Merry Christmas!

z rizdvo! (Merry Christmas...ish. haha)

Well hello family :) It was great to talk to you this morning! (evening...ha.)
I just wanted the world to know that I've made it safe and sound in Ukraine. Lutsk, to be more specific! My trainer's name is Sister Van Stokkom from the Netherlands, and she's so great. I love it here so much already! 
This letter is going to be all over the place, FYI! haha. 
The last week of the MTC was a blast. I had so much fun, and was a little sad to leave the MTC to be honest (I bet anyone who's been in the MTC would think I was lying, but I seriously LOVED IT!) I was also sad to leave our teachers, but they'll be fine without us.
Our flight to Ukraine was so fun. We flew to New York first, and we were out of our minds excited. After New York we flew over to Amsterdam where I met two of the coolest people. A young man from Turkey who is studying in DC right now, and a woman from New York City. What do you get when you put a Mormon, a Muslim, and an unaffiliated in a plane ride together? They all want to be Mormon. That's right. We had a 4 hour conversation about the church, and it was wonderful. The young man said he felt like God put us on the plane next to each other, and the woman told me that I should be a spokesperson for Mormons because she wanted to be a Mormon after talking to me. (I assured her that she could become one...of course. I'm a missionary.) Then we flew to Kiev. This was the second flight that I was split up from everyone in my district and I sat with a southern belle from Georgia, and a man from the Netherlands. What do you get when you put a former Athiest, a Mormon  and a southern baptist together? They all want to be Mormon. I committed both of them to read the book of Mormon, and one even started reading it on the plane. She said, "I've been feeling like the Lord has been preparing me the last few weeks for something really big. What if this is it?" I smiled and told her that it was. We'll see what happens with her. I loved it. 
My plane rides to Ukraine were wonderful, but I didn't get any sleep whatsoever. So in a span of 59 hours, I had slept for a grand total of 120 minutes. Not lying. I suffered from SEVERE jet lag for about 5 days. I think yesterday was the first day that I felt almost normal. During weekly planning on Thursday I had to stand up and jump around because I was falling asleep, and then I almost fell over because I was so tired. I honestly couldn't even see straight. I think my eyes were crossed eyed for multiple days. Haha. Oh man. 
Well the people here are so interesting. I can't draw any conclusions since I've only been here for a week, but everyone shouts at each other. They're not mad, that's just how they are. And if they don't like you, they'll say it. They just say whatever's on their mind at any times. People can tell I'm not from Ukraine within seconds though...I can't figure out how they know just by looking at me. Once I talk, it's a dead giveaway that I'm from America. When I met one of the members in the branch, he heard me talk and then said, "Oh? From America? I thought you were from Russia because you're so pretty." What on earth does that mean. Apparently Americans aren't pretty enough for Ukrainians? haha...too funny.
The branch is great. I love the branch president, and the members as well. There's this little man in the branch that is so hilarious, and I got to hear all about him from my MTC teachers last week, so when I met him I was so happy! I felt like I was meeting all these fictional characters that I've spent the last 10 weeks hearing stories about.
OH! Also....we were going through the area book and I pulled a name out from a former investigator from years ago. I told my comp we should call him, and she was a little reluctant. She called him though, and he agreed to have us come over. When we got there, he was telling us about "His missionaries" He pulled out pictures of none other than Bro. Feil (my MTC teacher) and then another picture of my other MTC teacher Bro. Adams! Then he showed us a picture at his baptism.....whoops. Turns out he was a less active member, and we had an old teaching record of him. Haha...it was a wonderful meeting though, and he wants to meet with us again. We're going to work with him and try to get him active again and get his wife baptized. 
It's been such an exciting, stressful, wonderful week, and I'm so happy to be here!! 
Merry Christmas to you all, and thank you so much for all the letters and packages (Millers, Jenny, Trevor, Vikki!! I love you all!!) 
Happy Holidays! :) Until next week.


Sister Webber

Oh, strasvoitse!

That means hello in Russian. I'm starting to pick that up here in the MTC as well, since our Sacrament meeting and our zone is all Russian.

