Sister Saunders in the Mission Training Center

Blog One (Feb 4, 2016 copy and pasted by Ryanne's mom)                          

  Day One

holy actual cow

I was dropped off YESTERDAY and I didn't look back because I thought of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and decided
that whole turning into salt life is not my style.

I looked forward instead to the work ahead

After those quick hugs and my departure with the kind elder helping me with my bags, I was whisked away to the other side of the building where the elder told me to go inside and that he'd meet me on the other side of the building

I went in and that's when the complete and utter organized chaos began

It was like a Candyland pop-up book

one space forward, and surprise, two steps forward, and here's another book!
walk and surprise, walk and here's a mandatory envelope with your comps name & your room number --more steps and a card you cannot lose or you wont be able to get in buildings
or spend the eight dollars on it you get every week. (yes!!!) 

Side note: all buildings, rooms, corridors, bathrooms, look the exact same.
The moral of the story is this: the first day is not so bad.

The first hour is overwhelming to the max.

My favorite part was the first thing I received and that was my name tag. 

SISTER SAUNDERS

It's legit now. I realize I was set apart beforehand, but that name tag really got me in the heart area.

literally ;)

I wear His name everyday from now on and it feels great.

After that I met my host who helped me to my building and showed me to class where I met my return missionary teachers who were super awesome.  Sister Yorgensen is pregnant, so yay.
 (I feel like I've been here a week)

We then had a meeting where we met our MTC President and him and his wife spoke to us. 

There was a hilarious moment where his wife was speaking and asked if any siblings/twins would stand.

These two super white siblings stood, a boy and a girl, and two very black boys stood from Haiti. 

She then asked if they would point to their sibling so that we would know who belonged in who's family..
(still don't know if she was kidding or not)

as we all looked around and realized those were the only four standing we burst out laughing because it wasn't super difficult to figure that much out;) 

Everyone is so so happy here it's incredible to see all 247 that were new today 
and nothing but smiles all around. 

Fun fact, at the MTC we refer to the Doctrine Of Christ as that, not the Gospel Of Christ.  It means the same thing (faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the holy ghost, and enduring to the end) but it is the Doctrine instead of the Gospel here.  Just incase you future missionaries are super confused on day one -like I totally wasn't ;) as to what the Doctrine of Christ is. 

Also: you know those flip-flops on the packing list they gave me that I wasn't gonna bring? 

Future missionaries. Please. Heed my word. 

one word: bringthem.

enough said. 

Dinner was great, to the volunteers and people slaving over the food here, I'm sorry about the stigma,
ya'll rock in my book. 

Another tidbit: Bella (In Berlin) was right about the sheets smelling like prehistoric elders.

I brought my own sheets.  Thank you Bella! 

I met my zone/district leaders they are awesome. The "investigators" we have been teaching were frustrating some of them, but it made my day to see all of us newbies bearing testimony with happiness on our faces despite what we had done that day, saying goodbye. 

WE ARE SO HAPPY I told the Japanese investigator (we were told some are acting but using real experience, some really aren't members of our church) I said, "The kindness and happiness you noticed from the member friend you have stems from the light of Christ. Most of us in this room left our families today for 18 to 24 months and look around, we are so happy to be here with you.  It sounds crazy, but it's true.  The doctrine of Christ is the source of this happiness, and we want to share that with you."

I believe it just as much now as I did that first day.

One of my fave things about day one

wearing the bright orange "dork dot" that tells everyone you're new

"WELCOME SISTER, TO THE MTC" 

was yelled in my face more than several times in several different languages the whole day. 

LOL.. sorry I don't know how to check the mail yet. I'll figure it out before I leave on the 16th.

Some interesting news, most of the missionaries in my room/district of six girls four boys come home the 2nd, 8th, or 15th of August 2017 and I don't come home until the 22 of August.

They said it's because God needs me more, I joked and said it's because it's going to take me longer to be a good missionary. 

JK but it's good news, I'll be glad for the extended period when I get there. 

ANYWAY

I didn't get my earplugs out last night because everyone seemed fine, unfortunately I should have broken them out.
There was a couple of break downs and sisters crying.  It broke my heart but strengthened me to see the sister bounce back this morning with a bright smile and a desire to work. 

Well, things are great here in the land of the Missionary Training Center. 

I LOVE YOU ALL so so much.

Love, Sista Saunders <3

Make it a good day :)

Blog Two (Feb 11, 2016)            Today Felt Like a Week

I have heard to be sure

that days on the mission feel like weeks

and weeks feel like days.

