Hi!! I’m alive!

I feel like I have so much to say, but can’t figure out where to start. I’ve only been here 2 1/2 days and it already feels like several weeks. I’m sitting here in the computer lab in the main building on campus and you can hear a constant sort of pitter-patter/whir of keyboard keys being tapped and the occasional outburst of laughter and joking around between companions and friends. It’s a really peaceful, as well as, energized atmosphere. Both, at the same time, if you an fathom that. It’s the sound of a room full of missionaries writing to the people they love. That’s really special, when you think about it.

We don’t ever stop moving here at the MTC. We’re constantly going from class to a meal to class to a meeting to class to a meal to class… to class… to class… and then somewhere in there I use the bathroom (when I’m lucky) and then somewhere in there I sleep. I’ve done that two times, I believe, but to be honest it’s all running together. But that’s not all bad. It’s all great, actually, and I’m learning so much.I am currently in a trio companionship. So, there are three sisters in a companionship instead of the traditional two. My companions are Sister Liu, from Pittsburgh/Concord, California, not to be confused with Pennsylvania. She’s Tongan (and proud of it :D) and loves to make us laugh. My other companion is Sister Bolander. She is from Oak Harbor, Washington (State) and is just really great. I am loving watching them grow and I’m growing to love both of them so much.My district, or “class group” is made up of several companionships. Nine, including ours. The rest of our district is made up of Elders. All of the Elders in our district are going to Australia. Half of them are going to Perth and half are going to Sydney. They’re a lot of fun and we are all helping each other learn and grow. Our teachers are so patient with us and extremely inspiring.

We’re learning a ton in our classes and we have the opportunity every day to meet and learn about new people. God’s love for all His children has become so real to me in just the last two days. He truly loves each and every one of us and knows us individually. He knows and loves my companions, the Elders in my district, my teachers, every single person that walks the halls of the MTC, and everyone beyond these walls. The whole world. EVERY SINGLE PERSON EVER. EVER. Seriously. So you, you right now that are reading this… He loves you. I promise that.The most important thing I have learned in my time here at the MTC is that my mission is not about me. My mission is about the people I meet. And the people I will meet. It is about God’s love for His children and the privilege I have to share the message of that love with everyone I meet. It’s not even my mission. It’s my Savior, Jesus Christ’s, mission. I’m just the vessel, the messenger. The message I’m sharing is greater than I can every comprehend, and I can only do my very, very best to do what I can to learn and grow enough to share it well, to share it with love, and to share it in every way possible.Well, I’m limited on time, so I’ll have to end this here. My district is doing a service project a little later today and I still have to go do laundry and things. Real life still happens here, even though it’s so much more. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here at this special place, at this special time, doing this immensely important and special thing. I know it is the best thing I could be doing with my time and it will be the most important thing I do in my life, to date. I know this is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I know He loves me, and I love Him. AND I know He loves YOU.

I, also, LOVE YOU! Have a beautiful day and, if you get the chance, drop me a line, either snail mail, email, or through DearElder.com (where it is received the day you send it!). I’d love to hear from you.

Take care of yourselves and take care of the people you love!

Love,

Sister Hansen

aliciah@myldsmail.net

Missionary Training Center address through September 18, 2013

Sister Alicia Gayle Hansen
SEP18 UT-STG
2009 N 900 E Unit 103
Provo UT 84602