August 19th, 2011

Hola familia y amigos!

As usual, I don't have much time.  You are all probably surprised at how much I still write even when I say I don't have much time! Whoever gets to the end of my e-mails each week gets a gold star!  Sorry for writing so much :) there's just so much going on here that is so incredible that I have to share!  First of all Happy Birthday to Dave and I think I missed Gary's a few weeks ago also, and Happy Birthday coming up to Missy and Grandpa!  And also Happy Birthday to Paul! Whew.... so many birthdays! Ok... here's the week

 

AWKWARDS, INCOMODOS, Y CHISTES

• just one this week... but it's a good one.  Each Sunday everyone has to prepare a talk on a specific topic and then in sacrament meeting they call 2 people on the spot to give their talks.  Oh and they have to be completely in spanish.  Most people copy sentences from preach my gospel and just read it haha.  But I always just write points in english and make sure I know how to say everything so if I had to give mine I could say it all in Spanish.  So.. this Sunday I was asked to give the opening prayer, so I am thinking 'oh I'm totally covered, they won't ask me to speak'.  For some reason, I wrote my talk quickly and somehow forgot to add any scriptures or quotes.  Yep... you guessed it.  I got called up to speak. Whewww did I learn a lesson about preperation!  I knew how to say most everything... but still butchered some of it.  So that's my great story for the week.... always always always prepare.  I'm pretty sure I had no idea what I was saying while I was giving my talk... I was just translating my sentences from english to spanish.  I also used the word 'ish' in my talk... some of the elders had a great time teasing me for that later.

AWESOMES

• getting to ditch class to get a shot. and then getting to ditch class again that same day to go sit with a sick hermana (we got new hermanas this week!! FINALLY!).  and next week we get to ditch for a travel meeting, and then again to host new missionaries on wednesday! Class is great... but when you have been here nearly 7 weeks, it's nice to have a change :).
• 2. weeks. until. I. fly. to. Argentina. omp omp omp! (o mi palabra)
• this week I started writing in my journal little lessons I have learned for myself... most of which I have learned here.  Things that have strengthened my testimony or parts of my testimony I have gained.  I just want to share a few of those with you:
• it is possible to be surrounded by light and not be changed by it.  It is a choice whether or not you let it into your heart
• The book of mormon is the keystone and iron rod, and we must CLEAVE to it consistently.  Without this consistency it is SO easy to fall and become 'past feeling' just as Laman and Lemuel did. 
• our pride determines how open our hearts are and therefore how much light we will receive and how much progress we will make
• the atonement applies to everyone at any given time in life because it covers, heals, strengthens, and comforts
• repentance is not so much about saying sorry, but more about changing and constantly improving.  If you are recognizing your weaknesses and striving to change them and improve-you are utilizing the atonement.  It is a way of life, not an event.
• Often times we do something and don't even recognize that we are following the Holy Ghost until later.  In them oment it is not important to worry about whether it's the Spirit or yourself.  If you are trying to follow him and doing what's right--and doing whatever you feel is right and good, you will see later those little acts of inspiration thatm ade a big difference.
• There is a difference between having a testimony and being converted (as said by my good friend Bryan Groll).  It is the difference between sacrifice--giving your time and talents; and consecration--giving YOURSELF (which includes your whole heart)
• The object of our gospel--and this life--is CHANGE.  This is done through the atonement and only when your heart is right
• Your greatest work in life is and ever will be YOU
• the secret to success is to 'kick when you don't want to kick, and stroke when you don't want to stroke' (as said by a famous swimmer).  In other words... always be working--especially during those times when it's hardest and seems impossible.  That's what separates the good from the great.  We need to learn to overcome ourselves and overcome our bodies
• It really is possible to love every single person you meet.  If you don't love someone, it's because you don't know when well enough yet. CHARITY. NEVER. FAILETH. 

Ok there are many more but that's all I have time for!  If you made it this far.. woohoo! Good job.  Thanks everyone for all the support!  Only 2 more weeks left in the MTC and then I will be out in the field! Exciting times.  This gospel is incredible and real, and it is Jesus Christ's gospel.  Love you all!!

 

--Hermana Hunt