"The tender mercies of the Lord..." 1 Nephi 1:20 - October 16, 2019

Jo napot!

"The air is cool and crisp and blue

And God is good and wise and true."

This phrase summarizes the week in a nutshell. I was constantly reminded of how loving our Heavenly Father is and I felt His guiding hand this week. 

Allen nővér and I started our Preparation Day particularly early today in an effort to make the most of this busy day! We exercised early this morning before going to the Provo Temple with our district. As I sat at the temple guess who walked down the hall?? Aunt Kathryn! It was so special to see her in the temple, and felt like it was a gentle hug from Heavenly Father. We did Initiatories for about 30 minutes then ate breakfast at the temple cafeteria. While waiting in line for our meal, we started a conversation with a nice grandpa and his daughter married a Hungarian! He was thrilled to meet Hungarian missionaries and we felt so happy too. For being such a small country, we sure make a lot of random connections to Hungary! 

Another miracle from the week was as Allen nővér and I were studying The Book of Mormon on Tuesday morning. We had mentioned the day before that we needed index cards, cough drops, Vitamin C, and a photo album. As we were studying, a sister came out with a box of things for the "free table" and all four of those things were there! We couldn't believe it and told the sister that she was a direct answer to our prayers! And that wasn't even the whole miracle--she was even giving some birthday party supplies away and we've been trying to figure out how we can celebrate Dygert elder's birthday next week! So next week we're surprising him with a mini pinata, birthday hats, and a birthday pin to wear! I'm sure he's never had a better birthday :)

Our daily schedule keeps us quite busy and we love feeling so productive! The alarm rings at 6:30 and Sister Allen turns it off. I then look over the edge of the top bunk and see her kneeling by her bed as she says her morning prayers. This means it really is 6:30 (I don't know why it wouldn't be. It's just comforting to see her kneeling there and it helps me get up). We read A Mormon Könyve for about 25 minutes then have 'daily planning' and personal 'Book of Mormon study' each for 30 minutes. I love both of these! We set language, companionship, and personal goals, check up on our weekly goals, plan our morning workout, and write our daily schedule in our planners. My favorite part of the day is studying The Book of Mormon for 30 minutes with no distractions or rush. There is power in dedicating time to daily scripture study. It's comforting to read about/hear from the people I've grown up with: Nephi, Lehi, Sariah, Moroni, etc. Their faith strengthens mine! 

Allen nővér and I then go to the sack breakfast line, exercise in the gym for 30 minutes, shower, and study Hungarian before lunch. We have language class in the afternoon and evening then return to our dorm around 9:20 to journal, read scriptures, pray as a companionship, and go to bed by 10:30. Studying, talking, laughing, singing, and meeting new missionaries fills the gaps in our day and we always go to bed exhausted! Well-earned sleep is the best kind of sleep! 

Hosting a newly-arrived Filipina and Japanese missionaries!

We are almost halfway through the MTC! I arrived 4 weeks ago today, and our district leaves 4 weeks from next Monday. Time is flying! As a district, we 'hosted' (greeted and welcomed incoming international missionaries) today. We take them to get an MTC ID, health examination, cell phone, etc. I loved meeting them and becoming their friend. We truly are all brothers and sisters and I feel it every time I meet someone knew.  It reminds me of how friendly and welcoming my MTC host was; it's hard to believe I'm on this end of the spectrum today!

Allen nővér and I taught Relief Society on Sunday. We taught about how to recognize promptings from the Holy Ghost. I didn't feel qualified to teach about this because I'm still learning myself! However, after Allen nővér and I prayed as we started our lesson prep, our lesson plan unfolded naturally and we knew it was what the Lord wanted us to teach. We were able to testify in our lesson the truth taught in Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you." We really can become instruments in the Lord's hands through the guiding power of the Holy Ghost. 

Someone once asked President Nelson how he can still be so healthy at his age. He responded "Always take the stairs." So everytime Allen nover and I are faced with that decision, we say "Follow the prophet!" It's become a tradition and I guess we'll see if it pays off when we're 96 :)

We have a devotional every Sunday and Tuesday evening. The past few speakers have been particularly incredible: Sister Jean Bingham (Relief Society General President), Sheri Dew, and Elder and Sister Cook (Quorum of the 12). Elder Cook spoke about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. It was true and simple and made me so grateful for my testimony of The Book of Mormon. I have never had a profound moment that instantly gave me a testimony of the Book or Mormon. Rather, I know it is true because I read it daily, and strive to apply the principles it teaches. It's not difficult and it makes a world of difference. I've read each verse multiple times, yet I still find new meaning, guidance, and peace. 

After this week of miracles, tender mercies, and learning, I am once again humbled by the opportunity to be a missionary. I'm just one drop in the ocean, but I know that Heavenly Father is preparing specific people in Hungary to receive His gospel. I pray that I may be an instrument in His hands. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! 

Love,

Emma Rae

Francis nővér

P.S. The Y on the mountain was lit up last night! It was so pretty!!!