Cali here I come

The last week of the MTC was the best week. I am blown away by the many miracles I have experienced. Before I get carried away with the Spirit, I must start at the beginning of the week. Last Tuesday I was able to go to the Provo Temple with my district and it was stunning. I personally think it is prettier then the Columbus Temple, but they both have the same Spiritual atmosphere. I loved it and all of the beauty that it holds. I get to go later today as well! The day after was brutal for all of us though. One of our Elders was honorably discharged and sent home to serve there. He had certain mental problems that he could not cope with from being away from home. He is doing well and we all miss him. That event is what set the balance off, literally. Our Elders then became a trio and that was not easy for them because it doubled EVERYTHING. The sisters and I decided to ask all of them for blessings, which a special prayer given through the power of the priesthood, and it brightened their spirits to be able to exercise their power. It made the district a family again. My district leader gave me the blessing and it made me cry. It gave me all of the answers and support that I needed right then, I wish I had my companion record it.

This past Sunday was a normal Sunday so it was almost like our first Sabbath in the MTC. In Sacrament meeting, which is only with our branch so maybe 20 people tops, I had to give a talk. President Menlove just called me up and so I had to wing the whole thing. It was crazy how calm I was and how well it went. A bunch of people came up to me and said it was the best talk. Not to mention it made my whole district tear up. It was totally awesome! That's the Holy Spirit for you :) Fast forwarding to later that day, our district went outside and we all just bore our testimonies. There was no dry eye. We all hugged each other, within the rules, and sobbed. We knew that our time together was coming to an end. It was a blessing to walk on the temple grounds with them. Always stunning no matter the time of day. 

Alright, miracles are everywhere and everyday, but I have been able to notice them more than ever. My companion and I had a crazy last lesson with our Progressing Investigator. The plan was to go in and for me to share my testimony with her and then leave. We wanted it to be short and powerful. Well, it was powerful, but not short. I did share my testimony with her and so did my companion, but then we let the Spirit talk to her. The lesson was about 40 minutes long and most of it was in silence. I asked her to pray right then and there with us to know if what we had taught her was true. We all knelt down and she started to pray. A few words in and she broke down in tears. It then made us tear up. After the prayer we sat in more silence and then she was fidgeting with the Book of Mormon. It fell open and she read a verse...There were more waterworks pouring from this girls soul. She had read Mosiah 27:29. We watched her receive her answer moments after she had asked her question. She knew that it was true and the spirit was so incredibly strong at that moment that we left. Our other Investigator, Eric, continued to meet with us and enthusiastically made the commitment to be baptized. He believes with all his might in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. Those lessons were so amazing that I cannot begin to describe them. That is an awesome guy and his faith is strong. I plan to check up on him when I am in California. Oh, a huge part of my week was a certain patch that I was going through and it fixed itself by my prayers. Many people came to my "rescue" and I am so grateful the charity of man. I do not want to dwell on it much, but it was incredible. 

Last night was miraculous and spiritual all by itself. Our district went outside for study and we sang Hymns into the night sky. Many missionaries walking by either stopped to listen or joined in. It was so humbling to feel a part of an unbreakable unit. Half of our district left this morning for their mission and we wanted a lasting memory of our time together. I believe that was it. Our boys cannot sing the best, but they sang with their soul and it does not get better than that. After we retired to our dorms, Sister Brentlinger (my companion) and Sister Kakuschke grabbed their Hymnals and sang in the girls bathroom for about an hour. The Spirit on our floor was so uplifting that I had no sorrow about the departure of my friends that I have grown so close to. I decided to finish my mission with Sister Brentlinger out so I got up with her at 2:40 in the morning, helped her get ready, carry luggage down from the fifth floor, and walk her to the travel office across campus. The best part of that mission is that we helped other girls carry their bags down the stairs. One sister looked me in the eyes and said "Thank you for being so Charitable. I hope to be as kind as you." I almost cried and hugged her. It was hard seeing off my Elders and Companion, but the lack of sleep was worth it. I love them with all my being and I am proud to call them my Brothers and Sisters of Zion. I have a true testimony that this Gospel is true. There is no doubt in my mind that this was the right choice, not only to serve a mission, but to live in these latter days. I have seen the power of prayer AND music. It can invite the spirit in an instant. I pray that all that read this can fell the love that Father has for all of us and that we will never forget. Keep your head high and your hopes higher. I love you and have seen miracles with my own eyes. God will never misguide you if you choose to follow Him.  I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Smith
1 Nephi 3:7