The Other Side of the Fence: An MTC Story

        Well the bags were unloaded the car rolled away and now I'm on one of those missions1 It's great to finally be here. I am amazed at the number of sister missionaries. There used to be about 2 sisters to 6 elders in a district and now it’s at least half or more. There are 11 girls in my zone (one trio companionship) and if the age change had not happened there would only be 4 of us sister. I can't imagine a mission without these younger girls! They are strong and righteous! And let’s be honest I act like a 19 year old anyway... ;)

WE made a list of things "Only at the MTC do you..." here are some of my favorites:

*Do you get free acting lessons (we often times play the role of an investigator while practicing)

*get jealous of people doing laundry (we finally got our laundry day TODAY- day 8)

*Feel weird not saying a closing prayer for breakfast. (Really though, LOTS of praying- though I'm not opposed)

*forget you were given a first name

*nothing is strange anymore

*your favorite accessory is your water bottle

*the intermediate hymn has an intermediate hymn

* does waking up at 6:30 feel like sleeping in

* have dinner at 4:20 (THAT’S been an adjustment)

*does your roommate sneak in diet coke through the mail.

*feel like the cool kid for going English speaking

*you have to convert your teacher if you're late for class. (true story if we're late we have to do a door approach)

*fight about what to sign for the opening hymn

Now for my companion Sister Mason! She is great. We became friends instantly and she gets my sense of humor and has quiet a funny subtle one (she'll give really good one-liners out of nowhere). She from Mesa Arizona and have her devils shirt which we took a picture of her wearing with her name tag. She started singing to me yesterday in the tune of the song "Hey Soul Sister" except she said "Hey Snow Sister" Ha it was pretty great, I still do my little singing songs and they rubbed off on her. This is my first companionship but I'd say it's really strong. Even though, or perhaps DESPITE, having to be next to each other ALL the time we talk to each other a lot even when in big groups or at lunch.

 On Sunday we were both having a hard time trying to balance all the teaching semantics and the order and points of the material like they stressed in class versus going by the spirit. We had taught a lesson the day before that was very strange. WE said what we were "supposed to" but there was no conviction behind it. We had rewritten our lesson a few times that day to incorporate what we had learned in class. But what we said only left the investigator confused. It wended well however when Sister Mason had Lisa read Isaiah 53:3-5 where it talks about Christ being bruised for our transgressions and by his stripes we are healed. The spirit was very strong at that point, for which we were grateful but knew we weren’t responsible. So Sunday we went into our meetings trying to learn how to better teach by the spirit.

We had some great lessons on Sunday and a devotional and they all seemed to say teach by the spirit. They emphasized talking and ASKING the investigator soul searching questions not throwing doctrine at them. Sister Mason was frustrated and confused because she felt conflicted with the two charges (I was a little as well). We went back to our classroom to get our stuff and ended up staying an hour and a half talking it out. She explained her feelings and I suggested we pray. So we knelt down and I asked Heavenly Father to please help us. I told him we were confused and wanted direction "how God, do we teach?” We would study with faith that he will answer our pray. It was very empowering praying as a companionship. My eyes glossed over with baby tears (I say that because I have yet to cry) and we said amen, got up and started studying our scriptures. It's nice to have someone to support you and help you out. WE are that for each other. And through that companionship we encourage each other to constantly rely on God. 

The next day we decided not to plan what we were going to say for our lesson with Lisa but study topics. We went in with faith that god would help us say what we needed to say. There we're times I had no idea where the lesson was going to go, but it turned out well and was a great testament to us about the principle of following the spirit. Sister Hegstrom shared this quote with us later this week which I think fits perfect,

"The Lord does not ask for your ability or your inability, but only for your availability. Show him your dependability and he will give you capability" -Elder Neal A. Maxwell

WE have three other sisters in our zone. Sister Cusack- she is from Florida and is from a part member family and is the first missionary other than her mother. She is sweet and kind. She went to BYUI for her freshman year and is studying modern dance. Sister Hegstom is also a year out of college and she was at BYU so we like talking about that. We both had Mr. Crandal for anthropology. He would teach in a fake English accent and say to the class, "Will someone aw-fer us up a praaayer," in a very dignified way. So one night before our room/district prayer I said that and she knew who I was referencing. It was pretty funny. She is sarcastic and quite funny as well. Then there is Sister Anderson which I want to say in a matrix voice, "Siiiiiiiiiis-ter Aaaaaaaander-son." She like Sister Mason is almost 21. She danced for the Jazz basketball team and is very sweet and loving always smiling when you see her and initiating hugs. We all get along well- we feel like we've been friends forever. 

