Mission Newsletter #2

Hello Everyone!

I love you all so, so much! I miss you all so much, but don't worry. I'm not homesick like I was in the beginning of the MTC. Everything is going so well, but let me do a break down before I get ahead of myself.

The last of my time at the MTC flew by soooo fast. I was just getting a hang of everything and really enjoying my time there when we were shipped out. We didn't get much sleep before the flight. We had to be up & going by 2:30 AM!!!! We also got to bed late cuz we had to pack and clean our room. So total amount of sleep: 2 hours. Total amount of catch up sleep: 0 hours.  So, let's just say I have dosed at the baptism of a little boy in the ward when the bishop was killing time, waiting for them to get dressed and cleaned up. Whatever though! That is not a surprise with me at all. Haha.

Everyone excited to start the Alabama journey. (Sis. Drummond in the front. She was my temporary companion on the first night here)

Alabama has been great so far. There is quite a bit of poverty. I didn't really expect that to be true. Everyone is so sweet though. It is so religious so they are really friendly and nice and THEN reject the message. At least they are way nice about it first. I love that. But seriously, it is so religious. One business building said, "JESUS 'Then Business'." How funny! It is such a different culture, but I love it. I can't wait to show you, Mom & Dad, out here to see everything I have so far.

My first view of Alabama - so green and beautiful!

My companion is Sister Senior. She is so nice! I love her. We have gotten along great. She is from Utah and did ballroom dancing professionally until age 17, but she still loves to dance and go to Latin clubs and such. She has a boyfriend in ARGENTINA, too! Buenos Aires. How crazy is that?! He lives there, though. He's from Argentina and is going to Medical School right now. He is already an RM. His name is Nikko. It's so cute though. He sends her packages for her and her companions. He is a sweetheart. It's really funny all the things we have in common. Also, the night before we became companions, she dreamed her new companion was going be have long brown hair and be 22. I call that revelation.

Me and my companion, sis. Senior. The first day we met. :)

We have quite a few investigators right now. Tywanna is really progressing a lot. She has a heart of gold. She is always wanting to learn more and more. We talked to her about the plan of salvation this last time and she was so relieved she flopped back on the couch and reclined and said, "That makes me so happy!" With a huge smile on her face. She was so joyful. It was seriously the cutest thing I have ever seen. We are also starting to teach Christian. He is 17 and is very promising. He seems interested. He has been going to church (a different one) on his own for years and his friend Marlee in our ward referred him to us. He has accepted baptism after our first lesson with him and our hopes for him is that he will serve a mission too. :) Essex and Kenny are cousins. They have had all the discussions, we are just getting them to come to church so they can be baptized. They used to smoke a pack a day, but the sisters had them commit to lose one cigarette a week. By the time I came, they were at 1 cigarette a day. Now they are completely off them! They are so strong and they have done great! They haven't cheated at all. Kenny especially loves learning what we teach. Essex especially loves to talk. haha. They are great though. There are a few more we are teaching as well and then we are working with less actives/recent converts, but it's hard to talk about everyone.

The thing I have learned most this week is love. Missionary work isn't as stressful and hard as I had thought. Basically, speak simple truths and love them. Can I also say, the Lord knows me so well. He sent me to the perfect mission for me with a wonderful companion. He has given me everything I need to jump right in and love every minute of it. I also went tracting, which was like my greatest fear, and it wasn't bad!  I feel like He has just been helping me every step of the way.

I feel like it has been so long since I have talked to everyone because so many big things have happened in only one short week. I can tell this mission is going to fly already!

Well, I love you all and I miss you! Xoxo
-Sister Salmond

P.S. Sister Senior and I ordering XL Fried Lovers! They are from Ralley's. They have their own seasoning which tastes like a poultry seasoning.

Also, at Sister Ali's she was making dinner as she left and it was french fries with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a homemade classic white gravy. A true Southern meal. Never would see that in Utah. haha. Maybe you guys could try that one too!

Oh! Sister Gunter, a Japanese lady in the ward, made us curry and rice with a good salad. The dressing was rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and Japanese seasoning. Might make a good asian salad for dinner one night with nuts, mandarin oranges, chicken, carrots, etc.

MTC Photos

My district with Bro. Cowdin (He was awesome!)

Bro. Usevitch's class (He had me give a modesty talk!!! I was the most modest of all the missionaries! They even admitted it. That's ok though. I am now being more cautious to learn and heed his words...)

