First Email Home

I'm so sorry this is my first email home - As you can now see my p-day is on Thursday. The reason I was unable to email last week was because it was my first full day here so we didn't have a p day. I wrote a letter last Friday but because of the holiday and Sunday I guess you haven't gotten it yet. Because there's so much to tell that I fear I won't remember I start a letter and it typically takes a few days to finish with everything I want to say and doing it in between any free time I have (which is like none) I'm always writing letters. 

To answer your questions - Yes! Bria and me roomed together. We had a whole week together and she just left yesterday. It was so nice to see her, Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need! Mom you were right you do make great friends here! A sister named Sister Black was in Bria's district and it was almost as hard to say bye to her as it was to Bria. I love my companion she's awesome and we get along really well. It's hard to get used to it, having someone around all the time little annoyances become big ones quick but you just have to remember why you love them.

Going to class all day, everyday is good with our district and we've all become really close. It will be really hard to say goodbye. Being in Provo is really hard, I didn't expect that. Knowing that if I just ran I could be home in like less than an hour. I'm so ready to get out into the field. I love what I'm doing but the temptation is always there. 

I'm not a huge fan of never hearing me name. I miss it. But our first names are on our MTC badge so I feel like a spy when I try to sneak a peek on other peoples. I've corrected pretty much every single person with my name cause it's just on my badge as LEMONDS. An Elder in my district called out "Sis.Lemons!!" When he was behind me to see what I would do, he laughed when I simply turned around and that I would actually acknowledge that, until our branch president came in and called me "Sis.Lemons" twice. He stopped after that. Now my district is really good at it. Me and Bria gave up calling each other sister, now that she's gone I miss it. 

Thank you guys so much for your letters and packages I've gotten a piece of mail everyday other than Thursday and it makes me feel so loved! Keep 'em comin! Even if it's just a single letter DearElder.com!!! Letters are the best!!! Tell me how you're doing and what's up!! I miss home so much but i'm so grateful to be here! 

I love being here!!! 

Love your Sister Missionary,

Chloe

First Letter

(The following is from Chloe's first letter she sent from the MTC.  Her P-day was on Thursday, the day after she arrived.  But the letter took nearly a week to get home, just a few miles away.  We were all on pins and needles waiting to hear from her).

The first day was surprisingly okay.  I love my district!  They just announced our district leader.  I think he's perfect for the job because as much as the rest of the district gives me comedy relief, we wouldn't get much done.  We finally get gym-time tonight.  The Elders are freaking out.  The reason I mention the Elders so much is because we are the only sisters in the district.  My companion is Sister Fusi.  I love her.  She's honestly wonderful.  No lie.  

Oh yeah, HUGE news.  Bria is my roommate.  It is amazing how the Lord knows exactly what you need.  I miss you guys so very much but I know going home is not an option for me, because if I do, I will regret it for the rest of my life.

I know I can do this.  I know this is where I'm supposed to be.  The Spirit is really strong here.  A sister, one of my roommates, read this to me when I needed it most:

D&C 121: 7 - 8
"[Chloe], Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then if though endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

I can't believe how many times I've heard that scripture and how much I needed to hear it last night.  I am so excited to get out of the MTC and into the field. Oh, and I saw the balloons today and thought of the family watching them going off too.  Love you guys so much!

Give my love to everyone and please let them know I'm doing good because the Lord is watching after me.

Goodbye!

I got set apart tonight, it was the warmest feeling. A feeling I haven't felt since I got baptized 11 years ago. I was humbled by the wonderful people surrounding me in the circle putting such a blessing upon my head. What a wonderful thing the priesthood is, I felt as if I was radiating pure love and warmth, that all that I felt I could not contain. I pray, that this is the feeling I can give to other people that need it.
My choice to serve a mission was not something I took lightly. I thought, and questioned, and changed my mind, and changed it back so many times I lost count. The day I received my call I told my sister that I only wanted one thing, to go somewhere it rains all the time. That day I got my call to Seattle I felt it in my entire being that that was the place for me. I believe the rain is the heavens way of telling me that everything is going to be alright. The rain is there to wash away all the bad things and start anew. So everyday it rains, and everyday I go through a trial, I will look at that beautiful rain and remember that the past is gone, it's time to begin again.
I send all of my love to all of you. I will miss you very much. But I am so excited to get to work.