MTC gravy...CNBC...learning Russian...

Note from Momma: Nicole is now on her 2nd P-day and here is our 2nd email (I'm thankful for technology!).  She still has her sense of humor.  Enjoy...

Hello again!!! P-day came so quickly this week that I can barely believe it. I'm going to a specialist today in an hour. The doctor is in American Fork so my companions will stay here and I'll go with a service missionary. I'll write you a letter after the appointment to let you know how everything goes! I really blame the roast beef and gravy, though. TO ALL FUTURE MISSIONARIES: DO NOT PARTAKE OF THE GRAVY AT THE PROVO MTC.

It snowed yesterday. Gross. Oh, I just remembered, Mother, I need short sleeve shirts for Proselyting. And I don't want white ones. Maybe floral or I don't know. Just cute. I only have this one pink, short sleeve shirt and my companions are starting to judge me.

I leave for Ohio on June 8th! And I don't have the address yet. But hopefully next week we'll get our travel plans and I'll get my address. This reminds me of a story...

So I went to the health clinic on Friday because I was having diarrhea (SIDE NOTE- I am so sorry they called you, Mom. I was sitting right across from Maria when she called you. I was freaking out. I thought you probably freaked out when you first got the call. Ha. Sorrryyy.) So the doctor learns that I have a family history of colitis and tells me I need to go see a specialist. But the soonest I could get in was June 4th. So the doctor said I would probably have to stay an extra week in the MTC. Well, I went back yesterday and Maria, the scheduling lady, tried one more time to see if they had any appointments available sooner. AND they had one for today!!! What a blessing. I just want to get to Ohio.

Last Wednesday my companions and I were teaching "investigators" in the Teaching Resource Center. The investigators are members of the church, usually converts, who volunteer to help the missionaries practice the lessons. Well, this was our first TRC visit and in the middle of teaching the Black's, there is a knock on the door and in walks a man from CNBC with a huge camera asking if it would be okay if he filmed us for a little while. Luckily I was so into the discussion that I didn't even notice him. Anyways, look for my companions and I on TV. We're a big deal.

Sunday was a much needed, uplifting Sabbath day. My spirits were low in the morning and I felt a great wave of unhappiness/frustration with life. Then I met with our branch president, President Creer, and he reminded me that the Savior knows exactly what I am going through because He is the one directing it to strengthen our faith. This principe is taught in 3 Nephi 26:9 where we learn that first our faith is tried and then will the greater things be made manifest. President Creer offered a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to bless my momma that she would be able to sleep at night knowing the Lord was in charge. He always says to me, "Sister Hill, who's in charge?" (SIDE NOTE- Look up Grace in the Bible Dictionary.) Ether 12:6 teaches us that no witness can come until after a trial of our faith. I am entering into my trial of faith and I am so excited for what is yet to come! Faith is for the future!

In Relief Society on Sunday, Ann Madsen (wife of the late Truman G. Madsen), spoke to us about being women of God. She quoted Eliza R. Snow in saying, "We have greater and higher privileges than any other woman in the world."

In Sacrament meeting, the principle of faith was again addressed. I learned to not just face the future, but embrace it, shape it. Heavenly Father will answer our prayers in the way that brings the most learning and growth. After Sacrament, my companions and I took a walk up to the temple where I was proposed to by an elder. I laughed nervously and ran. That night we had a fireside from Brother Allen. My companion, Sister Houston, gave the closing prayer so we sat on the stand and got to meet the MTC President, his wife, and counselors afterwards. I learned at the fireside that if you're going to be a successful missionary, the adversary is going to work on you. He stressed to missionaries and I would say future missionaries, that you cannot let Satan convince you to give up on one of the greatest experiences of your life. Amen to that.

Father [Chris] asked what we're learning the MTC right now. What are we not learning? It's like 12 hours of nonstop studying. I'm learning about listening. Right now we're focusing on lesson 2 in Preach My Gospel on the Plan of Salvation. We get to teach the Black's again tomorrow. The Plan of Salvation is great because they had a son die and the pastor at their church told them that their son was damned. So we get to teach them the truth. Even if they really already know it. But even so, everyone needs to be reminded.

I only have 8 minutes left but I want to tell you about this Russian sister. She doesn't speak any english. She's here in the MTC, from Russia, going to Russia on her mission. I feel like we could be best friends if we could only communicate. I try to talk to her and she tries to understand. She looks like me, but Russian. She's the only member in her family and just went through the temple for the first time last week. She has tattoos, so I guess she looks like me besides being Russian and having tattoos. Anyways, she always draws me the funniest pictures and hands them to me in passing. She's so great. I want to learn Russian just so we can be friends.

Mom! I want to hear how all your goals are going! How are my little girls doing? Christina! THE PEARS AND APPLES WERE DELICIOUS!!! That was such a brilliant idea. I loved it. My companions loved it. I need to cut sugar out of my diet. It's not helping my tummy issues. Also, I'm so glad you're communicating with Jenny, Momma! I miss her so much. I was actually just talking about Jenny the other night to the one other sister (besides my companions) in our district about her. I don't remember why. But I was.
Well, my darlings, my e-mailing time is yet again over. I'm glad to know that Hattie is still alive. I have to go see the poop doctor in 30 minutes. BAAAARF. I love you all and am praying for each one of you!!! Remember that the Savior is in charge and knows exactly what we're going through. Life is good. This man told me the other day, at the entrance of the MTC, the Jesus really loves me. And I know He loves you to. Jesus, not this man. But maybe. He was kind of crazy. Anyways, until next week, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU.

especially you pops, momma, trev, stinka [her sister Christina], squat [her brother Scott], amy, madison, and sadie!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love forever,
Sister Hill