November 22,2010
First- I just thought everyone might want to know that dear-elder letters are not printed on Saturday or Sunday. This means that if you send me a DearElder Friday afternoon or over the weekend, I usually do not receive it until late on Monday evening and at that point I usually don't have time to respond to it. So- if you want me to write you back within a week of sending me something, send it before noon on Friday so that I receive it Friday night.
So- as I mentioned in my last post, I got to speak last Sunday. While speaking I was scared and mostly just trying to focus on what I was saying and making sure I said anything I felt prompted to bring up. Several people mentioned how great it was and how they really felt the spirit. I didn't quite understand what impact I had until several days later.
On Wednesday night we had a practice session with another district in our zone. We were paired up with another companionship, we taught them and then they taught us. I didn't speak up much as I was teaching but when I felt prompted to (or when I had nothing else to say) I bore testimony about whatever my companion had taught on. After the lesson, one of the elders asked to speak to me. He explained how just two weeks ago he had received news that his best friend passed away. The grief and pain from this news caused him to begin to doubt the reasons he was here and the truthfulness of the church. He told me that he had been ready to go home.
Then he said "You have a very powerful spirit when you teach. I felt it when you spoke last Sunday, reminding me of truths I had forgotten and testifying of things I had doubted." He explained how I re-ignited his testimony and gave him reason to stay. When he and his companion then took their turn teaching us, the spirit was so strong. I know that the things he was testifying of are true. More importantly, I know he believes them.
I didn't think I would have the opportunity to change someone's life before even leaving the MTC. I'm so grateful I had the chance to help someone make that decision to stay and continue on their mission. I believe many of the missionaries stop and have to make that choice. They realize it is a lot harder than expected, they miss friends, and they have to find their own motivation to continue. I know I had to make this choice, the choice to stay where I knew the Lord needed me. I'm so glad that I did, that I stayed and spoke and helped someone else when it was his turn to decide.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Speaking
November 15, 2010
This week has been pretty great, other than the fact that it's cold and rainy. But ignoring the weather, I had the opportunity to teach again, which was a little easier than last week, I got to speak in church on Sunday, and I got 4 letters just on Monday and it made me feel super special.
So- the most exciting thing, speaking in church. At the MTC, the branch president announces the topic of the following week, everyone is supposed to prepare something, and we don't find out who speaks till after church has started. This week I was called on. The topic was faith in Jesus Christ, something I've been studying a lot since I've come into the MTC. I walked up to the pulpit, shaking like I leaf, and started to speak. I'm really glad I didn't pass out.
I spoke of how faith in Christ is a form of confidence. It is having the confidence that you can do something despite your inadequacies because you will receive the help that you need. Confidence that no matter how hard it is, you can make it through because He is with you. Faith is displayed through our diligence. When we have faith that God will help us through our trials, we also need to diligently press through our trials and try to overcome them. He can't help us if we sit on our rears and wait for the trial to go away. That was what my talk was on. I finished with a short testimony in Tagalog- Alam ko po na mahal ako ng Diyos dahil sa ang anak siya ako. (I know that God loves me because I am his child)
Mahal Kita!
This week has been pretty great, other than the fact that it's cold and rainy. But ignoring the weather, I had the opportunity to teach again, which was a little easier than last week, I got to speak in church on Sunday, and I got 4 letters just on Monday and it made me feel super special.
So- the most exciting thing, speaking in church. At the MTC, the branch president announces the topic of the following week, everyone is supposed to prepare something, and we don't find out who speaks till after church has started. This week I was called on. The topic was faith in Jesus Christ, something I've been studying a lot since I've come into the MTC. I walked up to the pulpit, shaking like I leaf, and started to speak. I'm really glad I didn't pass out.
I spoke of how faith in Christ is a form of confidence. It is having the confidence that you can do something despite your inadequacies because you will receive the help that you need. Confidence that no matter how hard it is, you can make it through because He is with you. Faith is displayed through our diligence. When we have faith that God will help us through our trials, we also need to diligently press through our trials and try to overcome them. He can't help us if we sit on our rears and wait for the trial to go away. That was what my talk was on. I finished with a short testimony in Tagalog- Alam ko po na mahal ako ng Diyos dahil sa ang anak siya ako. (I know that God loves me because I am his child)
Mahal Kita!
Monday, November 8, 2010
SMILE!
November 8, 2010
This past week has been really great. The best part was Tuesday night. Each Tuesday there is an MTC devotional, and this week Elder Russell M. Ballard came to speak. He spoke a great deal about how the most important thing we do is communicate. If we don't communicate, how can we tell people about our wonderful message. For a long time, I felt like I was listening to a talk saying everything I already knew I needed to do, but I didn't feel like I was getting any advice on how to do it. Then he said something that has stuck in my mind ever since. "The most powerful thing you have is your smile."
Now- I have trouble talking to people. I hate asking questions. But I can smile.
