Jordan just sent pictures from today's P-Day. Enjoy!
Friday, May 31, 2013
The empty seaaaaa
Ola everyone!!
IT'S P-DAY, IT'S P-DAY! We've been here for 10 days and it's FINALLY P-DAY. I am so much more excited than I should be. I got to do laundry and write everyone and it's fabulous.
SO.... are you ready for the MTC experience so far? If you really want to know everything.. I'm sorry. There's so much happening here that I'd have to write you every. day. to even help you understand everything that's happening, and I still would miss SO much.
I'll start with my companheiras! I'm in a trio, and my companions are Sister Shaw and Sister Thomas. I was so excited when I got my packet here telling me who my comps were, I knew Sister Thomas from EFY when we were 15 or 16, and I NEVER thought we would even see each other, and WE'RE COMPY-COMPS. Sister Shaw and I were basically automatic best friends. I adore her. We can't go even an hour without laughing hysterically, but there is such a strong spirit when we're studying too. We have the BEST companionship. It's rough sometimes being in a trio, but we are making the best of it and LIVING LA VIDA LOCA. That's spanish but it's been in my head for 3 hours, so bear with me. My district (kinda small group of missionaries in an area) is FANTASTIC. We clicked right away and we're all just the best of friends. The Elders are so funny. I mean us Sisters are too, but I can't even handle them. Our whole district will have abs of steel by the time we leave because we're a l w a y s laughing.
On Day 2 (1st full day @ the MTC), we were able to meet our Branch Presidency, who are essentially like our Mission Presidency while we're in the MTC.. We had a meeting so we could get to know each other, and it was pretty phenomenal, no lie. The 1st counselor spoke and I felt like I was in a scene from Top Gun. He was "lecturing" saying "DISTRICT 69 is, and will continue to be, the best of the best" and he continued.. and the whole time I was just waiting for the theme song to just start BLARING in the background "NAAAA NAA NAAA NA DANGER ZONEEEE" while Tom Cruise came in with a dramatic enterance... But there was no Tom Cruise at the MTC, nope nope nope.
I RAN INTO ELDER JONES FROM LAKEWOOD RANCH! I actually have seen him quite a bit, he's going English speaking and he tries to speak to me in portugues every time we talk, it's so fun. I'm running into a bunch of people from the BC too, it's greattttt.
We started teaching an "investigator", Carlos, TOTALLY in portuguese on the 3RD DAY. It was roughhhhh but we've gotten so much better! We taught him 5 licaos (lessons), and now Carlos, who is really Brother Rodrigues, is one of our teachers. He's from Sao Paulo BRAZIL, and he lived in Jacksonville for a while. He's mad cool. Our other teacher is Irma Wells and I ADORE HER. She is so great. She served in the Brazil Santa Maria mission and her portuguese is rockin awesome.
PORT CHARLOTTE YSA- this is for you.
There are like 4-5 Californians in my zone. One is my roommate, and 2 of them are in my distrito (district). They absolutelyyyy have that Cali accent and I'm CONSTANTLY quoting The Californians and my roommate is the only one who understands. It is ridiculous. I walk into my room and look at Sister Sirmans and go "WHUAUAAAAAUUDDERYOUDOINHERE?" Instantly dying of laughter.
PS. ABBY ANDERSON. I'M CALLING YOU OUT. Write me a letter or DearElder or somethinggggg cause I need your address. For real.
Also, EVERYONE. Write me. I love letters. And I'm getting a lot. And they're almost all from my mom. I love my mom, but COME ON GUYS. SEND ME SOME LOVIN'. (PS THANK YOU Olivia and Emily for your letters. They made my life. and YSA/Institute, THANK YOU ALL. I'm sending letters your way ;) )
If you don't like snail mail, go to DearElder.com (or maybe it's DearElder.net, idk.) and send it that way. It's just as fast as an email but I CAN GET THEM EVERY DAY. And I have more than 1 hour a week to write everyone back. Seriously email time is so stressful hahaha. We went to 18M to print our emails out, wrote out our responses while we did laundry, and now we're just pounding away on the keyboard trying to finish all our emails in time. THIS IS MADNESS.
