The MTC gave to me.....

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. The holiday was AMAZING here. We had plenty of physical and spiritual enrichment all of last week, and I feel so blessed to be here this time of year. If I have to be away from family during the holidays, this is by far the best place to be.

During our Christmas devotional last week, we had an "intermediate hymn" of the 12 Days of Christmas... at the MTC. I want to share the lyrics, because they pretty much sum up my life for the past 7 weeks. I'll start from the end and work my way to the beginning:

On the twelth day of Christmas, the MTC gave me:

12 hours of class - this is not an exaggeration. We literally spend at least 12 hours a day learning and studying. It's incredible. I don't think I have ever poured so much of myself into my studies, and I feel like I have never learned so much so quickly. I love it.

11 loads of laundry - I am in fact sitting in the laundry room as I write this waiting for my dryer to be done. One load of laundry per week... times 10, plus one extra the last day before I leave. This wouldn't be a big deal if the laundry room in the MTC wasn't the MOST stressful place on earth. Circling for open machines like a vulture, and trying to pump out as many letters as I can in the mean time can not be good for my blood pressure.

10 MORE commandments. Well, probably more than 10. As most of you know missionaries have plenty of additional rules to follow, and although some of them can be more than inconvenient at times, I know they are for our benefit, and we are all blessed proportionate to our obedience (missionary or not!)

9 outbound calls - We actually get more than that, but this line is referring to our opportunity to make calls in the Referral Center which we do twice a week. I'm pretty sure I've already shared a few RC experiences, and it is a great opportunity to share my testimony with REAL people.

8 hours of rest - and that's it. Not enough.

7 lukewarm showers - one shower per day, per person. Actually they don't ration showers, but that's ALL we have time for, if we're lucky.

6:30 wakeup - I'm sure you can imagine this is my FAVORITE thing about the MTC! Waking up hours before the sun every day! I'm delighted to inform you that my body has adjusted suprisingly well to this, and even though I'm super tired by the end of the day, I manage to get out of bed just fine every morning.

5 HOURS OF GYM! This is great... it's so nice to have a little break once a day (5 days/week) and burn off some serious energy after those 12 hours of class.

4 chocolate milks - I haven't taken full advantage of this blessing... Although I am an out-of-the-closet-BYU-Creamery-chocolate-milk-fan, with all the other junk food I've been eating I've had to be careful... :D

3 new companions - I'm not really sure who wrote this song or what this line means, but I, fortunately, have only have one companion, and I LOVE her (see previous posts).

2 haircuts free - This one applies more to the Elders who have very strict guidelines on the length of their hair. I in fact could use a hair cut, but have learned from more than one experience a free (or cheap) haircut is NEVER good one. I think I can wait a couple weeks until I get to Arizona...

AND FINALLY... on the first day of Christmas, the MTC gave me:

A rock solid testimony! And it's true. This really has been a wonderful experience, and even in this short time I can look back and realize how much I've grown in my love for this Gospel. I know with all my heart that these things I will be teaching ARE true. Jesus is the Christ. He lives, and He loves us. His Church has been restored on the earth as He established it while He was on the earth. I'm so grateful for this knowledge, and this experience that I have to share it.

Well, that's my MTC experience in 12 lines (más o menos). I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas... Thank you for all of the cards, letters, and packages! I love you.

Prospero Año,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Merry Christmas!

I would like to share with you a piece of some of my lessons this week. We have been talking a lot about the importance of our Savior, and the power of the Atonement, and one of my teachers, Hermano Haight, shared a "lema" (motto) with us that inspired success in some missionaries in Japan.

Obedience is the price
Faith is the power
Love is the motive
The Spirit is the key
Christ is the reason.

I have been thinking about this a lot, and I believe it can have a lot of meaning and power in our lives, even for those of you who aren't missionaries, or even LDS (Mormon). Christ is the reason for everything we have... We are so indebted to him as our mediator and our Savior. If it weren't for His life and death, I would not have a message to share, nor would my "normal" life have much meaning either.

