I'm excited for General Conference this weekend. I'm not sure yet what we as a district will do, if we will just read closed captions, have an interpreter, or connect to the internet to watch the church interpreters. We'll find out Saturday. Also, the Sisters here at the MTC have to wait until Priesthood session to watch the General Relief Society Broadcast. That's one of my favorite meetings! It's hard to have to wait for it. I've been so tempted to sneak onto LDS.org during MDT to watch it, but I've resisted. I've had more important topics to research online than to watch a meeting we all will see in a few days.
I'm still surviving through the TRC and BlueBoxing. I have improved, but still see more that I need to work on. My biggest thing right now is to stop doubting my abilities with the BlueBox. (Have I explained why we call it BlueBox? Missionaries use to be given church images in this big blue box. Thankfully, they just came out with a handbook. Much easier to carry around! But not as many pictures. Therefore, since we act out a picture that we find in the blue box, it's BlueBoxing!) Anyways, I acted out Mary and Martha, but as some may know me to do, I start by saying I won't be very good at it...etc etc... and as everyone knows, if you doubt yourself, you won't do as good. So, my goal this next BlueBox (that isn't until next Saturday due to Conference), I am acting out my favorite bible story - Ruth. I plan on really working on it and not talking my abilities down. I can do it! Maybe it won't be an amazingly funny BlueBox like others in the district, but it will be perfect for my personality and my abilites. That's what I'm hoping and working towards.
Being Fast Sunday last week, the Mission Presidency spoke to us. I realized that Pres. J Halvor Clegg (the 2nd Counselor?) really enjoys our little ASL district. We keep running into each other, he compliments us in our signing whenever he sees us, and even sits down during meals to talk while we all eat. It's a lot of fun to see how many people come up to us because we sign. Usually at least three Elders a day will come up to us and as "How do you sign .... " It's nice to see them have fun learning something new and being willing to communicate with Sis. Call.
The fireside was amazing! Robert P Swenson, the Director of Missionary Services spoke to us and I really hope there are transcripts of MTC talks available to the public, because I really want a copy (I hear checking out the video to watch it is possible, but probably not a written transcript...). It was amazing to have my purpose in the fast was answered with so many blessings and tender mercies throughout the day; one being this talk. He used the great analogy of a kite being held up with string as it relates to following MTC rules. He focused on: Companionship, Language, Gospel Study, and Mission Call and how each of these are necessary for us here at the MTC and we do not want to cut that string. Then he ended with the statement that when these strings are tightened and intertwined together, it creates a strong rope. Also, just as flying a kite brings people so much joy, following the rules will keep ourselves high and strong to be able to move with the "breeze of the spirit". I can't explain that talk justice. It was just perfect. Truly. And, he then ended by comparing General Conference to our own King Benjamin on the tower experience where the whole world, all of God's children is able to hear from the Prophet and Apostles. I just didn't think of it that way. It left an impression.
Then, to end the Sunday, Sis. Call and I went to watch two short church films "First Vision" and "Legacy to Kirtland" (I think that was the title). Bro. and Sis. Cropper (Bro. Cropper being my teacher) came to interpret because there were no captions available. Anyways, the "Legacy to Kirtland" was filmed at the Motion Picture Studio so the whole time I watched it, it brought me back to when I worked on "Diantha's Crossing". I could pick out most, if not all the buildings and locations in the movies as to where they are found on the MPS lot. Gotta love film! It's amazing!
Devotional was given by Elder Stephen D Nadauld of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and his wife Sister Margaret Nadauld, the former General Young Women's President. So good! They discussed how God will strengthen us as missionaries and an in depth discussion on Ether 12:6 and the Trail (Trial) of Faith.
TENDER MERCY: The greatest tender mercy truthfully came from everthing that happened on Sunday. It strengthened my testimony of fasting because I could see the Lord supporting me and giving me little events that let me know He heard my prayers. Also in class I was able to share how every night I won't go to bed without writing down a tender mercy of that day. It really touched everyone and I'm glad something I learned from my mom was able to help my good friends in the district. Can't help but smile!
