Week 7 - Email and Photos

It's not P-day, but this is my last evening in the MTC so here's this week's email!

Tuesday 1/19

A very productive P-day! I read more of Pearl of Great Price than I ever have in one sitting in the Provo temple, and had yet another great Tuesday Night Devotional. I was so happy all day after hearing about Rothinny Honghin's baptism. Congrats Rothinny!

Wednesday 1/20

We had a Missionary Broadcast that was broadcasted to ALL missionaries everywhere in the world. I learned so much and took more notes than I ever have of a devotional here. 

Thursday 1/21

In the morning we had our last MTC service assignment. This day I really struggled with Spanish up until the evening. We had our second (and last) skype member TRC that went really well even though I struggled so much. Later we had a lesson with Pedro that also went well despite my awful Spanish. I was really grateful for my companion because I felt so frustrated with myself that it became difficult for me to feel the spirit. Then, in the evening we had to practice teaching our companions about a commandment from lección 4 y extend an invitation. I finally stopped thinking about my issues, and I just taught about the blessings and importance of living la ley de castidad. I did it, and the spirit was so strong and my tongue was loosed to speak spanish. Hermana and I started crying because the spirit was so strong even though it was only a practice. Heavenly Father hadn´t forgotten to help and bless me, I forgot to let Him. And yet, I was still able to have success before that experience because of the faith and trust of my companion and my willingness to try even though I was struggling so much. The spirit is the most powerful force there is.

Friday 1/22

Today we had our 9-hour in-field orientation. We learned so much about what to expect in the field and what some of our responsibilities are that we hadn't thought about yet. We did a lot of role play as well, and it was interesting to see the difference between the English speakers that have been here for two weeks and the language learners that have been here for several. I'm so grateful for my experience.

Saturday 1/23

My last normal day with my whole district was today. I got printed MTC photos from my mom in the mail and was able to give a photo or two to everyone in my district. They were all really grateful and I felt so blessed to have such a thoughtful mom. 

Sunday 1/24

Today was the hardest day in the MTC and the most spiritual, because it was my last day with my district family. In the morning we had a Sister's conference. At sacrament meeting I accompanied Hermana Reupena singing "How Shall I Serve?" and it went so well, she sang so beautifully. As a district we sang Jesús es mi luz, with an extra chorus in english at the end acapella. After sacrament meeting, we as a zone, continued the tradition and sang Hast ver, with our district on the podium facing the rest of the zone. Relief society and the evening devotionals were about obedience and how it will bless us in the field as we are shepherds for Jesus Christ, representing Him. In the evening, after our last Sunday evening devotional, we went back to our classroom instead of watching one of the films they show every Sunday night. We had a testimony meeting and went around sharing something we each love about every other person. It was a very emotional and spiritual time that we had together before going out in the field.

Monday 1/25

I am amazed at the experience that I have had here at the MTC. If my mission ended here, it still would have been worth missing these two years at UCLA. It is something I will always cherish. The people I was here to learn from were really a gift to me from my Heavenly Father. Before we got here, our district changed a few times and two of the members were even originally supposed to be in different MTCs. A lot had to happen to bring us together, and I know that it was for a reason. I had an amazing companion, that I hope will be my companion again. I made lifelong friends here. I am a little worried that this great experience is preparing me for a very difficult one in the field, only because I am so amazed at the blessings. In a few hours I will be on a flight to Boston. Thank you for all your love and support. #BostonBound

--

Con Amor,

Hermana Rubio

 

  The last District photo!

(Did you all plan that awesome reflection in the water?!!

That's what Mom wants to know, lol.)

 MTC love!

The last night.