We have hit the 8 week mark! Next Tuesday morning I will be on my way
to Japan! I will be flying to Seattle, then to Tokyo, and then to
Osaka! Today we have been super busy packing up, since we wont get an
opportunity the next couple days. It is surreal that we will all be
leaving each other, and no longer be in the MTC.
This week has been very eventful for us. Last Friday, we received our
travel plans. On Tuesday, for our devotional, Neil L. Anderson from
the Quorum of the twelve Apostles spoke to us. His talk was amazing!
It was broadcast to all of the MTC's around the world. At the
beginning of talk he mentioned four words. 1. Sacrifice 2. Opposition
3. Adversary 4. Deliverance. He then talked about each of those
topics. 1. He said -"Everyone gave up something to come on a mission".
Whether it be big or small. Every single missionary has sacrificed
something to be able to come and serve the lord. He then talked about
Sid Going. A rugby player that had a promising Rugby career. He gave
up rugby to serve the lord. Everyone told him he was crazy and that he
was making a huge mistake. On his mission, he converted many. Some of
which he did not know about until later. When he got home from his
mission, he continued his rugby career. He ended up being an AMAZING
player. When you put the lord first, he will bless you so much in the
end. He also said "We must give something up to become something
more". I absolutely agree with what he said, and I am excited to
change and grow throughout this mission experience. He also said as
missionaries and as people "You can't compare yourself to anyone else.
Compare yourself to your self... All that matters is continual
progression" Observe where you are and where you came from and where
you will be. That is huge for us missionaries because we are
constantly comparing ourselves to other missionaries, and their
spirituality, and how well they can speak the language. As long as we
are doing everything we can to improve, the lord will bless us. 2.
Opposition. We need to recognize that satan is real. He does not like
us. He will do anything he can to tear us down. Helaman 5:12. If we
have a strong foundation in Christ, when (not if) satan tries to tear
us down, we will not be moved. "Everything in the kingdom of the lord
is uphill" we have to go uphill to improve and to grow. Keep pushing
against the opposition, and soon, your roots and your foundation will
be strong, and you will too, be not moved. 3. Adversary. We need to
acknowledge that the adversary is real. "The adversary can not do more
to us, than to just cause distractions" that is all he can do. We need
to recognize that, and know that we are stronger than the challenges
put in front of us. I have always wondered, does satan understand that
he is a part of Heavenly Fathers plan? 4. Deliverance. I wear Christ's
name on my chest. If I am struggling, I can turn to the lord, and he
will not leave me comfortless. And with all of you, if you are in need
of comfort, turn to the Lord. He will not leave you comfortless. This
race of life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. There will be ups and
downs, good times and bad times, but when you keep pushing, learning,
and working, it will be worth it in the end. Its a long journey. There
will be bad times, but turn to the lord, and he will be there for you.
Yesterday we also received our Japanese name tags. I will be sure to
send a picture of the name tag. It was like Christmas morning
receiving them. We cannot wait to get to Japan next week. Our whole
zone, (except us Kobe missionaries) will be leaving Monday morning. Us
Kobe missionaries will be one day behind them and be leaving Tuesday.
I'm sure Monday will be a long one for us, but we will use it to keep
preparing!!
Thank you all for your love and support! I wouldn't be able to do it
without you! Have a safe week! Next email home will be from Japan!!
No comments:
Post a Comment