This time of year is the perfect time to reflect on the birth and life of Jesus Christ, whose life was a gift from God, given to us so that we may have eternal life, the GREATEST of all the gifts of God. (See John 3:16, and D&C 14:7).

I'm so grateful for the GIFTS that the Gospel has brought to me, and I would like to share them with you.

First, my family and the knowledge that we are an eternal family, sealed together for time and all eternity. Despite our challenges and problems, we will have the opportunity to live together forever with God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has helped me be a better daughter and sister, and someday wife and mother.

Second, the Comforter. John 14:26 - after baptism I was given the gift of the Holy Ghost, to comfort, to guide, and to testify of truth. I am grateful for the many ways the power of the Spirit has blessed my life. I have been comforted through times of trial, received answers to prayers, and gained my own testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Third, my understanding of the Plan of Salvation. Becuase I know God's plan for me and for each of His children, I have a "road map" that tells me where I'm going and how to get there. There is safety and comfort in having a plan, and a perspective on this life.

Since I'm limited on time, I'll share only one more. The Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement provides a very real cleansing, healing, and comforting power, and it is only through it that we may be saved. I know, and am both amazed and comforted by the fact that after all we can do, Jesus Christ will make up the difference.

"If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must reach out for the Carpenter's hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth." (Thomas S. Monson, 2008) I would invite you to celebrate Christ this Christmas by following His example, and make this Christmas the very BEST Christmas ever.

Merry Christmas

Love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

ROOT CANAL

So my big event this week was leaving the MTC to get a root canal. It was an adventure... my companion and I haven't been in a vehicle for 5 weeks, nor have we seen outside of a 1 mile radius. Needless to say, it was quite an adventure.

Turns out I had a really "inflamed pulp" - or at least that's what the entodontist said. They took care of it, and I feel a hundred times better! My first drink of cold water afterwards was incredible - I had acclamated to the cold sensitivity, and I hadn't realized it was bothering me THAT much. Since I'm a missionary I'm going to turn this into a spiritual analogy for you all :)

Sometimes in life we are going along, doing our thing (making mistakes along the way) without realizing how off track we are. When we finally take the time to stop and analyze, we recognize just how much harm has been done along the way, and how really necessary repentance is. Repentance can be a painful process, but the end result is always worth it. Having our sins removed through the power of the Atonement can very literally feel like a pain being removed. And if I learned anything from my former perpetual toothache, it is to not procrastinate the day of repentance! (Alma 34:34)

I know I talked about repentance and the Atonment last week, and probably the week before, but I just keep seeing how REAL of a power it is as I watch people who have changed their lives.

In other news this week... the fire alarm in our residence hall went off at around midnight. Of course like good missionaries we were all in bed sleeping, so we had to roll out of bed, get shoes on and bundle up to head out into the cold (snowy!) weather. The unexpectedness of the situation combined with our tiredness led to some interesting reactions to the whole fiasco. One of the sisters in our room happens to be the coordinating sister, and she made sure we all had our nametags before we left the building! Way to be responsible. I took the time to remind them to bring their journals in case it was a real emergency (you wouldn't want to lose all those memories, right?!)... The really funny thing was I said this in Spanish, without even thinking about it! When we finally got back into our rooms about 30 minutes later, we were awake enough to laugh at everything that had just happened. My sisters are relieved to know that when my brain goes into "fight or flight" mode my native language is apparently Spanish!

I can't believe there are only 10 more days until Christmas. I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season, and not getting too stressed about it. Hermana Taylor and I have been studying in the main building (1M for those of you who have been through here) because there's a Christmas tree and music, and we enjoy this taste of the holiday ambience! Be grateful for everything that you have, and remember from whom it came. Happy Holidays!

Love,

Hermana Ouellette

NOTE FROM THE MOM (THE PERSON MAINTAINING THIS UPDATE!): I'M RUNNING OUT OF PICTURES OF RICHELLE (on the home computer) TO POST TO THE BLOG. HOWEVER, SHE SENT PICTURES HOME THIS WEEK, AND WE WILL SCAN THEM AND GET THEM POSTED SHORTLY. ONCE SHE IS IN ARIZONA, I'M HOPING SHE CAN SEND DIGITAL PICS! FOR THOSE OF YOU FOLLOWING THE BLOG, AND WRITING TO RICHELLE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. I KNOW SHE IS TRULY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CARING ACTIONS. IT HELPS KEEP HER MOTIVATED.

