HELLO EVERYONE!
I finally got my re-assignment today.
BATON ROUGE LOUISIANA!
My flight leaves Tuesday morning at 6:20 AM. I will go from Louisiana to Italy in April probably the 5th. So I have three more days of Utah and then I am outta here.
My flight number is 720 American Airlines. Ummm we got a page of rules and stuff when we entered the MTC and one of them said "We discourage family from coming the the airport and saying their farewells." I asked what everyone in my district thinks and it is mixed. Some say they think their parents are coming, some say they are for sure not. So..I don't know. I don't think you need to come Tuesday. Just send your letters to the MTC today or tomorrow and any packages or anything before I go. So I can go to the airport just ready to go. I have a few things I don't need to bring so I will mail them home or arrange it somehow to be picked up. And I really can't think of anything I need..Maybe just one of those little nail kits Mom? In those little flip cases that we got? Mine is probably in my room. Ha that isn't important though, I really can't think of anything I need.
So yeah. Tuesday! Out of the MTC into the field. This is the last time I will be able to email or read email for..I don't know how long. I have no idea what the Mission Pres is like to where I am going, so please send letters today and tomorrow so I can see them before I go!
Mom, I tried to call you after I called Dad but they made me hang up because I used all my phone time.
Everyone, don't worry about the birthday. hahaha I didn't even care.
Parents, you don't have to worry about sending a package if you don't want, I really don't care and I know it costs. I promise I am completely fine and don't need anything.
Kori, thanks for the letter I loved it and will write you back! You too Amy!
I LOVE YOU ALL! SO VERY MUCH! I am so excited to get in the field and start doing the real work!
Thank you for your prayers! They helped me! Thank you for your support. I love you all so so so so much.
LOUISIANA HERE I COME!
Love
Sorella Laurel Skye Simkins
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
MTC Week 1
HEY DAD and MOM and EVERYONE!
MTC IS GOOD! Write me hard copy letters, or for FREE go to DEAR ELDER.COM and dear elder me. Emails are ok..but I have a big clock in the upper right corner of my screen counting down. So I have no time to read emails if I want to write emails so please DEAR ELDER ME. Or just send letters. I am excited to get your letters, I haven't gotten any yet and everyone in the district gets like 5 a day and a billion packages haha. Not that I need that many daily, just one day I hope to get one....hahah.
So the MTC is great. Really busy. We have our whole lives planned out in here. The MTC is a powerful place. Spirit is way strong. I feel the POWAAAAAA! Haha really though, we have gym everyday and I do some hard good workouts its sweet. My teachers are great, really spiritual, really know what they are talking about. It is just POUNDED in our head, everyday, do what you are supposed to be doing, work hard, and don't worry the spirit and the Lord will do the rest. Which is exactly true. I...am not worrying. I feel the pressure to do my best and learn as much as I can here in the MTC but I don't feel overwhelmed and I feel like I can do it. I hope that is ok I feel like that haha maybe I should feel more stressed? naa. My companion is awesome! She is my own little polly pocket, she is 4'9" haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Love her though. She is funny, speaks every single thing on her mind....but she is soo passionate and sincere has a huge heart of gold is a great teacher and I really like her. Sometimes I lose her though she is just so small...hiding under things...silly thing. Ha I really love her though. The branch pres and mission pres are great. Really spiritual lessons and advice and shtuff. Language is great, I am blessed to have gone to Italy before so I know the language. Now I am just learning to speak more correctly and fixin up all my grammer and yeah. It is good because I can help others and understand everything, but also have so much to learn with the language like all the church related words and yeah, just everything that betters my Italian.
All the Italian missionaries that came in with me Wed have April 5 or something as their departure date. I opened my card and saw that mine said Feb 21!!! Whaaa!??? Crazy! I didn't even talk to anyone, it was just already for me! I am excited that means I only have like 2 more weeks here!!! But...I have so much to learn at the MTC so I am diligently using every MINUTE to LEARN!!! SOO much to learn!
MAN! The doctine is great. Reading the scriptures have never been so good. God blesses the missionaries. The scriptures are really just coming to live....I am getting so much out of them and their message is SO CLEAR! EVERYONE read them! Sooo good. Lot of focus on 3 Nephi 11... 3 Nephi 27:13-22....2 Nephi 31 32 33....All good stuff. Just the basic message. So read up!!