Well hello! This is my last week in the MTC, I can't believe it's already here. I got my travel plans to Kiev. We fly through New York, Amsterdam, and then Kiev. Our first flight leaves at 830 am, and we land at 230pm the following day. What a long day of travel! My district is stoked that we're all going to be traveling together. It'll be like a big sleepover party, except not with all the fun stuff that comes with sleepovers. Haha...
Anyway.
This week was fun. And crazy. I can't remember a whole lot that happened, but it was good. The language was frustrating, and I wanted to cry multiple times when my teachers would call me out on things that I should know, but it's fine really. I'll just be yelled at in a different language in 6 days anyway, so might as well hear all the things I'm doing wrong, right? 
Okay, I don't have a lot of time to write letters to people today, so I'm just going to give a few shout outs real quick.
1. Mom and dad--thank you for the packages! The vest, and the christmas package. Oh my goodness. I feel so loved!! 
2. Grandpa and Grandma! Thanks for the Christmas package. I love it so much! Thank you so much for the love and support. And those socks are the most comfortable socks I've ever worn in my life. I love you both so much.
3. Robin Bolton--thanks so much for the Ukrainian proclamation to the world, and Jesus the Christ! I want to try to memorize those...we'll see how that goes :) Thanks for the kind words. I loved hearing from you! I'll look for that Elder when I get to Kiev!
4. Jenny Smith. AGAIN. Thank you so much!! I loved your package and letter. I'll attach a picture with me and C. Hadfield for you. :) 
5. Janae. Cupcakes. I. Love. Cupcakes. Thank you so much! Don't worry, I ate most of them. Because I'm a girl, and I love myself. I love you so much! 
6. Last but not least. Madison Rose Webber. I'm eating cafe rio as I type this. Who knew all my dreams would come true today. I love you honey bunch.

Also, Tiana. I really don't have a lot of time to write letters today, but I love you so much!! You're the best, and I miss you tons! I better continue to hear from you while I'm in Ukraine, okay? :) 
And Lace--I have a present for you and your baby. It's at my house. Sooo I'm letting you know this because I want my family to give it to you when you have little mini lace or mini tyler. Can't wait to hear what you're having! 

So something funny that happened this week. I've been waiting for the moment that I say something ridiculously wrong in Ukrainian enough to make someone laugh hysterically. It happened this week when we were teaching the word of wisdom to one of our investigators. This was what I thought I said: "The Word of Wisdom was given to us to help us avoid harmful substances". This is what I actually said, "The Word of Wisdom was given to us to help us avoid harmful cookies." She busted up laughing, and when I realized what I said, I couldn't stop laughing and could barely compose myself to keep going. After that I said, "You can't have alcohol, tobacco, coffee, or tea." She asked why she couldn't have tea, and instead of me saying she could have "herbal tea" I told her she could still drink "Weed tea". She started busting up and said, "Um, I don't like weed tea..." And I didn't know that I had used the word for weed instead of herbal, so we just sat and laughed and then I finally said, okay....I don't know what I'm talking about. Lets move on. Haha...too funny.

Anyway. I'm so excited to be there in a week! I can't wait. I love you all, and can't wait to hear back from you! Just so you know, I'm able to receive emails, but I'll find out in a week if I can email anyone back. My email is kathryn.webber@myldsmail.net
I love you all so much! Thanks for the love and support!

Love, Sestra Veber.

Pretend hugs all around!

Advent Christmas calendars!

Cute matching companions

For Jenny Smith!! These two love you!! 

Flight Plans!!

 "The Ukrainian Eight"

 "Left pile is from Madi. Right pile is from everyone else." 

Last time at Provo Temple as a district (two aren't pictured)

"Everyone hug your companion"

12.5.12

I apologize that this is a week late! But she's still doing great!!

Privit! (hello!)

Well this week flew by. I'm at the final countdown officially! I get my travel plans tomorrow or Friday, and I leave on the 18th (Not this coming Tuesday, but the following one). Turns out, they don't let you call home on Christmas when you're in the MTC, so I just barely missed that cut! Lucky us. But we just found out that they are having at least 2 apostles come on Christmas. Dang.

Anyway. We had mission conference on Sunday with the entire MTC and it was amazing. They do this thing where they call 2 people randomly out of the crowd to bear their testimony. I had dinner with Pres. Brown last Sunday, so I realized that I may be on the radar, but wasn't too worried about it. At the end of the conference Pres. Brown said, "now's the time." Everyone gets really quiet and nervous at this point. This is what I thought he said, "I'd like to call Sister Kathryn Werber to the stand to bear her testimony first" I breathed out a massive sigh of relief, thinking I barely missed the cut. No one stood up though. It was silent for about 5 seconds, and then finally he said, "Is Sister Kathryn Werber in the stands?" My whole district was looking at me at this point, thinking he'd pronounced the name wrong or something, and my legs went numb. Elder Hadfield said, "I think that's you! GET UP THERE". Still, no one was standing up. I seriously was paralyzed. I began putting my stuff on the ground, and was just about to stand up when Pres Brown said, "Oh, there she is! Come on up Sister WARBURTON." And this cute blond girl was making her way to the front.  I was dying.

