUSSIAN speaking! It's crazy but I'm excited to meet her! My district is amazing! All of the elders are so fun to be around and there are a few that really make us laugh. Yesterday, our district leader had us all...including our teacher, almost in tears he was being so funny! Good ole idaho boys! (that's for bryce) I have caught up on some sleep but it's hard cause the beds are not comfy at all and it gets really dry at night. But oh well, I'll get use to it. sunday was different but good! Oh and by the way...I know how to spell and puncuate but the computer keyboards are sticking so sorry for my bad grammar but I have a time limit so i'm not worrying about it! :) But for Sacrament they choose two people to speak each Sunday, that day! It's crazy! Relief Society is amazing! It's all of the sisters in the MTC and last week Sister Elaine Dalton(YW General President) spoke to us! It was awesome! I loved it so much! So on to the thing people keep asking about...that little thing called learning a new language!!!! So I'm going to be honest. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I didn't think it would be this hard, but Russian is hard! We're going at such a fast pace too! So in one week I can conjugate verbs(I'm not sure I know how to do that in english :)), bear my testimony, and introduce myself. Not perfectly but enough that they could understand. we have our first "fake" teaching appointment tomorrow night and it's nerve wracking! we have to do that first 5-10 minutes in Russian, then give a 35 minute lesson on the restoration in English. It should be intersting for sure! but yeah...Russian....hard! I'm very aware of why we're in here for 12 weeks! I did see Aleta, actually i've seen her like three times! It's cool but weird at the same time. You get in a mindset of MTC, then someone from home life comes up! But it's always good to see her! Dad, in our orientation meeting, President Smith(Pres. of the MTC) asked everyone to stand up but their state, and he went through all of them saving Utah for last. There were so many from Utah and everyone standing had that Utah attitude in their shouts and stuff, and pres smith said "ok well before you get all excited about being from utah you might want to keep in mind it was the Lord's fifth pick for zion!" it was awesome! So you can use that if you want1 :) And one more thing, Sister Smith talked to us also and she said that when we all stood and sang called to serve, she had distinct impression that all of our grandparents who have passed on, that we wish could have been with us, are telling everyone they know, that their grandchild is on a mission! She said that we should know that they are proud of us! It was so amazing! I immediately started to cry alittle and thought of grandpa. It was such a confidence boost! I met with our branch Pres. on Sunday and we were talking about different stuff and he started cry and said that the spirit was telling him that I was more than ready to go on a mission. I cryed again. See I don't make myself cry, people are making me cry!!! I need to start taking notes on what I want to talk to you about cause I can't remember everything I wanted to say! We have our first devotional tonight which everyone says is always just amazing so that's exciting to look forward to! after this I have a hour of personal time for letters so I'll write everyone back then! Just in case they ask! :) We went to the temple this morning and it was great as usual! a little different, but great! The elders here have been taught to respect the sisters by opening doors, letting them go first in line, etc. its hilarious cause most of them do it but when someone doesn't all the elders around him get on him for not respecting us! the elders in my district really are amazing though! our district leader said yesterday that we've already bonded like a family which is kinda true cause some of the things they talk about, they would only do in front of their family! :) but it's good! they make me laugh! And they enjoy it! :) well i'm running low on time so hopefully I got to all your questions! Would you mind sending me some kleenex? :) i don't know what else! Thank you! I love you both so much and am so grateful for everything! you have no idea how much you mean to me! I love you and I'll write again in a week!

Love, Sister Wilson

Entering the MTC!!

Last Pic of Brittany before entering the MTC!! We are so Proud:)

It was much different dropping Brittany off then it was with Bryce,

We really had like 5 sec to say gooobye and then she was on her way!!

One last look back and away Brittany goes to serve her mission:-)

Brittany waving as she's ready to enter the MTC!!

One of the Elders are from WA so we talked for alittle bit!

Brittany getting introduced to the elders and helping

dad upload the bags!

Driving up to the MTC!! All the elders were out waiting tohelp upload bags

and help Brittany get inside and settled!!

Trip down to the MTC

Brittany and Brandi at the Provo Temple!!

Brittany and mom at the Provo temple.

Just walking around waiting....she was so excited!!

Brittany and Dad in front of the MTC:) No sign though!

It all under construction.....I told Brittany to find out whats being added;)

Packing up the last night, making sure she

has everything!!

Brittany and Brandi at SLC Temple!!

Bryce, Brittany and Brandi.....The kids:)

Brittany, dad and mom at Salt Lake City Temple!!

We spent a hours walking around before going to Provo.

Brittany is all prepared for her mission now!!

Well maybe alittle bit bigger bike but Kaylee didn't mind:)

Brittany and Kaylee!!

To cute:)

Brittany, Kaylee, Brandi and Ethan at Idaho Falls Temple!!

A nice Sunday walk on temple grounds!

Family

Picture!!

Brittany with Kaylee and Ethan! We went to church in their home ward and we got to particpate in Primary with Ethan. First time for Brittany since she was in Primary herself:) She did GREAT holding the signs and singing!!