Friday, July 5, 2013

Friday, July 5, 2013

Hola!!

Como le va?

Will you still love me if I'm fat after my mission?  The food here is so good.  Chocolate milk and donuts every morning for breakfast.  Yum.  Haha, I am just kidding, gym everyday helps a bit with that. 

  

Tell Kristen Marsey she will love the MTC because every where you turn there is someone singing a disney song.  And don't even get me started on the bathroom.  you cannot walk in there without hearing girls singing Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, Enchanted, etc.  It's pretty funny.  there are either hymns or Disney songs.  It's just great.  And everyone always joins in even if you don't know anyone.  Haha.

Can't believe I've been here for over two weeks already!!  I have loved it.  The first week and a half was rather hard to focus in class, and also during study time.  Our district is very talkative, we had a nice district meeting on monday, and discussed how we are on the Lord's time and that we must not waste it.  Ever since then time has FLOWN by and the language is coming ALOT easier.  I am thankful!!  My language study time is alot more productive and I am finally figuring out how to work with my companion better.  Now we do more companionship prayers, and work together in lessons way better. 

Okay, where to start....This week just flew by, but I guess I will start with Sunday.  Relief Society was AMAZING.  Sheri Dew came and spoke to us!!!  I loved it!!  I didn't realize all that she has done.  She is an amazing woman and has so many fantastic things to say!  She talked about the importance of being a productive missionary.  I've heard, "Obey with exactness, not with obsession."  Robert P. Swensen spoke to all of us (Every fast sunday there is a guest speaker that speaks to the MTC.)  He was awesome.  He told us at the beginning he wanted to be "our grandpa" for a little while and tell us everything that he learned as a missionary.  It was so so great.

Every Sunday, as a district, we get to take a walk around the temple.  This last sunday was rather interesting....At the corner of the MTC there was a man standing there with a giant cross protesting.  I just don't understand why of all places would you stand by the MTC...?!  He has got to be crazy if he thinks he can change our minds!!  We are just beginning this 18 months/2 years dedicated to the Lord.  There is no way that could hurt us. 

the Teusday devotional was GREAT.  Michael O. Richardson I think it was, he is in the General Sunday School Presidency.  What a GREAT speaker!!!  He began with reading his mission journal entries to us.  It was funny becuase one day he would say, "Today was great!!  The language is coming so well!!  I can't wait to get out to the feild."  then the very next day, "Today was no good.  I am never going to learn the language."  I laughed because I have a feeling that's what my journal will be like.  One day I'll be totally ready to leave, and then the next I'll be caught writing in my journal at the wrong time.  Haha, just a funny thought.  But anyway he talked about David O. McKay and the stone he saw while he was on his mission.  I thought it was so very interesting that the day David O. McKay saw that stone was a day that he and his companion were very very down.  Their P-day had turned into a P-week!  And then they came across that stone, "What e'er thou art, act well thy part."  Brother Richardson talked about how we always need to be asking ourselves, "What kind of missionary am I?"  And then later on in the future, "What kind of wife am I?" "What kind of mother am I?" And are we always bheing the kind of person we truly want to be?

I meant to tell you!!  I got a wonderful package from "the Ah Mu's from Orem" (that's what they wrote on the card) LOVED it!! :)  There was a bag of snickers in it.  Yum!!  My district says thanks too!!  :)

4th of July here....it was alright.  We would usually have class at 6:30 and go until 9:30.  But last night we got to finish class at 7:15!!  We had a special devotional.  We sang a lot of patriotic hymns.  It was neat.  After that they surprised us all by showing the movie 17 miracles.  I saw that for the first time during Fall semester last year and told myself I would never watch it again, it's too sad.  But...I did watch it again last night.  It is a good movie, and everyone should see it, but it is sad.  After we watched that, it was about 10:15 and the president of the MTC told us there was ice cream waiting for ALL of us outside and that we would be able to watch the fireworks that go off at the Stadium of fire.  It was just funny because we are in the bubble here.  You can tell it was driving us all crazy to be cooped up within the fencelines.  The fireworks ended at about 10:45.  We have never been out so late!  That might be the latest I will ever be out on my mission.  I am paying for it today though.

