Week 1 at the MTC!

Hello everyone!

Life at the MTC is wonderfully challenging. I want to hear from you people! Just because I can't EMAIL (except on Wednesday, which is P day), it doesn't mean you can't write me whenever you want, however often you want! Seriously, getting letters from home and loved ones would make this transition a lot easier. I don't want to give my personal email out on here but if you leave a comment on this post, my parents should see it and get in touch with you. Also, DAD (Frank), if you can figure out how to set up a dearelder account for me, you can post it on my blog or facebook and people can "email" me but I'll receive it as a paper letter. Mail time is in the evenings, right before bed, so don't worry about distracting me. It's honestly worse wondering if everyone is still alive D:

My SNAIL MAIL address is:

Sister Serena Kathleen Maxwell

NOV10   RUS-VLA

2007 N 900 E Unit 29

Provo, UT 84602

Anyway, the MTC is pretty great. Yesterday my whole district (6 elders and 4 sisters, including myself) sung at a world broadcasted devotional that Elder Richard G. Scott spoke at. It just happened to be my FAVORITE hymn, Be Still, My Soul. It was absolutely PERFECT for a new missionary. We might even sing in General Conference! Pay close attention for me!

It hasn't really sunk in that we'll be here for 8 more weeks. It still feels like I'm at a BYU camp, except this time I'm the participant instead of the counselor. I really love my district... I was quite sad on Friday evening and the next day at mail time each of the elders in my district gave me a handwritten note to comfort me. These are the kinds of elders in the MTC with me. I love knowing I'm surrounded by people who are devoted to Christ, who expand OUT to love people instead of withdrawing IN. (What habit is that? Habit 1: BE PROACTIVE!) 

My companion, Sister O., is DEFINITELY different from me, in almost EVERY conceivable way. I'm learning a lot about just letting things go and forgiveness. Sometimes it's just easier to shut up and let people do things their way (which, in my perspective, might be counter-intuitive or not as effective) than start an argument and lose the Spirit, especially right before a lesson.

Yes, I've taught four lessons already! In RUSSIAN! Also, I can pray and bear my testimony in Russian, now. Honestly, the language isn't really that difficult for me. The Lord had a divine purpose in inspiring me to take Russian last semester, before I got my call. I am so awed by the sisters and elders who have to start from scratch. They've improved SO much. My trials are a little more interpersonal and emotional than language, but everyone has different trials and different blessings. Keep us missionaries in your prayers!

I had the opportunity to go to the temple this morning. We did an endowment session but I wasn't able to do it for one of the myriad names I brought on my mission, because my family names aren't ready for endowment yet. I think this whole mindset of, "You're on a mission to serve the living, not the dead" is bogus. It doesn't say anything of the sort in the Missionary Handbook. If that mindset were grounded in fact, then they'd tell us. They wouldn't schedule us at the temple every week. AFTER ALL, temple work is NOT for us; it is for OUR ANCESTORS. I know that I have people on the edge of their theoretical seats on the other side of the veil, anxiously waiting for me to do their work. The Lord turned my heart to them and I will not forget them just because I'm on a mission. If I have the opportunity to go to the temple, I will try my hardest to do family work.

Yes, this week hasn't been the easiest of my life. However, the challenges I do face are both exciting and spiritual. I know that the Lord answers prayers, even if he waits sometimes until we NEED it the most. I know that there can be no blessing until after the trial of our faith. Through Christ's Atonement I know that I can overcome my doubts and weakness and grow in patience, charity, faith, and hope. 

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." - Mark 8:34-35

I am losing my life in this Gospel because I love the Lord and I know that it is what he wants me to do for my brethren and sisters in Russia. I take up my cross and willingly follow Him.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Sister Maxwell

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