Zach Andersen at the MTC

Saw Jake Walter by the Temple

Ran into Ben Rex

Farewell Party

I Made It!!!

November 26, 2013

Hola familia!!!!

Si, I did make it to the wonderful MEXICO and it is amazing.  I love it here and I am SO excited!  So after I talked to you on the phone we got on a plane and flew to Mexico City where we had a layover for about 3 hours.  But it was fun to be in the airport and to try to understand what everyone around me was saying..... I FAILED ;)  hahaha  Okay I’m only joking, but I have a lot of work to do. 

When we finally arrived in Ciudad Juarez, President Derbez and a few of the Elders where at the airport waiting for us!  We then packed up all of our things and took it to a hotel close by, which was SOOOO nice.  Probably one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in.  Then we went over to his house with all of the other Elders and had dinner that Sister Derbez cooked for us (tasty).  We had a little introduction of everyone and then off we went back to the hotel where I had the best nice sleep I have EVER had.  Who knows if it was because I hadn’t slept in 48 hours or that the bed was INCREDIBLE.  No se! ;)  but it was so great.  We woke up and had continental Mexican breakfast and headed to the mission home to meet our new companions and find out where we were headed.

I HAVE THE BEST COMPANION IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!!!  Her name is Hermana Jacobo, and she is from Guatemala!  She does speak a little bit of English which is so nice.  She really is an answer to my prayers; she is so outgoing and happy and I am excited to get to know her more.

After our meeting this morning, we went on a 4 hour bus ride to my area which is actually in the Colonies.  It’s called Nuevo Casas Grandes.  And from the minute I got here I fell right in love with the environment and the people!  It is great :)  It’s just a little tiny town, but it’s exactly what I need.  I am so excited!  We are having dinner with a member tonight!  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  THIS IS REAL!!!  I love it :)  OH and our house is so awesome.  It is tiny and a little sketchy, but I love it!  There are dogs everywhere, so I’m going to have to touch up on my jujitsu! ;)  haha

I just wanted to tell you I am here and happy!!!  LOVE YOU!!

Hermana Sutton      

 p.s.  My p-day is on Monday :)

 

 

Ready, Set, Go

November 22, 2013

 

I swear I was just barely sitting on the computer emailing you about last week... WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE????  But this week was really good.  It was really fast and I don't remember too much that happened, but I’ll try and come up with some interesting things.  (Sorry I really am terrible at emailing, but oh well I guess it's something, right??) 

Yes, I did have two more doctor appointments this week, and they cleared me to go to Mexico!!! Which is amazing news!  The nurse who has been helping me at the hospital said that she was really scared that I wasn't going to get better and she'd have to give me steroids or something to make my immune system pick up.  But we're set and I don't have to take any more medication which is a relief.  I felt as if I was the drug holder of the whole MTC.  Taking my probiotics, my vitamins, my acne medicine, my Lora tab, and my antibiotics.  Man, I am really going to connect with the Drug Lords in Mexico ;) - ha-ha - but I am so grateful for all the help that the doctors gave me, and it was such a blessing that I got over it so quickly!

I received the package that you and Amanda both sent!  Thank you so much; I honestly have the best family in the whole world!!!!!!!  Thank you for the adorable cardigan and the fun treats! And you better believe I hung up the Viva Mexico sign that night!  But I totally understand that in Mexico it is harder to send and more expensive to send things.  But I am so grateful that while I was in the MTC I got lots of snacks and surprises!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

We had infield orientation yesterday, which is pretty much a meeting with all the missionaries that are going into the field this next week!  It was such a fun and an exciting day.  We learned how to actually apply everything that we have learned at the MTC, and how to serve others and how to plan and how to be the best missionaries that we can be. Being there gave me so much more energy to go to Mexico, if that is possible! ;)  I am so stoked to be out of the USA and to actually be serving where I was called.  I want to help people so bad, and bring happiness to their lives.  The gospel is so incredible, and the MTC is great and all, but I am SOOOOO ready to be teaching real people and just to be in MEXICO!!!  Oh also, I saw Zach Anderson, and Ben Rex!

