Estoy en la ciudad de Dalton, Georgia

Yup, you got it, she's speaking Spanish!  Well, at least introducing herself and praying in Spanish for now!  We got the email from her first area of Dalton, GA.  It looks really nice from pics I've seen on the internet.  She got put into a "zebra" companionship (her word :)  and is the only non-Spanish-speaking missionary in her district. But she is serving in an English-speaking ward.  So they are requesting Spanish materials from the MTC so she can learn.  HS Spanish may pay off just a little after all!  Senors Carrillo and Vogt would be so proud!  You'll see from the pics that she and her 1st companion look alike and are both from here, she is from Bountiful and went to BYU last year as well.  They're enjoying being together, and are both new to the area.  She already has a baptism scheduled.  A couple that was being taught and got married this past week so they could be baptized this Saturday!

  That is wonderful!  Here are some excerpts from her email and pics:

 Her MTC district outside the Provo Temple; Sisters all going to Tennessee and Elders to Houston, TX

Monday night was a busy one! We said goodbye to our MTC district and got back to our residency around 10pm and still had to pack and clean. Needless to say, we did not get to bed by 10:30 :) In fact, we got to bed by 11:30 which may not seem bad; however, we woke back up at 12:30 to shower, eat breakfast, at make it to the travel office by 2:30am! whew! 

So on one hour of sleep we drove to Salt Lake. It wasn't bad, but that might have been one of the most difficult parts up to that point (probably only 1 hour of sleep contributed to that). (I told her that she should be used to that as a veteran college student!) We drove past the Marriott center, the UPC, Wyview and other areas of BYU that have many dear memories. We then drove to Salt Lake - the same route I would take as if I were going home. And then we headed west to the airport when I was only 45 minutes away from my home. It was sad, but I was so excited to be flying out to Tennessee that it didn't last long :) 

At the Salt Lake airport

Our plane departed from SLC late, so by the time we got to Dallas, Texas, we had to rush to our next plane! We arrived in Tennessee and finally met our mission president and his family. We were the first group they picked up from the airport and the first group they will be over for their entire mission!

 Some tired Sister Missionaries before going to their first areas

Her first companion in the mission field, Sister Horrocks

They are sharing a car with 2 other sisters so every other week they are on bikes!  Now that's a picture I'd like to see :)  She'll look like Maria Von Trapp with her skirts flowing through the streets of Georgia!  

Tenacious Trommlitz in Tennessee!!

She's finally there!  From completing requirements in December, to submitting papers in January, to receiving a call to serve in March, to entering the MTC in July, to arriving in her field of service this week. (I should have said, from being prepared for 19 years--and even before, at the beginning!)  

She told us in her last emails that she would call on travel day (Tues., the 29th) possibly from Salt Lake at 4:30 a.m. and/or from her layover in Georgia around 9:30-10:30 a.m.  It was Elizabeth and my first day at our Stake's Laurel's conference up in the mountains.  So I had my phone with me ALL DAY waiting for it to go off.  I waited...and waited...and waited...
Nothing :(  Since I was busy and taking care of the girls in our ward and all the activities they had planned for us, I didn't feel overly sad or worried.  Although Elizabeth received a picture on her Ipod from a friend of hers who happened to see Rachel in the SL airport early that morning!  His family was traveling on vacation to Hawaii.  That was wonderful to see she was actually there! No coincidences...
The next day Ken texted that the mission had sent an arrival email with a picture!  So we knew she was safe and where she was supposed to be.  Thank goodness!  I kept thinking that the day she turned in those papers, I turned her life (and her safety) over to the Lord.  So she is His for a while now.  Whatever happens is right for her and for the people she is serving in TN. Here is an excerpt from the mission home email.  What wonderful people they have taking care of our young missionaries.  Ken and I are hopeful we will get to do that someday!   

"They have Arrived! All missionaries arrived safe and sound, although a little tired! They are as excited as are we to be here in the Great Tennessee Knoxville Mission! They are at the mission home having dinner together and having personal interviews with President Griffin. Tomorrow they will start at 9:00 a.m. with orientation and then they will meet their trainers. From there they go right into Transfer/Testimony Meeting. Then off they go to their new area and will be teaching by Wednesday night!"

Amazing, huh?  Right to work!  President Griffin is from right here in our neck of the woods, Farr West, UT.  About a 1/2 hour north of where we live. We have talked to several people here who know him and his young family.  And have heard nothing but wonderful things about them. What a blessing!  