So I decided to spend Wednesday making sure I smiled at people, Then Thursday I decided to make it a little more challenging by saying Hi as well(or rather, I said Kumusta! because that is hi in tagalog). Now- well, I'm still not a particularly great communicator but at least I feel like I'm getting a little bit better.
For those of you who want an update on the language- I'm LOVING it! It's so much fun. I really believe that my calling to speak a foreign language was inspired. A- learning Tagalog gives me something really fun and academic to do, I feel like I'm back at school. B- it let's me stay here for 6 weeks longer than English speakers so that I can get better at the previously mentioned communication problem. It's a crazy language with over 20 ways to conjugate verbs and the sentences are structured the way Yoda would say them, but I'm having so much fun!
Mahal ko Kayo (I love all of you)
This past week has been really great. The best part was Tuesday night. Each Tuesday there is an MTC devotional, and this week Elder Russell M. Ballard came to speak. He spoke a great deal about how the most important thing we do is communicate. If we don't communicate, how can we tell people about our wonderful message. For a long time, I felt like I was listening to a talk saying everything I already knew I needed to do, but I didn't feel like I was getting any advice on how to do it. Then he said something that has stuck in my mind ever since. "The most powerful thing you have is your smile."
Now- I have trouble talking to people. I hate asking questions. But I can smile.
So I decided to spend Wednesday making sure I smiled at people, Then Thursday I decided to make it a little more challenging by saying Hi as well(or rather, I said Kumusta! because that is hi in tagalog). Now- well, I'm still not a particularly great communicator but at least I feel like I'm getting a little bit better.
For those of you who want an update on the language- I'm LOVING it! It's so much fun. I really believe that my calling to speak a foreign language was inspired. A- learning Tagalog gives me something really fun and academic to do, I feel like I'm back at school. B- it let's me stay here for 6 weeks longer than English speakers so that I can get better at the previously mentioned communication problem. It's a crazy language with over 20 ways to conjugate verbs and the sentences are structured the way Yoda would say them, but I'm having so much fun!
Mahal ko Kayo (I love all of you)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Magandang Araw!
November 1, 2010
That means "Good Day" in Tagalog. Tagalog is officially the funniest language in the world. A few reasons why include the fact that araw (day) rhymes with the word cow, ng is both a letter and a word, the word diyan sounds something like jen, and the word Hi is Kumusta (nearly 4 times as long). But I've really loved learning it so far. It's the hardest thing I think I've ever done but it's so worth it.
I'm totally loving the MTC. The people here are super nice, our zone is huge, and so many of us are going to Iloilo (my mission). 28 new missionaries came in on Wednesday, so there are a ton of us all on the same page. Life is kinda crazy, and the schedule is way strict, but that almost helps make it more fun. We spend most of our time laughing or rambling in unintelligible, poorly pronounced Tagalog.
To finish off- here is the most important thing I think I've learned while being here: Alam ko po na totoo ang simbahan ni JesuCristo ng mga banal sa mga huling araw. Alam ko po na tunay na propeta ng Diyos si Joseph Smith. Nagpapasalamat ako na Aklat ni Mormon. (I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a real prophet of God. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon)
Mahalakita!
(I Love you!)
That means "Good Day" in Tagalog. Tagalog is officially the funniest language in the world. A few reasons why include the fact that araw (day) rhymes with the word cow, ng is both a letter and a word, the word diyan sounds something like jen, and the word Hi is Kumusta (nearly 4 times as long). But I've really loved learning it so far. It's the hardest thing I think I've ever done but it's so worth it.
I'm totally loving the MTC. The people here are super nice, our zone is huge, and so many of us are going to Iloilo (my mission). 28 new missionaries came in on Wednesday, so there are a ton of us all on the same page. Life is kinda crazy, and the schedule is way strict, but that almost helps make it more fun. We spend most of our time laughing or rambling in unintelligible, poorly pronounced Tagalog.
To finish off- here is the most important thing I think I've learned while being here: Alam ko po na totoo ang simbahan ni JesuCristo ng mga banal sa mga huling araw. Alam ko po na tunay na propeta ng Diyos si Joseph Smith. Nagpapasalamat ako na Aklat ni Mormon. (I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a real prophet of God. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon)
Mahalakita!
(I Love you!)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Another Week
October 19, 2010
I only have one week left... this thought kinda scares me. In one week I have to make sure I have everything I might need for the next 18 months and then try to find some way to fit it into 2 suitcases. In contrast, the 8 month collection of stuff I brought for my first two semesters at school filled the family car. I'm slightly less stressed knowing my living arrangements will be fully furnished.
Isn't it interesting though, how much we can simplify our lives. We really don't need all that much in order to survive. Of course we need some clothing and it's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand, but it's the pleasantries in life that really take up space. I'm sure I could have made it through my freshman year just fine without bringing along my electronic piano, guitar, temper-pedic mattress topper, and other such items. So this next week is about figuring out how to simplify. The next 18 months are about trying not to go crazy with my simplified living style.
