Last Tuesday we had the opportunity of hearing from Sister Elaine S. Dalton, the Young Women's General President. What an inspiring woman! Anyway, she usually has some sort of imagery from running in each of her talks, if you remember, and she did that night. She mentioned that in running, you "never quit halfway up the hill." What an inspiring thought! We must keep pressing forward, PRESSING forward with all our might and continue on the way. She also told a story I'm sure many of you have heard. I didn't read it, so I might butcher it, but I'll try my best. She told of a man that came to the U.S. from Tanzania to run some marathon. Part way through, he was injured terribly, but couldn't bear the thought of not finishing. So not only did he finish, he ran the rest of the race, injury and all. After the race a reporter asked him what kept him pushing along, and he simply replied, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to begin the race; my country sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race." Not sure why, but that quote really impacted me this week. I am here to FINISH! Heavenly Father did not send us here to fail. I've adopted this quote as my mission motto, because of the meaning it has in my life. My country=family, friends, all of you at home...but particularly my Father in Heaven. He's sent me here to succeed, and that is precisely what I'll do!
Life has been good this week. I feel like we're definitely getting planning down, and it's making us much more effective. The Elders like to make fun of us..."Oh, E. Leyva, when did you want to schedule our bathroom breaks?" and "Dang it! I forgot to plan what I'm going to dream about tonight..." They're weasels, to say the least. But it makes the day go so much smoother, and we're learning so much. It's amazing what we accomplish in a day when you put a little thought into your plan.
Last week we were given the opportunity to clean the temple! It was wonderful. KELL--I heard you went through!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't it the best place in the whole world? Ah I miss it already. If you go to the Provo Temple any time soon, just think that I was in there a week ago today cleaning in the women's dressing room. :) I love you! I'm so excited for you and Dave this Friday.
AND Dan and Janet! Give little Liam a kiss from me, I hear he's adorable! I hope all is well, I love you both so much and I'm praying for you.
It's amazing what a little entertainment will do around here. We get to watch a Sunday night movie every week after the devotional, and it's always some church movie. This past week, however, was "Legacy," and I'm pretty sure the last time I watched it was with Mom on your bed! Ha, I couldn't have been more than 6 or 7, but I remember it vividly. It gave me a little taste of home. Thanks Mom!
I've discovered the beauty of callus (?) knees. Haha, my ankles are as well, from all the teaching we're doing on the ground/praying. It's great, though. We have a bunch of teaching mats we use to teach on! Lots of fun. And Sister Noppomas gave us a lesson on how to sit on the ground. Needless to say, all the Elders really struggled here, haha. It will take some getting used to, but we're trying to practice now so we don't have too much of a problem in 2 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll keep you posted on my travel plans. Hopefully they're here by Thurs.
Thank you Jac and Katie for emailing Elder Hardcastle's emails. I really appreciate it! You are both so sweet and thoughtful. Kate, how are you feeling? And Jac and Kirsten, how was your trip??? Hope you had fun!
I've had some time today to reflect on my setting apart. It's amazing how so much of what Pres Martin said in my blessing as already been fulfilled, and will continue to be. I know that I am set apart for a reason. It feels so good to know that Heavenly Father is on my side. I've had a lot of witnesses this week that I am simply the avenue that Heavenly Father works through. This is not my work at all. As I've come to realize this, I've been suuuuper blessed in this work. I'm not to Thailand yet, but I have plenty of language study to do. I've set some lofty goals, as I think I mentioned last week, and I'm really striving to accomplish them. No time for details--just know that when you have righteous desires, plan with the Lord, and work with all your might to achieve it, He WILL come through for you. Ah I wish I could explain more, there's just too much! I've been very blessed with the gift of charity this past week. I can't describe the love I feel for my companions. I'm embarrassed to say that I started the MTC just thinking, "We can get along, learn from each other, etc. That's fine...we'll just kind of get through this together." HOWEVER, I testify that charity is real! I have been so blessed! I can't describe the feelings I feel for these sisters/elders. There are a couple particularly, that are sooo different from me. But I feel this love that I can't withhold! I just want to serve them and help them be the best they can be. I love them!
Anyway, I have to run. Time flies. I hope all goes well with the wedding this week! Kelly and Dave, I love you so much! Maybe I'll break my leg on Friday....:) I LOVE YOU!! Family you're the best. Keep being great examples for all those you know, and invite anyone and everyone to hear this message. I love you!!
Love,
Sisdah Naegle
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