We get to do our weekly service every p-day at 6am.  Yay.  We get to leave the MTC campus an clean the church building next door.  That is where the Senior missionaries get their trianing.  It's fun to go off campus, but it's also really weird.  I was actually assigned to sweep the entries ways outside, and I was walking right along the side of the road.  It was WEIRD.  haha.

We have got two investigators that we will be teaching for the rest of our time here.  Diego and Lolina.  I like Diego, he is very receptive to the spirit and what we have to say.  He wants to learn more.  Lolina...not so much.  She lets us in her house, and then when we start talking to her and asking her questions she rolls her eyes and doesn't care.  I don't like it.  Our investigators are just our teachers that are playing an investigater they had on their mission.  So apparently they are both progressive, so that's good.  Lessons are getting easier.  And I know I've said this before, but the MTC has been the best!!!  But also the hardest because of the constant excpectations that I hold for myself.  But ever since the Teusday devotional, I have let my expectations go.  I need to be the missionary the Lord wants me to be.  He has made me the way I am and He knows what I need to be.  I know I can do this.  I have gained LOTS of faith from this experience.  I thought I came in with great faith, I was mistaken.  I am now seeing that I came into the MTC believing, but now, I know that I am converted.  I have never prayed so much, and so long in my entire life.  I have never had a greater apreciation for the scriptures in my whole life, and I know that will continue to grow.  I liked Preach My Gospel.  But now, I LOVE it.  There's something different about it now that I'm a missionary.  I know that there is no other way I could learn this much stuff in so little time without the Lord.  I heard that the military has been trying to use our same language study programs and books, but just cant get it as quickly as we can.  We know why, because we have the spirit.  And in everything thing we do, we do it prayerfully. 

Well.  That is about it.  Thank to all who DearElder me.  I love it.  It is so nice to have the support. 

Yo se que Jesucristo es el Salvador y Redentor.  Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero.  Thomas S. Monson es el profeta verdidad.  Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial, yo se que nosotros somos sus hijos.  Este creencia ayuda a viver feliz.  En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.

Love,

Hermana Ah Mu

Oh!! Forgot to mention the temple is now closed so no more temple for us.  It is a HUGE bummer.  There is a rumor going around that they may bus people to Timp. for a seesion the week before you leave for the feild.  Don't know it its true yet.  

June 28, 2013

Friday, June 28, 2013

Hola!!

Okay, let me just say, I have never...EVER been so grateful for the English language.  This week had it's ups and downs.  It is very easy to get discouraged when it comes to learning the language. 

Every teusday we have a devotional.  They used to be held in the gym here on campus, but because there are so many missionaries we get to walk to the Marriot center evevery Teusday evening!  It is so amazing, it feels like we are an army.  Probably because we are God's army, but you can look ahead and backwards and the missionaries seem endless.  I'm sure Satan is very scared, he knows our potential.  He knows what we're doing.  Anyway, the special guest that came on Teusday was Janice Kapp Perry!!! And her husband!! It was SUCH a great devotional.  And it was different than most will be.  It was a musical devotional.  First, her husband spoke.  He talked about how we may not get any baptisms, that we may just prepare the way, plant the seeds.  It was a very good talk.  Then Sister Perry spoke.  She was HILARIOUS.  I wouldn't have expected that from her!!  She told us the first thing her husband ever said to her...they were in the same music class at BYU.  And she never knew he noticed her, but one day she was about to play for the class, but brother Perry said, "I was just thinking, those lips look like they were made for something better than playing the clarinet."  Right after she told us that, he jumped up to ther podium where she was standing and kissed her!!  We all started cheering, then sister Perry said, "That's the last time I will ever tell that story!!  I can read that man like a book, I just never know what page he's on!"  Hahaha, the devotional was also very spiritual.  It was so strong.  She had us sing a medley she had written just for us.  We sang many primary songs, it made me miss Primary alot!! But it made me very happy.  She has also written a new version of As Sisters of Zion!!!  Just for  sister missionaries.  It is called The Sisters of Zion.  We sing it every sunday in relief society.  But on teusday night, Sister Perry rewrote the EFY medley and put new lyrics in for us missionaries.  The spirit was so strong, every missionary stood up!  Such a powerful moment.  Oh! I meant to say, I am in the MTC choir, and I guess that evening everyone got to see me up close on the jumbo tron....kind of embarressing, but oh well!

