Week 2 in the MTC

Dear Family,

I am so happy you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Rugby and Settlers is probably the best way to spend any Thanksgiving. Mine was wonderful. I spent the day with Elder Holland, my district and the Doctor at the E.R. He was actually pretty dang nice. Very kind and considerate of what I was going through. Mother it was so nice to be able to talk you before and after surgery. President Brady asked if I would like to speak to you, and I started to cry...he took that as a yes, and honestly hearing your voice on the phone brought me to even more tears.

I had the surgery at about 2:00 in the afternoon. The doctor used a sedation that only has 5% of users that hallucinate with it. Of course I was apart of that 5%. Haha. Call me a minority please! Probably the scariest part was thinking I would never get out of this dream world I was in. However, I had some pretty interesting experiences during it. I taught the plan of salvation during my hallucinations as well as other things. I kept crying out for mom, and the nurse had to tell me she was not going to come. Finally, a voice whispered to ask for sister millett, and when I did they said they couldn't bring her yet because they did not want her to be scared by me. Even so when she did come, she was freaked out. However, she said a prayer with me, and I calmed down. She told me that in my moments of clarity I actually had some pretty profound things that I said. I had no recollection. I threw up during the sedation, and I thought my shirt would never come clean...the power of prayer is amazing because my shirt is perfectly fine! Not t mention that I am doing well too. WOOHOO!

Mother, I am so glad that 16 clucking chickens can replace me so well. :) Actually, that is pretty cool. I hope you name everyone of them. Please name one of them Borris in my honor, and possibly Stetson. You also asked if I was feeling all right, I actually am getting another cold, but my hands are healing beautifully. They will be model hands once again. J/k I am also known as the drug queen of the district because if you need cough drops ask sister braten, tylenol, benedryl, ear plugs whatever, ask sister braten.

My district continues to grow strong. We have some solid elders, and sisters . My teachers are amazing. They are so full of the spirit, and absolutely want each of us to succeed. It is kinda cool how you can see their testimony right in their eyes. I see Elder Challis just about everywhere. Which makes me want a picture of dezzy pooh very much. I miss my nieces and nephews. I received a letter from Grandma, Kimber Clayton, Sister Wade and Beth. I also received your package. Thank you so much. I would probably die without that camera in Chicago. I have wanted to take pictures to send, but we all know why I haven't. Letters are so nice to receive because they just brighten your day to know someone thought about you. I promise to be a better writer the rest of my mission, and I will write faithfully to others. Although it is sometimes hard to write back, it is so nice to get them.

My time is running out, but one or two more things to say. # 1 I had no idea you could have a 40lb carry on bag plus your purse. Sister Braten needs to read instructions better. #2 Mom I left my white collard shirt from costco. Could you possibly send it? # 3 I will be calling 6 a.m. monday morning. #4 Amity, Jules, Abe and Ben, could you please send me your email address and home address so I can write to you. I can whip out a letter in about 7 minutes so while I wait for laundry I get about 7 or more letters done. So, I would love to write you.

I grow in my love for the gospel everyday. Totally honest, I have never been so humbled and so built back up in my whole life. The Lord is amazing. I bore my testimony of the atonement to an investigator last night and in that moment the spirit kept confirming to me of the truth of my message. I love you all. You are in my prayers. Choose the Right :)

Love,

Sister Braten

P.S. Ken's words were inspired. Also, I hope Ridley continues to heal well.