Bro. Burdette! (He just came in and helped with our class, but he served in our mission . He was so fun and told us lots of stories. He was cool!)

My district in front of the MTC map

The Girls in my zone in front of the MTC map

Me and Elder Scruggs in front of the MTC

Me and Elder Scruggs in the MTC

Mission Newsletter #1

Hello Everyone!

Ok, so the MTC is hard right off the bat. I got homesick like... A LOT! Had a breakdown or two, so I guess I am doing something right, since that is what people have told me I should have at least once while I am here. Everyone tells you, make it through Sunday! It will be much easier after that.  Yeah, whatever!  Monday came and my morning still was a little sad. I thought maybe the rule wouldn't apply since we had had Conference and not classes the last two days, but nope! Monday got so much better!  Also, Conference was great!  I loved David McConkie's talk and Christofferson's. (Christofferson is probably no surprise since I want to be a mommy.) Either way, Conference helped me relax, feel caught up and feel a little closer to home, although it still isn't quite the same.

Life is getting so much better though!  Well, first off, I AM WEARING JEANS!!! Let me tell you, you don't realize the joy behind something so simple. It feels so good to wear them again.  Want to hear something totally and completely ironic?  So I had my jacket in the air depressor bag and I got to the MTC and it got FrEeZiNg! I did not want to open the bag and get out my jacket unless I absolutely had to.  After two days of being frigid, I finally cracked it opened and got out my jacket. I only used it half of the day and haven't needed it since! What the heck?! Lame Utah weather!

Classes are going good! I have been learning and growing so much! My scriptures are starting to get more and more colorful. :) I really like our teacher Brother Cowdon! He is awesome and teaches really well. Brother Usevitch, on the other hand, can be way strict. He turns to Preach my Gospel for everything, which isn't necessarily bad. Did you know that he made me feel bad for saying "Ready Freddy?"  He said we need to have dignified language as missionaries. I agree, and I know that is good, but i feel that "ready freddy" is a completely innocent pump up phrase. But I am working on it. I just haven't dealt with someone like this before.

My companion, Sister Neufville, and I taught our first investigator yesterday! We had no clue that that is what we were supposed to do. The schedule said TRC, which we didn't know what that was, so we just went to the classroom. When we got there, we were informed and set upstairs to teach her. WHAT?! We didn't get to prepare or anything! So we said a quick prayer and knocked. It didn't go too bad actually. We were really happy leaving the room. Now, I had a baby idea of what they mean by the joy you feel from bringing someone unto Christ. It is wonderful!

Ok, I never thought this would every happen to me, but I get made fun of for being the studious one!  Me?  So here's the truth, I just use my study time. We are here to learn andif I'm not learning, what am I doing here?  If we finished something early, I usually try to write in my journal or read. The other girls think I should break more and think it is ridiculous how much I study, but if I don't learn, how is the Holy Ghost and the Lord supposed to help me? Also, I am here for the Lord. Therefore, all my actions should be made with him in mind. If I am sacrificing so much myself, and others are sacrificing for me, I will not mock this precious time I am given. Kind of harsh sounding I guess, but I want to do my best.

Lastly, yes, I have seen "Elder Scruggs." It's weird calling him that!  I saw him the first day at dinner. It was seriously so cute! He covered his mouth with a big smile and did a total double take. We raced to each other and chatted. It was so hard not to hug him. I have seen him quite a bit since then. It gets easier and easier not to touch him. We have taken pictures together! I can't send them to you since my lack of resources right now, but they'll be coming soon hopefully!  He has introduced me to his district and apparently they know quite a bit about me. Also, he totally LOVED the Superman onsie I got him. So did all his roommates.  :)  It has been a blessing to have him around. (Oh, I can't write him! How sad! That was hard when I first found that out, but now I am just looking forward to getting all of them at once in Alabama since we agreed to still write, just not send them.)

Well, that's it for now!  Thank you everyone for your prayers!
Love you!
-Sister Heather Salmond

p.s. I am losing weight here... still! I am eating only fruit and salad everyday. I am getting sick of the salad since it is only lettuce, carrots, oil and vinegar. A teacher from our mission, Brother Burdette, says I'll do fine with my dietary things on the mission, which made me feel good. He also said he lost weight on the mission! Didn't see that one coming! Hopefully, that will be the case for me too! hehe. Love you!

