Its a small world after all!

Its a small world after all!

 

I am not kidding! I have like 30 examples of how small this world is, mostly how small the Mormon world is! (And yes 30 is an exaggeration) The first one is I see Karen Rose all the time! For those who don't know her, she was in the singles ward back in Missouri, we also hung out some while both of us attended BYU. She's heading to Brazil but is learning Portuguese on the same building and floor as me! I love seeing her! Its so nice to see a familiar face often. Another missionary that I have seen a few times was Sister Myers. Pretty sure she forgot my name because when I first saw her (The day she came into the MTC) she had to look at my tag hahaha but since then we've ran into each other two other times. I haven't seen Daniel yet! I keep looking for him. He came this Wednesday correct? I hope to see him before I leave! Another small world moment was this Thursday. My zone received another district of just elders. One of the elders name is Elder Brimley. During the summers in Missouri a girl in my ward Layne Williams would have her cousins visit for like a month. There were two boys Jory Brimley and his younger brother. Now, Jory is the one I knew best because he is my ageish. The Elder Brimley that is in my zone is his younger brother. I saw his face during breakfast and knew I had seen him somewhere. While I was eating it came to me and then later in the day I asked him and I was correct! YESSS! Win for Me! The last moment was while I was at the broadcast this Sunday. I totally ran into Sam King (another person from the singles ward in Missouri). I've always had a small crush on him (tiny bit) and I shook his hand and he was so surprised that I was Hermana Durfee! It is always so nice to see a familiar face even when you don't know the person very well. Again I hope to see Daniel before I leave. He'll be leaving the MTC the same week that I do. I'll keep my eyes peeled!(:

 

This last Saturday was probably the hardest day on mission so far. It was late in the night (on Friday) and I began to doubt my decision to come on a mission. I cried a lot... Then I started praying. I prayed and prayed for a good solid 30 minutes. I prayed for everything. For comfort, for a confirmation that I was where I was supposed to be, my family, to not to be homesick, for everything that came into mind. I didn't receive much comfort during the night besides the wonderful gift of sleep. When I woke up the next morning (Saturday) I decided I should fast. I studied my scriptures hardcore that day and still wasn't receiving much of an answer. Then during class when my favorite teacher, Hermano Barfuss, was teaching I got a confirmation. He was doing a demonstration of the first vision to one of the elders in my district. It was so wonderful, so spiritual. I could see Hermano Barfuss tearing up and I let a tear or two fall down my cheeks. I knew that, that experience was an answer. However, Heavenly Father, being as wonderful as he is, gave me another confirmation. My companion and I had to teach Eric that night. We weren't really getting to Eric and we were on our fourth lesson. This lesson was totally opposite. He said along the lines that he knew God was listening, that God loves him and wants to help him. I about cried in that lesson! It was so amazing! I then officially knew I was doing what I was supposed to be doing! Isn't the Lord amazing? Our other investigator, Israel, is also progressing really well. He finally agreed to be baptized in our last lesson. I knew he was so close and so ready! He really amazing person! He is also played by Hermano Barfuss so that might be one of the reasons I love him so much! So even though I had one hard day I've had several amazing days that make up for all the negative feelings, moments, days etc.

 

Okay! -claps hands- The Broadcast! Before the Broadcast the choir director let us know that most likely not all of us would be able to sing because of how many of us there were. He asked us to come to terms with it and understand that he wanted all of us but had prayed and prayed and that was the answer he got. There were so many people at the gate waiting for it to open so they could get a seat at the broadcast to sing. It was kind of sad. I mean I did walk to the marriot a little fast then usual but there were missionaries pushing and running. I didn't we were representing Christ very well at that moment. My companion and I were able to sing but just barely. We were in the alto section the second row to the back more near the isle. During the first song there's a part where they actually show the back of the choir and they zoom in a little and I can see myself. You might be able to see me if you review the clip which is already up on lds.org. But more likely you wont notice me unless I was able to point me out(: Some people (like my companion) were upset about not getting on camera but it really wasn't a big deal to me. I just wanted to be able to sing and the Lord gave me that.

 

During this week because the Mission President Training we've had so many apostles on campus. (campus meaning the MTC) I tried and tried looking for President Ames and his wife but I didn't see them and now everyone is gone. It was a little sad but again not really a big deal. Anyways, a lot of the missionaries thought we would have an apostle speak at our Tuesday devotional but were disappointed.... only for a little bit though. The speaker was Janice Kapp Perry. She wrote As Sisters In Zion and a ton of primary songs! It was pretty awesome! The best part was when she was talking about the first thing her husband said to her. She was warming up her clarinet in the HFAC building at BYU, he came up to and said something like this, "Those lips look like they could be used  for something better than playing the clarinet." Right after she shared that with us and while we were chuckling her husband got up from his seat and grabbed her face and kissed her! We were all shocked and laughed and laughed. Elders actually stood up and gave him a standing ovation! It was so great!

 

Alright its time for me to leave, but there are two other things before I go. One, this coming Monday, the 1st of July I will only have a week left! It finally feels like its going fast! And I think my companion and I are getting it down, language and teaching!

 

Two, I'll leave you with a spiritual thought. Hermano Litznberger, one of my teachers, said this, "You.." (meaning missionaries and members) "...appropriately and properly represent Jesus Christ." I was reminded of the kid saying, "What would Jesus do?" We take that saying so lightly, but I realized how appropriate that saying really is. Really think to yourself, what would Jesus do... It could change a decision in your life. Jesus Christ is the perfect example and the purpose of this life is to TRY to become perfect like him. He has made the path for us laying down brick by brick and all we have to do is follow Him. Keep that question in your heart and seriously contemplate it.

 

I love you guys so much! Keep your heads up! I pray for all of you!

 

Hermana Durfee!

 

Alex here, Charlee leaves the MTC soon so if anyone wants her new address please just comment and we will make sure that is clarified.