Hello friends & family!
This week I hit my half way point here at the MTC. I really do love it here. Some days are more difficult than others, but no matter where I go that's usually the case. It allows me to appreciate the easier days! The highlight of my week was Sunday. On Sunday night, we had devotional with Donny Osmond. I'll be honest, I still am not completely sure who he is but I do know he was the voice of Captain Shang in Mulan. To me it doesn't really matter who you are though, I care about what kind of person you are. Treat the janitor as you would the CEO right? Let me tell you, Donny is a great one & the talk he gave was amazing! (He also performed "When you're in trouble" for us!) In his talk, there were three specific statements that stuck out to me.
After Donny spoke, much like President Uchdorf last week, everyone flooded around him. Once again I felt bad. Sister Whatcott and I found seats to watch a movie that only the MTC has access to. (David Bednar gives a talk on "Characteristics of Christ"). So, we're sitting there waiting for everyone to clear the way, and I realized I think I want a selfie with Donny. After I made this decision in my head, I was going to walk over there but I remembered I can't do anything without my companion. (Still adjusting) But she was more than willing to walk over to the flock of missionaries surrounding him with me. Honestly she's great and has been a real trooper with me so far. So we walked over to Donny & somehow wound up right behind him. One missionary was shoving a notepad in his face when I tapped him on the shoulder & asked him to take a selfie with me. After that, I shook his hand & thanked him. But instead of walking away, he said something very kind to me, a few words of encouragement, and then asked me where I am going. Let me tell you how good it feels for a man with about 100+ people screaming at him for acknowledgement, to give me his sincere and undivided attention. Pretty dang good. I sat back down & I wanted to change my answer. What I should have said is I am going to the Celestial Kingdom, and watched his facial expression shift. Pretty cool experience to stand before a man with such immense faith & knowledge.
This week I hit my half way point here at the MTC. I really do love it here. Some days are more difficult than others, but no matter where I go that's usually the case. It allows me to appreciate the easier days! The highlight of my week was Sunday. On Sunday night, we had devotional with Donny Osmond. I'll be honest, I still am not completely sure who he is but I do know he was the voice of Captain Shang in Mulan. To me it doesn't really matter who you are though, I care about what kind of person you are. Treat the janitor as you would the CEO right? Let me tell you, Donny is a great one & the talk he gave was amazing! (He also performed "When you're in trouble" for us!) In his talk, there were three specific statements that stuck out to me.
1. Never compromise your standards for anyone.
2. "It may not be the best years of your life, but it will be the best years for your life"
3. The best thing we can do in a conversation, is listen.
After Donny spoke, much like President Uchdorf last week, everyone flooded around him. Once again I felt bad. Sister Whatcott and I found seats to watch a movie that only the MTC has access to. (David Bednar gives a talk on "Characteristics of Christ"). So, we're sitting there waiting for everyone to clear the way, and I realized I think I want a selfie with Donny. After I made this decision in my head, I was going to walk over there but I remembered I can't do anything without my companion. (Still adjusting) But she was more than willing to walk over to the flock of missionaries surrounding him with me. Honestly she's great and has been a real trooper with me so far. So we walked over to Donny & somehow wound up right behind him. One missionary was shoving a notepad in his face when I tapped him on the shoulder & asked him to take a selfie with me. After that, I shook his hand & thanked him. But instead of walking away, he said something very kind to me, a few words of encouragement, and then asked me where I am going. Let me tell you how good it feels for a man with about 100+ people screaming at him for acknowledgement, to give me his sincere and undivided attention. Pretty dang good. I sat back down & I wanted to change my answer. What I should have said is I am going to the Celestial Kingdom, and watched his facial expression shift. Pretty cool experience to stand before a man with such immense faith & knowledge.
Throughout the week I found myself constantly being reminded of a concept that I had forgotten. I didn't decide to serve a mission to convert and teach every aspect of the Gospel to people. I came on a mission to spread knowledge of the Gospel and help others recognize their purpose here on Earth. I am not here to teach lessons, I am here to teach people.
In no way shape or form am I perfect, and although there is a lot I still do not know, I do know that Heavenly Father knows me. I also know that He knows every single of us by name, and He has a specific plan for each of us. I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and the comfort & joy I feel in that is indescribable.
Read your scriptures every single day! Always strive to be better. Your testimony means nothing, if it isn't consistently growing. It took me a long time to really even know what a testimony is, and even longer to understand what that statement means.
My favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon is Enos. Probably because it's because it's short, easy to understand, and most relatable to me.
27 "And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen."
I promise as you come to know Him, you will better understand yourself more than you ever have before. We can't do everything, but through God we can do anything.
I think about my friends and family at home every day, I hope you all know how much I appreciate and love you!
Sister Morrill
I loved reading this more then I can express in words. You are a powerful writer you should always share in this way! We think about you and pray for you each and every day.
ReplyDelete~Sadie