The greatest moment of the week came from a practice teaching lesson with Sis. Low. We drew two people on the white board and practices the principles of the Restoration and Book of Mormon. I lack self confidence in my descriptive signing, so Sis. Low let me tell the First Vision. We had just practiced in class signing it with more descriptive signing (facial expressions, body language, classifiers) than vocab. The whole district had gone outside (the first time for class time) and out in a beautiful day in the shade of a big tree, we practiced telling the story of Joseph Smith when he prayed for answers and saw God and Jesus Christ appear to him. I lacked so much confidence trying to sign it to an Elder, I just couldn't do it. but when Sis. Low and I did it in the classroom, to a white board, I made myself push away my fears, and just try. A few times, I'd fumble and make a small comment, but each time, I'd get quieter, feel more calm, and I could just feel the spirit flood the room. It was amazing. I'm not saying my signing was amazing, for it need improvement, but it was another example that when we put our trust in God, our fears will slip away and our message will come through. I still lack confidence in myself at times, but I have a small prayer in my heart and I know as soon as I begin, the spirit will help lift me up and support the message I wish to teach. I love it here. I feel so blessed the Lord has called me as an ASL missionary. I want to learn all I can and be prepared for anything so when I meet a new investigator, no matter their learning level, their background, their understanding, I can be there and help them come closer unto Christ.
During our Blue Box time on Saturday, was another instance when I had practiced for two weeks to gain confidence, did a run-through with Sis Call that day, and just felt awful. I didn't think I could do it. I felt like a failure. How could I practice for two weeks and accomplish nothing. I was brought so low, but I then remembered, I was to describe my favorite bible story (Ruth). I was to express the principle that through sacrifice, the Lord will bless us with more than we had before. I prayed with all my heart for confidence in what I was about to do, and all went well. I felt good about it. I felt I had accomplished what I wished to do.
That night was extra special because one of the Elders, Elder Lingam, chose to BlueBox the Garden of Gethsemane. He struggles the most with language, but what he may lack in vocab, he makes up with through his spirit and conviction. Just to see the expression on his face, the way he presented the Atonement, was so moving. There is a moment that will be hard to forget. He showed that Christ suffered for us individually. We could see that, and each time he took on another's burden, we just yearned to take it back, to wish he didn't have to go through with it. It was truly powerful. What a gift we have been given as ASL missionaries to become the story. To really help our investigators visualize the moment we wish to share with them. There is no better language, for we express our full heart and soul for all to see.
The TRC on Friday had been focused on helping our investigator understand the Atonement and what it means to our lives. I kept approaching it different ways, helping her understand the different parts of the atonement and how the Garden of Gethsemane, the Crucifiction, and the Resurrection all had a purpose for each of us. That night, I began to read Jesus the Christ, beginning with the end of the Last Supper and on through the end. Now, I've decided to begin at the beginning and continue the study of Christ's life.
TENDER MERCY: How blessed I feel to be a missionary. To continue to grow closer to Christ. And prepare to bring others to Him. In many ways, this whole email expresses the tender mercies that God has given me this week. Each week, I attend the temple and feel closer to Him. Each teaching moment is a reminder of how we can work to help any person in any situation with any concern to realize that God is there for them. The scriptures is a wonderful tool if we remember to apply our own experiences to those found in the scriptures. All our worries and fears can be calmed through study and prayer for those brings us closer to our Father in Heaven.
