Week 2 - June 17, 2015

My Dearest Readers, 

     Man oh man, what a week! I have had many opportunities of growth. I think I was stuck on trying to learn Russian so much that I had forgotten why I was really here. I'm here to invite others to come unto Christ . . . in Russian. The latter part should not have played a bigger role than the former. 

All of the 53rders!!!! 

It really is a blessing to be surrounded by so many strong people. We each face individual challenges. However, through the gospel of Jesus Christ we are able to find strength to overcome. 

I have learned that all the things I was good at before the MTC have become my weak spots. 

My weaknesses before the MTC are now my strongest qualities (like studying and making my bed haha). Some of the sisters in my district and I totally had a meltdown a couple days ago.

 

     Then the scripture Ether 12:27 came to my mind: 

"and if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto man weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

Me and my companion with the Zone Leader, 

Elder Larsen and the homie Elder Lewis at the temple. 

Wow. Never has a scripture spoken to me so much. I broke down into tears when I read this aloud to Cectpa Foote, Cectpa Thomas, and Cectpa Hullinger. 

I love them so much. We are all growing and learning together. We have been doing so well!!! 

We can sing hymns in Russian for Pete's sake haha. I feel so lucky to know such strong spirits. 

My district! 

I thought I knew English grammar, but it turns out that I know absolutely nothing haha. 

We are slowly understanding Russian grammar. I just fell like I'm back in elementary school learning about subjects, direct objects, and indirect objects. 

There are so many cases and endings to words in Russian. 

My Fav photo of the guy telling us 

not to take photos in the cafeteria 

I play volleyball and knockout with others during my hour of gym time. I got this amazing block on a Samoan elder ( I think). It was epic. I have a cookie almost everyday and that makes me a happy missionary. 

No self control whatsoever when it comes to food. I really miss Asian food though. 

And real Mexican food. This a struggle but at least we have pizza Friday.

My cute Sister Killpack

We got 9 new missionaries in our branch. That means 9 new friends. I have also befriended a few elders speaking Mandarin Chinese. They are a fun bunch. 

Cectpa Foote & Me

Cectpa Foote is seriously so great. The first time she saw me eat my cereal with milk first, she didn't judge! She said it made a lot of sense since my cereal doesn't get soggy. 

She eats it that way now, too. She is from Houston Texas and is proud of it haha. 

     My jellyfish skirt is the talk of the MTC. Haha not really but each day I wear it I get about 10 compliments on it. Best purchase EVER! Also I still really love clothes. . . and hot cheetos. . . and food. 

   We moved out of our old buildings to these really nice ones. It's nice to have my own closet. Next Monday the sisters in my district and I will be the "oldest" sisters in the branch. 

Which means we have to look like we know what we are doing...haha. 

Getting Cornrows from the companion

    We are teaching three investigators from now on, with at least 5 lessons each. We watched the Bible videos on Mormon.org " For God so Loved the World" and "Because of Him" ( or Because He Lives) I can't remember which one. But it really touched my heart. 

Our Savior loves us so much and know each of us individually, by name. All He asks is that we come unto Him.I love the power of prayer. I would be nothing without the ability to communicate with my Heavenly Father through prayer. I love the fact that I can say absolutely anything on my mind! 

He understands all languages, even my broken Rush-anglish. He definitely hears our prayers. I absolutely know of that truth. 

I think I've run out of things to say. . .or maybe it might be that my fingers are so tired from typing on these older computers. I'll say this though, I haven't struggled once with not having a cellphone attached to my hip. So it is possible.

Me and Samara Russia

 I love you all so much. I hope you know that. This has already been the most difficult and worthwhile experience of my life. I can't wait to go to Russia for the real thing in 7 weeks!!!