Interpret that how you want

but how I interpreted this was by thinking the days were going to feel long because they were hard.

What I mean is, the opposite to

"time flies when you're having fun"

that only makes sense

I thought the mission time wouldn't be flying because it would be no fun at all

boy

was I wrong!

Disclaimer: everyone is different which is why people are interesting

but this is my experience

yes

it is totes true

the days feel like weeks! 

more truth

it's in the best way

time ain't flyin'

but I AM having fun

nay

I feel JOY

I have come to know that the reason these days feel so ridiculously long

(the first few days feel like literal eternity)

longest fetching days of my life

it's not because I retire to bed at 10:30 and rise at 6:30 

It's because

now pay attention

I am growing spiritually in one hour here, one hour, more than I would an entire week anywhere but here. Maybe even a month.

That's the legit truth!  

I'm not used to this rapid roller coaster of emotions and work, the result is
a rapid progression to who I need to be to carry out His work for His children.

So yeah.

-a day feels like a week-

Isn't it great? :)

I've also realized how unprepared I was. Mission prep needs to pattern the training after the MTC. I thought mission prep was prepping me and I suppose it was but not the extent that I needed.  

Sounds harsh. But literally, the training here is way different, and why is that? I don't know.  

(but I'll get off my soap box now)

Funny story, my childhood bud Elder Banta got reprimanded yesterday by a Samoan missionary. I don't know what was said but it was hilarious because I think it's because he was talking to me one on one in the cafeteria for so long. People were watching and I almost died laughing bc:

News for the Samoan: no we aren't flirting we are childhood buds and he's like my brother 

and also we're missionaries so.. no.  

Selfie with Elder Banta

I also see Sister Linford a lot (fellow silver wolf graduate of 2k15) but no one accuses us of talking too long so all is well in zion. 

;)

Brother Glazier 

one of the directors of a new teaching curriculum being implemented here as of the day I arrived

taught us on Friday and something he said really made it's way directly to my soul.

Jesus Christ loves you. 

I tried to listen to him from an investigators perspective.

Jesus Christ loves you. He is grateful for your actions, for your service, especially because many of you did a lot to get here. 

and I'm not talking about the drive.

I actually shed a tear for the first time since being here because I related to what he was saying, and I felt the Saviors personal. Infinite. Love.

I also listened to part of a talk by Elder Holland he said "If you're teaching in Tokyo, or Tallahassee" and I had to smile bc. Holland, and Tallahassee. Booyah. 

Next item of business. aka fun facts/testimony builders pertaining to the life of Sister Saunders

EVERY 20 to 30 minutes

a session is done

in all 149 temples of the world

all day long

5 days a week

and the missionaries are prayed for at each one

all day long

5 days a week

woah. 

Every Thursday the prophet and apostles meet in the upper rooms of the temple in part to pray for the missionaries

How humbling is that? 

Extremely.

My MTC District~ the district to trump all districts!

Sister Pete and Elder Saunders and I have SO MUCH HELP!

Elder Saunders in Honduras

Sister Peterson (Pete) in Washington

because we need it to help others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring to the end.

There is such a powerful feeling here amongst my fellow representatives of Christ.

It truly is as if He is in each one of us, and we are in Him.

My teacher Sister Yorgensen told a story: before her mission she used to work in the cafeteria here at the MTC.   She was here way early preparing things and she said without fail before every meal she would be putting knives in the bin or, refilling napkins and a strong spirit of peace would fill her heart. 

She said something was suddenly different. 

She would look up, and the missionaries would be walking in to get their meal. 

I feel that peace. I feel the love. 

The MTC is one of the greatest places on Earth, the ground is dedicated, it's an extension of the temple, and the Elders and Sisters are set apart to be representatives of Jesus Christ.

wow. 

For the first time in my life, my purpose is His purpose completely and we are one.

Am I great at this or even good at it?

no. but I will be.

I have faith that the Lord qualifies his servants so here I am!!

He will help me raise the bar that has been raised.

So for those of you that have kindly asked me how I'm doing

I have authority

I have help

I have Him

How could I not excel? 

There is no answer to that my friends.

It makes me want to do a jig. I think I will.

I have been assigned to be the Sister Training Leader of our zone. (My comp and I)

Did I mention how much I love my companion? and my room of 5 sisters????  Seriously.. I love them so much I feel I have known them all my life.
All five of us are headed to Tallahassee so we get to fly together 

yipeee!

