Hey everyone! This week was the best, yet hardest week I've had so far. First off, I just chopped my hair off about an hour ago. So there's that. A lot of us decided to cut our hair shorter because it's going to be so hot in the Philippines. I told the hair stylist I wanted it past my shoulders but um... it ended up a few inches shorter. So I just sat there in the chair and died inside. But the great thing about hair is that it grows back, and my hair grows fast so it should be long by the time I get back! :) (Crossing my fingers really hard right now). Everything is changing so I guess that hair has to go with it to, right? Haha
Ok so I was really excited to talk about how I've been so diligent in taking my vitamins and haven't gotten sick, I've been using hand sanitizer like it's lotion, and of course, who gets the sickest out of the whole zone? I feel like I live in a petrie dish. Life of a germaphobe. I get mad at the people who don't wear their shower shoes. Haha But on the bright side, DayQuil and NiQuil rock my life. Also, Halloween we had a small party before bedtime with glowsticks and everything. We dressed up and Sister Campbell, Sister Moulton, Sister Coons and I taped nickels to our back and we went as "Nickelback" and held up a photo and said "Look at this photograph." It was a huge hit. I went to bed early that night because the NiQuil kicked in and apparently I'm kind of loopy when I'm on it. Is that even legal to say in here? Ha just kidding. Oh ya. My companion also talks in her sleep and will wake herself up when she does. It's funny except for the part where she wakes me up. But I love her. She's a doll!
I had a really rough week with the language. And my brain will try dreaming in Tagalog. It's so weird because I'm just speaking gibberish in my dreams. Well, I learned that the spirit can't help you learn the language if you get really frustrated. I mean I already knew that, but I'm really learning to rely on the Lord in everything I do. The spirit is the real teacher! Heavenly Father is aware of our needs no matter what we are going through. And he will help us with our smallest problems because He knows that those little things mean so much to us. We were listening to 'Daughter of a King' by Jenny Phillips in Tagalog and I was so grateful I know the words in English because it gives the analogy of how God has numbered every sand of the sea. That's us! He knows each of us by name. Our strengths, weaknesses, fears, joys, EVERYTHING. And as a missionary, it gives me a greater desire to go find those children that He has specifically prepared to hear the gospel at this time. Because he knows when they are ready to hear and accept the true church. So every time I have a rough time with the language or feel like I'm inadequate to do this great work, I remember that Heavenly Father knows what he is doing. He is not going to let me do this by myself. And it's been so amazing to just let Him shape me. I know I have a long ways to go, but my testimony has grown so much here in the MTC. I am so grateful for this gospel. The missionary program is truly inspired. Missionary work is for everyone so just get out there and SERVE! NOW! GO! ;) That's another thing I've learned this week. We can share the gospel in so many different ways. Whether you're a full time missionary or a ward member. Just by giving your time, sharing your talents, serving others, there are so many ways we can be good examples and friends to those around us. Not only will it bless the lives of others, your life will be richly blessed as well. And I so wish I could pay my Heavenly Father back for all of those blessings He has given me. And I hope that just by serving a mission I can do some part in helping build the kingdom of God!
I JUST LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! And I've only been out for a few weeks. And not to mention I'm still in the MTC... but I know this will all be worth it. And I know that this is one of the best decisions I will ever make in my life. If you want to feel the spirit all the time, serve a mission. It's awesome! Aside from the spirit, we have so much fun. During the small amount of time we have to goof off. Which is really never. But the other night we were able to get in a little early so we all through on our Philippines shirts and we had probably eaten too much sugar because we stuffed pillows under our shirts and went around the residency singing 'If I Were A Rich Man'. I haven't laughed that hard in quite awhile. I'll try to attach the pictures! I also joined the choir AND I'M SO HAPPY THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO SPEAK MUSIC HERE!!! I miss playing the piano. But I'm doing a musical number next week so I'm really excited for that. Anyways, I think half the reason I go to choir is because the director is Brother Eggett and he teaches institute at UVU. He just told us a bunch of stories about Thomas S Monson the first week. The teachers here are outstanding. And they're all so young! Most of them are RM's. I thought we'd have some old men teaching our classes. Haha
One of my favorite things here is the opportunity we have to go to the temple every Saturday for P-day. Last week there was a couple taking their wedding photos and all the sister missionaries were sighing and admiring her dress and everything and one of the brethren comes up and just laughs at us and told us "one day." We all laughed and I told him if I wanted to be married right now I wouldn't be serving a mission. Seriously though, I don't even know how I can feel the spirit stronger at the temple because it's already so strong in the MTC. But I do. There's just an amazing peace that comes from going to the temple. I love it so much and it really is my favorite place on earth. The only thing that could make it better is if my family was there with me. I love them so much. I'm so grateful to have the knowledge that families can be together forever. What a wondrous plan God has for us!
I miss you all and love you so much. Thank you for all the support! I feel your prayers and I want to let you know how grateful I am for them. I'm praying for you as well! Can't wait to hear back!
Love,
Sister Stettler
No comments:
Post a Comment