Welcome to the MTC

Monday, March 16, 2015

Email to Lisa
I don't have anyone's email address! I am so ill-prepared!

We truly do share the halls with angels here at the MTC. There's definitely something special and sacred at this place. I haven't tried the mac and cheese yet, and now I know not to! Ha! The rest of the food has been delightful. Some a little bland, but so delicious. I also ran into Jim... I mean, Elder and Sister Young... in the cafeteria a couple/maybe three days ago! Sister Young came up and hugged me and Elder Young just kind of half smiled at me from his table. I ran into him by the mail room the other day as well. It sounded like that was the day they left. It was really great to see them!

I can't even believe it's only been five days! I felt like a completely different person even three days in, and it definitely didn't feel like it'd only been three days at that time as well. The MTC has been so challenging mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, but by the time you've realized you're struggling with one thing, another thing comes along and completely changes your perspective. The most significant thing I've learned is to work hard and focus on the investigators. If you're not focused on the investigators' needs and loving them for who they are and trying to teach them accordingly, the scriptures teach, "Ye are as tinkling brass and sound cymbals" (or something along those lines!)

Oh, that I could share everything I've learned! There is so much! Every day I'm so inspired by being a missionary. As I'm learning to be exactly obedient and give my heart to the work, I really am feeling the spirit of the work. You can't help but love the people around you, as a result. You can't help but want to serve them. We went to the temple this morning. Wow! What a great work! There was an ordinance worker who was just as sweet as sweet can be. She glowed and was just bright and happy as she spoke, and her interest in me and my life was inspiring. (Apparently she knows where Glenwood is, so that's a first!) She asked me if I was a missionary then said she could tell by the light in my eyes and the way I glowed and that Heavenly Father was so proud of the work I've committed to do. That was such a great feeling.

Email to Mom & Dad
Week 1 in the MTC has been the best and longest week I've ever experienced! I can't even believe it's only been five days! The MTC is truly a sacred place filled with angels and missionaries alike, ready to spread the Gospel and bless lives!

Even three days in, I was so surprised by how much I've learned and grown! The most significant things I've learned have been about how important it is to focus on the people you're teaching and their needs. A lot of times, I tend to focus on getting through a lesson and saying what needs to be said, but the MTC has been so great as to teach me that loving the investigator is the most important aspect of your work. As we reach out to others and care more about their concerns and needs, we bring a spirit to them that teaches MUCH louder than anything we will ever say or do.

I've also been so inspired by the way losing myself in the work has lifted my spirits. Truly this is the spirit of Christ. We've learned that charity was a part of every aspect of the Savior's life, especially when he was going through some of his hardest experiences. As we concern ourselves more with the needs of others and with serving them — or, as we turn ourselves outward in service — we will find our spirits lifted, our hearts changed, and our abilities strengthened through the grace of God. Ether 12:27 and Alma 26:12 teach this principle perfectly. I suggest them for reading. Especially where, for me, as a missionary, it's so hard to imagine myself capable of doing the work that's required of me because it is SO daunting, and the MTC has been SO challenging in that aspect. But Christ's grace is sufficient after all we can do! Isn't that fantastic?! I love the Gospel and the message of hope it brings! I hope all is well for you!

Melanie



Saying goodbye to the family in Provo


Welcome to the MTC!


"I'm so in love with my awesome district!"


An awesome day at the temple

Note from Lisa: Her email is melanien(at)myldsmail(dot)net. She is supposed to email family first and she may not get back to you right away, but she appreciates hearing from everyone!