The MTC is THE BEST. We're all on a spiritual and emotional roller coaster, but it's good. If you get a solid 8 hours of sleep, you are beyond lucky. Lights off at 10:30, up at 6:30, half an hour to get ready, breakfast, hours of class, etc etc etc. The schedule is insane. We seriously pack 30+ hours of work into an 16 hour day. It's amazing. We look back thinking HOW DID WE DO ALL OF THAT? The MTC exists of exhaustion, excitement, happiness, frustration, etc.. Literally we feel and do so much in one day. It is the hardest thing on the planet but this is all SO worth it. I love how much we're learning and how far we've come in just 10 days.
BIG NEWS! BIG NEWS!
I'm in the MTC Choir, the director is SO FUN. But that's not the news. The news is that we're performing for something BIG BIG BIG at the Marriott Center (@BYU) on June 23rd. They won't tell us what it is. But hit up LDS.org or whatever else you can get your hands on, and find out what we're singing for. I'm assuming it'll be on BYUtv or something but i dunno man, check it out. It's kind of a big deal.
I FEEL LIKE THERE'S SO MUCH TO SAY BUT I DON'T HAVE TIME. I'M SORRY. WRITE ME LETTERS. I LOVE YOU ALL. HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK.
Love always,
Sister Morrill
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
May 28, 2013~ All Is Well! :)
This is Jordan's Mom: Just updating a few pictures and notes for my missionary. Jordan entered the MTC (Missionary Training Center), on May 22, 2013. My sister and her family met her at the SLC airport and took her down to Provo, UT.
Jordan is SO happy and excited to serve the Lord. She will be at the MTC for at least 6 weeks. From there, it will depend on how quick her visa comes. (Hoping and praying it will be fast!!) We are so proud of Jordan and her decision to serve our Heavenly Father, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It is a sacrifice. For the girls they are gone for 18 months. They can write letters to home and email once a week, but the only phone calls they make to home are on Christmas Day & Mother's Day. Their total focus is on the Lord's work. AMAZING!! I'm in awe of their bravery, courage and faith!
Jordan LOVES letters!!! If you want to drop her a line her address is:
MTC Mailbox # 72
BRA-FLO 0702
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
She can write letters when she can, but only has access to email once a week. They are very busy learning the language and are in classes for most of the day. One COOL way to keep in touch with her is http://www.dearelder.com. You can write her a letter through here, and it is delivered to her the next day in letter form. I'VE LOVED THIS. The info you need for it is in the above address. I put July as her estimated leave date.
Here are some pictures from our AWESOME~ SISTER MORRILL
Jordan is SO happy and excited to serve the Lord. She will be at the MTC for at least 6 weeks. From there, it will depend on how quick her visa comes. (Hoping and praying it will be fast!!) We are so proud of Jordan and her decision to serve our Heavenly Father, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It is a sacrifice. For the girls they are gone for 18 months. They can write letters to home and email once a week, but the only phone calls they make to home are on Christmas Day & Mother's Day. Their total focus is on the Lord's work. AMAZING!! I'm in awe of their bravery, courage and faith!
Jordan LOVES letters!!! If you want to drop her a line her address is:
MTC Address:** (For the first 6 weeks)
Sister Jordan Ashlee MorrillMTC Mailbox # 72
BRA-FLO 0702
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
She can write letters when she can, but only has access to email once a week. They are very busy learning the language and are in classes for most of the day. One COOL way to keep in touch with her is http://www.dearelder.com. You can write her a letter through here, and it is delivered to her the next day in letter form. I'VE LOVED THIS. The info you need for it is in the above address. I put July as her estimated leave date.
Here are some pictures from our AWESOME~ SISTER MORRILL
 |
| Love her notes! |
 |
| "THE BADGE" It's all official now! Totally legit! |
 |
| Sis Morrill and Sister's at the Provo Temple |
 |
| Jordan's District at the Provo Temple |
 |
| Tony Smith is from Florida and works the the Provo MTC as Security! LOVE that he can keep an eye on her and keep her in line! (If that's possible) :) |
 |
| Please refer to "The Badge" |
 |
| At the Provo LDS Temple |
 |
| LETTERS TO MOMMA!! YAY! |
 |
| Love her notes on the back! They make me LOL! |
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Just a note....ya know
http://mtcdelivery.com/
I found this beautiful gem last night..they send missionaries food packages to the MTC.
I like food.
http://mtcdelivery.com/
I'll be in the MTC for 6 weeks straight starting on the 22nd.
http://mtcdelivery.com/
Food packages are good packages.
I'll just leave this here.
http://mtcdelivery.com/
http://mtcdelivery.com/
http://mtcdelivery.com/
I found this beautiful gem last night..they send missionaries food packages to the MTC.
