Letter - July 28, 2010

7-28-10

Tere Fam!

I pray you’re all doing well at the moment! The weekly e-mail seems to indicate that you are, so that’s just grand. I’m happy that the blog is up now! I think it’ll be a real treat for all my friends and loved ones to read. Thanks for your dedication for putting it all together!

So, now for some random things. I think I’ve eaten more bananas (and cracked wheat!) in the MTC than I have in my whole life. Sis. Aitken is starting to get me hooked on hocolate licorice since her friends and family keep sending it.

One of the Large Group Meeting (how original?) presenters here is like a Bill Murray impersonator. No joke. He looks and sounds like Bill Murray and I’ve heard a few others express that thought too! Too bad he’s not quite as funny. I think he tries a little too hard sometimes, he he he. I know I’ve mentioned our awesome Branch Presidency and their wives before, but this next bit definitely proves it. Sister Stice kept telling us how she was determined to sneak in some Café Rio salads for us. Well last night, she totally came through. My, what a miracle that was! Sister Stice is a Saint. Compared to the cafeteria food … I can’t really describe how happy it made me. Our leaders and teachers aren’t supposed to give us goodies for fear of upsetting other missionaries, but since we have been at the MTC since Bro. Stice just started as one of the branch counselors, we’re just a little bit special. ; )

Sunday night’s fireside featured Bro. Stephen B. Allen, the Managing Director of the Missionary Department. He also used to be the Tempe Mission President back in good ol’ 1993 and one of the producers/directors/some important person for the old “Homefront” church TV ads. His talk featured several of the commercials which made the meeting hilarious, yet meaningful. My personal favorite was the “Conference Call” Australian ad because the jingle at the end just blew me away with sheer magnificence. I want to make it my ringtone when I get back, ha ha ha! I wonder if you can find it on the Internet somewhere… Anyways, the commercials were a lot of fun, and Bro. Allen is a really funny man too. After each clip, he would explain the message of the ad. His message was focused on choices and how we can change our poor habits and weaknesses. Becoming perfect is a long process. Bro. Allen said following the promptings of the Holy Ghost is the greatest fun you can have! Let a member of the Godhead be your senior companion. He reminded us that we can do missionary work because a prophet of God called us. There’s a reason why I’m needed in Estonia. I can’t wait for when I discover that myself. : )

Our farewell with our Finland-bound roommates this week was rather bittersweet. We grew so close, but obviously Finland needs them more than we do now! Their departure is just making me more antsy to get out into the mission field! Just a month now, WOW! Vaga ponev! (very exciting) This week, Bro. Andre was joking with the possibility that President Dance will keep Sis. Aitken and I together when we first arrive. Wha-ha-ha-ha-hat?! True, our future trainers have only been there 2 months now, but the thought of the two of us, fresh outta the MTC just makes us roar with laughter. The idea is frightening / hilarious at the same time. Actually, it would seem daunting, but also rather adventurous too. Sounds kinda fun, ha ha! Although, I doubt that’d really happen. (just watch, it will : P)

I’ve finally reached Helaman in my reading of the Book of Mormon. I want to finish before I leave and I think I can at this pace. I actually want to finish it as soon as possible so I can start reading it again! I’m learning so much, and I want to see what principles stand out to me now that I’ve been a missionary for 1 ½ months. Now I truly understand why the Book of Mormon is so very important. If it were proven false, everything would collapse. But I’ve learned for myself that it’s truly the Word of God. Many have tried to disprove it, but it will always stand as a true testament of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, prophets, and Christ’s restored church on the Earth. I know the gospel blesses families because I’ve witnessed it myself. My family is so wonderfully happy because of this knowledge. Attending the temple this week made me miss having you all there with me, but before you know it, we’ll be back together again! ;) Thanks for the love, support, and many prayers. I’m praying for you all too. (Yes, that means you blog-readin’ folk too!) Stay happy everyone!

Armastusega, (with love)

Ode Courtney

P.S. If anybody actually leaves funny comments on the blog, please share ‘em! I’m always looking for laughs : )

P.S.S. Just got your letter through DearElder.com Thanks! Stacey’s made me cry so much from laughter, idek..! (I don’t even know ...!)