MTC Week 6: Next Stop, Houston!

It's been a rough week and a rough time at the MTC so this email is going to be short, but I'm glad for the experience it's been and for the things I've learned. I fly out on Monday to go to Houston with six elders (I'm the only sister coming in that day) and I'm so excited to learn even more as I teach God's message to His Spanish-speaking children. My Spanish isn't stellar yet, I still have a hard time waking up in the morning, and I'm scared about driving again. But I know that this work is of God, and I know that as I exercise my faith in Him by taking one step forward at a time, He will bless me with words in my mouth and happiness in my heart despite all the trials I face. 

I got a blessing of comfort this week.  I've been stressed out with everything that's been going on with Hermana Lund, and thinking about having to drive again, and feeling inadequate in my calling. I asked Elder Jensen to give the blessing, and he and I didn't even talk about what was stressing me and what I needed help with before hand, but as he opened his mouth, the Spirit gave him the words to say.  Earlier this week I wrote in my journal that I was scared "that in two weeks I'll be driving again in an unfamiliar area" because the last time I drove around an unfamiliar area I had a panic attack and had to pull into a parking lot to calm myself down.  In the blessing, Elder Jensen said "Megan, the Lord knows that you are about to be in unfamiliar territory and He wants you to know that in those foreign places, He will be there to be familiar to you."  I'm so grateful to be surrounded by such worthy priesthood holders who can exercise their priesthood power and their faith to speak the words of the Spirit, and I'm grateful that I can always have God's guiding hand with me, even in things that might seem trivial, like being afraid of driving.

I've had a lot of eye-opening spiritual experiences this week, but one of the most important things I've learned was through Hermana Lund and all that she's been going through. Her parents came and got her last night and so I have a new companion and Co-STL.  On Sunday, I asked for an interview with my Branch President to talk about how I could feel less stressed and frustrated with this situation.  I've been feeling like I'm failing in my job as a missionary because Hermana Lund and I were missing classes and studies for doctor's appointments and breakdowns.  I love her and all I've wanted to do was support her and help her through this, but I'm also here to serve the Lord in all that He asks me to do, and I haven't been sure how to do both, or how to do one and still feel fulfilled in the other.

In our interview, my Branch Pres told me that my purpose as a missionary isn't to learn Spanish or to read 4 chapters of the Book of Mormon every day.  It's not to attend every class and plan every exact minute of my day.  It's not even to teach people.  My purpose as a missionary is to love, help, and support the children of God.  And whether that means answering the questions of an investigator, or sitting in the waiting room of a doctor's office for the third time in one week, I'm still doing the Lord's work.

One of my favorite things about being able to serve a mission so far is learning how to change my perspective on things.  I've always thought I was pretty good at trusting in the Lord and trying to see things from His point of view, but I'm learning every day how to be better and I'm noticing that every time I think I've mastered something, Heavenly Father throws it into my life in a way I've never seen before.  I love having this opportunity to mold and shape myself to become what He wants me to.  The beauty of conversion is that it's an ongoing process. You're never really done, whether you're newly baptized or the Prophet of the church. I thought I knew that before I came here, but it's different to live it.  I'm so grateful for this opportunity to serve and for the support I get from all of you.  I know this gospel is true and restored.  I know the power of the Book of Mormon because I can see it and God's guiding hand in my life every day, especially now.  To all my friends on this list that don't have a knowledge of that, I encourage you to read the Book of Mormon, even if it's just a little bit.  It has changed my life and continues to change it every time I open it up. 

Thank you everyone for your love, prayers, and support. My next email will be from warmer weather! ❤

-Hermana Thunell