I like food.
http://mtcdelivery.com/
I'll be in the MTC for 6 weeks straight starting on the 22nd.
http://mtcdelivery.com/
Food packages are good packages.
I'll just leave this here.
http://mtcdelivery.com/
http://mtcdelivery.com/
http://mtcdelivery.com/
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
ONE WEEK
In the words of Barenaked Ladies (the band....don't worry guys):
Like Harrison Ford, I'm gettin' frantic..
It's getting real. Really real. I've been going craaaazy trying to make sure I get everything done, but I AM SO EXCITED. This time next week I'll be in the MTC. I can't believe it.
I'm a week away from the best (and hardest) 18 months of my life. I get overwhelmed thinking about it all, but I know it will be so worth it. The gospel is so great. I know it's true, and I can think of no better way to spend my time than to share this sweet message with the beautiful people in Brazil.
For anyone who isn't completely sure what this is about, feel free to check this page out.
http://mormon.org/missionary-work
I know a lot of different organizations sponsor mission trips, where you can spend a few weeks in a certain area for service projects, humanitarian aid, etc. Mission trips are GREAT.
But this is a little different.
I am serving as a missionary for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In a nutshell, as a missionary my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. For those 18 months, my life is COMPLETELY devoted to sharing the gospel and teaching of Christ. It'll be grand.
That being said, social media is a no-no (I really won't have time for it anyways), so I'll pretty much fall off the face of the planet. BUT I can email friends and family. AND write letters. (hint hint).......Write me, guys. I want to hear from youuuuuu! Also letters are mah fave. I just think it's so fun.
So really, write me.
All the time.
I know i'm going to be busy, but I'll TRY to respond to everything I can. If I can't, write me more. Just do it. I don't care if we're best friends or if I've never actually seen your face. I'd love to hear from you!
Anywayssssss, that's all folks! ✌
Like Harrison Ford, I'm gettin' frantic..
It's getting real. Really real. I've been going craaaazy trying to make sure I get everything done, but I AM SO EXCITED. This time next week I'll be in the MTC. I can't believe it.
I'm a week away from the best (and hardest) 18 months of my life. I get overwhelmed thinking about it all, but I know it will be so worth it. The gospel is so great. I know it's true, and I can think of no better way to spend my time than to share this sweet message with the beautiful people in Brazil.
For anyone who isn't completely sure what this is about, feel free to check this page out.
http://mormon.org/missionary-work
I know a lot of different organizations sponsor mission trips, where you can spend a few weeks in a certain area for service projects, humanitarian aid, etc. Mission trips are GREAT.
But this is a little different.
I am serving as a missionary for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In a nutshell, as a missionary my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. For those 18 months, my life is COMPLETELY devoted to sharing the gospel and teaching of Christ. It'll be grand.
That being said, social media is a no-no (I really won't have time for it anyways), so I'll pretty much fall off the face of the planet. BUT I can email friends and family. AND write letters. (hint hint).......Write me, guys. I want to hear from youuuuuu! Also letters are mah fave. I just think it's so fun.
So really, write me.
All the time.
I know i'm going to be busy, but I'll TRY to respond to everything I can. If I can't, write me more. Just do it. I don't care if we're best friends or if I've never actually seen your face. I'd love to hear from you!
Anywayssssss, that's all folks! ✌
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWNNNN
We got a call from the mission office today, I officially leave in exactly 2 weeks to the Provo Missionary Training Center instead of Sao Paulo. I don't have my visa yet so I get some extra Utah lovin'! I can't believe it's really here, but I am SO excited to go.
I can't wait to meet those people and learn their language and basically immerse myself in everything Brazilian. It's so great. I'm so glad that I get to go and spread the gospel to these amazing people, and invite them to come unto Christ. This is going to be the hardest experience of my life thus far, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My mission president is great. I've heard the area is B-E-A-UUUUTIFUL (name that movie). And I'm pretty sure I'm about to learn to work harder than I ever have in my life.
Bring it on, Florianópolis.
I can't wait to meet those people and learn their language and basically immerse myself in everything Brazilian. It's so great. I'm so glad that I get to go and spread the gospel to these amazing people, and invite them to come unto Christ. This is going to be the hardest experience of my life thus far, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My mission president is great. I've heard the area is B-E-A-UUUUTIFUL (name that movie). And I'm pretty sure I'm about to learn to work harder than I ever have in my life.
