October 16, 2012

Well...I have officially made it through 6 days at the MTC. The first day was really crazy because there was just so much that we needed to know and learn in prep for the next day. The Kelleys (Brother and Sister Kelley and Jace) were able to drop me off at the front doors of the MTC...it almost seemed surreal, but it was all so exciting at the same time. The day was filled with orientation and meeting you companions and so much more. I have two companions while here in the MTC--Sister Jones and Sister Hayden. Sister Jones is from California and is reporting to the Quezon City North Mission. Sister Hayden is from Washington and she will be reporting to the Manila Mission. Did you know that there are seventeen missions in the Philippines? I had no idea! But it is so amazing to see how many missionaries there are that are going to the Philippines. the first day of class we were completely immersed into the language...it was so overwhelming and crazy, but it has been really fun and trying.  By the second or third day we were already being required to teach an investigator in Tagalog...trust me, at that point you have no idea how to even say "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"...but I do know that the Lord watches out for you and helps you to understand the language more and more. In fact, the other night I had a dream about Tagalog...not too sure if any of it was translatable, but it was kind of funny when I woke up :) Sunday was wonderful...all of it was in Tagalog...well other than when the Branch Presidency spoke to us. It was so spiritual as we spoke about the Holy Ghost and the importance of recognizing it. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it, although I didn't understand it all :) We also had Sister  Burton, the General Relief Society President, come and speak to all the sisters for Relief Society. It was an amazing talk and she was so encouraging! I also was able to meet up with Elder Pitts. It was really good to see him! He is leaving in a week and a half. But then again, it seems like everyone is leaving so soon. I also ran into a friend of mine from school, Sister Warren. Yesterday we had the opportunity to teach our investigator again...I thought it went okay...I am just trying to understand what he is saying now. But with faith and hope in the Lord, I know that He will help me in my struggle to learn Tagalog. I am so grateful for this opportunity and the blessings that have been poured upon me....I could never ask for a better experience :)

Sincerely,

Sister Pace

P.S.  Her mailing address has changed:

        Sister Alexa Renae Pace

        MTC Mailbox #161

        PHI-NAG 1210

        2005 N. 900 E.

        Provo, UT 84604-1793