Sister Brugger and Sister Ackerson enter the MTC

Wow! It's been a great week, but I must say that today was the best. Whitney and I went to the Provo Missionary Training Center to volunteer in the TRC (Teaching Resource Center). The TRC is where they bring in volunteers so that the missionaries can practice teaching the lessons to people in a living room setting. We signed in and filled out some paperwork in the Administration Building and then went to one of the other buildings to volunteer. We were told that the first round we would be with someone who had been volunteering for a while and so we could just sit back and observe what we were supposed to do. Well, the other girl was a little late so the senior missionary couple sent us to one of the rooms and told us, "If a girl walks in, you're member missionaries and can observe. If the elders knock, you're investigators." Well, we walked in and it really did kinda look like a living room. There were couches and chairs and little tables with lamps and plants. There was even a little TV in the corner, but I don't think it worked. :) The elders knocked, so we were investigators for the first "round." It was so powerful! The Spirit is so strong there, it feels kinda like the temple. I was a little bit nervous because I wasn't sure if I would be able to pretend to be an investigator, but it went well. The first companionship of missionaries taught us about the Restoration, and issued the challenge to us to pray to know that Heavenly Father loves us and is aware of us. I already know that, but I think I'm going to do it anyway. They also issued the challenge to us to read the Book of Mormon. The second companionship taught about the Plan of Salvation and asked us if we would be willing to go to church on Sunday. Being there in the MTC strengthened my testimony and made me so excited about missionary work. I am so proud of all my friends who are out serving, and it makes me excited for Steve and Mike to serve. The gospel is SO true! Sometimes I just want to go tell everyone I meet about the church, because I know how much it will bless their lives. Missionary work is so amazing! I saw a few of my friends while I was there, Elder Alex George and Elder Redge Ballard. That was a little strange, but really cool too. Being in the MTC makes me really, really want to serve a mission, but I know that whatever Heavenly Father knows is best for me will happen. :) I can't wait to go back next week!

 Love Always,
Mallory