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to sing in sacrament meeting with Hermana Geddes and two other elders from our zone.  We sang How Great Thou Art, and it was an experience I will never forget.  Although it was a simple hymn and we really didn't do anything too special in the song. The spirit that was there was so powerful.  You honestly could cut it with a knife!  As I sang the words about my Savior Jesus Christ I received yet another witness of how real, and alive and loving He is.  JESUCRISTO VIVE!  He really does, and I know that!  He has suffered everything for us, and I am so grateful that I can be a representative of Him.

This week really was full of incredible experiencias espirituales.  I wish I could tell you all of them and explain how much my testimony has grown, but there is no way I could type what I feel.  But let me try with one.  I was meeting with one of the Sister Training Leaders last night when I was interviewing, and she was really struggling.  She is such an amazing Hermana and she really is so strong and an example to all, but she was feeling like she was failing and like she wasn't being the best she could be.  So as we were talking all of a sudden my mouth just starts going and going and going.  I had no idea what I was saying but the words just kept flowing.  And it was EXACTLY what she needed to hear.  EXACTLY!  And I can testify to you, that it was not me.  The spirit is real, and if you are doing what you should be doing and striving every day to be your best and to serve Him, He will use you as an instrument.  IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH my mission address is kind of weird...  But that's the only one I could find!  So I’ll give you it, but when I get to Mexico I'll let you know what it really is.

Sister Megan Ann Sutton

Avenida Ramon Rivera Lara #7010
Fraccionamiento Las Asequias
C.P. 32617 Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
Mexico

I love you so much!!!!  I am always praying for you!!!  The church is true!!!  And I am SOOOOOO EXCITED FOR MEXICO!!!!!!!

Love, Hermana Sutton

 

Mono!!!

Hmmm - I have no idea where to start or how to tell you everything that has happened in this crazy quick week!  I am so happy to be on a mission.  I KNOW without a doubt I am supposed to be here, serving the Lord and helping those around me!  I am so incredibly blessed, though, to have the BEST support system and love from everywhere!

Okay, I HAVE MONO.  Can I just leave it at that??  haha  Okay fine, but something that makes me laugh a little bit is that you found out about my blood work before I even knew I had mono.  They forgot to tell me or something, who knows. But when I went to my doctors apt on Tuesday they said, "Here’s some medication to help you feel better from your mono." and I was like...  HOLD ON A SEC!  hahaha  They got a kick out of the fact that I had no idea.  But yes, I have mono and it is a miracle that I am still able to wake up every morning.  The doctor said they are so surprised that I am even still going because most people who have mono AND tonsillitis are in bed for weeks and sometimes even months.  I know that help from heaven is the only way I am still functioning.  But this has been a MUCH MUCH better week than last.  I have been able to live with one nap a day during gym time :(  but it helps a lot.   They told me I can't do any physical activity for 6 weeks... hahaha  Funny!  But I will try, and try not to get too fat ;)   I am on antibiotics, and they gave me pain medication but it is really really strong so I have just been taking ibuprofen a lot!  That way I can still stay sane and pay attention.  But thank you for the prayers; I can feel them.   I know without a doubt that everything happens for a reason, and every day here at the MTC is a miracle for me.  I am studying hard and doing the best I can do, and that is enough to the Lord :)

Hmmmmmm what next – OH, on Tuesday we had the amazing opportunity to sing for and to hear Elder Perry speak!!!!  It was incredible, and even though I couldn't sing too well it was amazing the spirit that was in the room and the power that a servant of the Lord holds.  His words were inspired and it was so cool to see the focus of the missionaries on one single man. He is such an example to all of us and his energy is contagious!!!!  He spoke a lot about being unified with your companion and trying to be the best you can be.  I enjoyed his talk so much and I can testify to you that he is an apostle of the Lord and he speaks what the Lord would speak if he were here!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the amazing packages and the dear elders this week.  I can honestly say that you are known all over my zone for having the most unique and amazing packages!  I really don't know what I would do without the support that you give me.  I even received a sweet package from Valynn (from smiths) what a sweet heart!!!!!  At the end of every day I just go to bed thanking to Lord for everything I have, because I think I win the most blessed sister award!!!  OH and I LOVE our family picture!  Shelby did so well and can I just say we are a pretty sharp looking family!!!! 

