One Week Left (Part II)

Here is the continuation of Whitney's letter. She had an email all written and the computer signed her off so she sent me a written letter:
"I am so bummed about my email. I had written the most amazing email - Seriously!! It had a ton of funny stories and then it closed. I was so mad! How are you? How's the fam? I'm sorry they all got so sick! Can you believe I leave this week? I can't! I'm kind of freakin out but at the same time - so excited!! Woo Hoo!! I'ts definitely time to leave but I have loved the MTC. It is such a good experience here. It is such a spiritual high!
So I told you Elder Holland was here. It was amazing! I love having apostles here because they have such a strong spirit. His talk was all about how awesome a mission is and how it will change you and influence you for the rest of your life. I loved how he said it will refine you. I also loved that he talked about missions and that they are supposed to be hard. He said they are hard because salvation never has been easy or cheap. I loved the quote , he said, "IF it was hard for Him, it has to be a little bit hard for you - or else you don't get to be His disciple - you're going to have to walk part of the road, cry some of the tears. The road to salvation always goes through Gethsamane." I loved it! I didn't get it exactly but that's the gist.
Also last week I went off campus - I think I told you in my email. We taught some Russians and it was really good. I'm amazed at how much I'm able to understand.
I am sending home a big bag with stuff with Jules (Emily's Mom). Either Emily will have it or it will be at the house. It will also have a CD with all of the pictures on it from here (or most). You can just get it the next time you're in Utah. Like I said, I don't know when I'll call you. We won't get to the airport til 5 am and then leave. Hopefully I can call from Atlanta. I am not sure but if we find out - I'll make sure and write you a quick note with when I'll call.
We have been teaching Dima, our progressing investigator and it's been going well. I'm sad to leave him. I don't know if I've told you but when I was teaching a native Russian one of them said, "When you speak Russian, you sound like you're underwater." I just said (something russian) and kept going. It was hilarious. Afterwards my compaion and I (CT. Birtcher)just died laughing! It was awesome!
I am so excited to talk to you! Today was our last temple day and it was so happy but sad to know it will be a long time before I go back. Keep going for me. We did sealings as a branch and it was really good.
Well, I hope all is well. I hope I will be able to write you when I can call. I love you all so much and am grateful for you!! If I get anymore news on traveling I'll let you know!!
The Gospel is true! Missions are awesome!
Whitney