One day more!!

August 20, 2019

It's me again!

I cannot tell you how excited I am to leave for the airport tomorrow!!! I've been having waves of excitement hit me all last night. I can't believe I'm already done at the MTC but at the same time I'm ready to be done. Three weeks is enough for me. But it has been an awesome three weeks. People are asking what MTC experience really shaped me as a missionary, so I thought I might start off with that. 

I would say there wasn't one experience, but multiple that contributed to shaping me as a missionary. Overall, the biggest lesson I had to learn is how to forget myself and rely on the Lord. Going on a mission is a huge sacrifice for everyone, but the Lord will take care of you, even if things don't go "according to plan." Yesterday in class we were reading about the Brother of Jared and I gained some insights how the Lord knows your priorities better than you do, which often results in prayers/situations different than what you imagine. In Ether 2, the Brother of Jared repents and is willing to do what the Lord commands him, and does so by building a boat. In verses 19-25, he has concerns about having no light, no ability to steer and no ability to breathe (probably in that order) Christ had him fill the holes first so that he could breathe, because that was the number-one priority. The Brother of Jared's next concern was light, but Christ didn't tell him how to have light, but rather how the boat will be steered in the tumultuous ocean. Often this makes me think when I pray and ask for help things I don't always know what I need first, but the Lord does know what I need first and he'll tell me if I'm willing to let him into my life. 

My favorite part is that the Lord gave the Brother of Jared a choice to find a solution for the light. Whatever the solution was, the Lord was willing to comply. He didn't rebuke the Brother of Jared and tell him a better solution (even though he could have), the choice was his. This brings me comfort knowing that choosing to go on a mission isn't a wrong decision but it was my decision and the Lord is willing to comply with me. I faced a lot of opposition during my stay but I've better learned that He will help me through any opposition I might feel during these next 18 months. 

Please allow Christ in your life. Conversion to him is a process that never ends in this life. He is not only going to comply but he WANTS to comply, and that makes all the difference. He knows what you need and He knows what you want. 

HIGHLIGHTS

During the Orientation for new missionaries on Wednesday, the STL's and I got to meet and lead a new district. There are Elders and ONE solo sister missionary. Crazy huh? her name is Sister Locher (low-hair. It's German). She's the sweetest person I've ever met in my life. She has lunch with us and basically anything with us when she's available. She's going to Sweden, as are the rest of the Elders in the district, so their schedules are wonky compared to us English speaking missionaries. 

We had a tender testimony meeting with the district I was in (for a week). This started off as a goofy devotional review that most people fell asleep through (so there wasn't much to talk about). Someone had the idea of sharing testimonies of Christ instead. It was amazing hearing how they recognize Christ's hand in their lives. He is so real.

Yesterday we had two TRC's. One of them was Hannah who was interested in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. She came from the south and is at UVU and, obviously, the church is no secret here (this seems to be a common reason why people are here haha!). The other one was a sister missionary!! Sister Pinder. She is on a service mission and works part time at the MTC. She has an amazing spirit and is. so. CUTE. 

Honestly there are so many highlights but time is cutting short so here are my RANDOM FACTS:

I learned a few words in Swedish and German from Sister Locher. She speaks English (obviously), German (her first language) French, and is currently learning Swedish for her mission. 

The new district we led last Wednesday, we had Elders from Finland and New Zealand! (and Sister Locher is from Switzerland). 

Chocolate milk is the new orange juice. Don't worry! I'm not sick. 

The MTC has amazing raspberry brownie-type tarts—I'm a little obsessed. 

I had to give a talk last Sunday on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost 

My companions and roommates (the best sisters ever!!!) love singing Christmas songs in the summer. 

I got to be in Sister Locher’s shoes because the branch presidency had me be a solo missionary last Sunday! This was because departing missionaries had different schedules. I never felt so naked in my life going through that experience with no companion. 

DAD JOKE IN HONOR OF P-DAY

Why do missionaries have really large bladders? Because they only get one P day. 

I've got to go, I'll email those who personally emailed me as SOON as I can. I LOVE hearing from you all! It makes me soooooo happy

Love,

Sister Henderson