Week Two - Sept. 1, 2016

Week Two - Sept. 1, 2016
 

Hey, Hey, Hey!  
It is seriously crazy to think that I am almost done here at the MTC!  I received my flight plans this week and leave Tuesday morning at 3:30 AM.  I will be traveling for 10 hours, but my travel group is awesome so I am pretty stoked!

This week has been so good!  My companion and I were called to be the Sister Training Leaders and so this week has been crazy, but it was so fun getting to welcome in the new missionaries.  I also got to see Halsey [her friend from high school and roommate at college] right after she got here which made my whole week!  I have learned so much this first week about how to teach and just how to really love my investigators, which makes me so excited to get out and just meet new people in Alaska and get to teach them! The MTC is really one of the most amazing places; I’m seriously kind of sad to be leaving here but so excited to get in the field. 

Halsey and McKenna

On Tuesday we got to hear from both Brother and Sister Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy; he gave one of the coolest talks!  He talked a lot about the importance of the Book of Mormon in missionary work, and how it will help tremendously in the conversion process with our investigators. One thing he said really stuck out to me, which was, "It is my testimony that the Book of Mormon saves lives."  I heard that and just really thought about how powerful that is. I have come to realize since being here how powerful the Book of Mormon is and can’t wait to share that with my investigators because it really truly is one of the most powerful books.  Another thing he said was, "Have the courage to talk to everyone you see.  If it does not end up in a baptism, that is alright because it planted a seed for later in life when they are ready," and "…the impact of one is so great."  I loved these two things because I just realized that I should never be discouraged on my mission if teaching an investigator does not result in baptism because it plants a seed for later in the future when they are ready for the gospel in their lives.  I know that missionary work will not be easy at times, but I know it will be so worth it! 

We also had another really cool experience.  On Wednesday night we sat around as a district and had kind of a little testimony meeting.  We just opened up with each other about why were serving, what we have learned, and just how we have seen the Gospel bless our lives and families since we have been on missions.  It was crazy to hear what has happened for some people and strengthened my testimony of our Savior’s love for us and our families.  He is working miracles and it’s so cool to watch!  Our meeting was one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. I really have been blessed with such an amazing district and have grown to love each and everyone of them.  They are truly amazing, and I am so excited to see what they will do in their missions. 

McKenna's District

I do have to just share one really funny story, though.  Last night my companion and I had 30 seconds to prepare a quick lesson on the Word of Wisdom to teach our teacher, and so we found a scripture quickly and felt pretty confident going into it.  We started our lesson and it was going so well, and we felt like we have totally got this.  We then asked our teacher to read a scripture and told him to read verse 16, but meant to say 17. Anyway, so he started reading the scripture and, long story short, the scripture said that they were going to be destroyed!  My companion and I just looked at each other like what did we just do, and then we just started busting up laughing, like my zebra-kind-of-laugh, and my teacher totally broke character and could not pull himself together.  It was the funniest thing ever!! 

 

Anyway, this week has just been another quality week.  I love my experience at the MTC, and know I am just going to love Alaska!!  I know that this Gospel is true; I know that our heavenly father loves us and hears and answers every single one of our prayers. I know that He has a plan for us and that He wants nothing more for us than to return to live with Him again. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His love for us. I know that through diligent scripture study we are able to receive any answers we may have.  I know that this Gospel brings true happiness, and I am so excited to share that with the people of Alaska!  I love you all so much and cannot thank you enough for everything! 

Love, Sister Lake

Provo Temple