Letters from the MTC - Week 2 - April 16, 2013

FROM:  Barden Lauren A. <lauren.barden@myldsmail.net>
RE: Letters from the MTC - Week 2 - April 16, 2013

Week 2 - wow how time flies!
 
    Still in heaven here at the MTC... and its cookies. All future sister missionaries.. consider yourself warned. Our schedule is intense but fabulous. I love spending time with all
the Mandarin speaking missionaries, the sisters especially. Sister Burr is going to Taizhong and we love to run around the MTC outside during our morning gym time.(I'm so happy
she loves to run because NOTHING else can keep the cookie weight at bay) Utah weather has been so bipolar as usual.. with snow, sun, and rain all in the same few days. Love the MTC.

Love being a missionary.
 
    One of the most remarkable parts of being in the MTC is spending hours each day with our MTC teachers. I have decided no one is more amazing than an MTC teacher. They are spiritual mentor, friend, and missionary veteran all rolled into one. They seem omniscient when all you study day in and out is your mission language and how to be a good missionary. People have the potential to become extraordinary through the help of God. They know the scriptures and PMG like the back of their hands... they have answers to every question.. even complex grammar principles that your stellar 301 Chinese level companion throws at them :) I feel so inspired to be an amazing missionary so that one day, maybe... I can be as Christlike as they are. Elder Bednar's address "The Character of Christ" talks of being constantly and strikingly Christlike in all of our actions. MTC teachers don't follow this statement, they ARE this statement. So grateful for them.
 
    On Sunday, we were taught by Sister M. Edmunds (sorry don't remember the first name). She was hysterical. She has done so many things- including her time serving on the General Relief Society Board. We all laughed and cried with her until our sides hurt. You can tell she LOVED her mission to the Philippines and Taiwan! The Sisters absolutely died when she harshly admonished us "DON'T EVER TOUCH THE ELDERS!... but keep a list of the ones that you do want to touch" :) When you are a missionary.... anything that is remotely humorous leaves you in stitches. Let the awkwardness begin!
 
    I am feeling myself grow by leaps and bounds. To change you need to allow God to change you.. and sometimes that can be a painful and very uncomfortable process. But if you want it, it comes, and you feel the blessings from it. I love how God is saying to me right now "Ok you crazy MUN, politically minded, stubborn girl.... I need you to humble. I need you to not be able to communicate what you're thinking and feeling to an investigator so you can understand how much you need me. You think you're independent? I need you to be constantly surrounded by people so you can understand just how much they need you.... and you need them". God knows all. I have confidence in Him.... and so much trust. Without Him I cannot do this, but with Him I can do anything.
 
Love you all dearly! Remember God watches over you - always.
To all my BYU friends - Good luck with finals this week!
Sister Barden