a day outside the MTC

I'm now on the downside of my half-way mark at the MTC. Three and a half weeks remain and we get the new Dutchies next Wednesday. We're incredibly excited. :) Things here are great - certainly eventful.

A very interesting "opportunity" arose this past weekend that helped deepen my gratitude for the Lord's spirit, which I feel every moment of every day here at the MTC. Zuster Sharp was unwell this past weekend with an ear infection and pneumonia, but as the clinic on MTC campus was closed, we were to go to the BYU urgent care clinic. While my companion was seen by the doctor, I remained in the waiting room, surrounded by insipid conversation and shocking language (ok, it wasn't shocking by the world's standard, but keep in mind that I'm a missionary in the MTC). It bothered me, actually.

We were sent to the Rite-Aid next to my old grocery stop, Macey's, to get her Rx filled and spent some time wandering around the real world. Very strange experience, really.

Our schedule was then completely crazed and we didn't have opportunity to feast on the word, which really affected our attitudes and moods. We prayed earnestly together that night to get the presence of the Holy Ghost back with us.

The following morning, Sunday, was a sweet experience. The sacrament definitely helped me feel that again. And it was certainly refreshing - here at the MTC, you feel the spirit all the time and so much that sometimes you feel immune to it. Therefore, I'm really grateful for this experience.

Something funny that I loved from this week: playing the role of an investigator for one of my teacher's lessons, I said about the Book of Mormon, "Yah, this is all interesting..." To which Brother Bond curtly stated, "No, National Geographic with natives running around in loin cloths is interesting...this is real. This is truth!" :D I love it.

How I love the Book of Mormon! I have never felt such a sincere yearning for knowledge from the scriptures. My personal studies have been amazing - I studied the "strait and narrow path" this morning and I love this passage from Alma 37:46 - "It is...easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss." This is true. Obedience and prayer keep us this path and we must simply look to Christ and live.

The church is true. Ik houd van jullie.

Veel liefs,
Jillian Claire, Zuster