Sister Pierce is Called to Serve: First Week!!

Hello all!!!! Well, I made it through my first week as a missionary!! So crazy. And the crazier part is that I fly out to New Hampshire Monday morning! The MTC experience is almost over! Weird.

Well, my first couple of days were pretty interesting. The first night, we taught our first investigator! Man they really have you hit the ground running over here! Luckily, it was in a group setting, so it wasn't too bad. But, on thursday, we met our first investigator that we would be teaching for the remainder of the time that we are here. Luckily it's just out MTC teacher, but they sure so get in their roles!! It feels like they are a completely different person when they teach us and then when we teach them. That's pretty cool. Then Friday, we found out who our other 2 investigators were.

The first couple of lessons with Josh (our teacher) were pretty rough. I think mainly because we didn't know what we were doing, and that they had us begin teaching before we really knew anything (alos, he is just a rough investigator and really challenged us and gave us hard questions to answer...ha). Then the next week (a few days ago), we had a much better experience teaching Rachel and Olivia because we knew what we were doing. What's cool about Rachel and Olivia is that we have no idea if they are members or if they really are investigators. Each investigator has different needs and questions, and it's been so exciting to plan for each one!! Missionary work is the best!!!!! :)

With just the few short days that I've been here (8 days now), I have truly learned a ton. First off, I have learned how to teach the first few lessons (the Restoration, and Plan of Salvation--didn't think I'd learn how to teach those effectively so quick) and I've learned how much prayer can bless my life and help me as a missionary. Here at the MTC (and in the field) we pray ALL. THE. TIME. Like honestly, I don't think I've prayed this much in my entire life. We pray before/after each class, we pray before/during personal/companion study, and we pray seriously like every 30 minutes in between. Man, it's been something to definitely get use to, but I love it!! Prayer has helped me and Sister Merkley (my companion) and the rest of the missionaries in my district a TON! I have gained a stronger testimony on how the Spirit can help direct thoughts, comfort us, and help us stay focused and have a clear mind. Prayer is amazing!!!

Another amazing thing that happened this week was that Sister Merkley and I committed 2 of our investigators - Josh & Rachel- to baptism!!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Those experiences have helped me have confidence that that can happen in the field too! Plus, we've only been teaching Rachel for 3 lessons, and well, it took longer with Josh just because he was a tough cookie, but still. It was less than a week!!! SO great.

Also, the sisters and elders in my district are amazing! We have become so close, and feel like a family! The interesting thing is that all the elders are going to the New Hampshire Manchester mission, and all the sisters are going to the Salt Lake mission. Yep....I'm the only sister going to my mission from my district. As far as I know, I may be the only sister on the flight to New hampshire Monday morning! I say that because at our welcome meeting, they had everyone stand up to see who's going to which part of the world, and the east coast people stood up, and I swear, I was the only sister standing.....so I guess we'll see what happens on Monday!

My companion and I have got along great!! There's been some harder days just because of different situations, but I think we've been able to work through those times because we're with each other 24/7. You have to really work things out when you have to be with someone ALL. THE. TIME. haha and I'm glad I'm learning how to do that. You can't just escape them like roommates, or family members. You have to follow them where ever they go! (until we'rte back at our room, then we can have some time to ourselves). But If you have to go to the bathroom, they have to go. If you have to fill up your water bottle, they have to go. If you have to go to the bathroom to just blow your nose, they have to go. Get the picture? Yeah, I'm definitely going to have to get more used to this! hahaha

Well, I'm sure I'm way out of time, so I'll just share that I know this gospel is true! Being a missionary is the best and it's the best decision I have ever made! I am so grateful that I have the opportunitry to share this gospel with everyone and be able to bear testimony on how it can bless their lives, and continue to bless mine! I am so greateful for prayer, and for all the many blessings it brings. In those hard/trying times, just remember to Keep Praying Until Something Happens (Keep P.U.S.H.ing)!!

I love you all, and thank you for your support!!!

Keep P.U.S.H.ing!

Love, Sister Pierce