Erika and the elders she flew to Tallahassee with at the mission home with their mission president and his wife. 


Erika got to call home and talk to the family today since it's Mother's Day and that is one of the days she gets to do that.  We had a lot to catch up on!  She sounded a little sick but assured us she felt good and was able to keep up with the schedule just fine. 

She lives pretty close to Florida State University but is not actually working directly with the students as she had previously thought.  She loves tracting because of the random reactions.  She just never knows what she's going to get!

One lady with a deep southern drawl told Erika "I can't understand you".  Erika asked if it was because she had a "western accent."  The lady said  "No, it's not the accent.  You say everything real precise and articulated". 

P-days are now on Mondays and that is the only day she gets to write.  So--I'll keep you updated after I hear more!

                               Here's Sister Hirst with part of her district  at the MTC!

Erika arrived in Tallahassee last night! She had been warned of the huge spiders there and sure enough, she hadn't been at the mission home for more than a few minues before one of the elders had a huge spider on his pant leg!  Erika kind of laughed about that, but then, she wasn't the one with the spider on her!!!   (She got to call home from the mission home to let us know she got there okay.)  She also said there was a big beautiful tree and someone told "don't touch it.  It'll give you parasites"!

  Her first assignment is right in Tallahasse working with Florida State students.  She's excited and ready to go!

 She said it's amazing how much you can learn in just 3 weeks at the MTC.  She got to be known as "Miss Scriptorian" there, though she'd probably not be too happy with me (her mom) for telling you that because she's so humble! 

The common theme in every letter is LOVE!  She loves everyone!  Even if they're mean to her!  Her goal is to make everyone she talks to smile :)  

Here's a message from Erika:

Hello all! I am almost done at the MTC. I leave Provo/ SLC on Tuesday, the 8th and head to Florida :) I am so excited to get out and begin teaching in the field. I've loved the MTC and learned so much. It's amazing how much you can learn and grow in just two and a half weeks! I love my companion and roommates and will miss them when they all go their seperate ways. Love you all!