WE have officially finished teaching our first investigator.  Please don't ask how our first lesson went....hahahahaha, we got here wednesday and had to teach a whole lesson in Espanol on Saturday.  Terrible.  Just terrible.  Hahaha, at one point I couldn't remember what the name of our church was in spanish, so I just read my nametag....Hahaha.  Mi companera and I have taught 4 or 5 lessons in Spanish, and with every one it get better and better!!  We are trying to learn how to rely on the spirit.  It doesn't seem like it would be hard to learn, but it is.  I myself am trying to work on having more faith and rely on the spirit.  Also, I am trying to work on being more charitable and gain more knowledge from the scriptures. 

That broadcast!! It was SO neat!!! :D  The choir was amazing.  And the meeting was so interesting!! What a huge comfort it was as well.  I always knew the members needed to be involved, but now that that broadcast was shown, I think it'll be even better!! And it was great to know that we will be getting help from the wards...or atleast we hope to get help.  Haha. 

There is a woman from the Branch presidency that was talking to me about how much she loves to go out to Oklahoma and see family.  She says she likes it because she is actually out "on the mission feild."  Hahaha, oh goodness....I thought that you would like to hear about how the mission feild doesn't include Utah....

I have LOVED getting DearElders from Owen, Olson, and Colton Bell.  Those things make my day....Seriously just send me one everyday!!  And don't worry about rambling!! Haha, I like letters!!  I love to hear how things are going.  I really have not had any troubles with homesickness or regret.  I know there are a few that are so homesick it slows up everything.  And regret because they are super upset with what they have "gotten themselves into."  It makes me sad to see that.  I think it can be easy to forget the main reason we're here.  It's not for ourselves.  The next 18 months/2 years are the Lords, we are dedicating it to Him.  He will help us if we are obedient, and have faith. 

I have found just how great personal study time is.  I really value that time, it's one of the few times I have to actually study the scriptures for me, and I don't have to worry about Spanish.  I love it.  I learn SO much, my testimony is already growing so rapidly!!  I love it.  I can say my testimony in Spanish, I can pray in Spanish, and...that's about it.  I can read it, but don't really understand anything. 

There is supposedly a nasty intestinal virus that is going around the MTC.  It's so bad we aren't allowed to shake hands or hug....but I always forget. 

Tell Colton Bell that I ran into her cousin!!  She was very nice, and it's fun to have another person that I kinda know outside of my district. 

My district!!!  Oh, I love them.  We do everything together!!  They have become the greatest friends.  We've already planned a reunion!!  It's a bummer that the Elders won't be serving in our area.   

The food here.  YUM.  It's probably not a very good thing, but I love it.  I am afraid to know how much weight I have ALREADY gained...but hey!  I try to run a mile everyday, and we work on abs so we don't get "the pouch." Hahaha.  Well, Everyone, have fantastic week, and isn't it 4th of July??  Maybe not...i don't know.  Happy 4th of July if it is actually this week!! 

Love,

Hermana Ah Mu

  

About 4 more days...

Can't believe it's almost time for me to enter the MTC! I am very excited. I will miss the people that have surrounded me, especially these past 6 months. Even though a lot of people don't fully understand how big of a life event this is for me, I have loved the excitement and encouragement. This is the biggest thing that I will experience so far. My mission is nothing like any other thing I have ever done. I know it is a call from our loving Heavenly Father. In that alone is where I will get my motivation and strength from. I am excited, and I know that I won't be given any trials above that which I am able to overcome. I won't be doing this alone. I know that the church is true, I know Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I have read it and prayed about it, I know it is true. I love Jesus Christ and the Atonement. The Atonement makes up the difference in our lives, all that we are ashamed of, all that is unfair. I love this gospel, it is what makes me the person I am today. And that is why I can't wait to share it with the people of California.

I'm gonna be a missionary!!!!