If you would like to write to her, I know she would LOVE letters from any of you!  All correspondence goes through the mission home for her mission.  
Here is the address:

 Sister Rachel Trommlitz

11320 Station West Dr., #101

Farragut, TN 37934

MTC Moving On

It seemed like it was going by so slowly!  Only 12 days total...but then it's here!  Departure date this Tuesday, July 29th!  She said she can even call us from the airport at a layover in Georgia.  Elizabeth and I will be at Laurel's Conference and Ken and the boys here, so I told her if she can only make one phone call, it has to be to MY phone!  I know, so selfish, but I think I have a right as mom! She shared a wonderful MTC miracle with us in her email today.  I watched the computer all day!  And it finally came in after dinner.  I guess waiting's the name of the game these days :)  Here's an excerpt:

"Last Tuesday Elder Lindsey and Elder Young (Missionaries in her district) were gone for a large portion of the day. No one really knew where they went, but there were rumors that they had gone to the health clinic. Later that night, after several hours of not knowing where they were, we found out that not only had they gone to the MTC clinic, but also the BYU health center and then to the ER.

Elder Lindsey had 8 open-heart surgeries before his mission, so when he started having pain in his chest Monday night, he knew he should probably get it checked out. Elder Lindsey is an INCREDIBLE missionary and has gone through a lot to get here. It probably wasn't wise, but just exemplifying how dedicated he is, he didn't get his pain checked out until he taught his two investigators that were scheduled for that Tuesday. After his last appointment, he went to the doctor and eventually the hospital and had several tests done to find out what was wrong.

The doctors told him that it looked like something they had put in from a previous surgery was broken off. They scheduled him another appointment for Friday to do some more tests and if needed, would admit him for surgery that night. He was told that there was a chance he could stay, but it was likely that he would have to go home.

Our district took action and turned to the Lord through many many MANY prayers and on Thursday we all did a group fast. We privately asked our teacher if he would put his name in the temple for us and then we had to simply trust in the Lord. And what better, stronger group to do it than 9 representatives of Jesus Christ?

Friday was our infield orientation and it was an amazing program; however, you could tell that our district just wasn't there. We were all thinking of Elder Lindsey in his appointment. Towards the end of the orientation, our district was outside on a table reading a case study together. No one had any expression in their voice and the mood was solemn. At one point, our district leader looks up and sees the Elder Lindsey and his companion, Elder Young, walking back to their residence. We all sit up straighter, suddenly alert and call them over to us, each of us eager to hear the results.

After a long day of tests, they reported that they couldn't see the broken piece anymore. In fact, they couldn't see anything wrong with his heart anymore! Truly a miracle had taken place, and we all knew it. The downside was they found other things in his lungs that will need to be taken care of, but he would still be able to serve in Houston after a short (hopefully!) delay.

This event strengthened everyone's testimony and faith in God. There was one elder who had never fasted for 24 hours making this an incredible experience for him and our district became very united. We are all still praying for his lungs, but we will never forget the miracle that we witnessed only a week into our mission.

District Motto: "God is good" "All the time. All the time" "God is good"

1st Email and MTC Pics.

The day after we dropped her off the boys began playing in a soccer tournament in Layton.  I was sitting by a mom who had just sent her daughter off to Alaska to serve about a month prior.  She said to me, "Has she sent you her first email yet?"  I was puzzled because I thought they could only email on P-Day...but she said they allow them to email the first night they're in the MTC.  I said that we hadn't and that maybe her district didn't do that or something.  But I felt a little gyped!  But sure enough the next day, we got that email!  She had sent it late the night before.  And then on Saturday we got a little longer one since it's her p-day.  Here are some excerpts and pics:  Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa who bought her a nice camera with wifi so she can quickly send them to an email and they come directly to us!  
 "Well....... I'M ALIVE!!! :) I am just concluding my first full day at the MTC and whew! am I tired! Today was so incredibly long, but so incredibly rewarding. I feel like a have a to do list as long as the one I had when I was getting ready! and that's pretty long..... ;) but all of it is a part of strengthening my testimony and becoming the teacher that God needs me to be. I cannot wait to go to Tennessee, but I am loving my experience here."

