Hey Mom,

...where to begin? Today is my first P-day in the field. The past four days have been quite the adventure. Being a missionary is truly a humbling experience. Saying goodbye to my companions at the MTC was harder than I thought it was going to be (I didn't cry though) The plane ride over here was small, I mean that in a literal way. Everyone stared at us when we walked around the airport too. I was the only sister along with 15 elders. I had a lot on my mind after I finished making my phone calls and was in line just about to board. I was thinking about the next 17 months of my life (not that I'm keeping track) and this lady walked by and said "Good luck sister, I was you 27 years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done, and I've never forgotten it". It was nice to hear that from her. After the plane ride when we went to go get our luggage our mission pres, his wife, and his assistants were all there to greet us. It was refreshing to see familiar faces. It was also nice to get a hug from Sister Cutler because we're limited on hugs these days. I could've hugged her all day. I got to ride with the president and his wife on our way to the mission home because I was the only girl and the elders rode in the vans. It was nice to get them all to myself for a minute. They'll be finished with their three years in July so I'll get a new mission pres half way through my mission. When we got there we met the other brothers and sisters who help with our mission. We had lunch and had a brief orientation. Then we went to the Alamo and we were told the story that went on there. Then we stepped over a line and committed ourselves to be just like those at war that day on our missions. After that we were given Books of Mormon and we each had to place one. I was in a trio companionship with two elders from my district at the MTC so I felt comfortable. We were all able to place ours. I saw a lady with shades and tattoos and I walked up to her and introduced myself. She took off her glasses and she looked like she had been crying. I asked her if she was okay and she said yes. I started talking about God and our life on earth and how he loves us and doesn't leave us alone. I testified of our prophet and of the Book of Mormon and I said other things I don't remember but asked her if she would be interested to learn more and have the missionaries come to her home. She said yes and gave me her phone number and she accepted the Book of Mormon. I wish I could be the one to teach her but my first area is in a place called Leander about twenty minutes away from Austin and about two hours away from San Antonio where we were.

That night we had dinner at the pres house and I received your package by the way. I spent the night with two sister missionaries who have been in the field for awhile and I opened it when I got there. Thank you so much. I was so excited when I saw the oatmeal. It's my favorite breakfast. The cranberries are great for salads which I've been eating a lot of lately, because it's quick and easy to make. Thank you, thank you. It was nice to have something from you my first night here.

We had a teaching appointment my first day in the field with a lady named Aisha Jones. I'll tell you more about her when I write you. My companion's name is Sister Larrosa and she's from Paraguay. She's been out about 9 months so far. We live with a member here in Leander. Our car is a 2006 (white) Toyota with amazing air conditioning. My first couple of days of tracking I've been sweating so much. We're told to drink 3 liters of fluids preferably water a day. My body is going to go through some drastic changes out here.

My companion is really nice. She's teaching me Spanish. Oh BTW I'm learning Spanish. I was told in my call letter that things can change when I get here and they have. My companion has been teaching a lot of Spanish speaking family's lately and I was told I needed to learn Spanish too. I've been reading the Book of Mormon in English and Spanish during my hour of personal study. After I read a few lines in English I cross reference over to Spanish. It's a slow process but we were promised that if we read the Book of Mormon in our own language as well as in the language we are trying to learn(from cover to cover) we will master that language. I don't know who said it but it was one of the apostles.

Yesterday I was so excited to go to church. I was telling my companion how nice it was to be around people who liked us. The members are great and we always have dinner appointments. I was also invited by a councilor in the bishopric to introduce myself and bare my testimony. I surprisingly wasn't nervous and enjoyed it. Everyone was so friendly and it was nice to be up there looking out at the little kids and teenagers with big smiles on their faces because I'm a missionary.

Well I should let my companion get on now she was nice and let me go first. I've been on here for awhile. It's nice to not be timed anymore. I'll write you a handwritten letter now.

Love you,

Sister Green