Testimony

I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is the true church on the earth.  Christ has restored his Gospel.  I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.  He was an instrument in the Lord's hands to translate the Book of Mormon and restore the Gospel to the earth.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  It is the word of God and combined with the Bible is the fullness of the Gospel.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of God.  I know that Christ lived on this earth.  He atoned for the sins of all mankind and it is through him that we can live with our families forever with the Lord.  I know that Christ is my brother, friend and He knows all the thoughts, intents and desires of my heart.  I know that my mission call is inspired of the Lord.  There is a work for all of us missionaries to do in our own individual missions.  I know that this season is a time to celebrate the beautiful humble birth of our Savior.  In del nome di Gesu Cristo Amen!

Wow

That's all I can say.  This week has been full of ups and downs.  We're on our last stretch here.  On January 7 I'll leave the MTC.  Tons of mixed emotions. 

We taught "Luca" (Our teacher Fratello Knutson) about the law of tithing, fasting and the word of wisdom.  He likes coffee and said it would be hard for him to give it up.  But the spirit was strong in the room and I looked him straight in the eye and promised him that the Lord would help him overcome that temptation.  Fratello Guest (another teacher who was being "Fratello Raveau a member of the church") bore a powerful testimony of the power of the law of tithing.  So grateful for these amazing spiritual experiences.  

For choir we sang one small babe.  Such a beautiful song!  totally felt the spirit and the divinity of our Savior's birth.  

So the entire time I've been here I've felt prompted to do an arrangement of O come O come Emmanuel on the cello with piano accompaniment.  Well Elder Smith agreed to do it with me.  I haven't touched the cello in two years.  But we've been practicing this week.  Sometimes the Lord asks us to do things and we think that there's no way we can do them because either we've never done it before or haven't done it in a long time.  That's when he helps us do it.  I haven't played this good in my entire life.  Loving it.  

I met Elder Leon going to Poland.  He does Muay Thai.  We spent an entire dinner talking about MMA.  It was awesome.  

TRC was fantastic.  We talked to a lady and were able to continue to better our Italian.  She was super patient with us and the Spirit was strong.  

District meeting was awesome.  Everyone went around and shared a spiritual gift that they have.  I learned so much about the people in our zone and the amazing spirits they have.  We are all one massive family.  Even though the mtc is hard, the thought of leaving makes me want to cry.  These people are truly my brothers and sisters and I love every single one of them.  

Devotional was Elder Rasband aka president of the 70.  He talked about spiritual gifts.  He had microphones set up and I went up.  He asked me what spiritual gift I wanted to develop in my life.  what a humbling experience it was to talk with Brother Rasband and tell him that I wanted to develop the gift of empathy more in my life.... while my face displayed to the entire MTC plus the international MTC's... no pressure.  It was an awesome meeting.

I'll probably say this every week but this week has topped them all in difficulty.  I spent 3 hours on saturday just bawling.  It's been hard for me to feel the Christmas spirit this week.  Lots of little stuff has been weighing on my mind.  Mingled with the exhaustion, and constant upset stomach of the food, it was too much.  But I've learned a powerful lesson.  Sometimes when we ask the Lord to deliver us from one hard thing... he delivers us through an even harder thing.  To our human minds this may seem contradictory and unhelpful.  The reality is that as we come out of the harder trial, we gain more knowledge, wisdom and perspective than we would have if we had just been delivered from the first trial immediately. 

The miracles this week were Elder Molnar And Elder Fabiano doing a 20 minute long duet on the piano and it was entirely IMPROV!  They are soooo talented.  My companion has been so loving and patient with me as I've struggled.  I'll be forever grateful to her.  Also Sorella Taylor.  She let me pour our my troubles and gave me the most wonderful advice and comfort.  Love her sooo much!  Our teachers have borne powerful testimonies to us of the importance of this work.  The gift of tongues is real.  My Italian is almost there.  I'm focusing on using correct grammar now.  It is the most beautiful language and I can't wait to speak it 24/7.  

Love you all.  Thank you sooooo sooooooooo much for the cards and letters.  They mean sooo much!  Hope you all continue to have a wonderful Christmas season.  So family.... I won't be able to call home on Christmas day... too many missionaries at the MTC for everyone to call.  But you will be in my thoughts, heart and prayers. 

A half pound reeses cup.

My collega and I in front of the nativity

A day at the temple

Italian homework and flowers

This was taken while we were walking out of a devotional so it's all goofy.  Oscar is doing great!  He's in an amazing missionary!  So glad I ran into him.