"Honestly, the MTC is great! Leaving all of you was hard, but I was put to work and didn't have any time to think about that! Seeing a missionary friend (a sister from my BYU ward) as we drove in and then having her be my host was a tender mercy. I was so excited to see her and then it made me so excited for the whole experience. As we walked through the MTC, I saw several people that I knew from my past ward at BYU and even a few friends from high school."

"Yesterday was the best! The spirit was so strong the whole day and I felt like I learned a lot! after I learned, I just wanted to go back and have a do-over of our lesson! I learned so many things that we could improve on! But I guess that's kinda the point - I mean, it is the missionary TRAINING center after all :) 

We were finally able to exercise!!! All of us sisters were sooo excited to have gym time. The first two days we didn't have any kind of physical activity! and after sitting in a desk for several hours a day, you just want to get out and move! I think it was really a game changer. I had a lot more energy throughout the day because of it.  I have loved how much we are in the scriptures and preach my gospel is truly amazing! The spirit is really testifying of truth here all the time!

They had them teaching a mock investigator the 2nd day they were there!  Thank heavens she was diligent about studying Preach my Gospel before leaving.  I don't remember doing anything like that until I was there at least a month!  How things have changed...and how strong our children are!

Her companion is from Idaho!

MTC, HERE I COME!!

This is just a few of the 100 t-shirts Rachel had to decide among! 

 Even though she was advised to pack a day early, she didn't, and this was the scene at about 8 p.m. the night before she left! 

 She was encouraged to bring rain boots and these are the one she picked!  Cute, huh?!

 We found awesome luggage on Clearance at Kohl's and with more coupons it was really cheap! And she'll never lose it or get it mixed up with anyone else's!! 

 These are her scriptures that she's had since her baptism at 8!  She doesn't want new ones at all!  So our friend Erin in our ward sewed her an adorable scripture cover so they don't look quite so old!    

The day finally arrived!  We were so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa Trommlitz here for the big day.  We spent last night all together going out for a nice dinner and visiting.   I suggested Cracker Barrel because it seemed like some place Ken's parents would like.   Additionally, it had Southern type food that we thought would be a good idea and fitting to celebrate Rachel's last evening with the family.   After we arrived, we learned Cracker Barrel was started in Tennessee.  We had chosen the perfect place!  After dinner, the kids enjoyed playing checkers outside!  

After taking some pictures as we arrived in Provo at a nearby park the next day, we all couldn't fit into one car, so part of us started walking towards the MTC, while Grandpa had Sister Trommlitz's luggage in the bed of his truck.  At the corner, a gentleman told us we couldn't walk in, but had to drive to the drop-off area all in one car!  So we were going to try and all squish into the truck, when Adam said, "Hey, can we ride in the back of the truck?"  The brother at the corner said, "Yes!", so the boys and Elizabeth hopped in the back and the rest of us were in the cab!  It was great, because all of the current missionaries we saw walking waved and smiled at us and the kids ate that up!  They yelled hi back and waved and laughed.

Looks like Rachel takes after Grandma's side of the family :)

 

The 4 amigos

Sisters and best friends :)

Elizabeth and her selfies! 

  Thank goodness for Grandpa's truck, we could never have squeezed into the Camry! 

When we got to our drop-off zone and got out of the car, (I was still holding it together at this point) Rachel saw several missionaries that she knew from high school and college!  In fact the sister who was assigned to help her with her luggage and get her all settled in was in her BYU ward!  She had a hard time at first calling them Sister and Elder!  We snapped some more pictures and I gave her one last hug, and that's when I broke down!   She was smiling ear to ear!  She headed off up the hill and that was it!  Even though I was sad and we'll miss her, I couldn't help but feel so happy that she's at this point in her life, and that she's desirous and worth and happy to be taking this time to serve the Lord and bring souls to Christ.  

 

I think we were cracking up here because we had already hugged and then Ken said, "Wait!  I need a picture" so we re-created the moment! 

When I saw this picture that Elizabeth had snapped on her ipod, that's when I lost it.  The final parting!  She's a missionary now!! 

The Setting Apart

Yes, we know that it is still 5 days until Rachel goes into the MTC on Wed., July 16th.  Our Stake President, President Hollist, is a seminary supervisor and had to go out of town tonight for work.  And he won't be back by Tuesday, when she would normally be set apart.  So Ken, Elizabeth and I returned from our ward Girl's Camp at about 1 p.m. and he was scheduled to come to our home at 4 p.m.  Needless to say, we didn't unload anything from camp and Rachel and the boys did a really good job of making sure the house was clean and presentable.  In times past this would have been done at the Stake Center, but our stake has made the change that missionary settings apart will now be done in the home. Rachel is only the 2nd missionary going out from our stake to have this done.

