Last photos from the MTC

My Companions

This is how one can take another's badge.
Elder Clark Cannon, after i had given his "life" back to him :)
"sweet tooth" Elder Haws caught them though

Savanna sent me some Rhonda approved treats since I was lucky enough to get the early dinner.....

Me and my comps were so cold. UTAH... it's spring. Why are you so cold??

MY FAVORITE. Me and my district. elder rhodes in front.

My district (my MTC ohana)

Elder Haws, Pope, Jordan, Fordham, Webb, me, Sister Bullard and Lisonbee

The cream soda tree...need I say more?

Guess where I am....

Hi everyone!!!

Savanna, Billy's advice was right again. The day on coming to the field was extremely long but not hard. AM still waiting for that. It was awesome to talk to everyone on the phone. My new address is 226 North Line St. Apt 4 Moscow, ID 83843. That's right I am in Idaho! I've already been in two of the states in my mission.

The last couple days in the MTC I was itching to come. I have had some really neat experiences to understand charity and how that builds us. My district was amazing. Elder Jordan and Elder Fordham wrote the Sister's letters. My last testimony shared there was about Alma 17:2. How I want each one of us to not only return from our missions on spiritual highs but to run into them 20 -40 years down the road and see that we are still all faithful. That's my goal. It's about the conversion that happens in us that counts.

In Moscow last night, a man ran after us to inquire if we were the missionaries. It was awesome to be identified as the Lord's messengers but I was greived because this man had once served a mission and had left the church for some 15 years. He had been angry with God. If any of you are in the postion seek the Lord through prayer. There is never a cause to turn your back on something that can truly resuce and give peace to your souls.

Back to MTC. My Elders were assigned to be my traveling comps to the airport and they kept a very viligant eye on me even though there was another Sister traveling with us. Sister Riggs is amazing. I guess she was my next comp or Sister Smith our coordinating Sister was my comp for an hour. Talking to everyone at the airport was amazing. I am sorry I couldn't call everyone. For Christmas keep in mind calling cards=).

The plane there was so fun. I couldn't wait to meet our mission president and his wife. We were met by 20 or so leaving missionaries. What excitement and hope they left with us with. We went down the stairs and there was President and Sister Palmer. Hugs for Sister Riggs and I from Sister Palmer. Something I treasurre and miss.... Hugs. She knew who I was without reading my name tag. It made me feel loved. President was intrigured by me and my luggage and that it snaps together. I made a comment of how it makes me independent and President then offered to take it for me. I am now working on humility. :)

We went on a fearbuster mission. Tracking/ Street contacting in downtown Spokane. Was a blast. Thank you Bishop Leavitt for inviting the youth to do flooding in New Forest with the missionaries. I had already done it before and knew how to forget my insecurites and go to work. We taught a man name Tim. I gave him a Book of Mormon to read and he committed himself to read the first 50 pages. One thing I've come to know is that the gospel can be shared anywere. The street, a pinic table, a doorway, or over the phone.

I found out that my comp. had been reassigned here. Sister Adams, who I met last Tuesday was orginally supposed to go to Mongila. She is an amazing trainer. She is from Beaver, UT and has been in the field for 6 months. President told me to be patient but I haven't had too.

Sister Palmer went out of her way to make sure I had food for dinner after lunch had been a ton of salad. In my first interview with President Palmer, I cried when he told me he loved me. I knew he did and that not only did he want me to be sucessful at being a missionary he wanted me to successed in my life. Was touched that I had sent a picture in my get to know you letter that was from my farewell of the Beckstead crew. I really feel a trust and admiration for the Palmers.

Their son Jeffery remembers Victoria. He asked me during dinner how her missionary efforts were going and remember that she had brought Sammie wth her to EFY. Their son has an amazing testimony of the gospel. I was so moved when this 17 year old young man bore his strong testimony of God's love and work here on the Earth.

That night we stayed in a Carol's house. It looks like a beautiful doll house from the outside. It is! She has thousands of dolls. They were beautiful. It should be added to the Smithsioan. No joke. I was fasnicated by the the collection and took pictures. Tuesday I meet Sister Adams. She is so amazing.

