MTC Week 3

 

Hello Everyone!

This week has been a great experience at the MTC! I know I have changed as a person throughout this experience and discovered new things about myself. I have become so close with my district (group of missionaries) over time. I have learned a lot about my fellow missionaries: Elder Turner, Elder Carter, Elder Martin, Sister Feleti, Sister Cardon, Sister Nichols, and Sister Goodwin. They are so fun to be around! This week we were just hanging out and getting to know each other. We shared our other favorite companions, our dogs. I introduced them to my dog, Koda, and they introduced their dogs. It was a great time!

I learned about the importance of social media in missionary work, especially during this time. One of the many things I respect about this church is it's willingness to always try to be better. This year has been a struggle for many people and was very unpredictable. When the COVID-19 pandemic first began, there was a lot of confusion and panic (as expected). The church was working from the start to still allow missionary work and work with the government as best they could. They started to focus on virtual training like I am doing now and connecting with people with social media. They started to learn new techniques that will be a great benefit in the future. In the Book of Mormon found in Alma 36:3, a man named Alma was giving advice to his son Helaman. He says 

And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their ^atrust in God shall be supported in their ^btrials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be ^clifted up at the last day.  

This year has been a difficult trial for almost everyone, but through God we can be supported when we are feeling down. I hope as we reflect on this year, we remember not only the things we have learned and improved, but also the blessings we received from God even when there were still a lot of difficult times.

Note from Mom:

Over the past few years, I have had small experiences that have been very special to me where I got a glimpse of what Bailey would be like as a missionary. These included seeing him perform baptisms in the temple and teaching lessons at home for Come Follow Me. I remember thinking how awesome it was to have that small window into something I would never see firsthand. Now, we have also been able to see him as a day to day missionary. He is focused, obedient and full of desire to learn. He loves teaching and sharing with others, even if it is just for practice. The process of preparing a lesson as a missionary has been one I have enjoyed witnessing. We are slowly preparing the dog for Bailey's departure ;) We have gotten quite good at Phase 10 (even though Bailey keeps winning) and will miss him just as much as Koda will.