Once we got to Sacrament meeting after mission conference, I felt like I needed to get up and bear my testimony in front of our branch, mostly in gratitude that I didn't have to do it in front of 3,000 missionaries. It was the last time I'll bear my testimony in English for the next 15 months. It was a bitter-sweet experience. It makes me kind of sad to think that I am already 1/9 of the way done with my mission. I'm not even there yet! I feel like when I hit my half way mark, I'll be so sad to leave Ukraine.

Thanks so much for your packages this week mom! The spices package was a wonderful idea, I can't wait to use them all! And my district was obsessed with the advent calendars--great idea! haha. One of the Elders opened the box up and ate them all in one sitting. The impatience of a child. ;) Also, my beautiful room-girls sent me a christmas package full of goodies and letters!! I almost cried!! Thank you so MUCH GIRLS! I love you Hannah, Karen, Talia, and Janelle! :) You're the best. I'm sending you a love letter today.

Sorry that I can't send pictures today--the line for the computers was like 2 1/2 hours long. Good luck to Madi when she wants to use those, because the numbers in the MTC are going to be like 40% more than there are here now.

We had a devotional yesterday by Elder Evans, and he just told stories from his mission. It was incredible. He went to Japan, and talked about how difficult the language was. I felt like he was speaking directly to me the whole time, because I've felt so inadequate this entire MTC experience because of the language. He told a story about how he was walking down the street one day, and a dog was running up to him and his companion ready to play with them. A man ran out of his door and yelled at the dog in Japanese. The dog stopped immediately, turned around and ran back. Elder Evan's companion patted him on the back and said, "See, Elder? If that dog can learn Japanese, so can you!" I thought it was funny, but so applicable. I'm totally capable of learning a language. Millions of people have done it, and so can I. It's all going to be fine if I have faith.

So on Saturday something huge happened. Our investigator that we've been teaching for 6 weeks agreed to baptism!! It was incredible! Afterwards she told us to not tell the other missionaries because she hadn't accepted their invitations yet. It made me feel really good. Then on Monday our other investigator accepted our invitation too. He hasn't accepted everyone's invitation either. It seems soooo silly, but it was such a neat experience, and I couldn't have been happier. After my companion and I said a prayer after one of those lessons, I looked at her and said, "How great is this going to be in REAL LIFE when someone actually wants to be baptized?!" I realized that this experience I'm about to start is going to be the most incredibly joyous time in my life.

My eyes were open this week to the fact that I'll be on the other side of the world in less than 2 weeks. I keep getting little glimmers of how it's going to be, but it hasn't sunk in. I'm about to embark on a journey that will change the way I am for the rest of eternity. It's going to be the refiner's fire of the century, but I'm going to be a better person for it, and I'm going to help change the lives of many people. I cannot WAIT.

I can't tell you how excited I am to serve in Ukraine. I would not be doing this if I didn't know with my whole heart that this is the true church, that Jesus Christ really did Atone for our sins, and through Him we can return to our loving Heavenly Father. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today! I love him! This gospel brings me so much happiness and joy. :) I love it.

Madi-Happy birthday tomorrow! You're going to like my present a lot, I hope :) I can't believe you're 20. I'm getting old ;) 

I sure love you all!! Thanks for all the support and letters, and packages! You're the best! :)

All my love and prayers,

Sister Kate Webber

ps. My ukraine address (apparently there isn't much problem with the mailing system there according to my teachers...don't know why everyone freaked me out about it)

Sister Kathryn Sabria Webber

vul. Yabluneva 1

s. Sofiivska Borshahivka

Kyevo-Svyatoshinskiy rayon

Kyiv oblast 08131

Package address

Sister Kathryn Sabria Webber

vul. Yabluneva 1, s. Sofiivska Borshahivka

Kyevo-Svyatoshinskiy rayon

Kyivska oblast 08131

UKRAINE.

I love you!

добре ден!

(good day!)

 

Where to begin?!

Thursday: The rumors were stewing about which special guest we'd get to see...mostly just people guessing their favorites. At breakfast I nonchalantly said, "Elder Holland's coming today." My district looked at me as if I knew something they didn't know (they really think I have connections with everyone. Little do they know, they're right.). I said it with such assurety that they had to believe me. It didn't come as a surprise to me when Elder Holland walked through the doors of our morning devotional. Everyone was out of their minds excited! As he walked in the room---it was like a wave swept over me. The Spirit of God came with him, and it was one of the most distinct moments in the history of my life. It hit me before I even saw him come in, before anyone even stood up. In that moment, I KNEW. as if anything I've ever known before was the most shallow belief. I could feel it in every ounce of my body, that this was the literal power of the Almighty God that accompanied this man. I was 12 rows away from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. I could feel an overwhelming sense of love as he and his wife spoke. He testified the most powerful testimony I've ever heard of Joseph Smith. The spirit impressed me with some incredibly sacred things while Elder Holland spoke, and my purpose as a missionary has been made concrete in my heart. I couldn't be more excited and ove joyed that I get to have this humbling privilege to be a missionary. What an honor.