Food here is alright. Somtimes. haha. It isn't too bad. We eat at 7 1130 and 430 just big meals and that is it so it is kinda weird. P day is always Tuesday, but you can write me anyday we get mail everyday. SO write as much as you can while I am still here in the MTC for the next two weeks! UMMmmmmMMMm what else do you wanna know? Life is good. I love it here, no problems. I am excited to serve. Teaching is great. I love the spirit here. OOKK!!
Love you all. MISS YOU! I really hope you are all doing well, I pray about you all the time!!!
Vi VOGLIO BENE!!!
Love
Sorella Simkins
MTC IS GOOD! Write me hard copy letters, or for FREE go to DEAR ELDER.COM and dear elder me. Emails are ok..but I have a big clock in the upper right corner of my screen counting down. So I have no time to read emails if I want to write emails so please DEAR ELDER ME. Or just send letters. I am excited to get your letters, I haven't gotten any yet and everyone in the district gets like 5 a day and a billion packages haha. Not that I need that many daily, just one day I hope to get one....hahah.
So the MTC is great. Really busy. We have our whole lives planned out in here. The MTC is a powerful place. Spirit is way strong. I feel the POWAAAAAA! Haha really though, we have gym everyday and I do some hard good workouts its sweet. My teachers are great, really spiritual, really know what they are talking about. It is just POUNDED in our head, everyday, do what you are supposed to be doing, work hard, and don't worry the spirit and the Lord will do the rest. Which is exactly true. I...am not worrying. I feel the pressure to do my best and learn as much as I can here in the MTC but I don't feel overwhelmed and I feel like I can do it. I hope that is ok I feel like that haha maybe I should feel more stressed? naa. My companion is awesome! She is my own little polly pocket, she is 4'9" haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Love her though. She is funny, speaks every single thing on her mind....but she is soo passionate and sincere has a huge heart of gold is a great teacher and I really like her. Sometimes I lose her though she is just so small...hiding under things...silly thing. Ha I really love her though. The branch pres and mission pres are great. Really spiritual lessons and advice and shtuff. Language is great, I am blessed to have gone to Italy before so I know the language. Now I am just learning to speak more correctly and fixin up all my grammer and yeah. It is good because I can help others and understand everything, but also have so much to learn with the language like all the church related words and yeah, just everything that betters my Italian.
All the Italian missionaries that came in with me Wed have April 5 or something as their departure date. I opened my card and saw that mine said Feb 21!!! Whaaa!??? Crazy! I didn't even talk to anyone, it was just already for me! I am excited that means I only have like 2 more weeks here!!! But...I have so much to learn at the MTC so I am diligently using every MINUTE to LEARN!!! SOO much to learn!
MAN! The doctine is great. Reading the scriptures have never been so good. God blesses the missionaries. The scriptures are really just coming to live....I am getting so much out of them and their message is SO CLEAR! EVERYONE read them! Sooo good. Lot of focus on 3 Nephi 11... 3 Nephi 27:13-22....2 Nephi 31 32 33....All good stuff. Just the basic message. So read up!!
Food here is alright. Somtimes. haha. It isn't too bad. We eat at 7 1130 and 430 just big meals and that is it so it is kinda weird. P day is always Tuesday, but you can write me anyday we get mail everyday. SO write as much as you can while I am still here in the MTC for the next two weeks! UMMmmmmMMMm what else do you wanna know? Life is good. I love it here, no problems. I am excited to serve. Teaching is great. I love the spirit here. OOKK!!
Love you all. MISS YOU! I really hope you are all doing well, I pray about you all the time!!!
Vi VOGLIO BENE!!!
Love
Sorella Simkins
MTC Week 3
Hello Everyone!
Another P Day woohoo. Weeks are just...flying. Kind of. Long days, fast weeks. Anyways lots to update so I will jump right in.
Travel Plans:
So last Tuesday I was kind of a mess. I was trying so hard to be strong because I was for sure that I was going to be here until April. Here is the thing. When I first arrived I got a note card that said my estimated departure date is FEB 21. Then, when all the older missionaries started getting their Itinerary to fly out today I was worried because mine wasn't coming. That is when I went in. And for some reason, ALL the computers and systems say that I was leaving April 5th. I have no idea how the mix up happened, but it was too late, they already had my visa for Italy starting in April. You know what is amazing though? I was feeling so sick and and so like broken hearted that I couldn't get in the field sooner, but I just plead to have the strength and faith. And honestly, the atonement healed me. I just got a huge overwhelming feeling of peace. And I KNEW that everything was ok, and that the Lord's hand was right in my life and that everything was happening for a reason. It was really strong and an amazing experience, really helping my testimony grow. So I was happy, had a fresh new attitude, and went on.Soo the travel office called me down again, last Wednesday, and they said: Well, we don't know why your card says Feb 21st, but in one week we will be giving you a re-assignment to go serve in the states until April, then you will fly out with your district from the MTC to your mission in Italy. So I took the news, walked out and just haven't thought about it since. I have been busy, been studying hard, and yes I still have NO IDEA where I am going and when. But...It doesn't matter because they Lord knows and will put me where I am needed. If I go in tomorrow and they say..actually you need to stay in the MTC until April...Oh well I guess! That is where I am needed ha. We will just have to see! After I get my re-assignment yesterday, I can leave ANYTIME after tomorrow. Even the next day. So I will let you know ASAP, they will let me call if I need to, to let you know when I am leaving.
