2/23/11 Last week at the MTC

Hola!!!

   Wow I cannot believe that this is my last week in the MTC.  I have loved my experience here and am so grateful for the opportunity I have had.  My testimony has grown so much.  I have learned how to recognize the Lords hand in my life, and am eternally grateful for everything that he has done for me.  I will be forever indebted to him.  Over the next 16 months, and for the rest of my life I will be trying my very best to show him how much I love and appreciate everything he has done for me.  I love my Savior, and hope to be a tool in his hands, to help others experience the immense love he has for them as they accept him into their lives.

   My favorite thing that happened this week occurred on Sunday.  We had our fireside... President Nally (A member of the MTC Presidency) and his wife gave a lesson on the history of the songs in the hymn book, and the Spirit that they can invite.  Then they picked about 10 missionaries to choose their favorite song and we all sang a verse.  After that Sister Nally had us (2000 missionaries) sing a version of Called to Serve that she had arranged.  We pictured ourselves as the 2000 Stripling Warriors.  We started out whispering the lyrics. As the song went on we got louder and louder because the warriors where getting closer to the city in which they were going to fight for their families, freedom, and religion.  By the end we were singing with all our might... Called... to... Serve... our.... KING!!! I am sure that every missionary did feel like a striping warrior at this moment.  Like them we are all very young, and like them know not to fear. That if we do not doubt, God will deliver us.  I am so grateful to be serving a mission.  I am so excited to march into the battle against Satan and help save as many Brothers and Sister as possible.  I know without a doubt in my mind or heart that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only way we can receive eternal happiness. I am willing to  do whatever the Lord ask me to help bring about his work.  "This time shall come that the salvation of the Lord shall be declared to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people." (Mosiah 15:28)  I love my lord and Savior with all my heart.  I am very excited to start my adventures in Argentina this next week.  I am so grateful for all the love and support I  receive from my family and friends.  I love you all and will talk to you soon.

                                                Loves,

                                                      Hermana Ricks

  P.S. Wish me luck on the plane ride.  I am hoping to pass out a couple Books of Mormon.

Feb.16, 2011

Hola Everyone!!!

   I hope you have all had a fantastic week.  I am still loving the MTC.  I don't understand anyone that dislikes it... This week has been incredible.  I have really been able to see the lords Hand in everything that I am doing.  Sometimes I will be trying to speak Spanish with my companions and I can't think of anything.... These are the moments where I think how am I every going to be able to do this. However, the second we start teaching a lesson, or open class with a prayer the Spanish just flows out of my mouth.  The Lord has truly given me the gift of tongues, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to start using it in a few weeks.

   This week the thought of me leaving for Mendoza has gotten very real.  We had two meetings about visa's one of which we met with an Argentine Consul so that we could sign the final paper work.  I thought the day would never come that I would actually be leaving,  Now that it is less than two weeks away I'm kind of freaking out.  Don't get me wrong I am so excited to go, and I would hop on the plane tomorrow, but I am sad about the friends I am leaving behind.... It will be fun to see them after and talk about the experiences we have had. :)

   My funny moment of the week... So those who know me even a little bit know that I enjoy bursting out into song, and even just one word will make me think of a song.  Well, we were in class and Elder Ipson was talking to Hermano Airmet about cuerpos fisico (physical bodies) Anyway, I just started singing to myself in spanish "fisico fisico quiero esta fisico" which is Olivia Newton John's "physical physical i wanna be physical" Well I was just minding my own business singing to myself. The next thing I hear my instructor say," Hermana Ricks! Que cancion no es bueno! " (Sister Ricks! That is not a good song!) I was shocked that I was getting in trouble for singing... When I get uncomfortable I just start joking around, "Chistos (just kidding) Hermano Airmet". No es chistoso Hermana (It's not funny Sister) He wasn't as mad as I am making him sound.  I think he was just surprised by the words that were coming out of my mouth. I was just proud of myself for doing it in Spanish. :)

  Well that is about it for me.  I hope you all enjoy you week. The next letter will be that last one before I am a new resident of Argentina. :) YAY ADIOS

                         Hermana Ricks

Feb.9,2011

Hello Everyone,

   Well, it has been another fantastic week at the MTC. Its crazy how quickly the Sundays come and go.  Less than three weeks and I will be teaching in Argentina. AWWW It is going to be amazing. I just can't WAIT!  Nothing has really changed from last week, but I do have a funny story.....

   So Hermana Taylor and myself were teaching on Sunday (Hermana Powell was in a meeting). Just some information you need to know before I get to far into this story. In Spanish the word for "sin" is Pecado and the word for "fish" is Pescado. Anyway,... Hermana Taylor and I were teaching and we got to the part of the lesson where we talked about Christs Ministry on Earth and His Atonement.  I told the Investigator that Christ died for our FISH!!!! I instantly knew that I had made a mistake because of the looks on both the investigator and my companions faces.  Ha Ha we all laughed for like 5 minutes after that....  The rest of the lesson went great, but I will never forget that experience. Good thing I learned it now and not in the field. :)

   Well that is all that is new and exciting in my life.  The MTC is great!  I am learning so much.  My testimony has grown a  ton. Spanish is coming... Last Saturday we taught a native Speaker and I was completely lost.  I am going to get really good at saying. "Mas despacio Por Favor!"  Slow down please! Ha Ha I love being a Missionary. Talk to you next week.

                                      Hermana Ricks

Feb. 2, 2011

Dear Family and Friends,                                                 2-2-2011

   This week has been great. I can't believe that I passed my half way mark. It’s crazy!!! I have less than four weeks left. I'm so excited. I know that when that time comes to leave the MTC I will be more than ready. My Spanish won’t be perfect, but I know that the Spirit will help me till I am more confident in my abilities. I will for sure be able to call you from the airport, but they like you to wait till your layover. I think mine will most likely be in Atlanta. We will see... I think I get my flight plans in two weeks. I will either get to call you for a few minutes at that time, or I will just have to email and call later.  You may want to think about sending me a calling card, They don't limit the time you get to talk to your family... It just depends on how long your layover is.

Well this week more Elders left. I can't believe that my District is the oldest. Time is flying. I am having a blast. I am still tired all the time. Spanish is still going slow but it is coming. This Saturday we are teaching our first whole lesson in Spanish. I am kind of nervous, but the Lord usually has a way of helping you out if you do all you can to prepare before hand.

About Clarissa.... Holy Cow! I am so happy for her!  I'll be honest I'm a little jealous of her situation. Don't get me wrong I know this is where I am supposed to be, and I wouldn't change it. But, there are still times that I wish  I were married instead... I know it’s going to happen. I just need to wait and let the Lords timing do its role. By the way I really was totally serious about wanting there to be a life size cut or of myself at the reception if it is at all possible... You can just get one of Scarlett Johansann and put my face on it. I wouldn't mind having her body for a day. Ha Ha Ha

I love you all so much! this week has been a great one. I hope you all have a good healthy week know that the Lord loves you and that he is completely aware of everything we are going through. I LOVE YOU!!!

                                                   Loves,

                                                       Su Hija Hermana Ricks

P.S. Tell Jeffery to write me!!!! I miss him. I want to know about school, church, scouts, friends.... Everything. :)

P.P.P.S. Yes it is freezing here... I dread every time I have to go outside..... BURRRR Time is up. LOVES