I can't believe that am actually a missionary. I am so happy everyday. I don't feel discouraged when things don't work out. Which is so not the old me but it works. I am just ready and able to talk. There are sometimes durning lessons that my mouth doesn't open. I have really tired to rely on the Spirit for what to say. We have some amazing people we are teaching.

I got my wish to be in a college town. U of I. I love it. We cover the campus and the married and singles for the students. It has been a balst. We have three people on date and two of the people we taught last week came to church on Sunday. It made me feel this overwheleming sense of joy and peace. Since it was my first Sunday I was asked to bear my testimony. I felt inclined to talk about action. Once you know something is true, you are to act upon it. We are looking for more people to share our message with constantly. I love and encourage being on time and allowing enough time to be able to talk to everyone we meet. It is interesting how some people use there body lanuage to convey they want nothing to do with you, but that's ok. So many are looking for something, they're the ones who take us up on teaching them the basics of the gospel. I am truly enjoying the love and emphaty I feel for the people here.

To the Harris' Family- My Bike is Amazing!!! I cried when I saw it. It exceeds anything I could have ever imagined. Thank you. I cruise around in style. Also for anyone who has never tried to ride a bike in a skirt it is adventure and a task. I am also so cold here. I know it is spring but it does not seem to show it in the weather.

Congratulations to SIFE. Brother Neal thanks for writing. I didn't get a lot of corresondence this week and it was good to get the update. Everyone loves hearing that I graduated from BYUH. My mission president is from New Zealand and told my comp that I am a polyensian at heart. I think that is one of the greatest complements I have ever recieved.

Cody am sorry for judging your eating habits I now eat like you for lunch. It sacres me the sacrfices one will make for time. =) We are eating chips and salsa for lunch. Sound familar.

Addresses I need: Chandler (Pam Manning)

I need: Leggings so I don't show my religion to everyone as I ride my bike. Have searched in vain for some today. If those could be found and sent I would be so grateful.

Ideas for snacks and others: Fruit snacks, instant oatmeal make sure no milk please. and spray deorant - I heard it will help so my feet dont smell.

Ashlin please tell Micah I ran into Adam Eastburn at the MTC was unsuccessful in getting a pic but if you could get me his address that would be amazing. The gospel is moving forward. Any talks anyone gives or insights please send them my way. I am reading Our Search for Happiness right now. It is amazing. It is so I can better meet the needs of one of our investigators. Oh and I have color coded my planner, There is way to much infomation in that thing for it to be one color. Love and am so grateful for all of you.

Send letters- however I have learned that I don't need mail to be happy serving the Lord. Natassia I'll be writing you later today. I love the quote from Alice and Wonderland.

In the field

Sister Peck is now in the field.... not in washington though. She is in Moscow, IDAHO!! Keep the letters coming. Her new address is:

SIster Rhonda Peck
226 North Line St. Apt 4
Moscow, ID 83843

Testimony

My life has changed tonight. Elder Holland spoke tonight. I love him so much. All my doubts, 'unbelief' in myself are gone. I felt peace as he talked and wrote like crazy not to miss anything.

Jeremiah 31:33- This gospel is upon my heart. This is not only an 18 month committment but a life. It's my conversion that is taking place. Forever! Best line along with many others is, "This is God's truth.... I have not given my life to a fairy tale." I hae pages of notes.

Elder Holland promised blessings to our families; past, present and future. Our legacy for serving a mission. Everything makes sense. If all that pain, hardship, growth came so that I could be here tonight, everthing is worth it. All of it! I wont let any of you down.

Another great line is, "Commit to your destiny, your conversion." As, Peter, had his failed moments- so did I but as he was asked 'lovest thou me?' I reply, "yea Lord and am ready to get the work done." I love you all. This is my testimony. I saw an apostle of God bear witness of who i am and what i am to become. I caught the vision.

Love always,
Sister Peck.
God is good. God is great.

Washington.... Here I Come!!