Anyway  I was assigned a week ago as a Sister Training Leader and last night a fresh batch
of missionaries rolled in and I got to orientate them. 

My comp and I gave a tour and explained mission rules to 25 new elders and sisters; it was a blast!

Highlight of yesterday: Sister Anderson (my comp) told me she overheard two of the newbies conversation and one of them whispered to her comp "I love them." THEY LOVE US

and we love them. It's like I went from a Beehive to a Laurel in one week. LOVE IT. 

Funny moment: A couple of elders recognized me from Missionaries Coming Soon.. 

they approached me and said "are you sister Saunders?"

 "Yes...?"

 "Oh my gosh it is her! Wait, you're going to Florida right?"

 "Yes.."

 "I think I followed you on instagram!!"

 "Ohhhh yeah.. you did I remember!?" ;)

"Bye, next time I write I will be in Florida, tell everyone I love them!"

Make It a Good Day :)

LOVE

-SS

Dear Future Sisters

If you are going on a mission, and you hate shopping, here's some advice.

DON'T DO IT

I'm joking..

but for real






Just accept the fact that you are going to have to spend hours of shopping for obvious things like

clothes

shoes

and such

then you will spend eternity buying random things like

shampoo

flashlight

journal

highlighters

scripture references

missionary handbook

other books

the undies you need

coats

rain boots

alarm clock

tampons

umbrella

photo album

camera

sheets

pillow case

pillow

blanket

jump rope

etc etc etc etc










If you do love shopping, I guarantee you won't love picking out razors and nail clippers.










Either way there are some things I bought that weren't even on the packing list

that are must haves

So here are some ideas in case you feel the provided packing list left out some details









lint roller because who knows

scissors, for those pesky split ends

shoe inserts

a lanyard (thank you Bella) for the card that you absolutely cannot

lose in the MTC

bobby pins hair ties

a coloring book for when you are trying to teach a lesson

and the little cuties are distracting

(also bring colored pencils and a sharpener)







one of those face masks in a packet from Walmart,

it will provide something to look forward to

if you're anything like me

its the little things

Norwex Makeup remover rag. Literally all you need to do is get it

wet and it takes your make up off. You boil it to wash it once in a

while and walaahh! No more make up wipes that run out

no more chemicals on your face

just a simple rag and water.


I am bringing two blankets of mine to make it feel more like home

earplugs. I recently received some advice about this from someone in

my stake. She said to get earplugs and I thought, of course!

I might have a comp that snores. Perfect! She said

"Get earplugs so you don't have to hear your roomies crying."

:(

Okay but what if I'm crying, do they help with that too?


GARDENING GLOVES

of course!


my mom is a genius, with all the service you do as a missionary

I'm willing to bet I'll be breaking those bad boys out

more than once. If not, I'll let you know.



Okay this isn't mind blowing, but work out shorts that aren't tight are just

about impossible to find. no lie.

I found mine from: my moms closet

burlington

and Sam's Club

literally everywhere else the only loose

ones they had were pants

and hell only knows what it's like

to run in Florida

wearing sweat pants



If you're going to Florida or somewhere else humid

get some waterproof spray and spray everything

I haven't done this because Utah just doesn't understand

waterproof spray so I'm told

but I will be purchasing a can when I get there no worries



I'm bringing a picture of my favorite temple

and the classical soundtrack to Finding Neverland



a photo album of my family

my air freshener plug-in scentsy with pine scented melting squares



I just doubt pine is a common scent in Florida

and what is Christmas if it doesn't smell like a pine tree?


Also: It's Lindsey's fave smell so it will remind me of her










I will also take some of the best advice evvvveeerrr with me






I have run into just the right people at just the right times to help me

to continue in faith toward my goal.


I leave IN TWO DAYS







I am still sane and have not yet suffered from a single

break down about the matter







I'm about to share some secrets to success


from a few different people


things that changed their missions


or simply just good advice


and things that have helped calm my nerves






I have to be honest


because I have seen so many people I love and know put on a brave face and I commend them but getting to this point of leaving has some major hardships

I recently admitted to my aunt that I was worried

I have cousins and friends that did not seem nervous at all

I heard them talk about how much peace they were feeling

so now about to go on this mission

I wondered what was wrong with me.

Why am I a bundle of nerves

what happened to the excitement I felt after opening my call

It was gone

she explained to me that what I had seen on the outside was not at all

what was going on the inside


I felt better just knowing it's not abnormal to feel this way right

before you leave.