The Hollands told us that we needed to divorce our families for the day because they were adopting us as their children for Thanksgiving. I thought it was a cute and heartfelt gesture. As I looked out at the sea of missionaries, I realized that we really are all brothers and sisters; sons and daughters of Heavenly parents who love us. I always knew that, but in that moment, it was retestified to me.

Our meal was cafeteria food--instand mashed potatoes, but dont' worry. They had brown sugared yams. It was great. :) I also got to eat that delicious pumpkin bread you sent me! Thank you so much for that!

That night we watched 17 miracles and they handed out the most amazing kettle corn popcorn that's ever graced this earth. It was incredible, and I bawled like a baby during the movie. Gets me everytime. All the elders in my district were stealing all of sister olds' tissues that she brought.

The Ukrainian is coming. Last week for TRC we didn't have volunteers since it was the night before Thanksgiving, so we just practiced "door knocking" with each other. I prayed that I would take it seriously and not think of it as a silly Elder in my district. Let me tell you, it was so cool. I had a really neat experience and realized that I'm actually going to be okay when I'm in Ukraine. My teacher was so impressed with how we were doing with the language, and told us that we shouldn't worry as much as we do. Ukrainian is such a beautiful, simple, and refined language. I just need to get all the rules, conjugations, and cases in order and I'll be okay.

Madi-I was so grateful to hear all about your temple experience this week. I prayed that I wouldn't be distracted all morning long thinking about it, because I knew it would kill me if I did. I was at gym, and honestly hadn't thought about it all morning. All of a sudden I looked down at my watch and realized that you were in your session RIGHT at that moment. It was such a tender mercy of the Lord, because I was overcome with feelings of love and respect for your decision to serve a mission. I love you Mad! Thanks for being such a great example to me. You're going to rock it in the NC.

I got called as coordinating sister for our zone this week. We have a huge zone, and had 20 sisters up until recently when they all left for Russia. I'm excited to be able to serve these wonderful sisters, and get to know them better. I already felt an increase of love toward them. I'm also considered the Mama Duck for all the new Elders that came in last week. I already love those Elders.

My branch pres, Pres. Cranney loves our district. He said this week that we're the strongest, closest, best district he's ever had while serving in the MTC branch presidency. We thought he was saying that to every district, but last night he came to our district meeting and talked to us for a long time. He said some things that I really needed to hear, and I was so grateful for him. I seriously LOVE my district. I already know I'll be friends with them forever. They are my brothers. I love my companion, my Elders, and the strong relationships we've been able to build with each other. It's been the biggest blessing.

This week I got treats from home, from Jenny Smith again (I love you so much! Elder Hadfield is starting to be self-conscious that you love me as much as you love him.), from the Miller family (Wow...those drawings and notes are the most adorable, precious gifts. Thank you so much), and from GRAMMA! Thank you for those skirts. I love them so much! I have a letter for you that I'm sending out this morning. I love you Gramma! You're the best!

I'm doing really well. This week has been so incredible, and I've learned so much about myself. I still love the MTC, but I'm incredibly excited to go to Kiev and start teaching the gospel. We get our travel plans at the end of next week. I can't BELIEVE IT! :) :) I couldn't be more excited.

So something funny that happened this week: we've been challenged to memorize a scripture in Ukrainian pretty much once every 3 days. So we're pounding those out. My teacher has this list on the board of all the scriptures we need to memorize before we leave, and once everyone in the district passes it off he puts a check mark by the scripture (side note: we pretty much only speak in Ukrainian in class, and throughout the day). When we were passing something off, our teacher said (in ukrainian) "Good job! Check mark for that one!" and then stopped for a second and said in english, actually... "I don't think that means check mark. I think that means baby rabbit."

I love Ukrainian. Haha.

Thanks for all the love and support. You are all the best. Thank you for all the letters and the kind words, it really brightens my day! I am so grateful for eternal families, and the chance I have to share that blessed truth with the people of Ukraine. I love you all!

 

You're in my prayers constantly!

Love Sister Webber.

Sister Olds and Sister Webber with the sisters they share a room with. 