I only have one week left... this thought kinda scares me. In one week I have to make sure I have everything I might need for the next 18 months and then try to find some way to fit it into 2 suitcases. In contrast, the 8 month collection of stuff I brought for my first two semesters at school filled the family car. I'm slightly less stressed knowing my living arrangements will be fully furnished.
Isn't it interesting though, how much we can simplify our lives. We really don't need all that much in order to survive. Of course we need some clothing and it's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand, but it's the pleasantries in life that really take up space. I'm sure I could have made it through my freshman year just fine without bringing along my electronic piano, guitar, temper-pedic mattress topper, and other such items. So this next week is about figuring out how to simplify. The next 18 months are about trying not to go crazy with my simplified living style.
Friday, September 24, 2010
One Month
In case you haven't yet looked at the time stamp, today is the 24th of September. Exactly one month from now I will be giving my last pre-mission talk. In one month and two days I will be set apart as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In one month and three days I will enter the Missionary Training Center.
Now that I've laid that all out, I might as well start the count down. 34 days until I walk through those doors. I'll admit, despite being mega-excited, I'm nervous. What if I walk through those doors and realize I can't do it? My mind floods with what-ifs and self-doubts. Yet a much stronger voice speaks from a place in my heart no fear can touch. I KNOW this is what I'm meant to do.
I notice my flaws, I fear my imperfect will hold me back, I worry that I won't be good enough. But I know the Church is true. I know that the Gospel has brought me peace and happiness. I know my Savior loves me. And I wish I could share this knowledge with the whole world. And when one looks at it that way, how could I not feel inadequate. 1 compared to approximately 6.5 billion.
Yet I wasn't asked to teach 6.5 billion. I will not be asked to do anything that I cannot do. I will be prepared for the challenges that come my way. Looking back on the past year I can see that my preparation has already started.
Now that I've laid that all out, I might as well start the count down. 34 days until I walk through those doors. I'll admit, despite being mega-excited, I'm nervous. What if I walk through those doors and realize I can't do it? My mind floods with what-ifs and self-doubts. Yet a much stronger voice speaks from a place in my heart no fear can touch. I KNOW this is what I'm meant to do.
I notice my flaws, I fear my imperfect will hold me back, I worry that I won't be good enough. But I know the Church is true. I know that the Gospel has brought me peace and happiness. I know my Savior loves me. And I wish I could share this knowledge with the whole world. And when one looks at it that way, how could I not feel inadequate. 1 compared to approximately 6.5 billion.
Yet I wasn't asked to teach 6.5 billion. I will not be asked to do anything that I cannot do. I will be prepared for the challenges that come my way. Looking back on the past year I can see that my preparation has already started.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Philippines!
My life has been super exciting this week. My call arrived Wednesday afternoon with the mail and I opened it that night amidst friends and several cell phones being used to call family. To my great surprise (and everyone else's, no one even came close to guessing right) I was called to serve in the Philippines Iloilo mission and I will be speaking Tagalog. This happens to be a relatively new mission, which makes everything even more exciting. More than likely, if you are reading this, you have already seen the posts all over facebook or received a text or phone call. So I'm sure you already know, but I figured the blog would be somewhat incomplete without a post on where I'm going.
A few fun random things that happened the night of receiving the call. Shortly after learning where I would go, I looked in my mission packet for the mission map. I discovered that there isn't yet a map for this mission because of how new it is. I realized that knowing where in the Philippines my mission was didn't really matter much because I didn't actually know where the Philippines were. I proceeded to a friends apartment to look at their large map and locate the approximate location of where my mission was. I then became extremely excited about the fact that I get to go somewhere warm! Let's just hope I don't come home to severely sun burnt.
The next day was filled with letting dozens of people know about the call that I hadn't gotten around to telling the day before. I also announced my call in my mission prep class and my sign language class, which was really fun because I signed the announcement (well- most of it, I went ahead and wrote the location on the board). All in all, The experience has been amazing. Although I would have never guessed it and had a million places in mind for where I wanted to go, it feels right. I know that I'm going where I am needed.
A few fun random things that happened the night of receiving the call. Shortly after learning where I would go, I looked in my mission packet for the mission map. I discovered that there isn't yet a map for this mission because of how new it is. I realized that knowing where in the Philippines my mission was didn't really matter much because I didn't actually know where the Philippines were. I proceeded to a friends apartment to look at their large map and locate the approximate location of where my mission was. I then became extremely excited about the fact that I get to go somewhere warm! Let's just hope I don't come home to severely sun burnt.
The next day was filled with letting dozens of people know about the call that I hadn't gotten around to telling the day before. I also announced my call in my mission prep class and my sign language class, which was really fun because I signed the announcement (well- most of it, I went ahead and wrote the location on the board). All in all, The experience has been amazing. Although I would have never guessed it and had a million places in mind for where I wanted to go, it feels right. I know that I'm going where I am needed.
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