NOVEMBER 12, 1015

The spirit here in the mtc is incredible! We had the most wonderful
devotional on Tuesday and the spirit was so powerful. The mtc choir
director here is one of the biggest blessings in this experience. He
shares inspiring stories that relate to the songs we are singing, and
it always brings such a strong spirit. This week we sang nearer my god
to thee, which is already my favorite church song, so I knew it would
be good. He shared the story of Jacob fleeing into the wilderness that
the song was based off of. The song climaxed with "so by my woes to
be, nearer my God to thee" and the power that was there was unearthly
(I'm convinced Angels were singing with us) and I just started crying!
I was so overwhelmed by the power of the spirit testifying of the
truth and majesty of this gospel. I hope to always remember that
moment.
I also love those lyrics! It really is through our woes, sorrows, and
distress that we become nearer to God. If we turn to Him in those
times, our relationship with Him is developed and strengthened.

The days and weeks here all kind of just mesh together, so I'm not
really sure what all happened since the last email. Our district had a
limbo competition one night that ended rather badly. The comp was down
to me and Rodrigues choro (he's oddly flexible, kind of creepy
actually) and we were all getting into it. Keep in mind we are doing
this in our tiny little classroom. Rodriguez went again and lost his
balance once he was under the board, fell to his knees, fell forward,
and banged his mouth on the edge of one of the desks and it
immediately started bleeding. He ended up with a swollen, split lip,
bit into his lip a little, had a swollen gum, and left teeth marks in
the desk. Yeah the competition ended after that. He's all good now
though and has even agreed to a rematch in a larger room! I'll keep
you all posted as to who wins.

It snowed here this weekend and it was gorgeous! We were all in the
classroom talking about the snow then somehow started talking about
the pioneers. Sherrill choro (the recent convert) then started talking
about "snowflake corner" and we all just gave him a really confused
look, then realized he was referring to "winter quarters." We all had
a good laugh.
I have a new nickname thanks to Morgan choro, Sunny-D.
Everything is going well and I'm happy! I'm being pushed and stretched
and pulled and twisted in many ways but I know it's all helping me to
grow!

D&C 16:6

Subete watashi no ai, Sundell Shimai