Out of the MTC and into the field!

This is Amy's first post from the mission.  I was getting worried I hadn't heard from her yet.  She amazes me more and more.  Please feel free to leave comments here, and I can forward them to her.  Also see her first post for her contact information.
~Tiffany Thomas


Being a missionary is the best! =D Honestly, it is such a blessing to have time set aside every day to study the scriptures and pray almost constantly. Heading out the to MTC, I really didn't expect it to be such a huge difference from regular life, but it's so different. I had a great companion at the MTC named Sister Harward. She's from North Carolina and she has been raised in the church her whole life. She was such faith and sincerity in her desire to spread the gospel and help others develop a closer relationship with Christ. I absolutely enjoyed spending 16 hours every day studying, learning, doing service, and practicing how to be a great missionary. I know that sounds geeky, but it was awesome! There is no where that I have felt the Spirit stronger and more pervasive, except for the temple. I will admit, however, that I did pick up a sinus infection while I was there. :( I ended up going to the doctor on campus who sent me across the street for antibiotics. Thank goodness for modern medicine! I'm feeling a ton better now.

I'm in my first area and first transfer. My companion is from Hawaii, and her name is Sister Olszowka (which isn't pronounced evenly remotely like it looks). She is fantastic and really all I could ask for in a companion and trainer. She's super patient and understanding, and she is so hard working. In our area, we are in charge of an ENTIRE STAKE! We have 11 wards and 1 branch. There are so many people here!

My very first day here we had a miracle. A woman who has recently returned to the church and who has been struggling with severe depression called us up and asked us to meet with a friend of hers. Her friend is currently homeless and is having a rough time. She told us that she knows how much living the gospel has helped her in her life, and she knows it can help him. We taught him the first lesson, and he seems to have the desire to learn more. Let me tell you right now that the Atonement changes lives. A good friend of mine once told me that there is never ever anything that is so bad that you can't change your life around. This only happens through the Atonement.

So if you are reading this and wondering how you can obtain happiness and peace in this life, I urge you to pick up a Book of Mormon and start reading it. I'm not kidding. But don't just read it, ponder it. And after you ponder it, pray to your Heavenly Father and ask him if the things and teaching contained in it are true, if they are good and right. (Moroni 10:3-5). And after you do that, when the Holy Spirit gives you that peace, apply the teachings that you've read and pondered. Our Heavenly Father loves you more than you will ever know.

By the way, if you read my blog, feel free to write or e-mail me at any time. I love questions and I love helping people develop a stronger and deeper relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ. I know that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true, and I know that we have a God who is our father and loves us. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and that we can become closer to God by following the teachings in it. I know that there is no other way back to God than through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love you all very much. Search, ponder, pray.