(From Argentina and Spain serving at Temple Square)

Thanksgiving Dinner! :) 

If ye love me, fill my mailbox

Dobre Den Seemyu i druhi!

good day family and friends!

 

I love you all! This week was definitely a rough one, and I'm realizing that I know absolutely nothing in Ukrainian. I honestly don't know what I'm going to be like on the plane going to Ukraine (that rhymes. ha). I might be a stress case, or I might just laugh at myself thinking that this is going to be one crazy adventure. Probably the latter.

Well the highlights for the week: At the temple this morning I got to see my dear friend Trevor Smith! I couldn't have been more excited, I almost started crying even. He's been such a big support to me, and I sure love that kid!

Also at the temple, the lady who was helping us get our temple dresses was asking about where we were going on our mission. When we said Ukraine she said, "Have you seen the Seinfeld about Ukraine?! It's hilarious." Then proceeded to tell us all about it. It was really funny. You should look it up! Ever since then our district always says, "Ukraine is not WEAK."

So we have a baby genius in our district named C. Schindler. He's a musical prodigy and put together a medley of hymns and we sang a mash-up of "I know that my Redeemer Lives" and "I stand all amazed" while he played the violin. We sang it in Sacrament meeting and it sounded so SWEET! Our teachers even came to listen. When they walked in the door I about cried I was so excited. We know that we're their favorite district ever, we don't even have to ask them if we are.

I still love the MTC, and I still love my district so much. They are a hoot. The MTC food, however, is pretty gnarly after 6 weeks. Let me tell you. Madi thinks I'm joking when I ask her weekly to send me a frozen pork burrito and dressing....but I assure you, I'm not joking.

Tomorrow should be great. We have a fireside in the morning, and a fireside in the evening. I'm pretty positive we'll get to have some special guests. :) I'm excited about that. We also get to be involved with 2 service projects for the people affected by the Hurricane. We watched a little documentary about the Helping Hands in New York, and I was shocked at how bad the storm was. I had no idea. The ignorance of being a missionary....but I'm so excited to get to help out in any way that I can.

So I hear they have different wording on the mission calls now. You should compare Madi's and mine. Apparently they put the scripture Matt8:21-22 that talks about letting the dead bury their dead. My teacher talked a little about that, and said that basically means, who you were before your mission doesn't matter. Leave that in the past once you've repented for it. There's absolutely no need to go dig up your past after you've been set apart, and you need to be focussed on your purpose once you get to the MTC. I thought that was interesting, and insightful.

I'm gaining such a strong testimony of prayer. I can't believe I ever went a day without praying. I feel so close to my Father in Heaven, and I can feel His love more than ever. It brings me so much joy and happiness, and I can't even describe how excited I am to be able to share this happiness with the people of Ukraine. It's going to be here before I know it!

Madi--I'm so excited for you to serve in NC! I couldn't stop crying that night because I was so happy, and so torn because I wish I could be with you this Saturday as you go through the temple. Just know that I'll be there in Spirit, and the Lord will help me be comforted because of it. But you are a rockstar. I can't believe we get to do this together, and only be apart for 21 months instead of 3 years like we thought. Ahhhh I love you, and I couldn't be more proud!

Quinc--Heard you played in the JV game!! What on earth! Look at you. I'm so happy for you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just remember how much you love basketball, and work as hard as you can. It'll be worth it if you just remember to enjoy it and be happy :) Hope I get to hear from you this week! Love you girlie.

Janae and Harrison--I'd love to hear from you soon. It's been about a month! I think about you and pray for you all the time. I sure love you tons.

Tell Brother Durrant congrats for me, and send him my love!

  

As my MTC experience is coming to a close, I have one word to ask for anyone reading this. If ye love me, fill my mailbox. :) It's going to be difficult to have regular correspondance once I'm on the other side of the world, so here's your chance. I have only a few weeks before I depart to the land of the icicles, so send me a note this week! No note is too trivial...trust me. I love you all, and am so grateful for the support and prayers that are in my behalf!

 

all my love and prayers,

sestra webber

 

I'm so excited!

I'm not going to take too much time emailing today because I want to get on later to see where Madi gets her call! I apologize in advance! :) :) :) :) AHHHHHHHH!!!! I'm FREAKING OUT!