It was a wonderful experience.  We chatted for a few minutes, with one of his questions being directed to each of the other children asking them if they are planning on serving a mission as well.  To which each responded yes!  (Well, Elizabeth said, "most likely").  That made me and Ken very happy! Then President Hollist asked if I would give a family prayer.  I did so while we were all kneeling in our living room.  (We won't mention that Tyler's neighbor friend came to the door and rang and knocked as I was praying-hee hee!)  After that, he gave Rachel a wonderful setting apart blessing giving her everything Heavenly Father wanted her to know before going out to serve.  Afterwards we tried to write down everything we could remember so she could record it in her journal.  I have to say, one thing I felt very good about was when he told her that she should follow the spirit as to where she SHOULD go as she's proselyting, and also where she SHOULD NOT go.  As a mother, them's are sweet words!  Afterwards, Pres. Hollist asked Rachel to bear her first testimony as a missionary to her family, and it was a very sweet and spiritual moment for all of us.  

He told Rachel she should follow the mission rules with regard to media, bed and wake-up times and being with a "companion" (Me, Ken or Elizabeth) at all times.  So we're now her babysitters for 5 days!  Elizabeth is thrilled to be her sister's first missionary companion!  He told her she didn't need to wear a skirt/dress at all times, but to treat the next few days like P-Days.  

He then said goodbye and headed out the door.  I had heard his flight was leaving around 11 p.m., so I asked if he was going home to get ready to leave, and he replied that he and his family were actually leaving RIGHT THEN, to drop their kids off in Orem and then back to the airport!  What a good man. He never made us feel in any way like he was rushed, or like we were holding him back or anything.  It was an honor and a privilege to have him in our home. 

We are so grateful for the restoration of the Priesthood in these latter days that helps us in every way.  I am grateful to have a worthy husband and sons who can bless all of our lives every day with this power.  As well as good church leaders to lead and guide and do for us what Heavenly Father's will would be.  

I am so excited for Rachel to get going on her journey, adventure, her mission.  It will be the time of her life thus far.  

Rachel jumps for joy with a natural glow

Rachel Speaks in Sacrament Meeting

Hi All!  This is Gina.  Looks like I will be taking over this blog from here on out!  I'll post portions of her emails to us and of course pictures.  I'm mostly excited to write and share her great and maybe not-so-great mission experiences. (Believe me, they're ALL great 25 years later!!) Rachel spoke in Sacrament Meeting for her mission "farewell" today.  Her topic was Personal Revelation.  Fitting.  By this time most of her friends are on missions of their own, but the few who were in town came to support her, as well as a few friends from her year at BYU. Since the mission age change, I believe at least 90% or more of her close HS girlfriends are either out right now or have pending calls!  It is so very exciting! Think of the "Mother Force" of the future!  WOW!!!  I know Ken's and my family would have been here, but Lia and her family and Mom just came to be here with us when Rachel went through the temple and Jen is just about to have a baby and Krista tore her Achilles tendon playing soccer and still is recovering from the surgery!  Ken's mom is also recovering from surgery and they will be here in July right before she leaves for the MTC.  We Love You all! 

Anyway, back to the talk.  She did an excellent job as would be expected :)  She related her own experiences over the last year mostly, of following her own revelation for her life.  She spoke of making the transition to living on her own at school, the decision to serve a mission, and following the spirit on a daily basis.  Flashbacks of numerous primary talks, conducting of YW meetings, youth talks in sacrament meetings and lessons taught at camps and conferences came to my mind. Can there be any better training for children and youth in all the world?!  The gospel surely is perfect!  

After church we came back to the house to have a nice lunch with friends and ward members.  Thanks a million to Jana and Melanie for cooking up a plethora of tender pork in the smoker!  And to everyone else who helped with all kinds of wonderful food and drinks.  It was a warm day and some ate outside and we had great company and conversation.  These are the days...

                                  
                                                      Rachel in one of her new mission dresses

From Left:  Maddie (Elizabeth's soccer friend), Elizabeth, Maddie (Elizabeth's friend), Rachel and Megan (Entering MTC same day as Rachel - Going to Michigan on her mission)

Gina and her good friend Sara

Kaleb (second from left) - He just returned from his mission to Guadalajara, Mexico