Sunday Morning at the MTC

Maayong aga!

Good morning dear family.

We are planning, studying scriptures and lesson from Preach My Gospel and studying Hiligaynon in our rooms at MTC at the moment.

I am tempted to write what I can in Hiligaynon as I find I’m trying to translate as I go through the day.

Some of the special parts of being here

– Hearing Elders from the islands singing in their languages as they pass our rooms at different times.

– Feeling the unity and love between different cultures as they are placed in companionships and learn from each other.

-The respect shown to us as senior missionaries from everyone we meet.

-Singing together 🎶🎵

Oh my such harmony and joy. Sounds like angels from Heaven are in our midst.

– The sweet joy of entering a room to a sea of white shirts and beaming faces.

– The growth in confidence I feel from some who were struggling when they arrived.

I could continue on, but I’ll share a few things.

The Elder from Fiji 🇫🇯 has had to be given iv antibiotics to fight against his infected dog bite. He limps as he walks but has a happy disposition.

There is a Filipino who speaks our language!

But he is struggling with home sickness and is very quiet.

President spends time with him.

Quite a few are not eating much as it’s different from their home foods. I asked one elder from Tonga 🇹🇴 who had not touched his breakfast what he would normally have. He says taro and some soup.

There are only 9 sisters here, from Tahiti, Australia, Tonga, Kiribati 🇰🇮

New Zealand.

We have nearly all our lessons separately now, 4 of us seniors and 2 teachers. We go slowly through Preach My Gospel and the scriptures, role playing with investigators.

We had more time with President and his wife last night. We shed tears as we all told our stories of finding the Gospel and the joy we have. They are a very down to earth couple with a lot of love and good humour.

We’ve learned a lot from the Tongan couple with us – about following the promptings of the Holy Spirit and being obedient. He is a sealer in the temple and she’s just lovely. It’s the first time I feel I would love to serve a mission in their country.

Most of all I am loving the spirit of the Lord that I feel here, almost like the temple at times.

The paintings and photos on the walls bring tears to my eyes and I am full of gratitude to be given this sacred opportunity.

We pray for you all each day.

Much love, Mum