This week was so good. Probably the best one yet. Our Russians are leaving this week and next week, and our district will finally be the 'olders'. I can't believe it. The older districts were so smart and advanced in the language when we got here (or so it seemed). There's no way I'm in their position now. We get new districts in our zone today, and I'm so excited to be the mama duck and help them out. I can't wait! 
Sunday I got to watch the Testaments. All I can say is: I'm stoked to preach the gospel to people and tell people of those miraculous events. Jesus Christ really did appear to the people in the Americas, and He really IS risen. This is His church. I was so excited after I watched that, and am getting way ready to go to Ukraine. 


taught our district meeting on Sunday, and it went really well. For Sacrament meeting, they give everyone the topic and everyone has to prepare a talk in their new language. The way they assign talks is just picking someone randomly out of the congregation after the sacrament is passed, and they have to go up right then to speak. We call it Russian Roulette. (ha. get it?). Anyway, all Sunday morning I knew I was probably going to get picked, even though they hadn't picked any of the newbys yet. My branch president came and sat by me at lunch, and that pretty much sealed the deal. He told this story about how when he'd get interviewed to be stake pres, he'd always joke around about making a presentation and saying "These are the reasons you should pick me as stake president", just so they wouldn't pick him. An Elder in my district said, "Well these are the reasons sister webber and I should be your speakers today...." Well guess what. That backfired. I was chosen as the Sacrament meeting speaker. I told a little joke in Ukrainian at the beginning, and when my district were the only missionaries that laughed, I knew the Russians didn't understand anything. So I was free to say whatever I wanted in Ukrainian, and only 7 people out of the 50 in the room would understand. Score. But I feel like I did a really good job, and everyone was pretty impressed with how "good" my Ukrainian was (only because no one knew what I was saying). It was fun!

I got a package this week from Madi, it was so great! I also got another package from the Miller family! They are the GREATEST! Tell her I say thank you so much! :) I'm writing their family a little love note this week.
So this week I've really been trying to work on SHOWING how happy I am. I'm truly happy all. the. time. I just have a hard time showing it. Basically every time someone saw me this week they'd say, "Why are you so happy??" I think I'm finally able to express the emotion that I'm actually feeling. Who knows why that's always been a problem for me! It's funny. 

My language is coming along. I'm feeling much more confident in my lessons, and am able to express a lot more than I ever have. I still have a hard time, and always am confused with the grammar and the way they say things. It's so backwards and different than English. Yesterday I was translating a passage with my teacher during language study, and he kept saying, "Come on, you know this word." I felt like my brain was about to explode because I couldn't translate half the words. It was so hard. I was getting a little frustrated with myself after about 10 minutes of translating, and finally I stopped and said, "I feel so dumb, and everyone is listening to me." My teacher said, "Don't feel dumb, and don't you ever talk about yourself that way." I almost started crying. I realized I need to stop caring about where I am compared to everyone else. I just need to work as hard as I can and the Lord will help me out. I was allowing myself to feel overwhelmed, which is not a good emotion to allow myself to feel in the MTC. It's toxic. This language thing is tough. I'm not going to lie. But when I look at how far I've come in the last 5 weeks, I'm amazed at where I am. I studied the alphabet for 8 weeks before coming here, and still couldn't sound out a single word without my cheat-sheet. In 5 weeks I've been able to teach people about the Restoration of the Priesthood and the importance of sacred ordinances--in a different language without notes. It's a struggle. It's mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically DRAINING. I didn't realize how taxing it would be. However, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'm here because the Lord needs me here. He needs me to be stretched, and tried, and shoved to my limits. It's working, and I'm still only in the MTC. I know I'm well on my way to being the missionary God called me to be. 

This is the true church. I know it. I know that people can feel so much peace and comfort from coming unto Christ, and reading the Book of Mormon. I've seen it in my own life, and have confidence that every person in the world can know for themselves if this is the true church. I love being a missionary! I can't wait to share this experience with my SISTER! :) :) :) I'm praying for you today Madi. You're the best. I love you!

I love you family! :) 
love, Cectpa Webber.

ps. something funny that happened this week:

My teacher was asking an elder who had our back out there in the mission field.
What he should have said: The Savior
What my teacher thought he said: Michael Jackson
What the elder actually said: My companion.

It gave us a good laugh for a while.

love you!

"This tree smells like creme soda"

During a three hour weekly planning meeting. C. Hadfield got a little tired of planning. 

Cectpa Webber and Cectpa Olds 

What cute companions. 

All the Elders

 "The Ukrainian 8" 

Many are called, few are frozen

Hello my dear family and friends!

 

I'm doing well here at the MTC. I can't believe my month mark is on Saturday! Can you believe it? The subject line was a quote from one of the Russian elders in our Zone. He said that, and I thought it was perfect. In about 6 weeks, I'm going to be FREEZING all the time. But it's okay, because my excitement is growing.