Bring it on, Florianópolis.
Those mouse traps, man.
Sooo today has been kind of fantastic, I can't lie.
I'm supposed to (hopefully) leave for the MTC in TWO. WEEKS. I honestly can't believe how fast this time has flown by. The whole time it felt like I've just been standing by and not much has been going on, but looking back SO much has happened, and it's wonderful.
Well anyways, today I went out tracting with the Sister missionaries in the district. Let me just say that they are fantastic. This is the second time I've been out with these two, and they're legit two of my favorite people on the entire planet. They're so fun and sweet, and filled with spirit ALL the time. I just love them.
So I met them at their apartment, and they had an AWESOME day planned, filled with lessons and visits and all kinds of magic...... but their investigators must have heard I was coming or something and alllllllll of their plans were cancelled :( bummer. This happens every time I've met with the Sisters.. They'll deny it, but I'm pretty sure I'm their bad luck charm, sorry Fox and Foster.
We went to one investigator's house, where they were hoping to teach a lesson, but they were just waiting to head out the door as soon as her husband came home.. SO we just talked for a minute and left them with a prayer. Their mission has been challenging the missionaries to leave this Peace and Blessings prayer with the people they meet, and I think it's wooonderful. They leave a blessing with your house and family, and pray for anything or anyone that you may feel could use some help from the Man upstairs. It's such a great way to let the spirit in, and the people we contact are really receptive to it!
These missionaries pray a lottttttt, man. For everything. All the time. It's great. And when we're praying a lot, we receive answers. And while the answers come by a still, small voice... They help us in a big way. After our one [kind of] appointment, Sister Fox prayed that we could find someone to teach, and that we could be sensitive to the spirit so we could be led to where we need to be. So we drove around looking for a certain street, and took a wrong turn or two and found ourselves on some random street by the water. We pulled over and Sister Foster thought the street seemed familiar, so we decided to start knocking on doors.
At the very first house we met an amazing lady who had recently moved in the area with her husband.. She didn't have a lot of time to talk, but we got to know her a little bit and set up another visit on the spot! Newfound investigator, hollaaaaaaaaa. She also gave us a bunch of cantaloupe.. We wanted to keep contacting people, so when we left we sat them in the car for like.... 2 hours. We came back and were ATTACKED by cantaloupe hot car smell. yuck.
Then we met another family, we left the peace and blessings with them and had a really great conversation about faith and the gospel. Her beliefs were really strong and I was afraid she would just shoot us down, but she wanted to make a follow-up appointment! We gave her a mormon.org card and she said she wanted to do some research before she committed to anything, but she seemed to enjoy it after we answered some questions about beliefs that coincided with hers! I thought we would leave then, but Sister Foster brought up another principle based on the conversation we had had, and she gave her a Book of Mormon! We (somewhat sneakily, maybe) challenged her to read the Introduction, so she said she'd do her research and give us a call! Potential investigator. BAM.
Side note- her grand daughter talked to us too, she a 6 year old full of the cutest mix of faith and sass and intelligence. We became best friends. I adore her.
After all this, we went back to the car and kind of just sat there for a minute.... Maybe this doesn't sound like much, but this kind of contacting and finding investigators just DOES NOT happen here, like ever. The spirit was so strong the whole time, we found not one but two possible new investigators, on one block, in one day. Plus multiple contacts on top of that. and follow up appointments. Yes.
One thing that hit me was how quickly I came to love the people we spoke to. They were all so wonderful. I was constantly amazed with how they would open up to us, and how from that short time I really just desired so much happiness for them.
When we finished tracting, we went back to their apartment and they wanted to teach me a couple lessons that could help on my mission :) So the first lesson was about faith.. Sister Fox set up a mouse trap and stuck a pencil in it to set it off.. She brought up Alma 32:21. We talked about doing hard things, and how faith was such a big part of moving forward and overcoming trials. She had me read Ether 12:6-
We talked about how we may be going through hard things, but that there are reasons for it and that ultimately, these things are made to make us better and stronger.
She asked me if I had faith.
She then told me to stick my finger in the mouse trap.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I'll let you in on a little tidbit of information about me- I've had my fair share of bad experiences with mouse traps. I am fully aware that they hurt RIDICULOUSLY badly, and that they have the ability to break fingers. And this wasn't even your regular mouse trap- it was a rat trap. So it was bigger. And stronger. Because you use it to kill RATS.
I thought she was actually kidding.