The older districts leave to Milan at ten today! I am just soo excited for them. SO So soooo excited. I can't wait to go to Italy. It will feel like going home..finally back to the people and country and food I LOVE! Doing the most important work in the WORLD!! It is fantastic.
Last Tuesdays big devotional we had a 70 somethin Pearson. It was fantastic. He talked about what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. It just got me so excited, so pumped, and so very motivated to do my absolute best and be a true disciple of Christ. He said only 20% missionaries fulfill their potential and the potential faith they could have to SEE MIRACLES happen in the Lord's vinyard. I am going to be one of those missionaries. This is not my mission, it is the Lord's mission. And am so honored and HAPPY to be here on a mission. It is a BLESSING.
We have learned a bit about the temple coming to Rome. It is going to be spectacular. In 3 weeks, 40 new Italian missionaries enter the MTC. MORE at one time than have EVER ENTERED THE MTC AT THE SAME TIME. You know what that means? That the Italians are READY! They are READY to have the Lord's true gospel in their lives. They are READY for baptism. I am not going to Italy to plant seeds. NOOO way. I, and all these missionaries, are going to harvest. This is the most spectacular time to be in Italy serving. I am exstatic.
I have learned so much in the MTC. The scriptures are ALIVE. PLEASE READ THEM! I honestly cannot get enough of them. They have never meant more to me in my life. They are incredible. I know that if you have questions you can pray and ask Heavenly Father, then read and have them answered. It never fails and it the most amazing feeling. I know without a DOUBT the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the Gospel, is a Testiment of Jesus Christ our Savior, and was translated by Joseph Smith by the power of revelation. It is truly incredible. STUDY YOUR SCRIPTURES!!!!
Well, this is long enough.
I love you all. I want to be a servant for the Lord forever.
Be good, get to work! And keep the commandments. You know what that means? It is simple. Pray. Study your scriptures. and OBEY! You will be blessed. You will be happy. Your LIFE WILL BE BETTER!
Love you all!
Sorella Laurel Skye Simkins
Another P Day woohoo. Weeks are just...flying. Kind of. Long days, fast weeks. Anyways lots to update so I will jump right in.
Travel Plans:
So last Tuesday I was kind of a mess. I was trying so hard to be strong because I was for sure that I was going to be here until April. Here is the thing. When I first arrived I got a note card that said my estimated departure date is FEB 21. Then, when all the older missionaries started getting their Itinerary to fly out today I was worried because mine wasn't coming. That is when I went in. And for some reason, ALL the computers and systems say that I was leaving April 5th. I have no idea how the mix up happened, but it was too late, they already had my visa for Italy starting in April. You know what is amazing though? I was feeling so sick and and so like broken hearted that I couldn't get in the field sooner, but I just plead to have the strength and faith. And honestly, the atonement healed me. I just got a huge overwhelming feeling of peace. And I KNEW that everything was ok, and that the Lord's hand was right in my life and that everything was happening for a reason. It was really strong and an amazing experience, really helping my testimony grow. So I was happy, had a fresh new attitude, and went on.Soo the travel office called me down again, last Wednesday, and they said: Well, we don't know why your card says Feb 21st, but in one week we will be giving you a re-assignment to go serve in the states until April, then you will fly out with your district from the MTC to your mission in Italy. So I took the news, walked out and just haven't thought about it since. I have been busy, been studying hard, and yes I still have NO IDEA where I am going and when. But...It doesn't matter because they Lord knows and will put me where I am needed. If I go in tomorrow and they say..actually you need to stay in the MTC until April...Oh well I guess! That is where I am needed ha. We will just have to see! After I get my re-assignment yesterday, I can leave ANYTIME after tomorrow. Even the next day. So I will let you know ASAP, they will let me call if I need to, to let you know when I am leaving.
