Mission UPDATE

Katie just sent us a cassette tape and pictures. It was just like Christmas!!! For those of you who were at her farewell and noticed her rate of speaking, this cassette tape was similar. She described the language, her schedule, and everything about the MTC. She is having a wonderful time and can hardly wait to arrive in Armenia in 2 WEEKS!!

This is a closer up picture of Katie's district. Back row is Elders Harris, Ellison, Craft. Front row is Sister Peterson, Katie, and Sister Barratt. As you can tell Elder Harris likes to have fun. Katie says he keeps things lively and helps break up the monotony of 10 to 12 hours in the classroom. Elder Ellison is the Zone leader and takes it very seriously. Elder Craft is a professional rock climber and is Katie's teaching partner in the classroom. She really likes teaching with him as he is very smart and competitive. He's the type that keeps a 4.0 GPA without effort. They push each other and it is helping each rise to greater language abilities. Sister Peterson just graduated from the U of U is athletic training. Sister Barratt is energetic and fun to be around. Both companions are from Arizona.

No this is not gang signals, it is the sign language for "What's it to you?" or "Keldeetzch" (I have no idea how it is spelled) in Armenian.

This kind of reminds me of the ghost busters, but it is actually what Katie and her companions do for service on Monday mornings. They get a powerful spray washer to clean and squeegee the bathrooms. They have to wear goggles because of the force of spray and heat. Katie says it gets pretty hot and humid in the bathroom and her naturally curly hair is a piece of work when they are done.

These 2 pictures are Katie's classroom. Click on the pictures to get a closer view. She loves writing Armenian. She says it is really cool. She memorizes 15 to 40 words a day on her own, in addition to class time. They have days they "Speak Your Language" She she speaks Armenian in all conversations. If she is with a non-Armenian speaking companion during gym time, for example, she talks in Armenian and then translates. There are only 4 sisters in Armenia currently. 3 of them are going home in November; 3 more will be arriving from the MTC shortly after that, so Katie feels it is important to do everything she can to be as fluent as possible. Most likely she will have an Armenian companion after she is trained.

This last picture Katie sent especially for Grandma Gabrielsen. Katie misses seeing Elder Gabrielsen at the MTC, he left for New York on Monday.

Last but not least, her is a short video Katie sent. It's a bit crazy, but fun. Sorry it is not loading, I will try again later.