"Welcome to the MTC"

Good Morning From the MTC,

Thank you for all the emails!!! I don't think I will be able to reply just yet, but hopefully soon I have flagged them.

This place is HUGE! Over 4000 Missionaries!!

I was so blest  to have been able to go a day early and experience a bit of MTC life. I came in with a large group from the UK & Europe (representing England, Scotland, Wales, Spain & Norway) Most Going to the Greece Athens Mission!!! But they will probably only go into the MTC once the Elks come home. But was still great to meet them!! Sister Hall from wales was my temp companion for the day. It was so great we get to wear this orange dot on our badges to indicate that we are new at the MTC and EVERYONE says: "Welcome to the MTC" Most people hate it and after the first official day you can take it off but my comp and I are keeping it on =D But instead of saying "welcome" everyone tells us "you know you can take the dot off now" 

Anyway they just don't get it.

Some other things we are adjusting to is we cannot say "guys" and slang and stuff so we have to say "Elders & Sisters" its really hard but something you should try before you get out into the field if you are preparing. Another thing is no high fives or fist bumps in the MTC... its tough.

It is so bad you are just way too busy here to get home sick and sometimes they have to remind you to think of home. I'm the only one from Africa here that I have seen, and it is great! So far no really strange comments but had a few asking how many white are in South Africa.. People love my accent and I'm trying to keep it for as long as possible!!

Still one of the biggest things emphasized here is EXACT OBEDIENCE, I will confess that getting to bed on time with a bunch of sisters is tough!! Our days are packed as it is and we still try to get some journal time.

I was met by the sister training leaders of our zone on tuesday and they are super great! So much fun, and even though they had only been here a week they totally seem like they know everything. Hope that's me in a week!

The first official day was ROUGH!!! At the end of the day they split us into large groups and had a 'professional actor' in to portray being an investigator - they would give us a brief history then have some elders come and just gain trust of the investigator then had us jump in and try teach them what THEY needed to hear specific to them. It was really tough, especially since we were such a large crowd no one was unified in deciding WHAT we were going to teach or what questions we were going to ask. One of the investigators was just so bored and really not interested in what we were saying, He would not comment after anything we said and eventually was like "Why are you here? if you have nothing more to say the please leave" it was so tough one elder was inspired enough to then ask him what he thought he was worth. And all of a sudden he opened up - was amazing. 

My District is amazing!! I must say I pre-judged and thought they all looked a bit nerdy but they ALL have such powerful testimonies!! My companion is awesome!! Her name is Sister Riera She was born in Venezuela grew up in West Valley (Utah) and came now from a small town in Nevada. I love her to bits!! The Elders in our Distract are all going to San Jose California and Us 4 Sisters are going to St George =D

We are teaching our first investigator tonight. I'm kinda scared I don't think I am very prepared even after getting guidance yesterday.

I have not gotten mail yet, our district leader is the only one allowed to have the combination and he has not even gotten that yet... So hopefully will get them later.

So the Photos are HUGE I'm sorry I will make them smaller from now on.

My love and prayers are with Bro Chappie and my Dad who have had one or more operations.

Love you all.

All My Best,

Sister Hollander

Utah, St. George Mission

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Preparing to Pack

 

One of the biggest worries so far has been PACKING!!!

So I have tried to prepare something for anyone who is moving to another country for a long period of time and has to live out of a suitcase and move around, or others who are preparing to go on a mission (which technically is the same thing). I will be going to St. George Utah and the rest of Southern Utah. I will be going for 2 winters and will probably see snow which does not happen here in Johannesburg, so I have a lot of things to consider going abroad. I have jam packed all my research from Pinterest Google and YouTube in one post.

My first dilemma has been the actual bag to take. As far as I know I have a limit of 23Kg Check-in and 7Kg Carry-on. I don't WANT to pack my bag full but if I must I must.

BAG TIPS

1. Terrain & Weather - What are you going to put your bag through?

• If you are in rough terrain and wet weather it will probably be best to take a Trolley, Hard cover bag
• If you are going to the city where you will be taking planes and cars for transfers, it will be easy to take more delicate bags - I say delicate but don't get me wrong they can brutally throw your bag around in the airport. 
• I have been advised to take a soft cover/duffel bag (depending on preference). Just remember you can STUFF a duffel bag like no ones business.
• I still prefer a hardish cover and four wheels that can rotate 360. My sister who traveled a bit to Aus and Bali said that her bag (Trolley style) did not hold up as easy as her fellow traveler with 4 wheels (360 rotating ability), even in tough terrain and trekking on trains and buses. So heads up.