Nope.
She asked again if I had faith that God was there or that I wouldn't be harmed or something really profound, I don't remember exactly, my heart was pounding and I'm pretty sure I was shaking a little thanks to my childhood mouse trap PTSD.
I lifted my finger and got a little too close for comfort, and when they didn't stop me I freaked out a little bit. They were actually going to let me stick my hand in the mouse trap.
And this went on again. and again. and again.
And that was followed by a solid 10 minutes of
"you're really not kidding?"
"of course not. Just do it"
"ehhh I CAN'T"
" I KNOW HOW IT FEELS. IT HURTS. I DON'T WANNA"
"I promise you won't get hurt."
"You're really serious?"
Until I finally made them PINKY PROMISE that it really wasn't going to snap shut on my finger. Yep I'm actually a 3rd grader.
So I put my finger up to it, allllllllmost touched it, then wimped out again.
But they pinky promised. So I committed. I SLAMMED my hand down on the mouse trap... and it didn't snap shut on my finger. And I was still shaking because I'm pretty sure the stress of the situation sent my blood pressure through the roof.
Unbeknownst to me, they had rigged the trap while I wasn't looking so it wouldn't actually snap back. Ha ha ha. Good one, Sisters.
Sister Fox reminded me again of that scripture. I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
At that moment the spirit just hit me so strong. We talked about going on a mission and all the trials that may come, that even though it will get hard, even though you may want to stop or say "Nope, not doing this.", even though you may not see how this could POSSIBLY be for your good.. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's so easy to be lost in the darkness in the middle of your trials. It's easy to want to give up or take an easier path, because the right one just gets too hard. It's SO easy. But do not give up. for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
It's all about keeping the faith. When odds seem completely against you, have the faith to take one more step. Take it a step at a time.
Sister Fox finished her lesson and Sister Foster saw my lips quivering a little and thought I was still freaking out about hitting the mouse trap, she felt so bad haha. But it wasn't about the trap. It was about everything that Sister Fox just taught me. It was exactly what I needed to hear. Even preparing to serve has been so difficult at times. The adversary will hit you from every direction, in any way he can. I know that trials will continue to come as I get out on my mission, but I know that if I hold to the rod, if I keep the faith, that I am unstoppable. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
(2 Nephi 31:19-20)
I'm supposed to (hopefully) leave for the MTC in TWO. WEEKS. I honestly can't believe how fast this time has flown by. The whole time it felt like I've just been standing by and not much has been going on, but looking back SO much has happened, and it's wonderful.
Well anyways, today I went out tracting with the Sister missionaries in the district. Let me just say that they are fantastic. This is the second time I've been out with these two, and they're legit two of my favorite people on the entire planet. They're so fun and sweet, and filled with spirit ALL the time. I just love them.
So I met them at their apartment, and they had an AWESOME day planned, filled with lessons and visits and all kinds of magic...... but their investigators must have heard I was coming or something and alllllllll of their plans were cancelled :( bummer. This happens every time I've met with the Sisters.. They'll deny it, but I'm pretty sure I'm their bad luck charm, sorry Fox and Foster.
We went to one investigator's house, where they were hoping to teach a lesson, but they were just waiting to head out the door as soon as her husband came home.. SO we just talked for a minute and left them with a prayer. Their mission has been challenging the missionaries to leave this Peace and Blessings prayer with the people they meet, and I think it's wooonderful. They leave a blessing with your house and family, and pray for anything or anyone that you may feel could use some help from the Man upstairs. It's such a great way to let the spirit in, and the people we contact are really receptive to it!
These missionaries pray a lottttttt, man. For everything. All the time. It's great. And when we're praying a lot, we receive answers. And while the answers come by a still, small voice... They help us in a big way. After our one [kind of] appointment, Sister Fox prayed that we could find someone to teach, and that we could be sensitive to the spirit so we could be led to where we need to be. So we drove around looking for a certain street, and took a wrong turn or two and found ourselves on some random street by the water. We pulled over and Sister Foster thought the street seemed familiar, so we decided to start knocking on doors.
At the very first house we met an amazing lady who had recently moved in the area with her husband.. She didn't have a lot of time to talk, but we got to know her a little bit and set up another visit on the spot! Newfound investigator, hollaaaaaaaaa. She also gave us a bunch of cantaloupe.. We wanted to keep contacting people, so when we left we sat them in the car for like.... 2 hours. We came back and were ATTACKED by cantaloupe hot car smell. yuck.
