Week two at the MTC

On Sunday we decided to go back to the MTC in the early morning. We wanted to participate in some of the Sunday activities. I'm sure glad we did. In the Relief Society meeting the sisters were able to hear Sis. Elaine Dalton, the Young Women's President. What a wonderful message she had for us. She said that the Lord never wants us to stay in our comfort zone. The Lord will fill us with His light. She encouraged us to always smile. When you smile, your face lights up & softens hearts, you radiate the Gospel of Christ. She quoted a saying, “You must be willing to give up the life you have planned to live the life that is waiting for you.” She thank the sisters for living lives of virtue. It is the key to having the companionship of the Holy Ghost, helps us have the enabling power of the Atonement and the strength of the Lord.

The musical numbers at the meetings, performed by missionaries, have been absolutely beautiful.

At the “Departure Devotional” for those leaving this week President Clegg, counselor in the Mission Presidency and President Ralph Smith and his wife, spoke.

President Clegg told the missionaries to evaluate how we did in the following:1)How well did we learn to work with the Holy Ghost; 2) How well did we master the Preach My Gospel” book; 3) How well did we lean the lessons; and 4) How well did we learn the language.

He gave ten things to do as we go out to serve, that will be very helpful.

Sis. Smith said that the Lord is preparing those we are going to teach. She showed a video of the growth of the Church; there is a stake now in Mongolia.

President Ralph Smith
Our purpose is to invite others to Come Unto Christ; work hard and be obedient. If the prophet said it then do it. After your mission continue; raise families in righteousness to the Lord. No prayers are more readily answered then those offered by the servants of God.

Sunday Fireside speaker was Robert P. Swenson, director of Missionary Services. He presented a very inspiring talk based on the song “This is the Christ” words by President James E. Faust

This week has been spent in Temple training with Elder Rex D. Pinegar and his wife, Bonnie. They are very special people. We have enjoyed our week with them. There are four couples in our group: two of us are going to Mexico, one couple is going to the Washington, DC Temple and one couple is going to the Manhattan New York Temple.

We are going to be done by 1:00pm on Thursday. We plan on going home, packing up the car and heading out on Friday, mid-morning. Our first stop will be at the Monticello Utah Temple. We then will travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico and will attend the temple there on Saturday.. We will stay over Sunday and then spend Monday traveling to San Antonio, Texas and will attend the temple there on Tuesday. We will then travel to Monterrey on Wednesday. This will probably be our last letter until we get settled in Monterrey unless we can get Internet will in Motels.

We hope all is well at home and with you.

Love,
Elder & Sister Nelson