Weel 3. Time flies!

Buona Serra!  wow life at the MTC is busy and awesome!.  Hope everyone had an amazing thanksgiving.  I definitely did.  Also, thank you to all who have sent me mail of any sorts.  You are amazing.  It literally has made my day many times to get a letter or a card.  Please keep em coming. 

So some awesome experiences from this past week have been:

This Sunday was awesome as always.  We watched the Music and the Spoken word but it was teh Christmas special.  What an amazing experience it was to feel the spirit of Christmas and listen to the beautiful carols.  For Relief Society sister Neill F. Marriot who is the Second Counselor in the Young Women's General Presidency.  She talked about becoming meek and allowing the Spirit to direct our lives.  She talked about how when she prays to Heavenly Father, she imagines him standing next to her, smiling and listening to her prayers.  During the prayer she tells her Heavenly Father what she knows about him and bears her testimony to him.  I challenge you all to do that.  When she spoke of doing this, it really struck my heart and confirmed my testimony that we can have a private, strong, personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.  They are there and want to listen to our prayers. 
During Sacrament meeting, my companion sis Jackman sang a solo of How Great Thou Art with Elder Smith accompanying her.  She has a voice like Carrie Underwood.  It was beautiful and the Spirit was so strong.  So how Sacrament meeting works is we prepare 5 minute talks but we don't know if we will be called up.  Earlier that morning I had a feeling I would give the talk so I prepped.  I'm glad I did because I was called up to speak.  Luckily I was able to do it in English since we run Sacrament meetings in English.  I talked about how Faith is a principle of action.  We demonstrate faith when we:  Believe Christ is the Son of God, Accept him as our Savior, trust Him, are confident that He loves us, and bring good to our lives and the lives of others.  I bore my testimony that when we have faith, we are able to receive blessings and miracles in our lives.  I bear that testimony now. 

We had one of the most spiritual district meetings ever!  We talked about the miracles in our lives and the experiences that have confirmed our testimonies.  The Spirit was so strong and we really got to know each other.  I love everyone in my district so much and will be so sad when we have to leave the MTC. 

We walked around the temple and it was awesome.  Some missionaries have never seen snow before so they were picking it up, throwing it in the air, eating it and squealing in delight and awe.  Me, sorella Warncke and the entire German missionary zone all threw snowballs at an elder going to Germany.  He was covered and it was hilarious.  We ran through the snow and everyone was frolicking like little 5 year olds. 

So last night, we had a devotional.  Drumroll please...... it was Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the 12.  So guess who said the closing prayer.... that's right.... ME!  Yes I got to sit on the stand, in front of the entire MTC with my companion about 10 feet away from Elder Cook.  I didn't get to meet him or shake  his hand but it was a humbling experience to pray on behalf of and in front of 3,000 + people (they were broadcasting it to other MTC's worldwide).  The meeting was awesome.  Elder Cook talked about how the apostles assign mission calls and it reconfirmed my testimony that my call is inspired of the Lord.  There is a reason I'm going to Italy and I cannot wait to discover it. 

So today was awesome.  Me, sorella Taylor, and Elders Fabiano, Di Donato, Hansen, Gardiner, Ferrin, Cameron, all went to Salt Lake City.  We needed to make a personal appearance at the Italian Consulate to apply for our visas.  We took front runner to Salt Lake and everyone slept on the way there.  We took trax into down town and a travel agent met us there.  We went to the consulate and sat in a very fancy conference room.  We signed papers and then waited for them to be processed.  We got to know the agent and the wife of the consul.  They were really nice and explained the process to us.  After the appointment, we went to Toasters; a small sandwich place.  I had the best salmon spinach wrap ever and a lemon bar!  Eating real food after 3 weeks of nothing but cafeteria... let's just say I was in heaven for about half an hour.  On the train back we all talked to different passengers and got to know them and talked about being missionaries.  It was such a great experience.  It was great to get out of the MTC for a while and to get to know people.  It was a great training opportunity for us to learn how to just start conversations out of the blue. 

So during class we teach investigators aka our teachers.  My teacher Fratello Knutson is being Luca.  We had a lesson with him and it was one of the best we've ever had.  I went into the lesson feeling discouraged, burdened, emotional and weak.  I'd had a hard week and didn't feel like I could measure up to be a good missionary.  I was praying my heart out that it would go well.  Well, when I heard Jackman invite him to be baptized, I got chills and the Spirit was so strong.  I cannot wait to actually invite a real investigator to baptism.  It was a miracle lesson because I was in a mood where the whole thing should've gone down hill.  Our Heavenly Father is so merciful. 

