Christmas is coming to the MTC

Goede Dag!!

Zuster Gulliver here!

Well, it has been yet again a fabulous week here at the MTC. I have sooo much to tell you! The half hour I have really does fly by :)

First, I got your cute stockings in the mail! They were awesome! I was so excited when I opened it and even more excited when I realized i could share them with my companions. Sister Smith's new companion actually had to postpone her mission, so we're still the same threesome, which is a lot of fun. We hung up the stockings on our bunks, but have all committed to not opening them until Chrismas morning so we can all have a little suprise. They make our room look realy cute, and my roomates were really excited. They don't hear from their families as much as I am blessed to, so they really loved having a homey touch of christmas! Thank you so much!

I'm glad you got my pictures- I hope you enjoy putting some faces to the names I may mention.
So as you can probably tell from all of the smiley faces, I am very happy to be here at the MTC learning Dutch.

My dutch is more behind than it ever has been, but despite my mounting fear of being thrown into a country where I can't communicate at all, I am getting really exited about leaving for the field in less than 4 weeks (yikes!). I have, however, seen how the Lord can take our weaknesses and have them become strengths to us. Whenever we have companion inventory, my companions always mention how happy and sensitive I am to them and to others around us. I have been amazed at this. I have tried hard to cultivate sensitivity and optimism, and prayed a lot for these attributes, and it seems that the Lord has helped me turn what I thought were weaknesses into strengths. I know if he can do that for me, surely my largest weakness (past-tense verbs) will become a strength for me as well. That will be such an awesome day!

The Christmas Spirit is very alive here at the MTC. When we have a fireside and sing silent night or any chrismas song, I can feel the strong spirit of the missionaries around me and the true spirit of Christmas is so evident. I know I will miss you all and our Christmas traditions, but I will so enjoy being here in the mission field for the holiday. The Christmas lights are up around the grounds, and they are so fun to walk through after dinner time.

You all asked about my typical day, so here's a little run-down-
6:30 gym
8:15 breakfast
8:45 class(language/doctrine)
11:00 gym
1:00 Lunch
1:45 Class (language/doctrine/teaching)
6:00 dinner
6:45 Personal Study
7:45 Companion Study
9:00 Companion planning
9:30 return to our rooms
10:15 quiet time
10:30 lights out

Its pretty much the same- every once in a while a fireside or meeting, but thats the general schedule. It is a lot of fun, and suprisingly, I don't get tired of being in the same room ALL DAY LONG. It is quite a unique and amazing experience to dedicate all of our time to studying and serving the Lord. Gym time is fun- Sis. Bennett and I have goals to run a mile and a half straight before we leave- so far I can do a mile and a half but I have to take a 2-3 minute break and walk a lap after 4/5 of a mile- I'll get there though! Oh, and I have successfully gained 2 pounds- thats for you Daddy! We don't get culture classes except on the last day, but our teachers always tell us little things about our mission- like how the Dutch are typically racist against the Turks and black people. Also, the Jehovah's Witnesses are HUGE in the Netherlands and quite aggressive, so people aren't exactly friendly toward proselyting people, but we can easily overcome that with our kind approaches and acts of service. Also, we will ride our bikes everywhere- rain or shine- so we will be very wet most of the time :) Mom, I got the white shirt and it is perfect- I wanted it to wear underneath things, so the fit is fine- Thank you so much! Oh, and Phil, I got your letter- thanks for thinking of me!

Well, my time is up- I love you all and am excited to be where I am. I miss you all- send me pictures when you can! The church is true, and the Gospel is VITAL to everyone we meet- remember that! Ik houd van jullie!!!

Love,Zuster Gulliver