Hello from the United States! I have so much I could say that I hardly know what to say! My final week at the CCM was so fun! Lots of pictures, a bit of spoiling (and curdling too if you know what I mean), and it was also a little sad. I had to say goodbye to all of my friends and my district as we were all going our seperate ways. Sunday night after the MTC video we ended our run with a slideshow of pictures of the departing missionaries, and then the Elder in my district who is learning how to conduct finished his training by conducting the closing hymn in front of 500 missionaries. I'm not exactly sure how to describe that experience, but it was magnificent. WE had a testimony meeting with all the departing missionaries and my district elected me to go up and bear my testimony and represent them. I was so honored and it was a really cool experience. Then it was time for goodbyes, which I won't really go into because y'all know how bad I am at last words. The next three days were a kind of torture as this Hermama McCurdy watched her new little family leave one by one until I was the only one left. Then with the other Elders going to my mission we got in a big van and didn't look back.
On the plane I flew over the Gulf Coast which was so pretty! I will totally miss Mexico and many things about it. I sat next to this lady who has a novelic romance with a marine in Africa. She was so nice! Also there was a french speaking family on the plane that I talked to in French which was so cool! Who knew that I would use my french in Mexico!? After making friends with two adorable little girls named Michelle and Camille in customs, we found ourselves with the 27 other missionaries (5 sSpanish speaking) who came from the Provo MTC. The next morning we met up with our trainers. A trainer is a missionary who is more experienced and who knows how to do things, helps and teaches you, and in my case acts as my Spanish teacher! I got super lucky in the trainer department as I have not just one, but two! Hermana Jorgensen is my "mom". She has been on her mission for 7 months and is super nice! My "Tia" (or Aunt) is Hermana Sumison, who has been on her mission for 13 months. She is super funny, plays softball, and her Spanish is great. Then they sent me out into the world to go teach about what makes me happiest in the world: the Gospel, and these are my observations:
1. Hispanic people usually don't know where Connecticut is and I have to tell them that I'm from New York City.
2. I love Spanish food.
3. One day I plan on mastering tortilla making.
4. I apparently have a "beautiful accent"
This week has also been interesting for other reasons. I ate a booger flavored jelly bean on a dare. It was honestly awful but what worries me most is if this is the first step in becoming like Elder Martin. My experience has also increased! This saturday we had a baptism for two beautiful kids named Brandon and Kimberly. They asked me to say the closing prayer at their baptism and I was really nervous but it went good I think. But the Spanish is really coming a long super well! I love to learn it! And I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn it! Sometimes I step back and remember that I am on a grand adventure learning Spanish and helping people change their lives in Texas and I can't keep from smiling from how lucky I am. We were teaching this little old lady about the priesthood this week and I was pondering in my heart about how I wished that the Savior was there because he knew how to teach her perfectly! And then I remembered a scripture from Matthew 18, which says, "From where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them." I know that the Savior has called me to serve the people of Texas! I know that it is him that I represent. I know that he is with me in his lessons and that he is using me as his instrument in bringing about the miracles in the lives of his children. My joy is full and I think my favorite part of the gospel is that the Lord keeps giving me a bigger cup.
I love all of you and hope that you are having a wonder full week! My address is 16350 Ella Blvd, Apt 816, Houston, TX 77090, and I would love to get mail if that's not too much trouble.
All my love,
-Hermana McCurdy
These are my pictures from this week. I made friends with a cute little snake that was sitting on my chair, my food, the family with two kids that got baptized, and me and my dear companions. I love you guys!
-Hermana McCurdy
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