SNOW!

It has been snowing here for the past two days, and I love it! Everything is covered in a fresh, white blanket of snow and it's so beautiful! It does make me miss home a little though... so many memories trudging/driving through a snowstorm to get to class/work, etc. I have to enjoy it, because after January, I'm pretty sure I won't see a single snowflake for almost 2 years!

Our district is officially on week 5, and for everyone else, that's halfway through! ALREADY?! Turns out I have to be here one week longer than the rest of the district because of the transfer schedule in Tempe... I'm not sure my stomach can handle that (see post 1 about cafeteria food), but I think it will be good for my language skills... I'll probably end up with an advanced district, which is usually full of native speakers.

Hermana Taylor and I had a great experience in the TRC again this week. We had the opportunity to teach one of our teacher's friends, Stacey. Stacey is 19 years old and was diagnosed with leukemia in August. She is so beautiful and has such a glow to her, despite the trials she is going through; her strength was such a testimony to me. It was an amazing experience to share our testimonies of the Atonement, and how Christ has suffered every SINGLE thing we go through in this life, in order to succor us. I love the scripture in Alma 7:11-13 that talks about the Savior suffering our pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses, infirmities - I know that He did this to be able to run to us, and help us through our burdens. Because He has already experienced everything we suffer, He knows exactly how to relieve the weight from our shoulders. It is only through His Atonement that we can be made whole, and return to live with our Father in Heaven again. I loved being able to tell Stacey that I KNOW that Christ has overcome physical death in order that we can be perfected in Him. (Just like the white snow outside right now! "Though thy sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow" - Isaiah 1:18)

I really enjoyed the First Presidency Christmas Devotional this weekend. I hope you all had a chance to watch it! If not, it's available on the homepage of lds.org! The music was BEAUTIFUL and I loved hearing the testimony of the prophet. I would echo their words and invite you to not get too caught up in the commercial side of Christmas. I have it easy because I'm stuck in the MTC and can't leave even to go Christmas shopping! Those of you who know me may realize what this is doing to me! But honestly, that's one of the things that I love most about this place... there are no distractions of the world and I can focus on the things that matter most in this life: God, Charity, family, friends, etc... Make the most of this holiday season, and take the time to remember our Savior and His life.

Much love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Happy Thanksgiving

Feliz Dia de Accion de Gracias! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with your families... You all have been in my mind and prayers! MTC Thanksgiving was nothing like it should be with family, and home cooked food. BUT, we did get to hear from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and the fake pie wasn't TOO bad.

Elder Holland came prepared with answers to questions that missionaries had written a couple weeks ago. That informal part of his talk was very interesting, and definitely eye-opening. He also talked about the many things that he is grateful for. He has such a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the impact of his mission on his life. Elder Holland also spoke of the blessing of his eternal family; Sister Holland spoke briefly, and she mirrored his comments. It was clear that they have such a great relationship, and that's something that I look forward to someday... SOMEday... don't worry, not anytime soon! :)

I took the opportunity Thursday to also reflect on the things that I am grateful for, and they're pretty much the same as Elder Holland's. I'm so grateful for my knowledge of the Restored Gospel, and for the Atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for my family, for their love for me, and for my parents for teaching me the truth. Right now I'm especially thankful for the opportunity that I have to be on a mission and to share the Gospel and invite people to come unto Christ.

I realize that I maybe haven't sounded very humble in my last few updates... Yes, I am learning Spanish at record speed, and yes, I feel like Hermana Taylor and I are teaching well. HOWEVER, I can not take credit for any of this. I am relying so strongly on the Spirit to help me know what to say, and how to touch the lives of the people we teach. I have been thinking this week about the scripture in Ether 12:6 that says: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble..." I have definitely been humbled by God's power, and feel blessed to be able to recognize his hand in my life.