2. Weight & Volume of the Bag.

Dark blue - Mine, Light blue - Christine's

• When I went window shopping every bag had a pro and con. It was either Light & Too Expensive, or Had lots of space, was cheap, but heavy and not durable, or Light with little space and on special. There were too many options - I think I will end up going for the one on special though - SAVE WHERE YOU CAN!!
• I took my Sister's bag to Thailand - I did not do research on bags (wish I did) but I struggled from train to train station & walking on the streets between stations. It was big and bulky, Top heavy and the stopper feet were totally too short for the wheels. I thought I was just being petty, but my friends' bag was lighter, smaller and easier to move around. I weighed the bag now and it came out to 8.4KG!!!! No way!! No wonder I struggled to get to 23KG on the way home after all my shopping!! I don't know if it is just because it is an old bag or what but I was over it by the end! I had a great amount of volume which I packed to the brim, but my packing methods could have been better to avoid that.

3. Durability and Warranty - Some bags have 10 Year warranties like Antler. Others only 3. I have been tempted to buy a bag from china mall... NO!! Don't do it!

4. Colour - Although it is a minor thing to look at, It is a good idea to get a brightly coloured bag so it's easy to spot.

5.  Wheels - As mentioned before my sister suggested I go for 4 wheels because they are easier to wheel around without heaving it everywhere. I will admit there were times I wish I had four wheels in Thailand - like in the trains.. But here you definitely need to check the terrain of WHERE you are going. Here is a great link that answers the 4 vs 2 wheels pretty well :)

6. TSA Approved Locks - (Transportation security association) So apparently you need one of these if you are going to the States or Europe... I don't know how safe it is exactly but oh well it's that or they cut your locks off.


At the end of the day here in SA my choices were between Cellini, Gino De Vinci and Antler. My price range is between R1000 and R1500 ($100-$150) for check in luggage and obviously less for carry-on.

I have tried to read up as much as I can before heading out, in doing so I found this AWESOME youtube channel She has some amazing travel tips! Here is her video about choosing a carry on bag. You could honestly get any bag but I guess all the small things are stressing me out at the moment.

DECIDING WHAT TO TAKE

Sister Missionary In a Nutshell

Next step is being ruthless and deciding what to take. Being a missionary there are some general guides of what a missionary should wear.

In the Missionary Packet you receive with your call it gives further guidelines on what you should take specific to your mission.

Here is my list:

•  Outfits (6-8) - Wash & wear fabric for both warm & cold weather.
• Garments (10-12)
• Shoes x 2 
• Water-resistant boots x1
• Exercise clothes x 1 pair (But remember you have 6 days to exercise and 1 P-Day - I will take more)
• Other activities outfit x1
• Winter Coat - Will get in the field, South Africa does NOT cater for Snow. This year we didn't even have frost!
• Cold Weather Accessories (Gloves/scarves/ear-bands/hats etc)
• Cardigan (1-2)
• Pjs x 1 (Robe and Slippers as needed.
• Shower sandals

Personal Items:

• Umbrella x1 - Sturdy, Dark in colour
• Clothes hangers
• CAmera
• Bath Towels x 2
• Hand Towel & wash cloths
• Bedding: 1x Twin-size sheets, 1x Pillowcase, 1x pillow, 1x Blanket
• Toiletries (Make-up; Toothbrush & paste; floss; shampoo; deoderant; cream, etc)
• First-aid Kit
• Sun screen & lip balm with at least 30 SPF. And ointment for heat rash.
• Misc: Sewing kit, shoe-shine kit, battery alarm, laundry bag, torch, watch, glasses etc.
• Prescription glasses/contacts if needed
• Drivers Licence (International)
• Electronics to comply with 110V

PACKING

1. Follow the 3-1-1 rule - LIQUIDS!!
"All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag." - They really mean it - in Thailand in the smallest cutest airport I have EVER seen they TOOK my After sun because it was 120ml!! not 100ml... I had even clearly used more than 40ml. I was really burnt. I needed that stuff!

2. Use your personal item wisely
Most airlines allow one big carry-on and one personal item. The personal item is generally considered a handbag or backpack. My advice? Stuff it!! Stuff it with anything and everything (that is allowed - of course).

3. Layer - found this quite interesting:
"This advice is twofold: Wear layers and pack in layers. First, your on-the-road wardrobe should feature plenty of layers, which will help you jetset through multiple climates in style and comfort. Second, the items in your bag should be packed in neat layers for easy screening. According to the TSA, 'Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)' so that the security agent screening your bag can get a clear picture of what's inside. The faster the TSA agent can screen your stuff, the faster you'll get through the security line.'