The older districts leave to Milan at ten today! I am just soo excited for them. SO So soooo excited. I can't wait to go to Italy. It will feel like going home..finally back to the people and country and food I LOVE! Doing the most important work in the WORLD!! It is fantastic.
Last Tuesdays big devotional we had a 70 somethin Pearson. It was fantastic. He talked about what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. It just got me so excited, so pumped, and so very motivated to do my absolute best and be a true disciple of Christ. He said only 20% missionaries fulfill their potential and the potential faith they could have to SEE MIRACLES happen in the Lord's vinyard. I am going to be one of those missionaries. This is not my mission, it is the Lord's mission. And am so honored and HAPPY to be here on a mission. It is a BLESSING.
We have learned a bit about the temple coming to Rome. It is going to be spectacular. In 3 weeks, 40 new Italian missionaries enter the MTC. MORE at one time than have EVER ENTERED THE MTC AT THE SAME TIME. You know what that means? That the Italians are READY! They are READY to have the Lord's true gospel in their lives. They are READY for baptism. I am not going to Italy to plant seeds. NOOO way. I, and all these missionaries, are going to harvest. This is the most spectacular time to be in Italy serving. I am exstatic.
I have learned so much in the MTC. The scriptures are ALIVE. PLEASE READ THEM! I honestly cannot get enough of them. They have never meant more to me in my life. They are incredible. I know that if you have questions you can pray and ask Heavenly Father, then read and have them answered. It never fails and it the most amazing feeling. I know without a DOUBT the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the Gospel, is a Testiment of Jesus Christ our Savior, and was translated by Joseph Smith by the power of revelation. It is truly incredible. STUDY YOUR SCRIPTURES!!!!
Well, this is long enough.
I love you all. I want to be a servant for the Lord forever.
Be good, get to work! And keep the commandments. You know what that means? It is simple. Pray. Study your scriptures. and OBEY! You will be blessed. You will be happy. Your LIFE WILL BE BETTER!
Love you all!
Sorella Laurel Skye Simkins
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
MTC Week 2
HELLO!
Lots of things to UPDATE! MTC life is crazy!
-The second counselor in my Branch Presidency is Brother Lameroux. His wife is Cathy Mitchell Lameroux. I met her and she asked where my family was from and I said Cedar City and she just screamed and hugged me saying she loves my Mom and Dad! She grew up next to you Dad? She told me a story about Elma and how incredible she was. It was really great. It is such a small world, I loved they know our family! Cool huh Mom and Dad! She also told me about her brother Dennis and how he was good friends with you Dad? Anyways, it was really great, small small world.
-Mom the package you sent arrived that very day! Thank you so much for sending that stuff. Thank you for the skirt, I absolutely love it, it fits perfect, thanks for putting in the time to hem it and make it Mom!!
-I had a really hard day yesterday. A week ago we had a strong testimony born to us that the Lord has his hand in our life and orchestrates our lives and pathes more than we even know. Our teacher was in the middle of a very spiritual lesson (he is amazing) and he ran out the hall all a sudden. Turns out, his friend was here, the Italian tuttor brother Stubbs, and he hadn't seen him for a month. Brother Stubbs felt inspired to come talk to our class for an hour. It was a big answer to my prayers and many of the class, he just said so many things that were on my mind and that I was worrying about. So my teacher during that hour stepped out and was just going to study, but right when he stepped out he ran into an Elder with some very red eyes crying. Brother Silva has been through the MTC so many times and knows how hard it can be. He was able to sit down and talk to that Elder for an hour and cheer him up when the Elder was near going home. But he cheered him up boosted his spirits to keep persevering in the Lords work. It was just a huge testimony builder that the Lord really knows what is going on in our lives and answers our prayers and loves his missionaries. So back to when I said I had a really hard day yesterday and am still searching for the strength I need. The older Italians in my zone leave next week, when I am supposed to leave. THey all received their flight itinerary a few days ago. I didn't get mine but I just wasn't worried, thinking it would come soon enough. But it hasn't. So I went to the travel service office. And the lady looked up my file on the computer, and she said..Oh it is written here you leave April 5th. My heart dropped, it was like a punch to the stomach. Uhhg be strong Laurie be strong its ok. I got back to class then just slowly lost it and the tears came. I was so excited to leave early. I am dying to get in the field. My heart kind of broke thinking that I have to spend SEVEN MORE WEEKS IN HERE! Yeah, the MTC is a great place and all..but I just want to go in the field and do not understand why in the world I would have to stay seven more weeks. AHHH!!!!!! It is hard. But I am just pleading to my Heavenly Father for strength and understanding. I know what ever is supposed to happen will happen, His will will be done. I just need the strength to be ok with that. It is going to be hard, but when things are hard, you become stronger. So I am hanging in there the best I can, and still putting my 100 percent focus, strength, obedience, and determination into this work. My patience is going to be tried. But I will go forth calmly and hopefully.
