Sister Emma Rae Francis: "Do Good Continually" Moroni 7:13

"Beneath his watchful eye,

His Saints securely dwell;

That hand which bears all nature up

Shall guard his children well."

-How Gentle God's Commands Hymn 125

Heavenly Father's hand is bearing nature up beautifully on the MTC campus! And He is guarding His children well here. As I was praying last night and expressing gratitude for the day, I realized that I cannot deny that God is our loving Father in Heaven. Every single thing testifies of His divinity, especially the small things. I know Heavenly Father knows us individually because He has answered my prayers in simple yet profound ways this week.

It has been a wonderful week at the MTC! Sister Allen and I constantly say that we are so lucky to be having all of these incredible experiences! Changing seasons, eye doctor field trip, STL responsibilities, devotionals, etc. It is a dream! We get the whole experience!

Our branch president recommended us to the MTC Relief Society presidency to be on the panel for the new MTC missionaries Discipleship Meeting. They do one every Sunday for that week's new arrivals! They met with us and a sisters trio last Thursday to go over the script, and on Sunday at 2 for the meeting. There were about 100 new sisters and we got to talk about modesty, safety, distractions, etc. It was so fun! We sat in a row on a little stage and passed around a microphone. Preparing for this allowed the Spirit to teach me ways that I can improve as a missionary too. The goal of the meeting is to teach that we are to be representatives of Christ in every aspect. My topics were physical and spiritual safety and modesty. I shared that we can be protected as we're obedient and follow the Spirit and always remember our purpose. It was so fun!

As a district, we were asked to find and share our favorite page of The Book of Mormon with each other during Devotional Review last night. I chose page 428 when the Savior appears in the Americas. I invite you to read about Christ's ministry in America starting in 3 Nephi 11 and ponder the doctrine He teaches and the ways He ministers to the people. I know that He will come again as He did long ago. Allen nővér and I taught Matyas about this in our lesson with him this week. It is such a powerful, joyful message!

Our district has become really good friends with each other and our teachers. We often eat meals together, sit together at devotionals, laugh, share stories, etc. It's amazing how this has happened after just 6 weeks! ALSO! This week our Hungarian teachers got engaged!!! Durney testver and Hopwood nover! To each other! We knew they were dating but were so shocked when we noticed a ring on her finger! We are SO excited for them and hope they move to Hungary since they both speak Hungarian ;)

We had our first snow storm of the season on Sunday... Merry Christmas! The white snow on bright orange and yellow fall trees is stunning. There was a lot of excitement Sunday morning when we woke up to magical falling snowflakes!

Allen nővér and I went on a fun adventure to the eye doctor this week. An MTC shuttle took us to a nearby clinic where he updated my prescription and gave me advice on when to wear and when to not where my glasses. Apparently, my eyes are curved like a magnifying glass, so I can see perfectly up close but have to strain for distance. When I wear my glasses while reading, the inside muscles around the pupil have to strain to correct my vision through the glasses and the magnifying effect of my eyeball. It was very intriguing to learn more about eyes. I will be more careful about when I do and don't wear them in order to avoid headaches.

Thank you for your support and example. As looked at our teacher's mission pictures this week, for some reason I just felt an overwhelming feeling that I hope you can go back to your mission soon, Papa. I can't imagine all the experiences you both had on your missions and the people you taught. I hope all those people are still doing well.

Congratulations on you new calling, Mama! I'm so excited and happy for you! That looks like a great presidency!

We sang in the choir when Elder Cook and his wife came 2 weeks ago and they broadcast it to all the MTC's! We also sang in the choir last night and people kept telling us that they filmed us both really up close!

I didn't think the MTC could ever really feel like home or that I would feel like I could make an impact, but last night I went to bed with a feeling of fulfillment. I feel like I'm working hard and want to take advantage of every opportunity. I love our new branch presidency. Our branch council this past Sunday was so good. Our hall sisters are also great. Last night, a sister was struggling with her companion so she came to our room to talk. I didn't know how to help her exactly but felt prompted that we could all pray together for her companion. We did and there was a feeling of peace. It is the Italian and Philipino sister. I'm grateful for the guidance of the Spirit because it is helping me do things was beyond my power here at the MTC. I thought my mission wouldn't start until Hungary, but I'm grateful for these experiences and opportunities and blessings at the MTC.

Kartchner elder suggested in class that we write/read some Hungarian children's books. In his words: "It'll be easy! Let's do 'the cat sat on the mat.'"

We all listened then thought for a minute.

Then he said, "Wait, I don't know how to say cat, sat, or mat... but I do know how to say 'the'!" It was so funny and true! Someday we'll be able to read a Hungarian children's book!

Our district leaves for Hungary in 2 1/2 weeks! There shouldn't be any Visa problems because we apply for a visa once we arrive in Hungary. We'll receive our travel plans in about a week!