Hi everyone!
This has been an exhausting week. I got 3 of my wisdom teeth out! The worst experience of my life, it was really really REALLY painful + having a strong gag reflex wasn't helping. I always hum hymns when I'm in the dental clinic because it calms me down. I never knew I could shake so much and be so terrified, I can't even stop myself from shaking so bad. My whole body was shaking and I was just so terrified but my dentists were so patient with me. Elder Rampton is like 72 years old, and his wife is like 66 years old. They keep cheering for me because they know I'm so scared. Sister Rampton was hugging me and kissing my head because she knew that it took so much courage to be there. I was crying so hard too, the tears just didn't stop from going down. I tried to hold it but I just caaan't!! A painful experience but it'll help me avoid a much more painful experience in the future. Elder Rampton talked to me calmly and told me that I was so brave and they just wanted to do the best for me so I wouldn't have health problems in the future. I hugged them after because they were so patient and understanding, and I'm so grateful for that.
I got to do a one-on-one with my teacher, brother Ibarra who served in Cebu East Mission. He asked me about my family, companionship, and goals. It was a great opportunity to be able to evaluate myself and I realized how my relationship with the Holy Ghost has been improving. There are so many new ideas and revelations I receive from reading the scriptures. Sometimes I get shocked because I wonder where it comes from! The Spirit is really strong here at the MTC, and my district helps a lot with it. They are so full of insights but they are all so humble.
There are 6 of us in the Job District:
• Elder Inocentes (District Leader - Antipolo Mission)
• Elder Calma (San Pablo Mission)
• Sister Jacinto (Tacloban Mission)
• Sister Catubay (Taiwan Taipei Mission)
• Sister Diaz (China Hong Kong Mission)
• Sister Sy (China Hong Kong Mission)
We also got to do practice teaching which is super scary but there is no growth in comfort! We need to stretch a little so we can be able to learn. It's scary but it's for our own benefit.
We had a district led reflection where everyone shares something about what they learned and I really felt the spirit and started to cry because of what my district mates shared. They don't know what goes on in my mind, but somehow, they share and say what I exactly need to hear and know. They are all so inspired, and I know that they are truly called of God to this great work. I know they'll be great missionaries! Even if all of them feel inadequate because of the pressure we feel here at the MTC, I know they'll bless lots of people with their simple but powerful testimonies. They are so well-prepared.
What I learned this week:
1. "What is in a name?" Remember.. remember what your name has done. Remember its works. Remember the name and its reputation.
2. What manner of man or woman ought ye to be? .. Even as the Savior
3. Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy [potential to become like Heavenly Father]
4. Understand not to be understood. Learn to listen to people and care for them.
5. Be the master of technology and don't be slaves to it. The leaders want to immunize a generation to get rid of temptations such as social media, so that the future generation won't have a hard time to deal with it. We should figure out a way for the next generation to have it easier.
6. Stress is necessary for growth - but not too much of it. Know your limits.
7. Control what you think and reframe your thoughts!
8. Be intentional in all you do.
9. Repentance: change your focus. Be better! Don't be "good at staying good". Repentance is not always about the big things, there are little things you can focus on. Start in the small and simple things. Repentance is not just for sins, repentance is also learning how to read the scriptures more effectively, being more specific in your prayers.
10. When Adam and Eve ate from the fruit of knowledge, they hid from God. And God asked them where they were. God knew where they were! Yet why did he ask that question? .. Heavenly Father doesn't want us to hide from him. He wants us to go to Him! When we make mistakes, Heavenly Father already knows yet He wants US to come to Him.
11. Missionary work is like a seed. You can count the seeds in an apple but you cannot count the apples a seed can make.
12. Are you objects or agents? Will you be acted upon or act? Be agents and act, never choose to be acted upon.
13. The path will be difficult and you will be exhausted but do ALL you can do.
14. We are meant to be in the place where Heavenly Father assigned us to be in.
15. You have control over your life. You are responsible for anything that happens in your life because you make your own choices so never blame others for the choices you make!
There are so many other things I've learned. I'm enjoying my time here at the MTC, I have a great companion who makes me laugh but at the same time encourages and strengthens me. I have great roomies who are so fun to be with, we have a great bond together. Food here is great but you won't enjoy it with wisdom teeth that's healing. Room is cold and the blanket is really just a design and doesn't help at all for those who get cold so quickly. People here are kind and fun to talk to. I've been learning some words in Thai from my Thai friends (sawadeeka phelan! Fendeekha phelan!) We have awesome leaders here at the MTC, President and Sister Maurer are super kind and approachable. Elder and Sister Byrnes are so sweet. Elder and Sister Young are the cutest!
My Hong Kong itinerary is here, it's getting real! I leave on September 29th. Getting a swab on 27th, so please pray for me to have courage!!
I invite you all to read the Book of Mormon, specifically Moroni 10:3-5. I know the Book of Mormon is true, I know that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church of Christ that holds the priesthood authority. I'm so grateful and blessed to be here. Thank you mommy and daddy for choosing to accept this true and everlasting gospel. Without your decision, I would've never learned what true joy is.
Love,
Sister Sy
XUE JIEMEI
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