Farewell -- First Week MTC Provo

This has been an amazing week.
On Monday, it was expressed, “With one touch of the  finger, we can bring heaven or hell into our life.  Speaking of our devices.  When we think of the Character of Christ, He turns “out” in compassion—not “inward”.  He is not self-absorbed, selfish, self-centered.  In Matthew 4 as we read of the temptations, it was pointed out that in all the temptations, it was about “if” you are the Son of God, “if” is the key of pride, self-centeredness.  What a glorious gospel to be centered on the atonement, change, conversion—being consistent in living what we know. The opportunity to turn away from self (what I want, like the Cookie Monster “I want cookie”) to turning back to God.
Tuesday We spent more time looking out:  What are we doing each day to become more converted to Jesus Christ:  How can we serve?    How do you know if it’s the Holy Ghost or just me? Elder Bednar said: “  Quit worrying about it! “. 
Elder Bednar told a story about a time when Elder and Sister Packer came as visiting authorities to Elder Bednar’s mission as a young missionary.  Elder Bednar was working in the office and so it was his opportunity to pick the Packers up and send them on their way to their destination.  As Elder Bednar put them on the train, he thought they might get hungry so he gave them 20 marcs because he knew that was the only exchange that would be useable. 
Well, as the Packers were on the train, the Germans came to check on their passports and his wife’s passport was one that had a three year extension on it.  They were not recognizing the passports with extensions.  They were going to throw her off the train at the next stop.  Elder Packer reached into his pocket and pulled out those 20 marks and  put them in their passports.  She was able to stay on the train.  Elder Bednar said, “Was
 that the Holy Ghost or just him that put those 20 marks in Elder Packer’s hands”?  Quit worrying about it.  Just move on those impressions without trying to figure out if it’s the Holy Ghost or you. 
Wednesday we learned some basic teaching skills.  Help \ Invitation \ Promise\ Doctrine
We discovered the meaning of being a true disciple:  student, learner, example. Our purpose in life is to become like Him, to be one with the Godhead.  Oct 2012 Conference Daniel L. Johnson spoke on “Becoming a True Disciple”.  Jeffrey Orlando said in an mtc devotional, “Remember this truth, everything in the conversion process must happen to you before it can happen to them—-everything.”  So important to remember as we raise families, influence friends...  Each of us must be converted first before we can extend our influence on others.
 When we went to another building to see some murals, I was holding the door with Sister Bartschi and her husband tripped and fell on his hip.  They were in our district; he was our district leader.  Ray and Elder Noel went and administered to him at the hospital.  They were assigned to the Salt Lake City Mission.  We’re down to two couples now.
Thursday’s theme for me was communication.  What?  I’m a good communicator!  Well, I’m a good talker and easily sidetracked. I don’t know if I’ll learn this one lesson:  LIsteN!
Do NOT think of my own experiences.  ASK questions:  Why?  How do you feel about that?  Tell me more...  Have a clear purpose.  Avoid prying questions???!!!  What.
More important than speaking is listening.  Once I heard a statement that went like this, “God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a purpose.  Listen twice as much as we talk.
We watched a video of the blind man since birth and his healing.  There were some interesting observations for me—-the blind man went and did what the Lord told him to do and then he could see.  Another wonderful day.  Our district is now just us.  The Noel left tonight to begin their travel for their mission.  They are driving to see family first and then they are called to Tempe Arizona Mission Addiction and Recovery.  This is their second mission.  Previously they served in New Zealand Addiction and Recovery.  They are amazing people.  What insight and and deep understanding they have.
Today we saw the mural of The Sons of Mosiah. 
Friday.    Who do I want to be when I return from this mission?  I want to be more Christlike.  I want to be better at listening to others and through the Spirit, engage others to feel heart to heart experiences with the Spirit.  We love you!  Aloha!
~Teresa, Mom, Grandma