I will be honest. So the day I arrived in the MTC things were hard. But let me tell you something. I know that God only sends challenges to make us stronger and that he personalizes those challenges. The first few days I was so sick. I was exhausted and I could not mentally grasp the concept of being a missionary as fast as I wanted to. But guess what, I know he gave me that trial the second I was here because he knew I needed to learn a lesson as fast as possible. We are so busy here in CCM, but it is a good busy. I am constantly learning things everyday about Spanish, the gospel, and myself. I´ve never done anything so hard but I also have never felt the spirit for so long. It is a beautiful thing to feel the spirit!! I cannot express every experience that I would like to in an email so I apologize! Also, if i don´t email you directly, I¨m sorry, but know that I´ve read everyone´s and appreciate everyone who has contacted me!! It is so wonderful here, but also difficult. But I like to think of the mtc as a rock tumbler (yes Jared that thing you used to have) and I am a rock trying to be polished!!! The airplane ride seems like forever ago!! when I was on the plane this thought came to my mind: "After the turbulance, you arrive in Madrid." Turbulance is going to happen no matter what in our life, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. But when we endure it we will land in "Madrid." Also, something very important Ive learned here is how crucial it is to be self less. I have no time to think about myself, and it helps me get closer the holy ghost. (espiritu santo.)
Mi companera es muy awesome!!!! We recognize there are A TON of differences in each other so it definitely took some time to work some things out. But I think we both know that God sent each other to learn something from on another. She is 21 and is from Idaho. Her name is Hermana Hansen. She speaks fluent french because she studied in France so Spanish comes a lot easier to her!! Every day we have a "progressing investigator" that we have to teach in Spanish. yes in Spanish. Crazy I know. None of us know spanish, but the expected us to work hard and try like the 3rd day we were here. I´ve already noticed a growth in me from like the 3rd lesson!!! It is so hard. But yesterday I witnessed what the gift of tongues is. I opened my mouth and said things that I forgot i learned!! it was awesome!!! There is a French sister here who is from Paris and is going to Lyon. My companion talks to her in French and I´ve surprisingly been able to talk to her to.. It has been awesome to do that!!
My district is amazing!!!! Last Friday I was having a really hard time and asked for a blessing from my district leader. It was absoultly perfect and I am so grateful for young men who can hold the priesthood!! he is a very good leader!! (He is from Austrailia) We joke that i´m going to speak spanish with a tenesse accent from one of my roommates and pick up aussie lingo. haha
I love you guys so much and i wish i could say more but know that I am praying for you all!!! don´t worry about me i will be fine!!
love,
Hermana Berry
