Officially two-thirds of the way through my time at the MTC! I'm definitely stuck between a dying to get out into the field and dreading leaving because of all the amazing friends I've made here. I love my district and generation so much and with all of them heading off to Taiwan (minus one to France and my companion with me to Toronto), it'll be hard to say goodbye.
Mother's Day here at the MTC was really good. They brought in some great speakers for us, one of my favorites being Janice Kapp Perry. Had me crying like a baby. But let's be honest, I'm a pretty easy cry. She re-wrote the words to the hymn she composed "As Sisters In Zion" and re-titled the new version "The Sisters In Zion". It's all about sister missionaries and referenced my favorite Primary song (that she also composed and wrote) "We'll Bring The World His Truth (Army of Helaman)". It was absolutely beautiful and we were the first people to ever sing it. It was a really amazing experience. I doubt that "The Sisters In Zion" is publicly available yet, but if you aren't familiar with the other two, check them out online. Really beautiful songs.
But one of the best parts of Mother's Day this week was perhaps that it was...MY BIRTHDAY! Yes folks, I am officially in the "best decade of my life". The twenties are here. And I couldn't be happier that I'm starting this part of my life out by serving a mission. I've only been gone six weeks and I can't even describe how much it's blessed my life. As for birthday fun, my roommates surprised me throughout the day with treats and little notes filled with puns and some of the other girls in our generation decorated our door with balloons and candy and a cupcake (which I'm unsure as to how the procured, but regardless, I'm impressed!). It was so nice! And the Elders in my district also sang a rousing chorus of "Zhu Ni Sheng Ri Kuai Le", "Happy Birthday" in Chinese.
Today Sister Willoughby and I made our first real excursion into the outside world! Her retainer broke so we had to make a trip to the orthodontist and by far the weirdest part of being outside of the MTC was hearing non-church music. We walked into the the office and were greeted with Justin Beiber's "Girlfriend" playing over the speakers. Sister Willoughby was maybe a bit too excited. ;) Who knew she liked The Beibs?
I've also run into a few friends from my freshman year who've just recently entered the MTC! I saw a friend of my going to Bulgaria, a friend going to Poland, a friend going to Milan, and a friend going to Brazil! And this week a friend from back home will be entering the Chinese zone! Thank you start of summer! It's so great to see so many people I know heading off/already serving missions. I am so excited for each and every one of them. The closeness that I feel to my Savior while I'm out here is incredible and I can't wait for everyone I know to feel the same way. He really does love each of us individually and perfectly.
Hope you all have a fantastic week!
P.S. Check out this link! The video is amazing (may have brought me to tears...)
Mother's Day here at the MTC was really good. They brought in some great speakers for us, one of my favorites being Janice Kapp Perry. Had me crying like a baby. But let's be honest, I'm a pretty easy cry. She re-wrote the words to the hymn she composed "As Sisters In Zion" and re-titled the new version "The Sisters In Zion". It's all about sister missionaries and referenced my favorite Primary song (that she also composed and wrote) "We'll Bring The World His Truth (Army of Helaman)". It was absolutely beautiful and we were the first people to ever sing it. It was a really amazing experience. I doubt that "The Sisters In Zion" is publicly available yet, but if you aren't familiar with the other two, check them out online. Really beautiful songs.
But one of the best parts of Mother's Day this week was perhaps that it was...MY BIRTHDAY! Yes folks, I am officially in the "best decade of my life". The twenties are here. And I couldn't be happier that I'm starting this part of my life out by serving a mission. I've only been gone six weeks and I can't even describe how much it's blessed my life. As for birthday fun, my roommates surprised me throughout the day with treats and little notes filled with puns and some of the other girls in our generation decorated our door with balloons and candy and a cupcake (which I'm unsure as to how the procured, but regardless, I'm impressed!). It was so nice! And the Elders in my district also sang a rousing chorus of "Zhu Ni Sheng Ri Kuai Le", "Happy Birthday" in Chinese.
Today Sister Willoughby and I made our first real excursion into the outside world! Her retainer broke so we had to make a trip to the orthodontist and by far the weirdest part of being outside of the MTC was hearing non-church music. We walked into the the office and were greeted with Justin Beiber's "Girlfriend" playing over the speakers. Sister Willoughby was maybe a bit too excited. ;) Who knew she liked The Beibs?
I've also run into a few friends from my freshman year who've just recently entered the MTC! I saw a friend of my going to Bulgaria, a friend going to Poland, a friend going to Milan, and a friend going to Brazil! And this week a friend from back home will be entering the Chinese zone! Thank you start of summer! It's so great to see so many people I know heading off/already serving missions. I am so excited for each and every one of them. The closeness that I feel to my Savior while I'm out here is incredible and I can't wait for everyone I know to feel the same way. He really does love each of us individually and perfectly.
Hope you all have a fantastic week!
P.S. Check out this link! The video is amazing (may have brought me to tears...)