Can you believe how time is flying by?! I can't believe that I am already in my 8th week here at the MTC! It is so weird and I am starting to get to the freak out stage because that means I leave so soon! I will be getting my official flight plans soon! I kind of already know when I am leaving because I saw the plan when I went to LA. I guess I forgot to mention that. I leave the MTC on Jan.2 and my flight leaves at like, 6am, so that means I have to leave the MTC like at 3am! I will be so tired, and so will my family if they want to talk to me! But like I said, that is not "official", so I will tell you more when I have the concrete flight plans in my hands!
This week was great! Like usual. Yesterday was amazing! Sundays are always such an amazing lift, something that always helps! First, Brother Wright, 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency was released. I loved Bro. Wright! My eyes got watery with his release! He always gave me compliments on what I was wearing and always joked how I was whipping the branch into shape since I was called as Coordinating Sister. He always spoke with such power. It was great to listen to him one last time.
I also listened to an amazing talk by Vickie Pahnke Taylor in Relief Society. She is a composer and she was incredible! It was all about how we need to be transformed. If we choose to put forth the effort and choose to do this work, the Lord will transform us into who we need to be. There were so many great stories she shared and she finished with singing, "I Need Thee Every Hour." She said that as we come to Christ, that is our own personal journey, and that is what our life is about. I also had to teach a lesson to our district. It was about applying Christlike attributes to our lives. We had already discussed this numerous times and so I didn't know what more to say. I studied some other talks and Sister Taylor's talk fit right in, so my lesson went well. It is so important to have those attributes in your life and to be more like Him. Studying the life of Christ has been such a blessing. It has allowed me to better understand who He is and helps me strengthen my relationship to Him. My comp said the lesson went well, so hopefully she is right.
Sunday night we also had a special treat for us. In place of the usual fireside, we were treated to a special concert by the BYU Men's Chorus. All 190 of them came! I made sure that we got great seats, as usual, and it was incredible! They are so talented! They started out with some hymns, and then they sang Christmas songs. I love the Carol of the Bells, probably one of my favorite Christmas songs! They also sang In Yonder Stall, which was beautiful. Songs carry so much power in them and it was wonderful to feel the Spirit in that way.
Let's see... The RC was okay. I did talk to one lady in West Viriginia who had such a thick accent. She was fun to talk to and anxious to hear from the missionaries and recieve the free video about Christmas, Joy to the World. If you haven't seen that yet, do. It is such a great video that helps you remember Christ in your Christmas!
I feel like I am old and seasoned here at the MTC. We have been the oldest district in our zone now for quite some time. All of the other people I know in other zones are now gone, so it is weird to be the old ones! Sister Rancie, my aussie sister friends that lives on my floor, left this morning. I loved her! She was hilarious and so fun! We had lots of eating parties in our room with all of the food and candy that people send to us. The food never lasts too long!
Before I forget, mom, can you dearelder me the story of my great-grandmothers first Christmas in the United States? I want to share it with my district, but I can't do it justice. The way it is written is perfect! I'll also take this time to thank everyone who has been writing me and sending my goodies! You are so thoughtful and it is so fun to hear from you. I feel that support and it is such a lift! Dawn and the Sorensen's, thank you for the fun box of cookies and candy! They are tasty and everyone has been enjoying them! Mom, thanks for the Christmas package! I am practicing amazing self-control! My comp is mad that I haven't opened them! Now is my small moment of chastisement: Nick and Lindsay, write to me! Linds, I've only heard from you twice and Nick, it has been like 3 times, maybe four. I want to hear from you! When I don't, I worry, and that is no bueno. So, write to me so I can focus and not be distracted be things like that!
Fam, I'm sending out your Christmas package hopefully today. Hopefully it gets to you in time!
I love you all. I want you to know that this gospel is amazing! It changes lives! It has changed me! If you have any questions about that, ask for yourself and you will receive an answer!
I hope you have a fun Christmas, I know I will! Fam and Friends, even though I can't call you on Christmas, I can at least email you becuase Tuesday is Pday, so I have that access! Feel Blessed! Till next week! I love you and Feliz Navidad!
