MTC 3rd Week....Half Way Baby

Hola!

I'm half way done............sayyyy whaaaat!? I can't believe it. And yet I
can, it feels like I have been here for a life time. Don't get me wrong, I
love it here! But I am so excited to get to Costa Rica.

Yesterday we got called up to the travel office and we were so excited!
Turns out, all they wanted us to do was sign something. It was all in
Spanish so I have no idea what I signed, but if it gets me to Costa Rica
then that's ok :)

I really am so glad I have the opportunity to spend 6 weeks here at the
MTC. We have the coolest people come and speak to us! Since last week we
have heard from:

Cheryl Esplin (the 2nd counselor in the general primary presidency)
BYU men's choir
David F. Evans (a member of the 70)
Oh, and ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT!

That's right, an apostle of the Lord came to speak to us and it was
amazing. He spoke to us about prayer and the importance of communicating
with our father in heaven. After he spoke, a sister went to up to say the
prayer...BUT WAIT...Elder Scott literally jumps out of seat because he had
just one more thing to tell us! He said that our calls are inspired and
that God has sent us 

here not to fail, but to succeed gloriously! He said, "I

know God lives. Because I know Him." It was the best day of the MTC yet.

But being here definitely has its ups and downs. I have been sick with a
cold the entire time I've been here. And I kinda, sorta gave it to everyone
around me. Sorry guys. But all the missionaries are so optimistic! They all
say being sick at the MTC is the best place to be sick because there's lots
of people to help, love and support you.

As for me, I just want to be at home in bed with my Mom. Haha love you
Mommy.

But we have adopted a new saying:

"Es lo que hay!" Which means, it is what it is!

Waking up is hard
It snows without warning
We get sick
We miss our family
Our Spanish vocabulary mainly consists of "hola" and "adios"
But guess what?

Es lo que hay :)

Luckily I don't have to know the language perfectly, or the gospel
perfectly because I am not the teacher. The spirit is! Facts don't convert
people. The spirit does. I am confident as long as I continue to do my
best, God will fill in the rest.

Scripture of the week:
I was reading in the Book of Mormon this week about the army of Helaman.
Most of us are familiar with the story of the 2,060 young warriors that
fought for their families, freedom and religion. It's a great story with a
great ending. Every single person in that army is spared. But as I read in
Alma 57:25 I learned something else. Yes it's true that no one died but as
we continue reading, we learn that no one walked away with no wounds
either. Usually that part of the story is left out.

According to their faith, through their exact obedience, and remembering
what their mothers had taught them, they were able to succeed gloriously.
But NOT without trials, hard work and battle wounds.

And then I decided this is exactly like missionary work. As we continually
put our trust in God, he will help us! No it will not be easy, but we are
promised miracles! I love that.

Quote of the week:
Brother Goodman aka Buen Hombre (one of our teachers): Today we are going
to be learning about what to do when people do not want to hear our
message. Any thoughts?

Elder Winch: Oh, I know! If people don't want to let us teach them, should
we just play hard to get? Making them want to hear us?

Brother Goodman: Um, no Elder. This isn't highschool dating.

Elder Winch: Oh right, it didn't work for me then either.

Ohhhhh I do love being a missionary. It's the best!

Love you all, Hermana Starke

P.s. Shout out to 2 of my favorite people...Jordan and Troy! I am soooooo
happy for you both. Congrats on your engagement. I love you lots!

Oh, you know.... we just love to dress alike.... We shopped at the same place....Downeast baby



The Elders in my district













THANK YOU GRANDMA PATSY... She sent me "doodlewackers" aka:Snickerdoodles























Alright San Fernando Mission peeps... These two cute sisters are coming your way.. Be watching








Just love her!



My roomates



Feliz Cumpleanos a senor profesor....FIESTA