Some of My Favorite People In the Entire World!

      I love you all!  Don't take the number to heart, it's just the order I thought of as I wrote.  I can't put a number on loved ones. :)

     1. My Parents This is not just because family comes first, but I really do love my parents.  I know that they will do anything for me.  I admire how hard they both work to raise my siblings and I to be independent, confident, successful, and righteous individuals.  I know this task is not easy by any means.They truly are examples and my good friends. Love you Mom & Dad!
     2. Michelle Fredrickson You are always so caring and doing things for others.  I love your humor, your style, the presents you give me :), and most of all, our friendship.  I just love you Gyps more than I can express.  You are loyal to the end and so supportive.  Gyps, I don't know if you know this, but I have learned so much from you and strive to be as loving, sweet, and caring as you are. I only hope I am as good of a bff to you as you are for me. xoxoxoxo ~Crazy
     3. Taylor Stacey First of all, I miss not having you around all the time!  You were the best roommate ever!  I love you soooo much and I hope we will always keep in touch.  You are super hilarious and have such an energy and funny enthusiasm.  I just love it.  You have changed me more than you know... I now slap butts! Taylor, you are a sweetheart and the bestest ever!
     4. My Forever Roommates: Lizz, Steph, and Britt Girls, we have been roommates since the beginning of time and I have loved every minute of it. You all are so different, but so great.  I love you all.  Lizz: You are so spiritually in touch.  I love your gospel knowledge and your willingness and love to share it with others.  It will be hard to see you go, but I know you will make the best sister missionary.  You will help bring so many to the Gospel.  You have helped so many just around you already.  I know that this was a calling the Lord had set out for you, to bless and lift others up. We are all grateful for you in our lives. Steph: We have such history, all the way back to the womb.  It was destiny. :)  I love our Nacho Quotes and our relationship talks, beginning with our awkward couple journal.  You and I share a special humor, which I LOVE!  Britt: I love you Bubbly Burping Butt Brittny!  You have changed so much over the last two years... in a good way. You have grown a lot and discovery a lot of yourself.  I will always treasure the daily challenge I had to keep you awake in class, at church, and in firesides.  I secretly loved those moments because I was constantly trying to try new ways to wake you up.  hehehe.
     5. Michael Knapp You are now on a mission kiddo.  YOU ARE LIKE MY FAVORITE!  I don't know what it is, but everytime I see you, it is suddenly the best day EVER!  I get so excited to see you and honestly I don't know why cuz for the longest time you would say close to nothing.  Even when we are old and married, I will always remember how much I always wanted to squeeze the heck out of you and pinch your rosy cheeks. :]  You were the best debate partner I could've asked for.
     6. My Family of Co-Workers: Kenny, Zoe, Merrie, Jess, etc. We have so much history and you really are like family to me.  I love you all and I hope you all know I will always be here for you whenever you need.  I hold you ALL in such a high regard, just in different ways.  Kenny: You are so funny!  I cannot express how much I enjoy having you around.  Everyday you don't come to work I either say to myself or out loud, "Dang it!  Kenny isn't here today.  I love Kenny." I always have to have my daily hug from you otherwise I feel like the day is not complete.  You better never leave so we can be friends forever!  Zoe: You are married, which is crazy for one, but I love all the stories and things you have taught me with your experiences. hehehe. You are so free spirited and I love the dynamic you and Jake have.  It is so fun.  I love our sleepover back in the day with TP :) and so much more!  You are so great.  If only we were friends in HS. Merrie: My dearest Cinderella, you are so sweet and graceful. You even eat with grace. :) You don't walk, you float.  You sing like an angel.  I know the man who gets you will be so happy.  You will be the perfect wife and mother. I am so glad we can talk the way we do and care about the other so much.  Jess: You were so supportive when I needed it.  You truly are a great friend to me.  I know you'll do fine waiting for Dane if that is what you feel is right.  You are a very strong girl and a very hard worker.  I always enjoy talking to you.  You will always state your opinion, but in a very sweet and caring way.  That is a great gift you have and I love you so much for it.
     7. Andy Anderson & Marjorie Merkley  These are two residents that have now passed away, but I really came to know at the Charleston.  Andy: He was the sweetest, most celestial man I ever met.  He called us angels, but really he was the angel for us all.  He had a heart of gratitude, love, charity, humility, and GOLD. :) Every day was a good day for Andy and he never spoke an unkind word.  I miss him so much.  I can't wait to see him and embrace in the next life. I truly loved that man. Marjorie: She was a goof and going a little crazy towards the end of her life, yet I loved her.  The last time I saw her before she passed, she told me she loved me.  That meant a lot to me.  She was so sweet and I would've spent all day with her if I could.  Whoo, Whoo, Whoo, Whoo!
