Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Pictures from the MTC

Sister Saal sent these two pictures:







District 24-A












Sister Saal and her two companions








Letter from Sister - Feb 22, 2012

Here is a letter from Sister Saal:

I feel so blessed to be here (in the MTC). Honestly! Life here gets pretty old, but it is completely new too! It is weird how time works at the MTC. Most days we spend 10 hours in a classroom - that is the old part - with breakfast, lunch, and dinner breaks. Most days we teach 3 "investigators" and I have grown to love each one. Linda (portrayed by one of my teachers, Sister Laty) is so dear to my heart. Until Saturday, I thought she was just a bitter old woman. Saturday while me and my companions met with her I felt the spirit urge me to ask certain questions. She opened up. She also gave me a hug at the end. I know, I know to you that has no relevance. However, to me, it is a HUGE deal! I can't wait to get out in the field where people are real. Already I have learned so much. My district is amazing. Plus, I will get to take 3 of the Elders with me to Canada. I am one lucky Sister! Never before in my life have I felt the spirit so strong! With all these missionaries around, how can you not? When I get back I may have to attend BYU just to work here at the MTC. (insert big groan from her papa!!) Last week I went to the Provo Temple with my companions (she has two sister missionary companions - Sister Christiansen and Sister Jackson). Sister Jackson and I did sealings for children to parents. It increased my testimony so much on the fact that families can be together forever! I was happy to be a part of that. Sorry if this seems to jump from one place to another. I am just trying to fit it all in. The food here is better than people give it credit. The fact that they have to feed over 2000 people - most of them 19 year old boys. Funny side note. Yesterday me and my comps were sitting at a table eating lunch. 2 Elders from Fiji and 1 from Tonga sat down by us. All three of their plates were loaded to the top with steak, chicken, bacon, and any other meat they could find with rice on the side. It made us laugh. Next time we will get a picture. Ok, so it is impressive what they do to feed 2000 people. There were right when they said "if you can make it to Sunday". Sundays are amazing here. In Relief Society, they have people come speak. Mondays are nice because it is P-day. Tuesdays are great because we have a devotional at night. Rumor has it President Monson is going to be here by the end of the month - smiley face. Wednesdays are nice because all the newbs get here. You have to endure Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but then you are back to Sunday. I really have learned a lot and I am thankful for this. I already feel like I am a new and better person. It has its hard days, but with the Lord on your side, you cannot fail! I have come to know the truth of that sentence. Write me on dearelder.com! I will send my next address next week. Love you all. Stay strong. Read Ether 12:27 - that is in the BOM.
Love, Sister Saal
Canada Vancouver Mission

The Journey Begins

Caitlin decided last summer that she wanted to serve a mission. She submitted her papers and received her call on September 29, 2011. She was called to the Canada Vancouver Mission and was asked to report to the MTC on February 8, 2012.

Four months was a long time to wait to leave on her mission. But, the time passed quickly and now she is at the MTC, preparing to leave for Canada next week.

We have a tradition of having pancakes on the morning of special events. Mark is the chef and tries to capture the significance of the day by creating specialty pancakes. Here is his attempt at the Angel Moroni. Caitlin wasn't too thrilled!!





Welcome to Sister Saal's blog

Greetings, family and friends. Mark and I have created this blog to help keep everyone up-to-date on the journey Sister Caitlin Saal has embarked upon. We hope that you will come back often and she how she is doing. We also encourge you to write to her. Her address for the next week is:

Sister Caitlin Saal
MTC Mail Box # 190
CAN-VAN 0229
2005 N 900 East
Provo, UT 84604

Or you can write to her on dearelder.com. You'll have to set up an account. I just tried it and I hope it worked - I'll keep you posted.

We are so proud of her and hope that you will help us support her over the next 18 months.