Sister Peck is now heading to Washington. The REAL mission begins. She said the MTC was the most amazing experience and that she has met some real life long friends. So much love! She said she still wants more mail, so keep sending it. In a couple of days we will find out her direct address, but for the time being you can send mail to the mission office.

2nd Week in MTC

hi.
This last week feels like a glimpse and an eternity. My comp taught our first investigators. Death seems to be an overlapping theme in all of our lessons. It's amazing to have a knowledge of what's to come and to help and invite people to learn and follow the plan God has for them. Got to experience snow here. Crazy!! Bad thing is that I left most of my winter stuff at home to be mailed. It's Spring, right??? I love it here and am adjusting to the weather.

on Cinco Day Mayo - Sister Lizonbees mom sent chips and salsa we had a little comp party in the dorms. =) Savanna- Your treat box made me full of joy. My comp took a picture of me stuffing a cookie into my mouth. The Elders noticed how much joy was seeping out of me. =) I became funny. It happened over night. I really amuse my comps with my dry sense of humor. We are making a collection of quotes that happen everyday. I love it. Best quote of the week- Two Elders leaving mail room. in regards to a letter - "Elder she's my girlfriend."as the other Elder tries to take it. Oh I've been called Elder Peck like 10 times. Come to find out there are two here. I've meet one and they are both from the same line. Impressive.

oh course have made friends with the Elders from Hawaii and New Zealand. They just have so much fun. Pictures to come.

Sister Bullard, Sister Lisonbee and I have bonded over the last week. They are truly amazing women. We got to hear from Sheri Dew Sister Lizzy's hero. Enough so that we went to meet her afterwards. Loved it. She gave the same talk that she did when she came to BYUH in 2008?-2009 on the noble and great ones. If someone could get me a copy of that talk I would appreciate it.

Our Elders in our District are amazing. They do however have their 12 year old moments especially around our zone leaders but this made up for all those moments. They wrote the sisters notes for mothers day. These are letters I will treasure forever. So interesting to see how other people write. It made Mother's Day the best! Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the women I love and have influenced me.

I got to go on a field trip. I caught some type of stomach bug but it lasted for a little too long and on Sat. I got to go to the doctors off the MTC. My sisters loved it more than me. The doctor gave me some meds but no big deals. I am feeling much better now. I got a blessing from Elder Fordham. It was amazing.

I had the opportunity to teach with an instructor here, Sister Pike. Elder Cannon who I accidental took name badge, was our investigator. It impacted me because I was able to relate so much of the gospel to him in a new way and was able to draw analogy between how he has a best friend and how the Savior is our best friend and then to how the atonement could be made possible because of those feelings of love. I learned a lot about asking questions in this practice. looking for a definition on diligence. Its my Christlike attribute I am working on. Love to hear what you all have to say on the topic. Write me a letter!!!

Letter senders.
Ash thanks for letter.

Happy BirthdayGrammy hope your having fun in Cali and Pappy love you. Please share insights from that 2nd coming book.
Zee you rock! I love you SIS I can't wait till you get here.

My email does not allow me enough time so if you've emailed gmail I haven't seen it.

Happy Birthday Colby and Quinn too.
Casey: Birthday shot out to you too.

Please write about life as well as church stuff it's uplifting. Nights are tough, so many things to process. This place makes you loopy and time goes to quick. I've lost stuff so many times its crazy. Sister Lizzy just asked me to pray for her whites. She used bleach, Grammy please send the names of soap your supposed to use so I can educate everyone. Love is the motivating factor. It's what makes the difference.

What is perhethin and is it safe? Love everyone. Thanks for your prayers and support. Write. this is the best choice I've ever made.
Forever and AlwaysSister Peck

Companions and Friends

Here are some pictures of Sister Peck with her companions and some Elder's in her district.

A little drawing that Elder jordan created per the request of Sister Peck.

All the Elder's call this the model shoot pose. Sister Peck and Elder Haws on their temple walk.

Sister Peck and Elder Pope. "reminds me of Ryan Peck"

"me happy"

Taken by Elder Haws,"True Story- me, sister lisonbee and Sister Bullard"

"Everyone is jealous of the trio."

