May 30, 2013

We had a fun experience today.  We tried to make sure we were on our e-mail when Emily got on. This allowed us to e-mail back and forth with her for about half an hour. It wasn’t Skype but as close as we could get. Emily has been in the MTC for three weeks now—halfway through her MTC experience. She obviously loves the experiences she is having. Here is a snippet from her e-mail this week.

Lori

“MTC life is so good,  I can't wait to see what the field is like! I feel my Savior's love everywhere I go (which is not much of anywhere right now, but that's ok ha ha). He has done so much for me! On Tuesday we read 3 Nephi 11 as a district, and stopped to discuss it every few verses. It was so cool to hear the insights from all of the other missionaries, and to feel the spirit so strongly. My teacher, who is only 22 but has been working here since he got back from his mission (about 10 months) said that he has never seen a district with so much desire, and energy, and focus for and on the work. I am so blessed to be in this District. It's crazy, because on the first day here, I recognized everyone in my district, even though I've never seen any of them before. I honestly think we might have been friends before. It is amazing how the gospel can bring so many different people together and unite them. But that's what it's all about isn't it. Bringing all of God's children together, and uniting them in one cause: getting back to Him.”

Update for Emily

Emily is still doing great. She loves the MTC and the spirit she feels there. She is looking forward to going out into the mission field. Here are a few comments from her letter/e-mail this week.

"Well it's been another eventful week at the MTC. Yesterday about 15 people from my BYU ward arrived, including my roommate Steph or as I now call her, Sister Jones. It's been really nice getting to see so many familiar faces. My companion left yesterday, which was sad, but my new companion, Sister Aurich is pretty great. We are going to learn a lot from each other I think. Now we're teaching two "progressing investigators" (who are really our teachers acting as investigators they had in the field).
I'm still singing in the choir, which is awesome. 
 I know these last two weeks have been the best of my short life, and that as I work to be exactly obedient and 100% dedicated to this work things will only get better. I love this so much, and am so grateful for this chance I have help my brothers and sisters!"

First E-Mail

After what seemed like forever, we heard from Emily today!  She sounds like she is doing great and we are very excited for her! Having a missionary out is kind of bitter-sweet. We know she is going to do good things but we miss her. Here is how she is doing in her own words:

This last Sunday I had the privilege of singing in the MTC choir, and Elder Nelson came and talked to us! It was such a spiritual experience, I can't believe how blessed I am to be here. I have been so happy here, and although I miss being with you, I'm not sad at all. Actually I couldn't be more excited! We have been practicing teaching in Spanish, and we had a baptism commitment from our first investigator! Well he was one of our teachers, but he acted like one of the investigators he had on his mission, and only two of the 5 groups were able to figure out his needs so that we could help him accept the gospel. I know that I could not have helped him without the spirit. It has been such a humbling experience, but now I know that I can do this. I can speak the language, I can teach others about the gospel. There is nothing to be afraid of, because I am on the Lord's errand. Yesterday my new companion, Hermana Taputuarai  found out that she is leaving for the field next Wednesday! She wasn't supposed to be going until the 19th of June, like me, but I know that she is ready. She is so amazing I'm going to miss her :'(. I will have had 4 companions in 2 weeks when I get a new one. I think that this is a blessing though, because I have a bad habit of letting people take charge, but now, with my experiences already, I know how to do my part during teaching. I need to depend on my knowledge and the spirit as well as my companion. I can't wait to go the SLC!!  I just want to be the best missionary I can be, and I know that that means forgetting Emily Lisonbee, and focusing on how I can help others see Christ through me. I just want to help bring others to the joy I feel from the gospel, and the knowledge that I have. That I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. That my savior did everything for me. I'm so blessed.

Emily entered the Mission Training Center (MTC) on May 8th about 1:00 pm.  Her aunt Barbara and Uncle John were gracious enough to take her.  She called home just before she entered the MTC. She sounded ready to go. She is so excited to serve the Lord and the people of Salt Lake City (SLC).  We are not sure when her P-Day is but we will update you on a regular basis.  We have not heard from  her since the 8th.

It's not good bye, it's see you later...

I have three more days. After that, it's off to the MTC to start my next big adventure. I could not be more excited!!! I hope I get lots of letters (because getting mail is like Christmas you know), and I promise I will respond to all of them... eventually haha. This blog will be updated by my lovely mother, who will keep you posted on all of the awesome experiences that I'll be having for the next 18 months. I can't wait to go help bring a little more light into the lives of those living in SLC!