San Diego: Sister Whitcomb has arrived

 Dear Parents, 

We are so grateful that your sons and daughters arrived safely in San Diego today.  They were a bit weary due to early morning travel, but we were able to feed them lunch, get them some rest (along with a letter written to you), and some training.  I was able to individually meet with each of our new missionaries and am so impressed by their dedication and desire to follow Jesus Christ.  Tomorrow morning, we will assign them their first area and missionary companion.

Thanks so much for your love and support of these great missionaries.  It is truly our privilege to serve alongside them.

May God's choicest blessings be with each of you and your families.

Best regards,

Jonathan S. Schmitt

President, California San Diego Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Missionary Training Center: check

I made it to the MTC!!! The plane ride was long to Utah but it was super nice to be greeted by my brother and sister in law. Then my favorite part of the next day was making a video about how I felt for my mission, Kristine is awesome and I love her lots!!! 

 I thought I would be more emotional when being dropped off at the MTC but, Roger and Kristine could tell you, I've never been so happy in my life!!! Being able to be surrounded by all of these worthy missionaries was such a treat. My host was from New Zealand and had an amazing accent!! 

 I then got to meet my district and teachers. I was so amazed at how instantly I was comfortable with my district. There are 4 Elders and 4 Sisters. 5 of us are going to San Diego, CA and the other 3 are going to Washington DC North.

my companion: Her name is Sister Carlson and she is from Provo. When I first saw her she reminded me immediately of Renee Carver. I absolutely LOVE Sister Carlson and I can't believe how easy it was for us to connect. We laugh all the time together. She is so amazing and unique. She knows a little bit of Japanese which she speaks randomly, she taught me how to say yes, thank you and you're welcome. She also knows ASL and I can now sign "Sister Whitcomb" and "Sister Carlson." 

I also saw Elder Bird and took a picture with him; I love seeing people I know!! I came after him and I'm gonna leave before him!! I have less than a week to go in the MTC. 

On our third day they gave us our travel information!!!! It's such short time period in the MTC, in fact this is the only email I will send from the MTC. And guess what!! For the first time in Provo MTC history today there will be 52% Sister Missionaries and 48% Elders!! Sisters rule the MTC and I get to be one of them!!!