Then we met another family, we left the peace and blessings with them and had a really great conversation about faith and the gospel. Her beliefs were really strong and I was afraid she would just shoot us down, but she wanted to make a follow-up appointment! We gave her a mormon.org card and she said she wanted to do some research before she committed to anything, but she seemed to enjoy it after we answered some questions about beliefs that coincided with hers! I thought we would leave then, but Sister Foster brought up another principle based on the conversation we had had, and she gave her a Book of Mormon! We (somewhat sneakily, maybe) challenged her to read the Introduction, so she said she'd do her research and give us a call! Potential investigator. BAM.
Side note- her grand daughter talked to us too, she a 6 year old full of the cutest mix of faith and sass and intelligence. We became best friends. I adore her.
After all this, we went back to the car and kind of just sat there for a minute.... Maybe this doesn't sound like much, but this kind of contacting and finding investigators just DOES NOT happen here, like ever. The spirit was so strong the whole time, we found not one but two possible new investigators, on one block, in one day. Plus multiple contacts on top of that. and follow up appointments. Yes.
One thing that hit me was how quickly I came to love the people we spoke to. They were all so wonderful. I was constantly amazed with how they would open up to us, and how from that short time I really just desired so much happiness for them.
When we finished tracting, we went back to their apartment and they wanted to teach me a couple lessons that could help on my mission :) So the first lesson was about faith.. Sister Fox set up a mouse trap and stuck a pencil in it to set it off.. She brought up Alma 32:21. We talked about doing hard things, and how faith was such a big part of moving forward and overcoming trials. She had me read Ether 12:6-
And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
We talked about how we may be going through hard things, but that there are reasons for it and that ultimately, these things are made to make us better and stronger.
She asked me if I had faith.
She then told me to stick my finger in the mouse trap.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I'll let you in on a little tidbit of information about me- I've had my fair share of bad experiences with mouse traps. I am fully aware that they hurt RIDICULOUSLY badly, and that they have the ability to break fingers. And this wasn't even your regular mouse trap- it was a rat trap. So it was bigger. And stronger. Because you use it to kill RATS.
I thought she was actually kidding.
Nope.
She asked again if I had faith that God was there or that I wouldn't be harmed or something really profound, I don't remember exactly, my heart was pounding and I'm pretty sure I was shaking a little thanks to my childhood mouse trap PTSD.
I lifted my finger and got a little too close for comfort, and when they didn't stop me I freaked out a little bit. They were actually going to let me stick my hand in the mouse trap.
And this went on again. and again. and again.
And that was followed by a solid 10 minutes of
"you're really not kidding?"
"of course not. Just do it"
"ehhh I CAN'T"
" I KNOW HOW IT FEELS. IT HURTS. I DON'T WANNA"
"I promise you won't get hurt."
"You're really serious?"
Until I finally made them PINKY PROMISE that it really wasn't going to snap shut on my finger. Yep I'm actually a 3rd grader.
So I put my finger up to it, allllllllmost touched it, then wimped out again.
But they pinky promised. So I committed. I SLAMMED my hand down on the mouse trap... and it didn't snap shut on my finger. And I was still shaking because I'm pretty sure the stress of the situation sent my blood pressure through the roof.
Unbeknownst to me, they had rigged the trap while I wasn't looking so it wouldn't actually snap back. Ha ha ha. Good one, Sisters.
Sister Fox reminded me again of that scripture. I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
At that moment the spirit just hit me so strong. We talked about going on a mission and all the trials that may come, that even though it will get hard, even though you may want to stop or say "Nope, not doing this.", even though you may not see how this could POSSIBLY be for your good.. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's so easy to be lost in the darkness in the middle of your trials. It's easy to want to give up or take an easier path, because the right one just gets too hard. It's SO easy. But do not give up. for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
It's all about keeping the faith. When odds seem completely against you, have the faith to take one more step. Take it a step at a time.
Sister Fox finished her lesson and Sister Foster saw my lips quivering a little and thought I was still freaking out about hitting the mouse trap, she felt so bad haha. But it wasn't about the trap. It was about everything that Sister Fox just taught me. It was exactly what I needed to hear. Even preparing to serve has been so difficult at times. The adversary will hit you from every direction, in any way he can. I know that trials will continue to come as I get out on my mission, but I know that if I hold to the rod, if I keep the faith, that I am unstoppable. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
(2 Nephi 31:19-20)
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