Week 3: Qualities of a Missionary
Hej alle min familie og mine venner! This week has been a little less eventful but there are a few stories that reminded me of the importance of remaining joyful in all stages of life, whether the times are easy, difficult, or just mundane. No matter what my circumstances, I know that I can still feel happiness and peace that comes from missionary service. After all, I have taken upon me the most pure form of joy - sharing the gospel.
Four out of the seven days are the same now here at the MTC. I would describe these days as follows: wake up, sack breakfast, exercise (either basketball or weightlifting), shower, personal study, companionship study, cafeteria lunch, language class, cafeteria dinner, gospel class, and fall asleep. The other three days are my favorites! On Sunday I have 11 meetings, which honestly go by pretty fast. On Tuesday the schedule is basically the same except there's a devotional after dinner. On Thursday it's P-day so I can do laundry, talk to my family, go to the temple, and send emails / hangouts messages. I decided to rename all the weekdays, since I lose track of them anyway. Sunday is Sabbath Day. Monday is Get-to-Work Day. Tuesday is Devotional Day. Wednesday is Newcomers Day. Thursday is P-day. Friday is Game Day. Saturday is What's-the-Weekend Day. It's funny to say that Thursday is the new weekend for me, haha!
While essentially the entire MTC was practicing for the choir piece on Sunday, our choir director told an inspirational story of faith, hope, diligence, and joy. Our choir director had said that we were saved for these days to gather Israel, and that we were trained and prepared in heaven for this exciting time. An Elder came up to him after practice and thanked him for the comment. The choir director was about to leave when the Elder stopped him and told him his story. His mother was a non-member and she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This young man had received his call to serve and left his mother, which made her wonder why he wouldn't stay behind for her. The last time he would see her in this life was right before he entered the MTC. This shocked our choir director and he started to tear up. The Elder, whose own mother was suffering at that very moment, put his arm on the choir director and told him that everything would be okay. This is a powerful example of staying diligent and true to one's commitment to leave everything behind and trust in the Lord's will and timing. This Elder could've easily stayed behind, and I honestly wouldn't have blamed him, but he decided to put Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ first. I'm sure that he is comforted with the knowledge that he will see his mother again!
On Tuesday Bishop Gérald Caussé, presiding bishop of the Church, and his wife, Valerie Caussé, visited the MTC. Bishop Caussé told us that a bold missionary is humble, joyful, obedient, repentant, and trustful. He challenged us to prove that we can become these things, even if we need to sacrifice everything like that one Elder I mentioned. Boldness, as exemplified by Paul, Ammon, and many others, is key to success. He reminded us that being bold means being confident, not being cocky. I know that working hard, remaining teachable, and thinking positive will be critical throughout my mission. Sister Caussé complimented her husband phenomenally! She said to follow the Lord's will, even if great sacrifices were necessary. She personally gave up so much - such as French food, being close to family, etc - to move here when Bishop Caussé was called as presiding bishop. Her simple story reminded me that I am not here for myself, I am here to do the Lord's work! It is up to me to remain selfless and look outward as I try my hardest to follow Christ's example.
This week I also had the opportunity to host a new missionary. The Elder I escorted is named Elder Scott. He comes from Cedar Point, Utah and will be serving in Billings, Montana. The moment he stepped out of his parents' car, he started balling. He was so sad to be leaving behind his parents and younger sister, which reminded me of how I miss my parents and younger siblings. He's also the first of his siblings to serve so overall I just relate to him very well. I let him know that Heavenly Father is proud of his decision to serve and that he made a difficult but worthwhile choice to leave everything behind and work for the Lord for two years. He thanked me for cheering him up and we parted ways. It was such a small part of my week, but probably one of my favorites because it gave me a chance to uplift someone else who was struggling.
I swear our nametags attracted SO many people while we were traveling. It was insane! There were a good few that offered us meals and some that just gave us food without asking if we wanted it. We felt spoiled. Also, I was in the airport typing out my email to send out and my phone died... thank goodness this draft saved cause I would've been up all night typing it out again. I appreciate all the emails I've been getting and hearing stories from my friends! Please keep updating me with your lives because I only get a taste of the outside world rarely - like today. I love hearing from everyone!! Also, my amazing sister will be putting up pictures on my mission blog. More pics will be added next week.
Anyway, I love every single person that is reading this email right now. Remember that Heavenly Father loves you and is always watching out for you! Lean on Jesus Christ when times get hard and you'll find joy no matter what!
Jeg elsker jer,
Ældste Moore
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