My Dear Lovelies, I got my marching orders on Friday! Okay, so they're really 'flying orders', but I like the sound of marching orders better. As it turns out, I am flying out Tuesday morning, so I get to enjoy a P-day as my last full day here at the MTC. According to the flight path, I'm actually going to Malawi first, which makes me wonder if I'll land and they'll tell me to learn Chichewa... But I'm eager to go either way! I've been learning and growing so much this past week! On Tuesday, we had almost a whole day about strengthening our faith, and I certainly felt my testimony strengthen! Our Tuesday night devotional was by a man who has actually been to Jo-berg several times, and he talked about exact obedience. The temple dedication was awesome! Sister H., who is a convert to the church of nearly four years, had never been to one before, and she was wide-eyed like a child almost the whole time. We all really enjoyed the broadcast (we went to the 3:00 session). One of the things we love to do as a district is to take the ten minute walk up to the temple! Our P-day session, unfortunately, starts before breakfast and ends right after. It's a little frustrating, especially because there's something about the temple that makes us all hungry... I'm glad I get to go one more time before I leave! I actually checked on LDS.org, and the only temple in the south-east region of Africa is in Jo-berg. I'm certainly praying for a favorable temple announcement! I love you all, and I'm having too much of a blast to miss you just yet! (just kidding!) Love, Sister Adams

Sept 17, 2012

Thank you so much for writing! I really enjoyed hearing about all the shenanigans you children have been getting up to...

Yesterday we had an absolutely wonderful fireside about the Book of Mormon. It was just so cool, and everyone was very involved with the speaker. I also got to watch a previous talk (from several years ago) by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, about the calling of a missionary. The most basic and memorable phrase from that talk was '4th floor, last door.' I wrote it down and will pull it out for a reminder every time I feel discouraged (hasn't happened much yet!). I am learning so much in my classes, and everyone in my district is so friendly and energetic! My companion, Sister B, and I have a lot in common, and we get along so well! And I love the other two sisters who came in with us, Sister H and Sister S (Sis. H is actually from Vancouver, and she keeps reminding us by talking about 'weird American things'). We're also in the same room as Sister A, our Coordinating Sister, who is going to Hong Kong! Every now and again, she practices her cantonese in the room, and I secretly refer to that as her 'secret combinations' (oh, missionary humor seems strange, but it's about ten times funnier than any jokes I've ever made!).

The spirit here is so strong, and so wonderful! And yes, now that I've made it through my first Sunday I feel like the time is flying! (I know it's only Monday, but the day is going pretty fast, okay?)

We have firesides twice a week here, on Sunday and Tuesday, and the room fills up fast! The sisters who were helping us greenies escorted our whole district there, and we got seats on the side near the door (to get out fast, they said), but it was an amazing fireside all the same. Have you heard of the Book of Mormon musical? It was so misrepresentative that a week before it opened Mormon.org had an explosion of ads in New York--not just on billboards, the subways, and taxis, but in the playbill for the show as well! (one of the ads said 'the book is always better'; everyone clapped and cheered at that!)

Well, my lovelies, have a good week, stay of good cheer, and remember the Church is true! I love you all!

Sister Adams

September 13,2012

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am absolutely loving it here! On the drive down yesterday, I was a little worried it would be difficult for me to maintain a good level of spirituality while here, but it’s really not that hard! Just about everything here is fueled by the Light of Christ, and I just feel happy and willing to help all the time.

My companion is Sister B., who will be serving on Temple Square. Two other sisters in our room, Sister H. and Sister S., are also going there. We’re also in the same room as our zone leader, and Sister C.- they’re both going to Hong Kong (Sister C. prayed in Cantonese last night; it was really cool!)

Last night, we had a really intense teaching experience- a brother from Guatemala came and (after we’d given scripture stories & whatnot) basically challenged us to make him understand the Savior’s love without our books. He talked about the trial and hardship he’d seen and experienced growing up in Guatemala and didn’t hold the belief that Heavenly Father is a just God. Several testimonies later and the Spirit was so strong it was pretty much impossible not to be touched (a box of tissues was even passed around!).

All the lessons here are very involved. I’m really starting to understand the whole ‘speak by the spirit’ concept, which is a huge leap for me, because I’m used to ‘scripting’ my words before I speak!

The thing I love most about this place is how happy everyone is! There are smiling faces everywhere I look, and it helps keep a smile on my face. I also have this wonderful sense of peace, and I’m hoping it’ll be a while before I feel homesick!

Much love and smiles, Sister Adams