     8. The Bromance: Glade, Jaxson, Timmy, Jackman, Brendan, etc. I love all you boys so so much!  You guys are great in every way.  I wish I could squeeze you all and just tell you how awesome you are everyday! :} Gladiesman: You work so hard, too hard sometimes.  However, because of this, you have grown so much.  You were always a great person, however now you are even more sincere, caring, and easy to talk to.  I am proud of you. You definitely know who you are and what you stand for.  Don't ever change that part of you. Jaxson:Sir Knight, Agent X,etc. You are a champ.  You work so very hard.  When something doesn't come naturally or super easy, you will keep working on it until it does.  That is something so admirable about you.  You strive to make your weak things become strong.  You also are very caring and always nice about others.  People can tell that about you when they first meet you.  You really admire and look up to your parents.  I know everyone does this to a certain degree, but the respect you hold is so great.  You can just tell by the way you talk about them.  They are so lucky to have you as a son and I am sure you would probably say the same about them as your parents.  Timmy: You are a funny boy.  Sometimes, I think we are too close, but it's great.  Thank you. I know I can always say exactly what I am thinking with you and when I need a hug or something, I know you will be there.  No more late movies though. haha. Heather is getting far too tired for that and going crazy at night. :)  Timmy, you are great. I really appreciate our friendship so much.  You are going to make a girl so happy someday.  Jackman:  I love you kid so so much!  I love the way you and I can talk. You are so funny.  I love it because you understand me quite well. Not many guys can understand the female brain like you can and I am so grateful for it because you can see both the man side and the girly side.  It helps a ton.  Plus, you make a great coach... and yes, you should be proud of your skills.  Brendan: You are a macho man! You are the one who has the power to take away the man card. hahaha.  I love that!  We do need to bond more. I have talked with you the least, but that's ok I like you anyways. Even though you are a tough guy, you definitely have a soft side to you that we can all see and feel.  Don't be afraid to show that side more. :) You are so freakin' awesome. Don't ever forget that!  Oh! And you are getting so buff!  Keep working at it.  You are doing great!
     9. My Short-Period-of-Time Roommates: Elisa, Sammi, Alyssa, and Brady  I wish we could all be roommates longer, but I know that even though we can't we won't loose contact! :) Elisa: It was a random roommate scheme by Glenwood.  The unknown is kind of scary, so before I met you I was slightly nervous, but now I don't know why.  You are the best!  I love you sooo much! I can't wait to meet all your freshman friends because if they are as awesome as you I know we will have the best Relief Society ever!You have such a sweetness and light within you that just radiates.  You are doing what is right and I know things are kind of hard at times and you don't know where you are going quite yet in life, but I promise you, the answers will come to you at the right time.  Faith, not fear my dear. ;)  Sammi: You have a lot of passion within you. You have an amazing ability to stand up for truth, for your friends, family, and what you believe. Remember to never loose that and to constantly use it for good. I feel like there is still much you have to learn about yourself and I know once you discover this, you will be even more strong, confident, and beautiful. Love ya girl. Alyssa & Brady: You two are so cute and perfect for each other.  You two have grown together.  I think it is a great match.  I know you two will have a wonderful life together.  Alyssa, I loved having you as a full time roommate and getting to know you even more and Brady, it was good have you as a partial roommate as well. :)  I love you two and I love Krispy Kreams!  I know we'll keep in touch.
     10.  The Dimter Family You all mean so much to me.  I love you all.  You are my family and I definitely think of you as such.  Jon: I love you.  You were such a jokester, yet caring and wise.  Grace: I look up to you.  I can talk to you for hours, literally. You are a second mom to me. Steven, Sarah, Brian, Becca, and James: I always LOVE our game nights.  We have so much fun and stay up so late. You are all great.  I loved how we would never come downstairs when the parents called cuz we all knew it would be another 30 minutes at least. Good times! Sarah, I always felt like you were an older version of myself. Becca, you are a goof ball.  One of my favorite things is our sleepovers and the sugar we would take in. hehehe.  James, too much history.  We have been through it all.  I know we will always be close. Work hard out there on the mission.
     To Everyone Who Shall Not Be Named I love you all and adore you.  There are so many people who have imprinted on me and I wish I can name every single one of you, but since I cannot just know that I do still care and appreciate all you have done for me. Sincerely, Heather

Happy Halloween!