Just so you know a little bit more about MTC, they have the most amazing and inspired teachers who give up so much to help us and to listen to our concerns and help us with our Spanish that we think is right ;)  haha  I am so blessed to have Hermano Staude and Lebron there to help us every day and to put up with 5 crazy sister missionaries!!! 

My companion and I are getting along, we are so different and she has a really hard time having confidence with Spanish, but together we are growing together and trying to enjoy every moment!  She is an amazing daughter of God and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to be with Hermana Geddes.  I love her so much (even if almost every night she has to sleep on the couch because this Hermana snores like her dad ;)  haha   We are having fun and doing well!

Oh I also wanted to mention that I got my travel plans today!!!!!!!!!  Wooohoooo..  Mexico is coming so fast, and I cannot believe that my MTC experience is coming to an end; it FLEW!!!!  But something a little surprising is that my plane leaves at 12:45 am on the 25^th so I actually leave the MTC at 9:00 on the 24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I could not be more excited to be going to actually be teaching and helping real people and bringing them unto Christ!  OH back to my plans - I fly to Georgia and arrive there at 6:08am and then have a layover until 9:47am; then I fly to Mexico City and get there at 12:25pm then leave at 3:54pm to Ciudad Juarez!!!!!!  So a really long day and I couldn't be more excited for it!!!!!! :):):):):):):):):):):)  Let me know how the calling thing is going to work!!!  Hopefully mom and dad will be in the same place and then I maybe could call Amanda Derek and Eric. I just am SOOOOOOOOO excited!

Yo se que la iglesia es verdadera. Me Salvador vive y Dios es amaroso muy! I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!! He lifts me every day and gives me more strength than i have ever felt!!!!

OH - QUESTIONS........ Sorry this is long!

                Did you end up getting the box with the music in it (from Tami)?  It also had pickles & chips w/ salsa so I was a little nervous sending them together. 

 I LOVE THE MUSIC SOOOO MUCH!!  Tell Tami thanks a million and a half!  The pickles and the chips and salsa were in perfecto condition!!!!

                Have you received the oranges?  Jake mailed it on Monday from the UPS store in Provo…  Does same day really mean same day?

 I got the package on Wednesday, so not exactly one day delievery pero.  It was perfect!  I have the best food stash by the way!!!!

                What kind of food do they cook out of the food trailer?  Anything good?  Do you have a place to eat it also (ie. a sit down cafeteria, etc.)

We eat really well; the food is good and nothing too special but I like it!  (Especially now that I can eat solid foods!!!!!!)

TE AMO!!!!!!!!!!! I have the best family!!!!!!!!

Love, Hermana Sutton

Me and Hermana Nunez!

Best Days Ever!!

Crazy Moments

Bag-O-Medicine

Doctor Drama

Well needless to say this was quite the eventful week.  To stop you from totally worrying about the whole random doctor’s call, I’ll let you know what is going on.  So a few days ago I got a really bad sore throat right??  No big deal; I’m around people 24/7 and I just thought I was getting a cold.  Well every day it kept getting worse and worse and I never got a runny nose or anything else really.  Well on Wednesday night I didn't sleep because I really couldn't breathe and I couldn't eat because it hurt so badly.  So my companion made me promise if it wasn't better in the morning we would go to the clinic thing.  So I woke up in the morning, well kind of because I never really went to sleep, and I couldn't breathe at all and I couldn't swallow... problem right??  haha  So we went to the doc on main campus to see what he thought (thinking some Benadryl and some rest probably.)  He ran some tests on me and looked in my throat and poked and all that jazz, and found out I had a really bad case of tonsillitis, and he thought maybe an abscess or something like that.  But it wasn't strep throat so that's good, but he was worried so he made me go to another doctor in Provo at some hospital (I don't even remember which one...) haha  Anyway so me and Hermana Geddes sat in the waiting room for forever and finally met with the doctor who ran more tests on me and told me it wasn't an abscess so I don't need surgery so that's great!!!  He prescribed me some medication to help with pain, so I can eat again and breathe a little bit ;) The medication though is really strong, so it makes me a bit loopy but what do ya do right??  haha and some antibiotics.  Needless to say I am taken care of!  Just a little who knows what, but I’m trying to just relax and rest a little, which is REALLY hard for me to not be able to study and use every single second.  But it's good for me.