First of all, this week was so wonderful. I was able to progress a lot with the language, and do a lot of things that I haven't been able to convey before with our investigators. The whole idea of investigators in the MTC seems ingenuine and fake to people not in the MTC, but it feels so real to us. It's hard to describe, but it really is so beneficial. Our teachers just role play their hardest/most difficult investigator, and we have to figure out what their problems are and why they won't just get baptized if they know it's true. It's tough, but it really helps.

What I learned this week: Missions aren't for wussies. I'm not even in the field yet, and realizing how tough this work is. The Lord is on my side, and it makes it easier, but you really have to be exactly obedient and diligent in order to have the Spirit with you at all times.

Sunday I kept getting the impression to ask C. Kelley for a blessing because I really needed one, but since he wasnt the district leader, I was hesitant. in sacrament meeting he got called as our new district leader, and afterwards I immediately asked for a blessing. It was one of the most powerful, humble blessings I've ever recieved. He was a little nervous, but I could feel the Spirit so strongly, and it was exactly what I needed to hear. I love this gospel so much. The church is true. 

Sunday night at the Fireside an Elder sang the song, "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul". I think that''s what it's called. Its the version that we always would play on Sundays. I seriously couldn''t help but tear up the whole time because it made me think of Sunday dinners at the house. I sure love you all.

I got to see so many people that I love and adore this week :) :) I could use all my time talking about it, and talking about the different people I got to see, but just know that it really boosted my morale, and was a tender mercy. (Also, I met Laura and Richard's nephew who works at the MTC. It was cool to talk about our shared cousins. I love the small Mormon world we live in).

Speaking of seeing everyone I know, my district is convinced I'm some sort of celebrity or something. I see people I know everywhere. The Elders will always comment about it, and will go up to random people when we're walking around and say, "Excuse me, do you know Sister Webber?" It's funny, especially when I actually know them. I just have to laugh at them sometimes. I could NOT do this without my wonderful district, they keep me sane. Laughing truly is such medicine to the soul, and it really takes away the stress of being in the MTC. I love them so much!

My comp and I have had our own room up until last Wednesday. We got two new roommates who have been here for 8 weeks. They're just re-doing their floor, so they had to move in. One's from Argentina, the other is from Madrid. The one from Madrid said her mother served in Barcelona around the same time as Dad. Her name was Hma Morales. Her daughter is beautiful, so I'm sure she is too! Do you know her? That would be sweet.

I was playing basketball on Monday and jammed my finger. I didnt think it was a big deal because it's happened to me before, but after a day my pinky was the size of my thumb. So I had to get it taped yesterday and have to keep ice on it. Typing is rough right now, and fairly slow.  :) I couldn't close my hand yesterday and kept forgetting, so I would drop everything I tried to pick up with my left hand. I poured skittles in my hand, forgetting that I couldn't grip anything, and they fell all over the floor. You can imagine how I'm the brunt of every joke in my district. Oh boy.

Last night I got 3 package slips. I could've cried. My DL came up and said, "Now, remember, computer time is for language study. Stop ordering packages from Ebay." They were from the family (thank you for the banana bread!!), Jen Smith (Someone get her address for me, she never puts it on anything! Ps. JEN. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Thank you thank you.) and Trevor Smith/Colony Friends. I started tearing up when I saw all the letters and the cookies. To my Colonists: You are the BEST. I promise I'll write you all back. I love you guys so much.

Oh, I also saw a co-worker from Ancestry on Sunday. Shout out to Ancestry friends. Write me, okay? :) Miss you guys.

I havent heard from Dad since last Monday I believe. Is he still alive? Let me know, I'm getting worried.

That's too bad about the election. Shout out to my main man Mitt for giving it his best. Is it funny that I'm kinda excited to be in a former communist, currently socialist country for 18 months? Joking, but not.

Last night Elder Zwick came for devo. It was the best one so far. He said in the last 30 days, they have had more SISTER missionary applications than the number of sister missionaries out in the world right now. Look out! Here comes the 10,000 strippling sisters. What an army of sisters we'll have! He also said we are the most important group of missionaries the world has ever seen. We'll have to be training this army 6 weeks into our mission. Pray that I pick up this language thing quickly. I'm going to need it.

Well, everything''s going great. I love the MTC, I love being a missionary, and I love this gospel. It's true. I testify of that. The Lord is mindful of each of you, and knows you by name. I promise he will answer your prayers if you earnestly seek for answers. What a blessing it is to have this knowledge!

all my love and prayers

-Cectpa Webber 

Happy Halloween!! I think? :)

Dobre Den Seemyu! 

(good day family!)

