Erika is having an extraordinary MTC experience.  She LOVES the elders and sisters in her district and already thinks of them as family.  She is learning a LOT and enjoys being spiritually fed on a continual basis.  She has had the opportunity on multiple occasions to pray and speak in front of large assemblies of missionaries.  She loves receiving letters from friends and family.  Her daily schedule is quite rigorous.  Her hours are consumed by classes, devotionals, personal study, exercise, and journal/letter-writing.  She feels that her decision to serve a mission was one of the best decisions of her life.  She departs for Tallahassee on May 8th in company with three elders.  She is excited to get into the mission field and begin applying everything she has learned!  Stay tuned for further updates.  : ) 

We got our first letter from Erika today!  Other than some pretty bad blisters she's doing really well and is extremely happy!  She asked to have this video link shared--with this message from her:

"Because of the Atonement anyone and everyone can have the miracle of forgiveness and healing in their lives and become a new person!"

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2009-10-38-lifting-burdens#2009-10-38-lifting-burdens

On Wednesday, April 18th the Hirst family pulled up to the curb at the Missionary Training Center where there were plenty of young missionary men waiting to assist the new arrivals.  Erika got out of the van, her luggage was taken by some the the men and off she went.  (After one last hug for her Dad.)  Then she disappeared into a sea of Sisters and Elders.  And that was that.  It's hard to share someone so delightful and full of love!!!

Erika is now officially a full time missionary!

Here's the area my mission covers! I could be in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, or of course, Florida