Also, it was crazy to hear your voice mom, haha can you believe I was right there when she was talking to you??  Crazy!!  But really exciting too :) I LOVE YOU!  and I am getting better every day, so don't worry about this missionary, just keep me in your prayers. 

Let me tell you about the rest of my week!  It was great.  On Sunday the branch president changed around our companionships to give all the sisters a chance to have the companionship of 3.  So as for right now it is just me and Hermana Geddes!  This has been fun; she is a hoot, and we have been able to focus a little bit more with just the 2 of us.  On Monday we taught one of our progressive investigators named Alberto. I cannot explain to you the spirit that was with us.  We were led to know what to say, we knew the Spanish, we were confident, and he actually made some crazy commitments!  I love teaching the gospel, it is so true!  Even though preparing lessons is really hard, it is worth it to see how it can change lives!

Oh also something else that is super exciting is that I got to go to Salt Lake on Wednesday to get my visa at the Mexico Consulate!   We took front runner all the way past Amanda’s lovely house!  (I waved) and then took tracks once we got to Salt Lake. It was such an adventure, and it was way fun to get with the other elder and sisters that are going to Ciudad Juarez tambien!  We met a lot of really neat people and talked to EVERYONE about the church!  It was so great :)  I love talking to people and being out of the MTC hahaha!  I did get my visa and all is set to go to Mexico in 18 days I believe!  I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited :)  It is crazy to think there are people in Mexico just waiting to hear the message I have to give them!  I am so blessed to have that in my life.

Also just on a side note, L. Tom Perry is coming to speak to the MTC on Tuesday night for the devotional!  We are all SOOOO excited!  The best part about the MTC I think are the inspired and incredible devotionals and conference that we get to be a part of every week.

Questions:

              How was the doctor visit and what did he tell you?

Told you ;)

                What can we send in another package for you that you have been really wanting (because Jake is stopping by to take a box back to Provo and we can’t send him empty handed….)

 I would love some healthy food!  That sounds silly, but I eat way too much junk and sit around all day, something like apples or fruit snacks (hahaha) would be great! Oh and maybe like tape and scissors too! I have to borrow Herm Geddes all the time!  And PICTURES!!!!!!!!

                Are you starting to understand Spanish better now? How do you practice/learn? 

Spanish is really hard!  But I am doing really well I think; it definitely causes me a little stress (but what doesn't??) haha  We have THE BEST teachers who are so inspired and helpful and patient!  So Spanish is coming; I mean I teach at least one lesson every day in complete Spanish, so it's better than 3 weeks ago ;)  But I hear I’ll have to learn the language again when I get to Mexico, but I am working hard, and the gift of tongues is REAL!

                Have you met any other Sisters or Brothers that are going to you mission too?

Yes there are about 10 of us going to Ciudad Juarez on the same day!  They are so fun and I can't wait to be out in the mission field with them; they are special souls!  Every time we see each other around campus we always raise our hands and say “JUAREZ”!  So it's fun!

                Have you seen any other Brigham people while in the MTC?

I have seen SOOOO many Brighamites here in Provo!  Actually one of the Elders in our zone I went to school with, his name is JT Lund!  Haha  It's nice to see a familiar face once in a while.  Oh and here's a list of everyone else I can remember that I have seen!  Tyler Bate, Kealton Heil, Alex Patterson, Andy Bennett, Braden Lunt, Garrett Jennings, Cody Paine, and I know there are more.... I just can't remember! haha 

That's cool that Zach Andersen is headed here so soon!  Where is he going again?  I’ll have to keep an eye open for him here in the big MTC!

Oh another random fact - I got made the sister training zone leader this week!  It is such a blessing to be able to serve the incredible sisters in our big zone of 6 districts.  Each one of them have a special spirit and I love them so much!  I HAVE THE BEST ZONE EVER!!!!  We sing every night together, and everyone is so helpful and happy!

Thank you thank you thank you for the wonderful package that arrived at the most perfect teimpo yesterday.  You were guided to go to Provo, because I desperately NEEDED that package!  So thank you for listening to the spirit and helping this Hermana out.  I love you so very much, and I could not ask for a better family and support system!  You mean everything to me, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think and pray about you! 

The church is so true, and Our Savior LIVES!!!!  Keep your head up - He knows what you are going through!  Remember to pray and to get up from your knees and act!!!

