Here we go!!

Hi friends!! I'm finally a missionary!! It's been a long and crazy two weeks, but it has truly been the best two weeks! I started with one week of home MTC, which was weird lol. Honestly, I didn't love it. It was strange to have one foot in missionary work and the other still involved with family and home life. It was hard to feel like a missionary when I was still surrounded by people who weren't doing the same thing I was. However, I still learned a lot and I'm so grateful for the extra time I had with my family! Mad respect to all my friends who did their entire MTC at home!

I came to the Provo MTC last Wednesday, and I've seriously loved every minute since then. There is so much power in being surrounded by people who are all united in purpose and have a strong love for God and our Savior. I just know that this is exactly where God needs me to be in my life right now. I LOVE my companion and my district. They are seriously amazing. My companion, Sister Buswell is the bomb. We have a lot in common, but we are also very different, which means we have a lot to learn from each other. We're already besties lol. The rest of my district is so awesome. There's four sisters and ten elders so it definitely gets rowdy but we're a party haha. I know that I'm making some lifelong friends here and I'm SO sad that we have to say goodbye next week.

If I were to describe these past two weeks in just a few words, I would say overwhelming and growth. I've never been more tired, but I've also never grown so quickly. My faith has grown exponentially and I can only imagine how much more it will grow once I get to Florida. 

I've had so many incredible experiences here, but I want to share just one with you for the sake of how long this email already is lol. Last night we had a Christmas music devotional, which was basically just a huge Gentry concert (if you don't know who they are, I HIGHLY recommend you look them up!) It was so cool. My district got front row seats and they sang Christmas songs and a Les Mis medley, and if you know me you know how much I LOVED that. I’ve had many incredible experiences here, but that might’ve been one of my favorites so far. I love to feel the Spirit through scripture study and lessons and I’ve definitely felt that here, but I’ve always felt the Spirit strongest through art. When I listen to music, draw, watch movies about Christ, spend time in nature, etc. THAT is when I can recall the times in my life when I have felt the Spirit strongest. 

Our district went to the Mount Timpanogas temple this morning since the Provo temple is closed, so it was so fun to go back to the temple I have so many memories in. I love the temple with all my heart. Next time you hear from me I’ll be in Orlando! I love you all so much, but more importantly, Jesus Christ loves you so much and I know that with everything in me.

Have a great week!

Sister Clough