Sister Atkinson's first letter from the MTC

Hello all,
We received a letter in the mail from Alexandra (Ali) today and she asked that I post part of it for you, her loyal followers (of her blog and facebook, that is). As many of you know this is my first foray into this part of the tech world so hopefully all of this will work and you can read her words.

She says....
January 10, 2013
Fo now just know that I am doing well and am happy. I feel like there is so much to take in and NO time do it all, but like John-Mark and Brittany advised me, give everything 3 days to adjust.
Oh, guess what? I'm actually going to be in the MTC 3 weeks instead of 2. I'll fly out to LA on January 30th. They are not completely implementing the new 2 week stay policy until the end of January. By May of this year there will be 6000 + missionaries here at the training center that is made for 2500! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!
My district leader was just assigned tonight and he gets our mail everyday so I'll get my first mail tomorrow (Friday the 11th). So sorry for some people who sent mail to me on the first day. It is the thought that counts. My preparation is Tuesdays in the MTC.
Connections:
- Hermans Heywood was my escort on the 1st day here! Please tell Reed, Eleanor, and Alex she is doing great! It was nice to have someone kind of familiar within my first few minutes here.
- My branch president and wife are parents of one of my BYU music friends.
-I've seen quite a few familiar faces!
-Man on the plane saw my luggage tag. (saying Sister Atkinson) and thought I was a nun. When I told him no, he grabbed his chest relieved and said "Thank goodness. You're too young and too pretty." Hahaha, turns out he is friends with Peggy Purdue and has high opinions of her (who wouldn't) and then he said some comment about Mitt Romney.
My MTC  companion is Sister Ostler from American Fork, UT. She is great and we think very similarly. We have decided to dedicate EVERY minute to the Lord and to this work. It has been an insane 48 hours as I've tried to take it all in, but I feel my Heavenly Father's spirit of comfort and peace. I know what I am doing is right for me. Please read Doctrine and Covenants 100:1. It has come as a comfort to me. Thanks for all the support and prayers. I feel as if I can hear every prayer being said in my behalf whether it is for all missionaries or for me personally, on either side of the veil. There is something so sweet about that empowerment. THANK YOU for all the prayers. They don't go unnoticed. Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I know because He answered mine. Please  pray to your Heavenly Father. He IS there. Okay, missionary moment over.
All my love, Sister Atkinson
P.S. Please Tell Kellie that I eat a Starburst every time I need a relaxing moment. THANKS!
[From Dawn - for those who do not have a copy of the Doctrine & Covenants 100:1 it says: Verily thus saith the Lord  unto you ... your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power.]