Sister Gardner: 7/6/22

 

hola amigos y familia 

Bienvenidos a méxico!! It's my first week at the ccm (mexico mtc) and WOW it's amazing here! Leaving my family was hard, but worth it (sorry fam) Everyone is so nice saying hola all the time and it's been so fun hanging out with my district in person. The mexico mtc is the best place to learn spanish, my vocabulary and listening skills have already grown so much it's insane!! When I met my companion hermana mapes on the plane I knew it was a match made in heaven. I'm so glad that we're companions. 

Some spiritual stuff

- really feasting on the words in the scriptures is SO powerful!! I love reading with my district and learning more about how we can become like Christ. We were reading about Alma when he was kicked out after teaching and then visited by an angel. God helped me realize that in hard times, like Alma, we are reminded of our own conversion and how much we love the gospel, and because of that love and testimony, we can keep moving forward sharing the good news to others! This week, we have a goal to develop the Christ like attributes obedience and humility, and I can already see it changing our district.

- This sunday was fast sunday and the night before in class we asked if there was anyone we should pray for. An elder in my district asked us to fast for his siblings. The next morning in testimony meaning he told us that he had asked us to fast for his siblings because they were all 3 inactive. He said that morning he got a text from all 3 of his siblings saying that they were going to church. I know that fasting brings miracles if we have faith. I felt the spirit so much in that testimony meeting, the ccm is really a place where you learn to grow and rely on the lord. 

- Sooo during gym time we were playing volleyball and I jammed my thumb super bad. It was super swollen and bruised all over. I went to the doctor and got some ice, but a few days later I felt the prompting that I needed to ask for a priesthood blessing and rely on the Lord a little bit more to help me out. So I did, the elders all gave me a blessing and it was exactly what I needed. Wow, priesthood blessings are amazing and God can speak to you through his worthy servants. The next morning, most of the bruising had faded in my thumb and I felt so much better, the priesthood is cool y'all.

- sincere prayer is one of the most powerful things you can do, don't be afraid to ask God anything, and don't forget to thank him for EVERYTHING

- lastly, I was reading in alma 7 last night and came across this in verse 8 - "now as to this thing I do not know, but this much I do know, that the lord God hath power to do all things which are according to his word". I've had my fair share of doubts after being set apart as a missionary. Doubts about my capability to teach, doubts about my spanish, and doubts about my purpose, but one thing that I haven't doubted is that we can do all things with the Lord. Trust in him and keep moving forward! 

Funny stuff

- elder brady has zip off pants that turn into shorts and it's hilarious

- eating mangoes is really hard

- prank calling your teachers in spanish 

- went beast mode and slid to a base during kickball

- the ccm mission president came and took a look at our plumbing

love you all!! let me know if you need anything!