Wow! This past week has been packed with so much. The saying "the days feels like weeks and the weeks feel like days" is so true here. I have an amazing companion, Sister Carter, and an amazing district. There are only 8 people in our district - 4 sister and 4 elders. . . . I love my companion, love my sisters, and love my district.
The first couple of days in the MTC were a bit overwhelming with all we had to do and get used to with the schedule. Especially since Thursday night Sister Carter and I were called to be the Sister Training leaders for the new sisters coming in this week...aka today! It will be a lot of fun, but it just meant we had more responsibilities to take care of in our first few days. Both sister Carter and I are excited to welcome the new sisters that will be joining our zone.
The first day as I left my family, I was trying so hard to keep my tears in. I gave them each hugs, grabbed my suitcases with the sister that was welcoming me there, and then turned one more time to wave, say good bye, and smile at my wonder, loving, supportive family. I told myself I wouldn't turn back after that. That after that moment I was giving all of myself to the Lord. I knew that the Lord would watch over them and take care of them. I am holding onto that promise and know that miracles will happen as I work hard and focus on doing what the Lord wants me to do. Because of that promise and commitment with the Lord, I have been blessed to not be distracted by homesickness. Yes, I still love and miss my family and friends - all of you - but it hasn't been a huge struggle for me to get lost in the work because I know that the Lord will keep His promises and bless all of you as long as I work hard on my mission. I've loved the MTC and all that I have learned and really look forward to sharing the gospel in Mississippi!
Now I want to share my feelings from the broadcast this last Sunday. What an absolutely amazing experience that was. I wasn't in the choir because you had to have been in the week before to practice, but it was so powerful just to be there and hear them. I cried just from sitting there and hearing them practice an hour before it started. The odd, yet amazing thing to me about the broadcast is that what kept coming to mind were missionary experiences from home. This is what I felt: I didn't have to come on a mission to find missionary experiences. They were there all along. My only regret being out here now is that I didn't do a little bit more to spread the gospel. I realized that there were a lot of times that I feared instead of trusting the promptings of the spirit to share the gospel. To all of you: Do not pass up those opportunities. Care enough about the people around you to share with them the plan of our loving Heavenly Father and how it can help them. As Elder Holland once said, "this is an eternal matter."
I want you all to know that I have a strong testimony of this gospel. I know that it's true and that no matter what challenges or trials we are going through, the gospel of Jesus Christ can help us. As we choose to accept it and act upon it, there will be challenges, but there will be even greater blessings. Keep the faith and trust in the Lord. Turn to Him in prayer and He will answer.
I leave to Mississippi next Monday at 3:30 in the am!! Woo!! Yeah! :)
Sister Jones with the MTC Mission President, President Nally and his wife.
Sis. Kaye Nally was a BYU roommate and dear friend of Felicia's grandmother,
Peggy Knighton, and sent this photo.
