Erika's first letter from the MTC (Oct. 10, 2016)

Hey everyone!!!!!

Wow! This first week went by in a whirlwind! I can't believe it's Thursday already! I'm sorry I couldn't get back you right away, my P-Day is later than I thought it would be, obviously.... :) However, I love getting your letters throughout the week, It's fun to think about what I'm going to tell you and how to respond. I feel like I have so much to say, and I don't even know where to start! Hopefully I won't get too long winded and it'll make a little bit of sense as you read it! :)

This week has been incredible! I love love loved every moment of it! I feel like I've learned more and drawn closer to God more in this week than I ever have before. There's been a ton of spiritual stuff that has happened and I've tried to make note of a few of those things to tell you. The first thing I wanted to tell you about is a video we watched on Sunday from an old devotional Elder Bednar gave at the MTC a few years ago. It's called "The Character of Christ" and I think that if you can find it, you would love to hear it! It's about an hour long, but it's super good and about selflessness and how to be more like Christ. It really hit my heart as I watched it, and I thought you would love it.

In your first letter you said you were wondering what I was doing at 8 my first night in the MTC, and I was actually already teaching someone! Well, kinda. There were about 50 missionaries in a room, and an investigator in the front, and all 50 were trying to teach this person. It was kinda hard to all work together, so a bit circular of a conversation, but still really cool that teaching is one of the very first things we did in the MTC.

So, I'm super happy that you made me take my cheerios and chocolate chips with me into the MTC, they have been a huge lifesaver! Also, it's a fun taste of home when I'm waxing slightly homesick, and though it's no homemade orange-rolls, it makes me think of home! I feel so blessed for the way my emotions have presented themselves. I lose myself in the work each day and so the only time I have even have to consider being homesick is at night. Even then, though I miss everyone at home, I don't feel like I would rather be any other place than right where I am. I love this gospel and feel so blessed to be a missionary for God and this time and age! I figure I'm here for 18 months of my life anyway, so I might as well give Him my all. If you're going to do something, do it right. That's what you taught me, and that's how I live. #Overkill #TypeRed right, dad? 

I love wearing my name tag! Its almost surreal still to look in the mirror and see "Sister Marks, The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints". I feel the honor that it is to wear his name on my chest, and feel so grateful for the trust He has put in me that I get to go  out and help people to know him. Each day here makes me more excited to be in Texas! I love the MTC so much, but I also can't wait to really get in the field. I feel like three weeks is a great amount of time to be here. 

So in my district there are three of us that are going to Fort Worth. Me, my companion Sister Day (who's amazing!) and one Elder. The other people in my district are going to Tuscon Arizona, San Jose California, and Bakersfield California. I've already grown really close with everyone in my district, which is a huge blessing as I was kind nervous. Especially about my companion. It is kinda sad though because we've had one Elder that had to go home on Tuesday night because of depression and anxiety disorders. My prayers go out to him as he tries to overcome so that he can come back out to serve the Lord. Sister Day is a huge blessing to have as a companion. She's just the best! She's super sweet and sincere and I already think of her as one of my best friends - funny thing about living with someone 24/7 and not having any one else to really talk to. :D My teachers are Brother Brase and Sister McKay who both got back from their missions within the past year. They're amazing! I feel like I learn so much each class and they are a huge asset in that learning. However, most of it definitely comes from the spirit. It's so unique to be able to be in a place where the spirit is just so strong all the time. What an opportunity for growth that I intend to take full advantage of. My branch president is, funnily enough, President Marks - no relation:) And even better, his wife is named Linda Marks, I'm not even kidding! They're amazing, and I love that whole presidency.

I've also just had a ton of fun as I work and play with everyone here. My whole zone is awesome, even if we're not super close. My district loves frisbee, which is great! So we play catch most days for our "work out" time. We're not allowed to play ultimate, but it's fun to just throw the disk around. I also love how efficient everything is here! I feel like time just means something else when you're at the MTC. I only have another 10 min on the computer, and before I would have been worried because that's not much time, but now I'm wondering who else I can email before my times out! :D 

I love you all so much! I hope the Bulldogs win tomorrow! Thank you for all that you do for me, I feel your prayers on my behalf.

Love forever,
Sister Marks

P.S. I'M A MISSIONARY!!!! I love this work, I love Christ and His gospel, and I know there's no where else I'd rather be right now. Love you!