Hello my Dear Family!

Hello my dear family that I miss and love!

Another week down huh?? Can I get a whoot whoot!! It was sure a week of miracles. I know I'm not out in the field yet, but I sure felt them all the same. Honestly, I know I said this last week, but I learn so much here!! Holy smokes one day I'll be sitting in class thinking, "Wow. I am so smart now. There isn't anything more that I could possibly learn." And yet I'm stood corrected EVERY day in class, devotional, prayer, scripture study, or in the shower... You name it, I'm learning. I have learned more in two weeks than I have in almost my whole life! And I wish I had time to share all of it! But the day will come when you'll wish I DIDN'T have time to talk about it because there's so much. Ah... the MTC. Happiest place on earth!

So I was called as the Coordinating Sister last Saturday and I totally forgot to mention that last week! (A coordinating sister is like a zone leader, but girl version) They called me right after interviews and I was put to work. I have meetings all day Sunday and Tuesday, and then give New Missionary Orientation on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I thought I was the new missionary still! Ha it's funny because once you've been in the MTC for a whole SEVEN days, you're considered the old missionary full of knowledge and wisdom :D I like to think that's true because I have been here TWELVE days now! Take that! ha I have loved my calling though. It's just another chance for me to serve more.

Speaking of how long I've been here, I already get my travel plans this week! You don't believe it do you?? I sure don't! We have In-Field Orientation this week because everyone in our District besides my companion, Sister Mckeever, Sister Brownell and I leave next week. They are all either going to Independence, or Florida. Sister Mckeever and I are the only ones going to Hawaii. Apparently word spreads super fast around the MTC because everywhere we go, elders and sister come up to us and ask, "Are you the sisters going to Hawaii??" And we just humbly :) say that's us! ha I love it. We feel like celebrities here. Ha not really, because everyone is so nice to everyone and we all feel like family here. Once our district leaves next week, us three sisters start learning how to be tourguides. And listen to this, we get to go to Temple Square on a fieldtrip! For two days! That means I'll be driving past all y'all two times my last week here. I'll be waving and hugging and sending kisses your way!

We had a devotional where they talked about how the applications for missionaries since the age change has increased 400%!! 400! How terrific is that?? And because of the huge change, they are trying to train us even better so that we can be the trainers weeks after we arrive in the field. I'm so excited.

Oh! On Sundays we get to have our Sunday Walk, where we all get to walk to the temple and take pictures.It's so fun because we get to see the outside world! And cars! And non-missionary people! I always feel like going up and touching them just to make sure they're real. Bad idea? Write me what you think. I'm sending some pictures of it along with some others so I hope you like it.

I wanted to talk about a talk from Elder Holland that I LOVED this week but I don't have time! I'll try to fit it in and talk about it next week. I did learn that we need to "walk by faith in a world governed by sight." I love that! Faith is an action word, and will only do us good if we take a step and ACT. It's a short, but sweet lesson that has helped me immensely since I've been here.

Well I better go, but I love you and miss you my dearest family! Remember the book is blue, the church is true, and Moroni is always on all the ball :D

Everyone here thinks my last name is Amen. So all the missionaries call me Sister Amen haha.

Love,

Sister Amen

ps I just realized that I didn't send the pictures! But if I don't logout my computer will self destruct so I'll send them hopefully soon! Love you!

Greetings From the MTC!

Greetings from the MTC my dearest family! ( MTC means, "Missionary Training Center" by the way. It's what I've learned since I've been here :D )

Wow what a week here in good ol Provo! I can't believe I'm here honestly. My whole life I have wondered what goes on in the MTC! I've always thought of it as Willy Wonka's chocolate factory because I have only seen missionaries go in and come out; but never have I seen what actually goes on inside. But now that I'm here, let me tell you something. There are even more incredible and sweet things being created over here than any candy you could ever taste! It's amazing!

So here's the scoop, the 411: That first day after you guys dropped me off, it was just like Elder JerBear said. I was Put. To. WORK! The two elders who took my luggage, introduced me to my host sister who helped me get my badge (It really does say 'Sister Annen' on it!), find my room, and find my classroom. It was in class where I met my companion, Sister Mckeever. She is awesome! She's from Orange County, California (Lake Forrest I think, if you remember when you lived in Mission Viejo Mom :D) She's 31 and a sweetheart. We instantly clicked and in a way she's sort of a mommy figure to me. haha it's great.

In class, I met my district where they are eight elders and four sisters. I have the best District! We have learned so much in class, and I can't wait to tell you more about that when I have time...ha said the missionaries at the MTC NEVER! Ha we have no time especially the first week since we have so many new missionary orientations and classes and things. It's awesome though because I have no time to be homesick or sad. What I've come to appreciate is sleep! It's like gold here! The days are packed with the most wonderful and spiritual classes, and devotions, and discussion and by the end of the day, everyone is wiped out. The spirit is incredible and it really takes it out of us. Everyone is on a spiritual high and it's obvious that thousands of prayers are said IN the MTC and FOR the MTC. We really are blessed here.

Just from these first few days, I can tell that my mission is going to fly by! Really I'm so excited for what is to come because of what I have already learned here. I could leave today and feel like a totally different person and I can't go back.

Ah my time is up! But know that I love you all and miss you so so much! Make this week count and I can't wait to talk to you next week! Love you!

This church is so true and God loves you!

Love,

Sister Annen

Adventure is Out There!

          Ashley was set apart last night as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She was set apart by our stake president, President Castleton, at the stake center.  She was blessed specifically to "have no fear" and to "never stop smiling".

     Ashley woke up this morning to her door decorated by her sister, Jessica, that read "Adventure is Out There! Have fun in your adventure in Hawaii!" Ashley loved it and it helped start her morning off really well.

We helped pack her up........

   

     .............and drove her down to the MTC this morning.

     It could be described as a bittersweet experience. We are excited about her decision to serve the Lord.  We will miss her, but are so excited for this new adventure!

It's a Mission Call to Hawaii, Honolulu!

    

     On June 6, 2012, Sister Ashley McCall Annen was called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She was assigned to labor in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission.  In addition to her calling to share the gospel, she was assigned to serve in the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors' Center.  

     She will report to the MTC on October 17, 2012 at 12:30 P.M. While at the Missionary Training Center, she will also receive special training in conducting tours.  She will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language.

     Her purpose will be to invite other to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.  As she serves with all her heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead her to those who are prepared to be baptized.  

     We know that greater blessings and more happiness than she has yet experienced await her as she humbly and prayerfully serves the Lord in this labor of love among His children.  

     We love you Sister Annen!