I love you forever!

Love, Hermana Sutton

 

Megan's Badge

Megan with Sister Missionaries

Happy Halloween (A Day Late)

One more week done and it is getting better every day.  I loved seeing the pictures you guys sent of all the fun dressing up for Halloween!  That holiday is the best; not gonna lie, it wasn't too happening here at the MTC, but we ate as much candy as we could and made everything we did fun.  I honestly didn't recognize you, mom, in your pirate outfit!  I love it; you always know how to put a smile on my face.  If I was grandma and grandpa I wouldn't recognize you either.  haha  And The Noyes look SOOOOOO GREAT!!!!  Amanda you are always so clever and I cannot believe how big my little “Beckster” is getting.  (Make him stop please)  I almost expected you to come trick or treating to my apartment since I am so dang close ;)  Anyway - HAPPY HALLOWEEN a day late!

We got to go to the temple this morning which was incredible, like always, but today was more different than usual.  I felt more peace there than I have ever felt in the temple or anywhere in my whole life!  I truly know that that is the house of The Lord, and He is there, and He wants to share His love with us.  We are so blessed to have such a blessing in our lives.  I honestly wish that we could go to the temple every single day here at the MTC; most days I need all the strength I can get ;)  haha  but I just want you to know how much of an impact that Celestial place has had on my life. IT IS AMAZING!!!!! :)

My week has gone by really quick.  Every day feels like it is never going to end.  But you look back and think, wow it is almost Sunday!!!!  I know this work that I am doing is great and worth every single moment.  I have been called of God, isn't that exciting?? Not by Pres. Monson or an apostle, but God himself has called me, and this amazing army of missionaries to serve the world!  I am just so honored!

Questions:

What type of things do you during GYM time?   Gym time is THE BEST time of the day!  I honestly look forward to running and running and running and getting my tension released! (weird huh? I always hated running...)  haha  But gym is really great.  We usually play volleyball with our zone or basketball and yesterday I played soccer with the Elders!!! It felt so dang good!!!!  I am so excited that I am headed to Mexico!  But I best be picking up my futbol skills, or some little 5 year old kid is going to school me....  Oh well, gotta love the best sport in the world (yes, dad, it is).

How does meal time work for you?   Any good food?  The food is pretty good, they have like a permanent trailer up in the parking lot of Raintree, but it actually is pretty good.  There meals are simple but I have always really enjoyed everything here :)  And they have ice cream every single meal, so how can you complain about that??  Am I right!?  Don't worry though, I've only gained 10 pounds or so.... hahahahaha  NOT!!!  I watch what I eat!  But enjoy, of course!

Do you also have a microwave (in addition to your fridge)? We have a fridge in our apartment!!!! which is great so... (SEND ME DR PEPPER!!!!!!)  please please please!  But there is a microwave in an apartment that's kind of close to ours that has vending machines and all that jazz!  So yes, there is a microwave!

I hope that answers all of your questions!  And you get a little info of my days here at the good old MTC!  It's such an amazing place to be, but it really is hard and a lot of studying and a lot of teaching and a lot of praying because there is no way you can make it through on your own!  But I have grown so much and I am surrounded by such a great zone and people who care about me.  Teaching is getting a little bit better, but the language is hard and it is a little frustrating to not be able to say what you feel you want to.  But I heard the best quote this week!  "God doesn't need Spanish speakers, He needs spirit speakers"  So that is what I am trying to do!!!  And it is a challenge, but is so great!!!! 

I know that my Savior lives!!!  He is only a prayer away, and He is just waiting until you open the door and let him in!  The church is true!  And I know that is the only way to true happiness!!!

I love you so much family! (and friends) Thank you so much for your letters and packages and Dear Elders, I cannot explain how much of a help it is to get through a long day and know that you have a support system behind you.  I truly am so blessed in life!  Keep being strong and remember that I love you for eternity :)

Love, Hermana Sutton

P.S. 

        Keep me in your prayers!!! You're always in mine!!!

P.S.S.

            I get the amazing opportunity to sing in the MTC choir and to sing in our sacrament meeting a lot!!  So that is so incredible!  I have LOVED that  great spirit that comes when we sing our praises to the lord!

I love you family!!!!