       I have always loved Halloween!  I go all out baby!  Our family has a tradition of going all out for Halloween.  We deck out our house and make it really scary.  However, every couple years or so, we mild it down a little bit for the younger crowds.  That is what we did this year with Hazel and Gretel.  We turned our lawn into a forest where Hazel and Gretel's parents (a.k.a. Layne and Breanne) were looking for them. Hazel (Jeff) and Gretel (Victoria) were in a cage on our front porch and when they knocked, I came out as the witch (btw, our house was decorated as a gingerbread house.)  We saw a good crowd this year and it was really fun.  After the ticker treaters started to slow down, I raced back home to Provo, where my apt was hosting a Halloween party.  As an apt, we dressed up as crayons with Rubin as well.  It was quite a hit with games and treats, followed by Disturbia.  It was such a party... and people wonder why Halloween is one of my all time favorite holidays. :)

Plato's and Prosthetics!

       So, Saturday was Taylor's 20th Birthday!  What a day?!  She turned the big 2-0!  I already threw her a surprise birthday party on Thursday night when she arrived home, so Saturday was just for us. :)  I had to work that morning so while I was at work, Taylor and Brittny went to our Saturday Stake Conference session and then the football game against Idaho State.  (We crushed them!)  After that, it was time for the party to start... We started our day out shopping.  We all needed some winter clothes.  Being BYU college students, we knew exactly where to start, PLATO'S CLOSET!!! Love that store!  It's majorly cheap, yet you can still find really cute stuff.  Sadly, we all let with stuff we didn't need.  Oh well.  That is what shopping is all about, right?  For dinner, we went to Zupas (Taylor chose it, but I was happy because its my favorite too.)  She got her usual of an Ultimate Grilled Cheese with a roll and I got my usual Chop Salad (transformed into a fruity salad.) It was mmm, mmm good.  Taylor went home after that for her family party.  That left Brittny and I!  We played Just Dance 2 on the Wii, which we temporarily borrowed from my family for the surprise party.  We made the rest of the cupcake batter we had leftover and popped in the

movie, Jumper.  However, right before it started, I
decide to spice up Brittny's life and pull out the silly
string! Dun, dun, dun. (mischievous face) I raced
out of the hallway to attack. High pitched squeals echoed
throughout the room!  I was satisfied... We had a
sleepover on our living room couch! (I kind of started
the sleeping part a little too early though, like the first 5
minutes into the movie. :]  Oops!  What can I say?)
Overall, it was a blast!  I love my roommates!
       In addition to being well rounded in my social life, I have recently joined a club called "2ft Prosthetics."  My brother, Layne, has been in the club for a couple of years now.  It's a club where we make and distribute prosthetics to countries for cheap and start a clinic there.  I am super excited to be involved with it.  Here is a picture of us at the Homecoming Parade and Layne is having time of his life in this Sweet Ride.

It's Just the Beginning!

       This has been crazy!!! Time is flying, yet it seems so slow at the same time.  We have known the new people in our ward for two weeks.  We all such good friends. I feel like we it's been months.  Strange, right?  Also, our apartment is doing something almost everyday.  We have hang outs constantly.  It makes it hard to do homework, not gonna lie, but its funner than heck. One of the guys we have become good friends with, Logan, is absolutely hilarious.  I don't know how he did it but he has gotten into girl talk.  Impressive, I know.  It's been a blast though.        

       Now, onto the best roommate ever, Taylor Stacey.  She and I have so fun "every day."  At night we talk and laugh before we finally settle down and we slap each others' butts as much as possible.  Just the other day, Taylor and I danced with white out.  (If any of you thought it wasn't possible, let me tell you... It is!)  We are two peas in a pod and I can always count on her to be there for me.  She is my best friend and family.  Taylor, I am so glad we are friends and that you are my roommate!  I love you girl!