Erika has been a trainer now for about a week and a half and is enjoying the new challenge.  She has a companion that is willing to work hard, which is a really good thing for Erika because she's not happy unless she's productively using every second of every day!  She has seen herself grow from a new missionary who doubted herself and her skills and knowledge and decision-making abilities and driving abilities to a trainer who can do all those things!  In fact, she's finding that she really needs to work on "shutting up" now and then so her compaion can talk more!

Here's a quote from a recent letter:
 "I guess I just feel really strongly this week about gratitude. When we remember the things He's done for us, notice the things He's given us, and ponder on His mercy and love, then we are filled with His love, blessed even more, and notice all the little things." 

She closes with: 
"Just doing great and loving life.  It's hard, but you just don't even think about the hard things because it's just way too wonderful and amazing.  (And there's always the Book of Mormon to stop the hard times in their tracks!)"