Hello, all! Week 2 down at the MTC and the pace is really starting to pick up. Last P-Day (Wednesday), my district got to go to the Provo temple together. Sister Smith and I taught Jenni (our "investigator") that evening and for the first time, we ended up completely ditching our notes and scripted lesson and just let the Spirit guide our lesson. It was amazing. Our German was obviously far from perfect, but it was incredible how words or phrases came to our minds that guided the lesson beautifully. I know that its only practice here in the MTC, but it was great to feel prompted to be bold even in practice and extend that invitation. Good times.
Unfortunately, we lost an Elder in our district the next day. Elder Haberkamp went home early Thursday morning and there was an obvious hole in our district. Elder Coombs, Elder Gibbs. and Elder Spangenberg are in a tri-panionship now and all is well. Elder Haberkamp, know that you are loved, that you are missed, and that we pray for you.
I lucked out big time in the teacher department. Class with Bruder Jones and Sister Judd is always so instructive and uplifting. I really feel like I'm learning and progressing every day. Halfway through class on Friday, I realized that Bruder Jones' handwriting looks just like Dad's! It killed me a little bit. I love you, Daddy.
Sunday was Mission Conference and my favorite comments were given by President Nally (the MTC President). He talked about our similarities with the Apostle Peter: our struggles with faith (Peter walking on water and then falling as fear entered his heart), the Savior's outstretched hand to catch us and lead us to safety when we falter, and the call to "Feed My Sheep" as we bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. He encouraged us to be a "rock" like Peter. After, we got to watch a few Mormon Messages (quality flicks, folks) and I saw Elder Lyman Ballif in one of them! Surprise! That evening, my companion and I were invited to sit in the front row for Sister Wendy Nelson's (wife of Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles) Devotional. She did an amazing job. She assured us that "serving a mission was for sure on your checklist for this life."
Yesterday, we missionaries were invited to attend the BYU Devotional given by Elder Evans of the Quorum of the 70. He spoke on tenacity and how it relates to spirituality. It was SO WEIRD to be back on BYU campus and to sit in the Marriott Center as a missionary. We had a double devotional day as we attended a great Devotional by Elder Christoffel Golden and his wife. I sang in the choir (Mom, I think that this was the one that was broadcasted - look it up online! I'm wearing an orange long sleeve shirt and made sure that my name tag was showing!) and we sang "Be Still My Soul." The speakers had super sweet, thick South African accents. Sister Golden talked about the importance of being a happy missionary. Elder Golden reminded us that we, as missionaries, are called of God and that while it is normal to feel inadequate, it is vital to remember who called us.
I know that it sounds like we do nothing but go to Devotionals, but they really are a high point in MTC life.
A few thoughts:
- 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
- "We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day." - Elder Richard G. Scott. Like Elder Golden said, it is easy to feel inadequate in any calling. I've spent my whole life wanting to be a great missionary. And now, the best that I can do is rely on the Lord and try to do all that I can to get to that point.
- The Deutsch word for "fun" is "Spaß." Pronounced "Spass" or "spaz". That's for you, Abby.
Liebe,
Sister Hendricks
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