A week from today I'll be flying to Provo!!! :D I get to hang out with Ollie and Ashley for that night, then I'll report to the MTC the next day. I am so so excited. I know that this will be the longest, and yet shortest week of my life so far....I still kind of feel like this is all a dream. I am going to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It feels unreal, like I'm too young and that this isn't really happening! I can't wait to go and meet the people in my mission. I know I will not be doing this alone. I know that this church is true. I know that my mission call is an assignment from Heavenly Father. I know this is what I am supposed to be doing, I won't have any money when I get home...but I know everything will be okay. I have had people tell me I'm crazy that I am willing to pay for this and that all of those doctor's appointments, shots were a waste because I'm "just going to California" but I don't care. It's not "just" California to me. I can't wait to learn and study Spanish!! I know I won't be an expert after the MTC, but I know that I will learn more information there, than I did in my high school German class that I took three years in a row. I can't wait. 

"Is it sad that I relate better to kids than people my own age?"

I don't know if I relate to kids better, but I do know that they are just so great to be around. It seems like they don't have a care in the world. And they're just so happy, the littlest things make them so excited. When they are happy and excited they just jump up and down with joy!! Sometimes I wish I could do that when I'm excited or happy....but that would be a little weird, huh? I can't help but feel happy when I am around them. They don't judge you at all, and they are VERY honest!!! I love kids...this whole Primary thing has just made me realize how much I love kids, and that maybe I should really look into having a job that has to do with children. Haha, but okay. Seriously Primary has been so great the last couple of weeks!! But this week! In the spotlight, one of the little Sunbeams said he wanted to be a robot when he grows up!! Isn't that the greatest? Haha, after Primary I asked him about it, and he said he didn't wanna be JUST a robot, he wanted to be a robot ninja! Hahaha!! :) I also heard about one of the other Sunbeams wanting to be the Tooth Fairy when she grows up. I really hope that they get their dream jobs. Hahaha.

MY MISSION CALL!!! :D

I received my mission call a couple days ago! I opened it with my mom and dad, Owen, and Olson. Ollie and Ashley were on Skype, and my grandparents were on Facetime. I was so glad to share this experience with them. But anyway! I am going to the California Ventura mission!!! I am going into the Provo MTC on June 19! And I am to prepare to teach the gospel in the Spanish language!!!! I am totally stoked!! The California Ventura mission is only the BEST!! It is so perfect. I know that is where I am supposed to be going, because mission calls are from our loving Heavenly Father. And He sends us where we are needed and where we are supposed to be. I didn't realize how quickly it is coming! I was not expecting to leave sooo soon! It is okay though, I am so ready. I just need to go shopping. And watch the District. And read the Book of Mormon. And...well okay, I have a lot to do, but I can do it!! :D My countdown starts now! 37 more days!! :D I am very very excited to have this wonderful opportunity. I am excited to invite others to learn of this great gospel. I have a lot to learn in the MTC, but I can do it. I will not be doing it alone. :) It is such a great work to be a part of. I am excited to be a servant of the Lord for 18 months. Oh! And Happy Mother's Day. Mother's day is a great day. I am always reminded of how blessed I am for both of my moms. I love them both very much. It took a very very special person to be my mom when I was a crazy toddler. And it takes a very very special person to have been my mom while I was a stupid teenager, and even now. I am blessed to have these 2 wonderful women in my life and to be able to call them my mom.

Patience is a virtue..

I am getting so stinkin excited to find out where I will be going on my mission. I randomly get really excited and happy...I just wanna find out where I'm going!! I have been feeling like a little kid on Christmas Eve, except it's worse. Much, much worse. Haha, this feeling doesn't just last one night...it's MULTIPLE days and nights. Hahaha. I have learned great patience throughout the entire process. I still am, in Preach My Gospel it has a section on Christlike attributes and wouldn't ya know it! Patience is one of em. I have also learned that I am not a fan of all the paperwork (Doctor and dental) that is involved!! But, I am thankful that it is something we have to do, because it is very important. I can't wait to find out where Heavenly Father wants me to be, I know He will send me where I am needed most and where I will be able to best serve. Hopefully the next post will say something about where I am going to be spending 18 months of my life? Maybe?