Didn't realize it was halloween until I started writing letters this morning. Crazy how weird the time is. It's technically "week 4" in the MTC, even though I've only been here for exactly 3 weeks. Time is flying, but it still feels like I've been here for my entire life. It's weird to think that I just met my district 3 weeks ago. We're family. I love each and every single one of them!! I'm having so much fun, and loving the MTC. I can't believe I'm already a third of the way done with it already. Life is so good.
Sunday I was able to watch Character of Christ, a fireside given by Elder Bednar on Christmas last year. LIFE CHANGING. He told the most touching story about a single mother who lost her only daughter, and the mother inside of me was dying. I cried like a baby. That was one of the most influential talks I've ever listened to. He's definitely a man of God.
I had my first TRC last week. It was a success! The language is coming along. I taught a lesson last Thursday without any notes and was able to have a real-ish conversation in my broken Ukrainian. Afterwards, my investigator (really my teacher) was so impressed with me and my companion. But honestly, it wasn't us at all. We both knew it was the Lord helping us. There's no way we could've held a 40 minute conversation in a different language, while only being here for 2 weeks and a day. It was crazy.
Another interesting thing, some days I totally get Ukrainian, other days, I have no idea what anyone's saying. It's like God is giving me little glimpses that He's really the one in control, and I have to rely on him 100%. My teacher was talking in Ukrainian for a good 15 minutes without a word of English, and my eyes were like O.O I had no idea what she was saying. I was concentrating so hard and really focused...and all of a sudden it was like a light turned on in my head. Everything she was saying was perfectly clear to me. I understood every word. And then just as fast as it came on, about 3 minutes later the light turned off. I get some of these experiences every so often throughout the day. The gift of tongues, and the gift of interpretation of tongues is real. I have such a testimony of it. 
Jenna Miller and her family sent me a package this week. I almost cried from surprise and happiness! Little Brenna wrote me the cutest note and drew me a picture. I have it in my room. Tell her thanks so much for me! :) 
The other day I was sitting in class, and it hit me. I'm a MISSIONARY. I can't believe it sometimes, but I'm so happy and honored to be able to have this calling. It's the greatest blessing. They're really pounding the fact that missionaries should be here for the right reasons. They can't have any lukewarm missionaries going out into the world. The Lord need valiant servants to bring people to Him. 
Do me a favor. Go back and watch the Mormon Message about the Ukraine temple. We watched it on Monday and we understood the Ukrainian kids! It was so cool. When I watched it a few months ago, I was thinking...there is NO WAY that language will ever make sense to me. But guess what, it's starting to. :) What a neat experience it is to be able to go to the mission with the temple. That's all any of the Russian zones say when we tell them we're going to Kiev. "OH! THE TEMPLE! You're so lucky!!" We really are. I can't wait to go there! That message made me so excited to get to the country and start inviting others to Christ. I thought my heart would burst when I was watching it. I already have such a love for the people of Ukraine. It's the greatest.
I honestly am so happy all the time. I dont' even know why, because I'm so tired! The sisters in our zone will always ask if I'm sure I'm truly happy. I'm not sure what that means, but I think a lot of girls here came because they didn't really know what else to do with their lives. I came because I wanted to serve my Heavenly Father, and be a missionary. When you know why you're here, and you've received a confirmation that this is where you need to be, you'll be just fine. This is the Lord's work. He'll help you out! 
One of the coolest things about the MTC is when we sing, "We'll bring the world His truth." They change the words from "And we will be the Lord's missionaries" to "And we are NOW the Lord's missionaries". Gets me every single time. Brings tears to my eyes to think about that.
Something funny about the language: I was hardly speaking it the first 2 weeks because I felt like I was always pronouncing it wrong or going to make mistakes. Finally, I just realized that this is the place to make mistakes and figure out how to really speak it. Some elders in my district have no shame talking, or saying the wrong words on accident. During a lesson that two of our elders were giving, the investigator started busting up, and couldn't explain why he was laughing so hard. Turns out instead of saying "We need prayer", he said, "We mushroom prayer." Kind of funny. :) 
Thanks so much for the package. Those pumpkin spice cookies were incredible. I'm obsessed. Thanks for all the letters and support. You'll never know how much it means to me. I love you, I love you, I love you I do! I'm praying for you always. You're the best!

Love, cectpa webber.

ps. I changed the ukrainian spelling on my name. It used to read Veber, but I changed it to Ooeber (obviously different characters in Ukrainian). Turns out they don't really like Germans over there, and won't talk to people who look German. What sounds more german than Veber? So I changed it....haha :)

Sister Webber and her companion, Sister Olds

At the temple

Sister Webber and Sister Berit Green