Something that completely changed my perspective was a

conversation with my bestie Lindsey Jean


she basically said


"you knew this would happen. you knew the adversary would try to stop you"



It's true, I have heard returned missionary after returned

missionary express to me the difficulties they felt right before leaving they told me Satan would be working on me really hard. The temptations would be strong.

My problem, was that I was thinking about temptations that would

lead me to be unworthy to go. I forgot about the other ways Satan

works. In "Multiple Doses"




I think the adversary was aware that I was preparing

myself for physical temptation, and so along with that

he went another route.



an unexpected way to get at me anyway he can before I leave.



discouragement

it's like taking the nervousness one step more in a direction

you don't want to go




when Lindsey brought that to my attention

it was like a load was lifted off my shoulders




he wasn't pushing as hard as to make it so I COULDN'T serve

a mission

he was working a lot harder on making it so I wouldn't WANT to serve

a mission



as soon as I recognized that those feelings came from Hell


that's exactly where I told them to go



I have felt so much better


and when doubt of the uncertain starts to hit me


I pray

and I remind myself


Those thoughts and worries are not my own


because faith and fear cannot coexist


thank heavens for my Father in Heaven


that allows me to learn lessons such as this

that I might truly be able to


"Press forward having a perfect brightness of hope,

and a love of God and of all man."


2nd Nephi 31: 20





Not only do I not have to do this alone, but I have people to help.




advice from Ammon: The Mortal Christ changed my mission.


Jamie: Sometimes I'd be teaching what I thought was a mind blowing lesson about the plan of

salvation and eternal life, the spirit would humble me and say

 "just tell them that I love them"

I would then relay that to the investigator and tears would stream down their face.

We take for granted the knowledge that there is a God watching over us,

our father, that loves us. That information, will change lives.




Squidney: read the talk by Elder Holland Missionary Work and the Atonement.





Logan Hunter

(whom I don't really even know I just ran into him at the store when I needed this advice)

If you can figure this out now, it will change your mission.

When you are down because you've knocked on doors

all day and not gotten in a single one

and you just want to quit

remember what my companion said to me


"You don't understand the law of sacrifice. Sacrifice, is

doing what you know you should do

when you absolutely do. not. want. to. do. it."

also: about four months into my mission I started to

think "wow. I still have twenty months. That's a long time."

followed quickly by

"it's okay. It's going to be just fine"

from then on I wasn't homesick

and time flew.




Jared: Serve your companions. Especially if you can't stand them.

Make sure everything you do is in companionship with the

spirit. You won't teach people, your conviction

and the spirit will. Even though it's tough to get

up early and and work all day, because

you're set apart and being obedient

you'll be invigorated each day.





Nick: Use your talents. You're sent to where you're sent

for a reason. You'll be surprise what your talents

can do for people.


Heremmi: be grateful for what you have

because when it's over it feels like a dream.



Quade: Have a positive attitude. Quade didn't

tell me this it's just what I've learned from him.

There was a time when he was getting small

boulders chucked right at his head.

I thought he was telling me to talk about

a hard experience on his mission

instead he said to me

"Isn't that great?!"

I was like

uhh

no.

"I got stoned like the prophets of old!!"

It hit me right then and there

it's about attitude

it's about perspective.

that's one of the many things

I've learned from Quade.





Boston: Service.

another thing I have learned just by paying attention.

he truly is such a good man

always looking out for ways to

serve even if they seem small

walking with my grandma

up and down the stairs

opening doors

and cleaning up after people

at Costa Vida so the

workers wouldn't have to do it





Shay: Don't wish it a way before you know it

you're done. She also taught me

what it truly means to be refined

through trials.



My dad: Be obedient

one hundred percent

have fun




Miki: the first day is long and hard

it feels like drinking from a firehose

but it is so so so fun and rewarding



Misty: Don't be a weirdo

be yourself and you will

make a huge difference.



Paxton: Don't let the amount of time

effect your ability to be a great missionary

don't have the false idea that you have

to wait to change into a great one

just be one.




Braden: Enjoy everything. People get serious

but they forget to enjoy it.



Nanny and Grandpa: Love the people and

love God.



AND SO MUCH MORE


but sisters


you'll get you're own amazing advice


and if you don't



just read the words of the Savior



the greatest missionary of all time.




p.s.



as much as it feels

after all the goodbyes

like you are going to the front lines of battle


feel at peace




even though you are

;)




LOVE

Sister Saunders







Make It A Good Day
xoxo