4. Roll vs. Bundle Clothes.  I roll rather than fold clothes in order to create more space. Rolling makes items more compact and can reduce wrinkles. I have not yet tried the bundle method yet, but here are two videos that use BOTH methods:
 

 How to Bundle:

How to Roll:

Another Blogger who believes in Rolling - pretty neat blog

5. Zip-lock bags/Packing Cubes

A number of Blogs and Vlogs have mentioned that they prefer to use either a zip lock bag. packing cubes to keep their clothes seperate and organised. The nice thing about the zip lock is you can push all the air out of them saving you even more space. I would suggest you roll clothes and pack them inside though. This is also a neat trick if Customs have to search  your bag - then it's easy to re-pack. The clear bags also make it easier to find things and I'm sure easier to re-pack. Though I'm not sure if that is VERY practical for mission, but will see how it goes.

6. Lists???

Oh I have like 10 already, but here are some I found that could be of use:

Online Packing list here

The ULTIMATE female packing list - Litterally for anywhere

http://herpackinglist.com/2011/12/ultimate-female-travel-packing-lists/

Hope this helped someone. If you have more tips you think I will need or can add, please drop a comment and I will add it :)

Never give up. Never surrender.

Happy packing!

Temple - House of the Lord

The past 3 weeks have been pretty awesome, been able to attend the Temple 2 times a week!! It really is a blessing to be able to go so often before hand! I have learnt so much and developed soo many more questions!! Indeed I can say I have taken my spiritual level to the next level!

In everything I do I think of the Temple and Temple Ordinances. In church meetings I find ways to link the principals taught to the Temple. Or at least I try.

I was priveledged to go to the Temple when my Good Friend Bucie was able to go through the Temple! We have been through the whole Missionary Experience together! It really is a great blessing to have her as a friend! We have been encouraging each other to prepare for this great & marvelous work and a wonder!
She was Glowing after the session!! So peaceful and calm! I Love her!

Letters & Planning

So I left it a bit late but I finally got my letters to BOTH my Mission President and The First Presidency out.

This really is a necessary part of mission prep! I have gotten an overwhelming love for my mission through formally accepting the call to serve and also telling my mission president more about me. I didn't know what to say for either of them, but as I started... I soon ran out of space on the page provided, but I figured I should stick to one page :)

I Love to See the Temple - I went inside yesterday

For the Past two weeks it has been unsure when I would be actually GOING to the Temple, I have had my interview with Bishop 3 weeks ago, but getting an interview with Stake Pres was been proving more difficult. Maybe I was not yet ready and Heavenly Father was making me wait.

100 Days!!!

YES 100 DAYS TODAY!!!! Till I report to the Provo MTC.

Time is going quite quickly, but still not fast enough. Mission Prep tonight was quite something. We had Pres Mocke teach us as if we were in the MTC and we had to practice talking to our assigned companion as if they were a non-member who had invited us into their home. So this was practice of how to strike up conversation and gain trust in the investigator. And trust me it is harder than it looks!!

The Plan of Salvation

Wow!! Teaching the Plan of Salvation to YSA!!

Can be a daunting topic but I wanted the lesson to go on forever!

Being a Stake YSA Rep we have decided that when it is a Unit's ward conference, between myself and Rhyno we will teach the YSA Sunday School Class. I volunteered for the outlying area's and he is taking the close units. So yesterday was out first Sunday School Lesson since this decision - in Rustenburg so that's all on me! And somehow (inspiration) I got to teach The Plan of Salvation :)

Tips to become the best Missionary

My preparation has been going well considering that I have not had mission prep class since I got my call and it will have to wait another 3 weeks. I have a few Stake YSA things to attend to instead. Since that is my CURRENT calling I will do as much as I can in that capacity. I still have approximately another 122 Days in this calling so I might as well do a good job of it :) {My countdown is at 124 Days but there are travel days and all sorts you know)

The Missionary Portal

All I can think about lately is my Mission! About the type of people I am going to serve the places I will be serving in, If I will see snow (have a white Christmas even?)

In my mission pack they gave me a pin to access the "Missionary Portal"!!! It really is awesome!!! (missionary.lds.org - FYI, But you do need a PIN to access it, which you will only receive with your call package) 

So they have shortened the time in the MTC to 2 week now instead of 3, they are now encouraging that you do a lot more prep before you leave.