Letter #3 MTC "Packed full of lessons"

Family & Friends of whom I am deeply grateful,

This week has been packed full of lessons I needed to learn!

      Tuesday was the hardest day I have had yet at the MTC. I was struggling a bit with some of my old mental problems, but I was keeping it all in most of the day and pushed through. That night I spoke with my branch president and I immediately felt better. The leaders of the church who are called of God really are called of God and know those they serve and how to help them. I know what he told me is what the Lord wanted me to know to help me move forward. My companions were really supportive, I am so lucky to have them and the other girls in my district. That night we had a devotional from Elder Aidukaitis of the seventy and he extended a challenge I want to extend to you now. 1) Decide which kingdom of Glory you want  to go to 2) Write the name of it in BIG LETTERS in your journal so that when you look back you never mistaken that decision for another one 3) Make every decision from here out according to your kingdom. Once you make that decision, all others will be easy. Mom you may have the primary kids do it too!

Teaching as a trio is really hard! I realized that my teaching style is way different that at least one of my companions every time we plan, but we make it work. I realized how bad I am at not stopping to listen. If I have learned anything this week that is it. SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND LISTEN CHRISTINA. Listen to your investigator's. Listen to your companions. Listen to the Spirit. We got to teach volunteer BYU students in the TRC this week and it was really fun to teach a member and not have to start from scratch. A LOT EASIER.

This week for our Branch, our topic was "The Gift of the Holy Ghost" and every week we are all to write a talk in Spanish and they pick two missionaries to speak from the branch. One point from the talk I wrote came to me one day during personal study and I realized how important it is for us all to realize: "Whenever we receive inspiration from the spirit, it is a personal commandment from our Father in Heaven." We are told "if ye love me keep my commandments" and I truly know that when we act on spiritual promptings, we are showing him we love him

Spanish is coming slowly but surely. The Christ-Like attribute I chose to focus on this week is Diligence. Only if we are diligent will we be able to receive the blessings in store for us. Diligence includes working  hard but also smart. You all know I am one of the least organized people in the world, but I have found that as I push that out of me and become smart about my time (well actually my time is the Lord's now if we want to get technical) that the Lord blesses me how I desire.

I love you all. Thank you for all you do to support me. I am blown away by all the letters I get. They make the days SO much easier and help me work harder. Keep the Faith!

- Hermana Wise