I'm leaving the MTC at 9:30 tomorrow morning and flying to California!!
The MTC has been such a blessing. I used to tease all the missionaries who claimed that the weeks here last for eternity and two minutes at the same time. But these two weeks really have felt like years. The friendships I've made with the Sisters and Elders are going to last a lifetime (a few of us have already planned an MTC reunion at the Y!). A few of them have already left us. I didn't cry in front of them.
After Sunday devotionals, we watch different talks/films. This last time I watch Character of Christ by Elder Bednar and it was intense. Elder Bednar holds nothing back and makes such profound points that you can’t help but listen.
I actually had a bit of a rough time this Sunday. The past week I've felt that I've been overlooked and not respected, and that really frustrates me. During my interview with our branch presidency, I broke down in tears. I'd been holding in my feelings because I didn't want to complain or criticize, but sometimes it is important to stand up for myself, too. Sister McGuire took me aside and just let me talk, and I started crying all over again. It was so nice just to have someone listen.
I'm not homesick. Like, at all. I miss you so much, but I am so excited to get to California and teach this gospel. You hear stories of missionaries doing stupid things, not obeying mission rules, yadda yadda yadda. But honestly, I don't understand how those things happen. I have felt the Spirit here so strongly. If you pay attention to the gospel and to the things that your investigators need to hear, it's impossible to deny its truth.
We were actually told the other day that this mission wasn't our decision. A mission isn't our saying, "Heavenly Father, I'm going to show you how much I appreciate you and I'm going to serve your people wherever you need me!" A mission is Heavenly Father telling us that He trusts us enough to preach His gospel to His children. This is a sacred work and He's been preparing us. A mission is a gift from God. And it's totally radical.
One of our investigators COMMITTED TO BEING BAPTIZED!!! At first he didn't want to change or commit to anything, but over time he decided that a change would bless his family and that this gospel was true. We asked him to read 2 Nephi 32, and he ended up reading all the way up to OMNI!!!! He wasn't a real investigator, but the joy felt real. Because we're not teaching lessons. We're teaching people. Their eternal salvation hangs in the balance. Life is so good!
I might have strep throat.
I'm going to send pictures next P-day – whenever that is in California…!
I love you all!
Sister Turner
The MTC has been such a blessing. I used to tease all the missionaries who claimed that the weeks here last for eternity and two minutes at the same time. But these two weeks really have felt like years. The friendships I've made with the Sisters and Elders are going to last a lifetime (a few of us have already planned an MTC reunion at the Y!). A few of them have already left us. I didn't cry in front of them.
After Sunday devotionals, we watch different talks/films. This last time I watch Character of Christ by Elder Bednar and it was intense. Elder Bednar holds nothing back and makes such profound points that you can’t help but listen.
I actually had a bit of a rough time this Sunday. The past week I've felt that I've been overlooked and not respected, and that really frustrates me. During my interview with our branch presidency, I broke down in tears. I'd been holding in my feelings because I didn't want to complain or criticize, but sometimes it is important to stand up for myself, too. Sister McGuire took me aside and just let me talk, and I started crying all over again. It was so nice just to have someone listen.
I'm not homesick. Like, at all. I miss you so much, but I am so excited to get to California and teach this gospel. You hear stories of missionaries doing stupid things, not obeying mission rules, yadda yadda yadda. But honestly, I don't understand how those things happen. I have felt the Spirit here so strongly. If you pay attention to the gospel and to the things that your investigators need to hear, it's impossible to deny its truth.
We were actually told the other day that this mission wasn't our decision. A mission isn't our saying, "Heavenly Father, I'm going to show you how much I appreciate you and I'm going to serve your people wherever you need me!" A mission is Heavenly Father telling us that He trusts us enough to preach His gospel to His children. This is a sacred work and He's been preparing us. A mission is a gift from God. And it's totally radical.
One of our investigators COMMITTED TO BEING BAPTIZED!!! At first he didn't want to change or commit to anything, but over time he decided that a change would bless his family and that this gospel was true. We asked him to read 2 Nephi 32, and he ended up reading all the way up to OMNI!!!! He wasn't a real investigator, but the joy felt real. Because we're not teaching lessons. We're teaching people. Their eternal salvation hangs in the balance. Life is so good!
I might have strep throat.
I'm going to send pictures next P-day – whenever that is in California…!
I love you all!
Sister Turner