-We have done a lot of practice teaching which has been pretty cool. Another strong testimony has been born to me that even if the lesson takes strange twists and turns inbetween my companion and I speaking, that the spirit still directs and bears testimony of the truth. The lessons always end in a good spirit and it is just great to see. That is cool. Can't wait for the real deal.
Well, that is the update here. I really am having a good time. I really am bummed about the date but I will be strong and understanding. I have a lot to learn in the MTC and..I guess if the Lord feels I need 7 more weeks then I will be here for 7 more weeks. Hopefully it'll fly by:)
I love you all so much and pray about you everday! Be good, and trust the Lord!
Love,
Sorella Laurel Simkins
Lots of things to UPDATE! MTC life is crazy!
-The second counselor in my Branch Presidency is Brother Lameroux. His wife is Cathy Mitchell Lameroux. I met her and she asked where my family was from and I said Cedar City and she just screamed and hugged me saying she loves my Mom and Dad! She grew up next to you Dad? She told me a story about Elma and how incredible she was. It was really great. It is such a small world, I loved they know our family! Cool huh Mom and Dad! She also told me about her brother Dennis and how he was good friends with you Dad? Anyways, it was really great, small small world.
-Mom the package you sent arrived that very day! Thank you so much for sending that stuff. Thank you for the skirt, I absolutely love it, it fits perfect, thanks for putting in the time to hem it and make it Mom!!
-I had a really hard day yesterday. A week ago we had a strong testimony born to us that the Lord has his hand in our life and orchestrates our lives and pathes more than we even know. Our teacher was in the middle of a very spiritual lesson (he is amazing) and he ran out the hall all a sudden. Turns out, his friend was here, the Italian tuttor brother Stubbs, and he hadn't seen him for a month. Brother Stubbs felt inspired to come talk to our class for an hour. It was a big answer to my prayers and many of the class, he just said so many things that were on my mind and that I was worrying about. So my teacher during that hour stepped out and was just going to study, but right when he stepped out he ran into an Elder with some very red eyes crying. Brother Silva has been through the MTC so many times and knows how hard it can be. He was able to sit down and talk to that Elder for an hour and cheer him up when the Elder was near going home. But he cheered him up boosted his spirits to keep persevering in the Lords work. It was just a huge testimony builder that the Lord really knows what is going on in our lives and answers our prayers and loves his missionaries. So back to when I said I had a really hard day yesterday and am still searching for the strength I need. The older Italians in my zone leave next week, when I am supposed to leave. THey all received their flight itinerary a few days ago. I didn't get mine but I just wasn't worried, thinking it would come soon enough. But it hasn't. So I went to the travel service office. And the lady looked up my file on the computer, and she said..Oh it is written here you leave April 5th. My heart dropped, it was like a punch to the stomach. Uhhg be strong Laurie be strong its ok. I got back to class then just slowly lost it and the tears came. I was so excited to leave early. I am dying to get in the field. My heart kind of broke thinking that I have to spend SEVEN MORE WEEKS IN HERE! Yeah, the MTC is a great place and all..but I just want to go in the field and do not understand why in the world I would have to stay seven more weeks. AHHH!!!!!! It is hard. But I am just pleading to my Heavenly Father for strength and understanding. I know what ever is supposed to happen will happen, His will will be done. I just need the strength to be ok with that. It is going to be hard, but when things are hard, you become stronger. So I am hanging in there the best I can, and still putting my 100 percent focus, strength, obedience, and determination into this work. My patience is going to be tried. But I will go forth calmly and hopefully.
-We have done a lot of practice teaching which has been pretty cool. Another strong testimony has been born to me that even if the lesson takes strange twists and turns inbetween my companion and I speaking, that the spirit still directs and bears testimony of the truth. The lessons always end in a good spirit and it is just great to see. That is cool. Can't wait for the real deal.
Well, that is the update here. I really am having a good time. I really am bummed about the date but I will be strong and understanding. I have a lot to learn in the MTC and..I guess if the Lord feels I need 7 more weeks then I will be here for 7 more weeks. Hopefully it'll fly by:)
I love you all so much and pray about you everday! Be good, and trust the Lord!
Love,
Sorella Laurel Simkins
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