Tess's first letter home! (transcribed)

Hola mi familia-   (Feb. 16, 2013)

I started writing this letter because the computers were down but now it looks like they're up again so you'll probe be reading this after you read the email (if I ever get a turn on the computers, that is). Thanks so much for the V-Day package! IT made the first few days (which were pretty rough) a lot better. WE didn't really do much to celebrate because we were so busy but we did have a lesson on loving others which I guess was kinda fitting. That's hilarious that all the kids got Valentine's from some "special friends." IF they get into trouble I'm going to beat them up when I get back. Anyways, my schedule is...well I'll let you judge for yourselves. I'll send you some pics of the schedule I have so that I don't have to write it all down! My first day wasn't great because it was just way too much information way too fast. We had our first class and Hermana Haglund (my teacher) only spoke in Spanish so I had no idea what was happening. The only cool part was that we had some actors come into our bigger classes who pretended to be investigators and we had to try and teach them as a class. It was a lot more helpful to see the work in action as opposed to just reading about it.

My companion's name is Hermana Smith (original, I know). She's only 4'11"ish, she's 21 and she's from a typical big Mormon family in Utah so I'd say she's a bit sheltered. We're getting along fine but we don't have much in common besides the whole mission thing so it's hard to connect but I'm doing my best! The other Hermanas in our room (by the way we're only the 2nd people to live in our residence so it's super nice- that keeps happening to me) are pretty cool. There are two other 21 yr. olds who are companions that are also from Utah. To be honest I'm surprised they're not married instead of being missionaries because they're very pretty and out going, but they're sweet and hanging out with them isn't too bad although they don't share my sense of humor (none of my roommates really do actually which is kind of hard because I'm trying to be more normal but it's probably for the best because it's forcing me to be more serious). The other two Hermanas are my favorites- Hermana Scheiss & Hermana Hales. Hermana Scheiss is the only other 19 year old in the room (I think she's also from Utah) and she's the sweetest, least worldly person I've ever met. She always has words of encouragement when I'm struggling too. The one that I have the most in common with is Hermana Hales. She's from L.A. and she's 20- she also goes to BYU. SHe easily has the best sense of humor in the room (besides mine, obvi) and we like a lot of the same TV shows and music artists and all that kind of stuff.

Anyways, it was really awesome seeing the Wilsons a couple of times the first day because they're leaving soon. I've also seen a lot of people that I recognize from BYU- some from my ward, even, and I've also seen Jenna Fuller (She's leaving soon and is really excited to not have to eat MTC food anymore. I'm Jealous). I haven't seen Hanna yet :( But Elder Smith, the Smith's in our stake's cousin is in my district. He's a funny guy but his Spanish is pretty rough at this point like mine is. Speaking of Spanish I'd say that's the hardest part about this whole thing so far. I really wish I would've taken Spanish before this because I'm super lost and the people that took it in high school/ college at least have somewhat of a clue. I think I figured out that people who told me they hated the MTC before I came here were the ones who were going on missions that weren't English speaking and the ones who liked it were... I can see why they felt that way cuz it's super hard to teach the gospel in English- let alone in a foreign language. I don't hate it here though. I have faith that I'll be able to improve more and more if I study hard and have the Spirit with me. I ain't comin' home if that's what you're wondering! I love you guys and please keep the letters coming because they really do keep me going (I know that's what everyone says, but it's true). I miss you and I hope you're staying safe! Give Jasper a kiss from me.

<3 Tess
aka Hermana Crawford

Here's a pic from me in class, and yes that's drool.

p.s. I drew my hair wavy and my eyelashes less luscious than they usually are because I have hardly any time to shower, let alone do my hair/make-up... but my clothes are cute!