Letter from sister Peck

Aloha All,

I love this place. The Spirit here is intense. You can't do anything without it. I love my district. My life experiences separate me from the others, but not it a bad way. Its both an advantage and disadvantage. But I am grateful for it. Billy- I am working on being a 'loved' sister.

I really feel a difference. I know that I have a mantle and a responsibility. It is very humbling. My learning disability was learned by a lady here name sister James. She is going to teach me some amazing ways to learn. I can't imagine how much it is going to help me with the mission and for when I go to Law School. I feel like the Lord blesses me more than anything I can even fathom. I had my confidence in public speaking vanish a bit. We did this bus activity on preaching on a bus. It literally made my heart stop beating. I feel like I know nothing here, but yet am learning so much. My district is part of a pilot program. Its so cool. Its about learning about people and then meeting their needs on their spiritual journey.

The dinning facility is awesome here. They have it down to a science and am not the only one to be allergic to everything. They are feeding my but I am a bit hungry at night because we have the early dinner.

I get my comps up in the morning. Its my way of serving them. They are so beautiful, unique, happy, youthful and blossoming young woman. They were a true blessing from the Lord. Lots of pictures to come. Please write me everyone. It is so uplifting to receive them. I may not always be able to write back but they are such a blessing to receive. Here are some topics that I would like to learn more about:
-The Reformation
-"6 Billion Others" Project
-What was the "one in a million" project
- Testimonies on the restoration.
-Niecean Creed (sp?)

(please keep it to articles, excerpts, and thoughts because I cant carry around a ton of books)

I am doing great. Thank you so much for all the words of encouragement. I feel the power to convey a strong testimony and am just learning how to do it the lord's way. This calling is amazing. Have a great week.

Sister Peck

First week in the MTC

Aloha From Sis.Peck

This place is everything I've been looking for here. I can't send pics via email but They will be coming soon. I love this place.I am currently in the laundry room and have been asked by several Elders how to wash clothes. My nickname is Mama Sister Peck. Its appropriate. I would really like if all letters Have Sister in front of my name so I can adjust and grow into my calling. I am in a trio. Sis. Lisonbee and Sister Bullard. They are amazing. I am grateful not to be senior companion, although I am the the one who gets us places. It's been good just to follow and be able to take it all in. My District is amazing. 5 Elders and my comp. Elder Jordan is our district leader. Elder Fordham, Elder Webb and Elder Haws are the ones from my district going to Spokane with me. Elder Pope is the other Elder. Elder Webb and Elder Pope need some love.They are converts and they haven't received any mail. So if you're going to give me some love please share and encourage these Elders.Love these Elders and Sisters. Much Like I love all of you. Which is to be expected. :)
I see people here from BYUH. It makes me feel Aloha and reminds me how blessed I am. Thanks to everyone for preparing me to be here. Best Story of the week. Saturday after GYM, I grabbed my id card badge and key. Key doesn't work and almost hindered me to fail my 'to be on time' goal which my comp. is striving in. Not till Sunday morning did I realize that I had stolen Elder Cannon's 'life.' Almost literally. I used his card for lunch and dinner. My comment after switching badges on Sunday in the GyM, " I pretty much stole Elder Cannon's life." We took a picture today. I am still so embarrassed. Coolest spiritual moment was when my comp got to do a mock trial lesson on the atonement. I bore witness of who the savior is and how we can be healed by Him. I didn't know that the Elders were watching through the window. They were impressed. I was impressed with how much the Spirit can teach you. I have been humbled in many ways since being here. I want my mission to be titled "One in a sea of Black."
Other funny things are is that I get called Elder Peck a lot., Sister Pope and whatever else. I need more letters. At least at this leg on the journey. It's what brings me back up at the end of the nights when I hit a low after being so edified all day. I know understand so much more about why people love their missions and why it can be the foundation for the rest of their lives.Its thinking constantly of others and being beyond your self and getting to work. I wish I had more time everyday just to process. I have never felt a stronger desire to read the scriptures. Those who sent me letters last week thanks for sending me love and those who pray for me, I need it. Please know am grateful for everything and that your all in my prayers.

Love you all bunches
Sis Peck