WEEK ONE AT MISSION TRAINING CENTER

Peyton with her mom, Laura Belden, outside the MTC (Mission Training Center).

I was super nervous about the MTC, not gonna lie. I was worried that I'd feel lost or underprepared. But as soon as I stepped out of the car last Wednesday, I felt completely calm and peaceful and excited! I felt right at home!

My teachers are so awesome, and I have THE best district. We do everything together! We play pretty intense games of four-square and volleyball for gym. It's so cool. Today we all went to the temple and did an endowment session, and it was marvelous. My companion here is Sister Cavey, and she's just as crazy as I am! It's wonderful! I'm so grateful for her. Sister Cavey and I room with two other sisters, Sister Steinfeldt and Sister Gowans. They're so silly! We're always laughing together. Sister Gowans does the best impressions of pretty much everything! I didn't know I could love people so quickly and fully, but I do! I love my district!

The Elders are so funny! And so supportive and awesome! This week has been challenging, though. We're teaching "investigators"... which are actually (usually) members or our teachers, but it has been interesting to see how Sister Cavey and I have been able to study and pray for their needs and then to see the spirit guide us in what to teach. We had two devotionals, one by Matthew Holland, who's the president of Utah Valley University and I'm pretty sure he's related to Elder Holland somehow, and the other devotional was given by Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy. The one by Brother Holland had a special performance by the UVU choir, and it was so powerful! It was all about Joseph Smith, and the music was just beautiful. President Rasband talked about being bold and opening your mouth! It was also a powerful devotional, and it helped me be motivated to be a fearless missionary! I wish I had time to tell you about all the wonderful experiences I've had!

Also, my mission was changed while I've been here at the MTC! I was called to the South Dakota Rapid City Mission, but it's now the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. It still covers both Dakotas, but I believe that most of the surrounding states that used to be part of it aren't anymore. I met Brother and Sister Halliday, who work at the Mission Office, and who know my Grammy, so that was super awesome! They're such lovely people.

I'll write again on my next Preparation Day, which is probably not until I'm already in my mission area. I leave the MTC next Wednesday at 2:30 in the morning! Yikes! Love you all!