We figured out this week at breakfast one morning that we won't leave the MTC until next decade... A daunting thought, but I'm doing my best to make the most of it; I really do love it here!

Love you all,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

MTC - Week 2

Still going strong here at the MTC... despite the severe lack of sleep. One of our roommates, Hermana Erickson left for New Jersey today, so we were up late helping her pack and then had to get up early this morning to send her off. It's hard to say goodbye to people here because we become such great friends so quickly... but we're all excited for her to get to the field, and I now I'm really looking forward to my own departure date.

So apparently I was talking and singing in my sleep this week... IN SPANISH. Boo-ya. I don't remember dreaming in Spanish, but from what I've heard from language teachers and people who have learned a second language, this is a pretty good sign. It's definitely taking a lot of effort on my part though... I learned 56 new Spanish verbs on Sunday. At this rate, I'll probably speak better Spanish than English when I get home.

Hermana Taylor and I had a great experience in the TEC (Teaching Evaluation Center) this week. We can make appointments there during our free time to practice our teaching skills with MTC teachers posing as Church Investigators. We went with the goal of adapting to teach to the needs of our investigator so we can help the people we are teaching understand how the Restored Gospel will benefit their lives. We prayed to be led by the Spirit and the lesson was such a success! Our "investigator" was from Moldova, and didn't really understand God, or see a need for prayer. We were able to share examples, scriptures, and testimony to help her understand that God is her Loving Heavenly Father and he hears and answers our prayers. We saw the feedback from that and another TEC appointment, and basically the teachers said that Hermana Taylor and I will single-handedly destroy the forces of evil.

I really do have a testimony that God hears our prayers, and DOES answer them, even if it's not always the answer we are looking for. I have received distinct answers to my personal prayers that I know have changed my life for the better.

I have been thinking a lot this week about Mosiah 2:41. Basically it says that the Lord will bless us spiritually AND temporally for our obedience. I can see the blessings in my own life that have come from my obedience to the commandments of God. I know that when we are choosing the right and standing in holy places, things will ALWAYS work out. I believe that happiness is just another commandment, and we can keep it (and therefore be happy) by following the other commandments.

Hope all is well in your families and homes.

Much love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

MTC - Week 1

Week one, almost done! I LOVE it here at the MTC (Missionary Training Center)! The days are ridiculously long and the food is not great, but I love the work that I'm doing. I have so many amazing opportunities to teach and bear my testimony, and my own testimony of Jesus Christ continues to grow every time I share it.

I got placed in an intermediate spanish class and the 4 other people in my class make up my district. There is a triple of elders, and my companion, Hermana Taylor (more on her later). Everyone in my district has red hair, so they all look like a family. I obviously don't have red hair, so I'm the odd one out... Although my freckles help me fit in a little bit. We've been joking about how I'm the "sister from another mister", or "hermana de otro papa".

Hermana Taylor (my companion) is great. I was worried about adjusting to spending 24/7 with someone, but since I have to do it, I'm glad it's with her. She's from Southern California and she's heading to the SLC mission. SLC mission doesn't sound that fun until you realize that she has several temples and every single apostle living within her misison. Awesome. One of our teachers, Hermano Haight, served in the same mission and he has a picture of him and his companion at a dinner appointment with Pres. Hinckley. No big deal.

I'm learning Spanish pretty quickly... they have us start praying in Spanish on day 2, and basically the total immersion helps a lot. I'm surprised at how fast the language is coming back to me. I keep thinking or saying phrases in Spanish rather than English without even really thinking about it. Can't wait to be completely fluent.

The Spirit is so strong here. The situations aren't unlike others that the Spirit would be present, but the feelings are completely intensified, perhaps because of the setting... Thousands of people my age, working towards the same purpose of helping people come to Christ. On Sunday we had the opportunity to listen to Sister Oaks, AND Sister Sheri Dew, who are both such great speakers. What a wonderful place this is!

