July 28, 2010

The Clock is Ticking!!!

Dear Family and Friends,
 
Oh man does this email countdown thing stress me out! So if I don't type out sensible things, I apologize, I'm racing against the clock. Anywho, week two at the MTC was just as amazing and full of learning as the first. My head just might explode, but in a good way. I've found that the hard days are usually the ones I learn the most, and they're always followed by a good and encouraging day. The Lord knows what he's doing. It's incredible how much the Lord can bless you when you're putting your faith and trust in Him above all else. His blessings never cease to amaze me.
 
First of all, can I just say that I LOVE my companion? Because I do. Hermana Petty and I were definitely meant to be together for these first few weeks. She is such a source of strength and inspiration to me. I only hope that I can take what she's taught me and use it to strengthen my future companionships. But it's sure going to be hard to measure up to her. Her crazy Aussie ways crack me up. She loves to make incomplete similes like..."That's cool as..." which with her accent, sounds a little sketch, so of course me and my English ways just make something stupid to finish it. It keeps us entertained. :-)
 
Next item of business, I leave in a week! I already got my travel itinerary and I've been the lucky one made group leader since my name starts with a B. Stupid alphabet. Hopefully it doesn't prove too stressful though. We've got a layover in Texas and Florida though, and we leave here at 3am. So excited for that one....yeah.
 
I've been playing hard at gym time lately, which has been nice. We don't get nearly enough exercise around here and it drives me a little crazy. All I want to do is leave and just go walk around for an hour or so to absorb things, but alas I can't...so I play frisbee and other things during free time. The other day the sisters in my district and I decided to play mini soccer and I took a good hard hit to the knee which of course left a lovely bruise because I bruise like crazy. And my foot problems with my heel aren't helping either, but I'm supposed to go to the podiatrist tomorrrow to figure that one out.
 
So, this past week I've been blessed with the opportunity to hear some amazing devotionals and firesides. In class this past week we watched two past devotionals by Elder Holland and Elder Bednar about how to become a missionary. Hearing apostles of the Lord witness of our divine callings as missionaries sure boosts morale. I could listen to them talk all day, but there's too much work to be done.
 
I've also been feeling the weight of responsibility in becoming a missionary this week in the sense that I'm helping people come unto Christ and find eternal salvation. That is not something to forget. So when I get discouraged I've been taking the advice of our leaders and singing a hymn, saying a prayer, or just looking down at my nametag and reminding myself whose name is on it. I am a representative of Christ and He has called me to do this work. I CAN do it.
 
We also had a chance to teach the first lesson as a district this week, which was very interesting. The more you teach, the more you learn, and the more you realize how inadequate and ignorant you are. But it's still good lol. I really love those moments though where I get to see the elders and sisters in my district bear their testimonies of what they know. Sometimes I only see silly little boys in front of me, but they continue to surprise me, and the more they teach me, the more respect I gain for them and the sacrifices they've made to be here.
 
Today we got to go to the temple for the first time since it opened and I have MISSED it so much! I'm so glad I've able to go before I head out to the DR. AND I got to see my friend Suzie as I walked in...so awesome. Tender mercies of the Lord. Days get hard, but I know this gospel is true and that Jesus Christ is our Savior.
 
So I'm out of time, but I love you all and would love to hear especially from Moriya, Lia, Kellie, and Bonnie! Could you get word to them mom? I miss them! Until next week!
 
Love,
Hermana Bradley

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