Sister Sarah Bottorff: Week 5

Hello!

It's been another great week at the MTC! I'm feeling great! Life is great!

After my last email, I went to choir practice. We sang Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer, and it was the most beautiful arrangement. And have I ever mentioned how awesome the director is? He always has inspirational stories and is also super hilarious at the same time. I love choir! He told stories about the Savior's miracles. And then he told modern day stories about miracles that happen. In the early days of the LDS Church, a man (I THINK his name is Matthew Cowley) was called on a mission to New Zealand. And he ended up performing many miracles on behalf of the Savoir. I know that Christ lives and loves us so much that He allows miracles today! Big and small! The devotional that followed our choir performance was outstanding! Elder Zwick of the 70 and his wife spoke. And let me tell you! It was amazing! Sister Zwick talked about her sweet son, Scott, who is mentally and physically handicapped. He wanted to go on a mission with all his heart, but he couldn't physically do it. His younger brother ended up getting called to Thailand, and Scott lived through his younger brother. He posted mission pictures all around his room and soaked in every email. Then, Elder Zwick (the dad) found out he had an assignment to go to Thailand on behalf of the Church. It was a week before the younger brother came home, and they decided that they would pick up their son in Thailand following the assignment. When they called the mission president to ask permission, the mission president replied that it would be alright under one condition. He demanded that Scott would be able to come and spend the week with his younger brother as his companion. The Scott was set apart as a missionary and they spent the week working together. The last day, Scott wanted to be able to share his testimony. So his brother did all he could to find someone who spoke English. And on the train, there was a couple speaking English. And Scott approached them and held the Book of Mormon to his heart and said, "Even though I can't read this book, my family has read it to me and I know that it is true." The Spirit can be felt through the Book of Mormon. I know it. And the story really touched my heart.

Elder Zwick spoke about prayer and the need to be fully engaged in prayers. Distractions are easy to come by, but a fully focused mind and heart really enhance our prayers. And I have tried it out! I have felt and seen a difference in my life!

On Wednesday, we woke up to no hot water or heat. So that was exciting! Or something! :) I had a great day of classes! And ate some good food!

Thursday started with some service. Sister Hansen and I had toilet duty, which was surprisingly easy and fast and not so bad! We also started teaching each other in Mongolian. So Sister Hansen and I teach three of the elders in our class. It's kind of hard not to laugh, but it's a good time! Mongolian is HARD, but I can see great progress in all of us!

Friday was an adventure because our teacher banned us from bringing written sentences into our lessons. We have to go off memory and the use of a dictionary and ONE note card with vocab only. It has been a surprisingly wonderful experience, and I'm amazed at how much I actually know! God has blessed me more than I can say! I can't take credit for a single word I know!

Saturday, we taught TRC, and we taught two lessons. The first was with a returned missionary who returned from Mongolia not too long ago. And the second time, we taught another returned missionary and his native Mongolian friend! They ended up teaching us. We understood only a portion of what they said, and as we were reflecting, Sister Hansen and I were confused about how to feel. We weren't sure if it went well or badly, haha but we know the Spirit was there. So we chose to feel good about it! And we learned a lot from them! Then we had more class. Volleyball was fun because there are some new elders that are here who basically are professional volleyball players. It got really competitive. And I just kind of ducked the whole time. And laughed. And prayed I wouldn't get hit in the face. And it worked! Yay!

Saturday was also my ONE MONTH mark! I love looking back at how little I knew (and when I say "little" I actually mean "Nothing") when I got here and how much I've grown. I am teaching and praying in MONGOLIAN! And none of it would be possible without the help of My Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and loving family and friends who help me along the way!

On Sunday, we fasted for the people of Mongolia. I loved it! All of the missionaries met together for a conference. There were some great talks given by the presidency of the MTC and their wives. One spoke about diligence, and it motivated me to work even harder! Then we had sacrament meeting where strong, powerful testimonies were borne by the members of my zone. I am surrounded with incredible people! After sacrament, we watched the movie about the life of the prophet, Thomas S. Monson. And then Sister Hansen and I taught Relief Society. We led a discussion about the Holy Ghost. We were taught by the other sisters. I am in awe of the way the Spirit works in our lives. And the blessings he can bring. We did our usual temple walk, and then we watched Meet the Mormons! I love that movie! The devotional was astounding! Jenny Oaks Baker graced us with her presence. And her whole family came and performed. She is a Julliard graduate who works magic on the violin (just like my sister, Becca!) and her four kids played with her. Her 14 year old was on a violin, a 9 year old on the cello, a 12 year old on the piano, and a 9 year old on the guitar. And all I can say is that I was speechless afterward. But I made a new life goal to have musically talented kids that can play music with me!

Yesterday, we taught 2 lessons, which will be our new normal. It's more stressful, but I'm up for the challenge! Both lessons went really well! We also had Chick-fil-a for dinner! So basically the miracles keep pouring in! :)

I sometimes don't think I'm learning the language very well, but the other night, I realized that I know more than I think. I was writing in my journal and I started writing in all caps to express excitement for making it a whole month, and I started accidentally writing the Mongolian letters that make the same sounds as the English letters. Hello Monglish. haha I guess I'm doing better than I thought!

Other than that, life here is normal! And great! And packed FULL of blessings!

I am so grateful for all of you and your support! It makes me so happy to hear that you are all doing well! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love you!

Sister Bottorff