We have four elders in our district and by far ALL the sister's favorite is Elder Howe. He is a big football player with the body of a bear and a heart like a bunny. He is very nice to all of us. I think we all look at him as a grown up younger brother we are proud of. We had a testimony meeting after devotional Tuesday night and he told the sisters that we have sweet spirits and is so grateful for our example. "I would not have had all the revelatory experiences I had had this week if it wasn't for you sisters." Also side note: we have two teachers and we are their favorite district they're ever taught. I can do a really good impression of Brother Starkie (who is VERY intense) and it gets laughs every time. I even showed him last night in front of everyone and we all burst out laughing. His face went VERY red. 

On Tuesday the MTC had their first EVER devotional in the Marriott center. We filled up at least a forth or so of the seat. WE got on the ground floor (second row) and an Elder of the 70 spoke and it was very powerful. Looking around I could see THOUSANDS of missionaries (from both east and west campus) we were all in one place. It was a record number of missionaries together. I felt like I was staring at ranks of an army. Ready to go forth and preach the gospel! I am humbled to be numbered with these young devoted servants of the Lord.

Lets talk about 4 square. It is awesome. I've missed it since elementary. Every day for gym time at least 3/4 of our district play. I am known for a karate punch like move that is deadly. It gets pretty intense and there's one sister (no not me though I do it sometimes...) who screams SOOOOOOO loud when she gets out. It feels like elementary. Everyone are good sports and the other elders and sister in the other district in our zone are friendly and we have gotten to know them all pretty well. 

The biggest habits to break are not addressing a large group as "guys" but "Elders and Sisters." also I forget I can't tap any of the elders on the shoulder or pat their back. Every time I do I am reminded of the Arrested Developmemt quote, "NO TOUCHING!" 

The MTC really has been great. I have learned a lot. You have the spirit with you all the time, and have to live up to that charge. I'm surprised I don't miss TV or computers really. Sleep I do miss that though ;) but it's a great thing to be able to constantly bear testimony. I feel as though my testimony hasn't expanded but become more dense and deep. Every 5 minutes in class an eternal truth is confirmed to me, and often more frequently. I live by the spirit and it is a great thing. 

I know God is sustaining me. This mission stuff is hard but it is well worth it. Before I left Salt Lake I Hiked Mount Olympus with my father. I was tired within the first three minutes. It was daunting knowing that I had 3+ hours ahead of me. Sometimes I had to stop to rejuvenate, but I would start up again, knowing the view would be worth it. That's how I see my mission. The first morning here at 7:00 AM I was sitting in a quiet room trying to study with droopy eyes asking myself, "what did I get into?" but class started and as we begun talking about the gospel I was alert and excited. Going into lessons are scary and exhausting. Just like walking up that mountain the question could be asked "is it all worth it?" yes. Yes it is. I am so glad to finally be here!!!!

 WE leave Monday for California, but in a roundabout way. First we fly into DENVER- THEN California. Upside I can have two drinks of Dr Pepper (one on each plane ;)

I will attach some pictures :) One that Sister Anderson has I will need to send later is a "basketball team" looking photo of us all in our gym clothes. 

I KNOW this church is true. I cannot deny it, and though I have never seen God or Christ as Joseph Smith did, I have a relationship with each of them. My loving Heavenly Father blesses and guides my life. He is a great orchestrator. He puts people in my path and beautiful harmonies are played and friendships made. I don't know how the song will end but I will continue to read the music he gives me. Christ is my Savior. My older Brother and he can be yours too if you let him. Be as King Limonih and declare, "I will give all my sins away to know thee." 

I love this gospel and I know my purpose as a missionary. I hope to be able to rise to that call. I love you all from the bottom of my heart. 

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us do all that lie in our power; and then may we stand  still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." DC 123:17 Love you all! Sister Snow PS I've already converted 6 people...to Orabrushing see photo