08/24/09

Hello again,

Sorry I haven't written you individually but I promise I will today. I know I said that last week but I really am going to this time. E-mail is a faster way to get the word out so bare with me. This week at the MTC has been wonderful. It's gone by so quickly. Just so I don't forget to tell you, I depart next Wednesday the 2nd early in the morning. I got my travel Itenerary the other day. Also thank you all for the Dear Elder letters they've been great.

So much has happened and I'm learning lots and lots. Highlights of the week have definitely been our teaching appointments. This is where volunteers from the community who most of the time are members are given a scenario that we as missionaries have to work with and try to teach them about the gospel. They have a building here at the MTC that has individual rooms that are set up to look like living rooms and they have cameras in them so our teachers can watch how well we do. Even though I know it's "practice" I still get quite nervous. Last week my companions and I got to teach an older lady and the Saturday we got to teach a young married couple. I cried both times and now I'll tell you why. BTW sorry if I'm repeating things that you've heard before. I really can't remember some of the stories I've told told you.

Last week I memorized the first vision and they like all missionaries to, so we can explain Joseph Smith's experience in his own words. I've never doubted that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Christ that day but before coming here I hadn't had the spirit testify that to me. I was believed and just went by faith. Last week we had a teaching appoinmet with the elders in our zone and my companions and taught the First lesson in PMG. We've been taught to mix up the lesson sop we each get a turn to teach and it was my turn to talk about the restoration and Joseph Smith's vision. As I started describing him say " I saw a light exactly over my head..." I suddenly had this overwhelming feeling of peace come over me and it became difficult to finish and my companions helped me a little bit. Even though in that moment I coudln't have forgotten the words if I wanted to. But the Holy Ghost tesified to me of the truthfullness of Jospeh Smith. We taught that lesson several other times and I the same thing has happened each time, but with less crying each time which is good.

I've realized many things while I've been here but one thing I've learned is that Faith truly is hoping for something and I don't know what the scripture is but it says something about things will be given unto you after the trial of your faith. It was a great experience.

One last thing that has also stood out to me while being here is how much Heavenly Fathaer and Jesus love each of us. The atmosphere here is incredible and the way everything is so organized is great. Not just at the MTC but also the gospel. The way everything has been planned from the beginning all the way to the end is incredible and it's all here for us.

My time is runningn short but I'll write everyone soon. Love you all and thanks again for all the love and support. I have an amazing family.

Love you,

Sister Green