2016-06-30

HI
What a week here at the MTC! I feel like I've been here for so long! But it's been a good time. I'm really happy here! (Most of the time...) :-) It's definitely been challenging. But all in good ways!

You'd be really proud to know that I only cried the first night after I read Makail's letter (LOVE HER.) I also had a mental breakdown in the shower a couple of days ago...but its fine. I'm over it. I just miss you guys. But that's okay!
I don't know why missionaries say "y'all" all the time but I hate it. I'm also over that.
I take SUPER fast showers now-- Dad, you would be so proud!
I've been eating a ton of fruit (healthy eating=happy missionaries!) Someone PLEASE tell the MTC to get some grapes. I've been craving grapes since I got here...
The food isn't as bad as everyone says. But its definitely not mom's cooking.
AND
Waking up at 6:30 is a piece of cake. I've gotten the best sleep ever here at the MTC.
Also, I taught some missionaries how to do laundry. (THANKS MOM!)

This experience doesn't even seem real. God is so good! I've felt His love for me more than I ever have while I've been here. I've relied on Him more than I ever have and my heart has definitely been softened. There have been so many tender mercies.

My district is super fun. There are 8 elders and 4 sisters (including my companion, Sister Hess, and I) I'm grateful to have them. I feel like these elders are my brothers. (Except they're obviously not as fun as Jacob, Grant, and Bryson) and Sister Brown and Sister Muhlestein (the other sisters in my district) are the best. They get annoyed with people just as much as I do so we're basically the same people. We have fun. My teachers are Brother Pliler and Brother Bailey. They're so awesome.  I love them! They always say "Sister Bain, I hope New York is ready for your sass." Hahaha so funny. I'm not even sassy. Ever. (Right, mom and dad?)

I got a really bad headache last week. I was surprised I could even get out of bed! I basically looked and felt like death. I couldn't focus on anything in class. I asked 2 elders in my district for a blessing and let me tell ya....the priesthood is POWERFUL. Sister H and I were scheduled to teach a lesson right after my blessing and I felt so good! God gave me the strength to teach by the spirit.

I've been missing piano music a lot. I miss going into the living room and playing the piano and God knew that. I've been asked to be the sacrament meeting pianist-- I start this Sunday! I'm super excited.  God knows us individually and He knows I need the spirit of music. 

I wish you all could be here with me to experience the MTC. The MTC is sacred ground. There is something very sweet and special about waking up every morning, putting on a name tag, and teaching other people how much their Savior Jesus Christ loves them. I'm where I'm supposed to be! I'm definitely in the right place at the right time. I'm working as hard as I can to prepare myself to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those in New York.

There is so much I want to say, but honestly all I can really express is my gratitude.  I am so grateful to have this opportunity. It's been HARD. But because of how hard it is, I've come to know and understand more fully just how much God loves me. Before I left, Mason told me this quote that he heard while he was in the MTC: "The mission will be the hardest thing you ever love." I know that's true 100%. I love being a missionary! I feel God's love for me as I teach people about how much God loves them-- even though it's hard! I know that prayer is powerful. This past week I've been humbled and I've been forced to my knees in prayer. I know that through prayer we can strengthen our relationship with our Father in Heaven. I'm grateful to know that God has my back. I can't go through this life without Him. I know this is God's work! I know that I am here to bring people closer to their Savior Jesus Christ.

This week (and always) I'm grateful for FAMILIES! I have been blessed with the best parents. We sang "I Am A Child Of God" as the closing song for our Tuesday night Devotional,  and when we sang the phrase "parents kind and dear" I first thought of when we sang that all the time for FHE and dad would always sing that part super loud and I laughed real hard,  but then the reality of that phrase hit me. I have been blessed with parents who are kind, who are loving, who are strong in the gospel...I couldn't have made it here to the MTC without you! I also have the coolest/best siblings in the world and I will fight anyone who disagrees with me. (Kidding. I'm working on Christ-like love) I love families and I love teaching people that through the gospel of Jesus Christ they can live with their families for eternity. That is such a cool blessing!

I met Elder Mervyn B. Arnold from the 70 after the Tuesday night Devotional.  He's super awesome.  I got to sit on the front row and he came and shook my hand after his talk. Cool things happen at the MTC!

This email is super long and I don't know what else to say...ask me questions or something so I have prompts hahaha help me out please.

One last thing, shout out to Sherrie Love. She sent me a letter by my second day and I got another one yesterday and a package by my third day. So you other guys (MAKAIL. I'M TALKING TO YOU) need to pick up your game. THANK YOU SHERRIE. You have no idea how big of a tender mercy those have been! I am so so grateful for your encouraging words, Sherrie!

Okay, this is my last thing actually: I can read my emails whenever I want, so keep sending them! I love reading your testimonies and your favorite quotes and your favorite scriptures...basically anything you have to say. These emails help me through my day all the time and it reminds me of all the people who have helped me and supported while I've been here at the MTC. THANK YOU!

This is seriously the longest email ever. Props to you if you've made it this far!
Tell Makail to send me some letters. I miss her. 

I love being here and I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I KNOW it's true!

I love you all and I sure miss you! Have a good week!
WE CAN DO HARD THINGS.

Love always,
Sister Bain