Through learning how to teach the lessons of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, I've already feel like I've come so much closer to my Savior, and I've only been here a week! I can't imagine what I'll be feeling at the end of 9 weeks... or 18 months for that matter. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be here, and to be a full time missionary for the Church. Thank you so much to everyone who played a part in getting me here. You all have helped me grow so much, and I love you.

Keep the letters coming! My favorite way of getting mail is through DearElder.com (while I'm in the MTC). It's as easy as emailing for you, but I don't have to wait until Tuesdays (my preparation day) to get the message! Snail mail letters (and packages!) are also greatly appreciated! I'll do my best to get back to all of you, but I'm working with a really limited amount of time. If you don't hear from me for a while, it's not because I don't love you! Hope you all are doing great in the "real world".

Much love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Family Photos-Day Before Leaving

These are the family pictures from the day before Richelle left from Rochester. We visited the Peter Whitmer Farm, where the LDS church was organized on April 6, 1830. We also visited the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center, where the statue of the Christ is. Other pictures are taken at the Joseph Smith Homestead in Palmyra, New York. The pink back hoe was on the way to the Whitmer Farm...Richelle and Kendelyn couldn't resist the photo op.

The last picture was taken here in Connecticut near the time of Eric high school graduation...the kids hate it when I say I want a family photo! Anyway, thought you might enjoy the photos of the whole family.

Pat-TM

Richelle's Home in CT

Thought I'd give some background to Richelle's roots. This is a picture of her current home in Connecticut. It's a farmhouse, built in 1784 (BEFORE George Washington was President of the US!!). This was taken last winter--it hasn't snowed yet this year (thankfully!)....But as you can see, a mission call to Arizona and her arrival there in January 2010 might be looking pretty good! I know summers are hot, but at least she won't have to shovel snow for a couple of years. Seems to me she might have an adjustment coming home!

I expect to hear from her next week. We've already mailed a package and a letter, so her spirits should be UP. Thanks again to all of you who have supported Richelle in this endeavor. She sure has made lots of friends in her journey through life.

Love to all, Pat-TM (The Mom) :)

Day 2 - MTC Arrival (11/11/2009)

Well, as blog-challenged as I am, I have made it here to make my first official post to Richelle's Mission Musings! Yeah....it's 4:56 a.m., and I have seminary in a few minutes, but I thought I would quickly post Richelle's address so she can begin receiving mail....missionary life line! Thanks to all who have supported Hermana Ouellette in her endeavors. She's going to make a fantastic missionary as she learns to humbly serve the Lord.

Her MTC address is as follows:

Her full name
MTC Mailbox #153
AZ-TEM 0112
2005 N 900E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

I'm now going to attempt to upload a photo sent by Erin, the dear friend who last saw Richelle alive and well. :) OK, I know she is STILL alive and well, but do wish I could have been the one taking the pics at the MTC sign.

I talked to Richelle yesterday as she was heading to the Provo Temple to do a session with our friend who housed her in Provo. She's excited about her calling and is looking forward to "getting on with it." She's hoping lots of people will take the time to write.

Love you all!

Missionary Picture (11/9/2009)

... and I wasn't even a missionary yet. I went to the Church History sites in Palmyra and Waterloo, NY today. (If you haven't had the opportunity to visit.. GO!) While I was there all the new missionaries in the area arrived for a tour of the Visitors Center at Hill Cumorah. Elder Hamblin decided I should be in the group picture, since I'd be one of them in less than 24 hours! I think you can tell from this picture just how excited I am to get out there and do the work!

Woman on a Mission (11/9/2009)

So I've taken the plunge... sold everything I own worth anything. Given up music, movies, and men (and more)... Why, you ask? Because the gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me such intense joy, and I want to share it with everyone I know! As of Wednesday, November 11, 2009, I'll be serving a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Tempe Arizona (Spanish Speaking). I'll spend the next two months at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT, and I head to AZ on January 12, 2010. My mom will be updating this blog regularly with my emails, as a way to keep in touch with everyone. Please feel free to write to me as often as you like, I'll do my best to respond! I'm so excited for this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from all of you! For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of Mormon Missions, here's a little video that explains exactly what I'll be doing for the next 18 months :) Much love, Hermana Ouellette.