One thing that has been really fun is that the whole zone has turned to singing as a stress release.  Monday night we all gathered in a classroom and harmonized while singing Christmas songs acapella.  Sometimes while walking to class or in the lunch room we'll all start singing.  It's brought us all together and helped us keep the Spirit with us while we are learning.  We have amazing talented singers in our zone so it sounds like a chorus of angels. 

So in my last email I said it had been the hardest week.  No, last week was the hardest week.  It is really hard for me because 8 hours of sleep is just not enough.  My body hasn't adjusted.  So 4 pm rolls around and I am doing everything I can to stay awake during class.  Also, ask any missionary and they will tell you that weaknesses are magnified while on a mission.  There have been so many times where I have felt completely inadequate, unprepared, stupid, weak, and that I lack in spirituality, faith, strength and knowledge.  But I am learning so much about applying the atonement in my life.  I bear my testimony to you guys that the atonement is real.  when we allow the hand of the Lord in our lives we can do so much more than we ever could do by ourselves.  It is hard to trust Him but when we do, He leads us to what we need and brings bountiful blessings to our lives.  Love you all! 

Ran into lovely Jessica in SLC.  Girl I went to suu with. 

Sorella Warncke with my hair draped over her head

My companion is gorgeous!

Girls in the snow

Kids in the snow

Zach is doing great!  He will be an amazing missionary!

The Elders in the car on the way to SLC

My companion for the day sis taylor.  In the car on the way to SLC

At toasters in SLC eating the best salmon spinach wrap ever!  Real food has never tasted so good after eating nothing but cafeteria for 3 weeks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Buongiorno Familigia e amici!

Wow what a week.  So Thanksgiving was the best one I've ever had in my life.  We started off the day with breakfast and a devotional.  Guess who came to visit us... That's right... Russell M. Nelson from the quorum of the twelve apostle.  When he walked in the room, I started bawling.  The Spirit was so strong.  I received a testimony that he is a prophet, seer, revelator and servant of the Lord called to participate in the leadership of the church.  The entire audience stood when he entered the room and the Spirit he brought with him was strong and we all felt it.  For choir we sang Hope of Israel.  What an honor it was to sing for this apostle and feel the power of such a magnificent hymn.  His wife talked about how our missions are an opportunity for us to grow up, put away the childish habits we have and develop new, mature adult perspectives and habits.  That was an amazing talk and one we all needed.  I'm currently working on that with different aspects of my life but it is still challenging.  Elder Nelson talked about missionary work and asked for volunteers to describe why they went on a mission.  Usually I'll start to doze off during firesides but in this one everyone, myself included, was wide awake and listening intently.  I will never forget that experience.

We took a walk to the temple before lunch and what a treat it was to walk around and feel the spirit.  we took pictures of the zone and walked and prayed.  I am so grateful for the temple and the blessings of eternal families that it brings into our lives.  Unfortunately the Provo temple is closed and won't open until after I leave the MTC so I won't go to the temple for a year and a half... unless I go to the Rome temple dedication.  But walking around the Provo temple, I thought about the covenants and joy I feel there and am so grateful for it.  

After that was our Thanksgiving day meal.  Because the workers needed to be with their families, we had a Thanksgiving lunch instead of dinner.  It was the usual:  Turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, greenbeans, broccoli, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit, yams with marshmellows, rolls, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, jello, cookies, and a whole bunch more appetizer stuff.  We all stuffed ourselves.  It was fun to watch and hear the reactions of the international missionaries because for many of them it was their first Thanksgiving.  I missed the peas and sausage that we have on the Hatch side but everything else was delicious.  

Then we did our service project.  the entire MTC prepared over 350,000 meals for children in Utah.  Wearing red hair nets, we scooped lentils, rice, salt and spices, tied bags and boxed them.  I got to know some more missionaries at my table.  It was hard tiring work but it was the greatest way to spend Thanksgiving.  After the service project we had sack dinners because the cafeteria was closed.  Everyone was still in a turkey coma and we all ate way too much sugar.  We sat around in the Romanian classroom joking around and getting to know each other more.  

Then we watched Ephraims rescue.  I bawled the entire time; partially from exhaustion and build up emotions but also because the spirit was so strong.  Watch that movie and you'll understand what I mean.  All the Elders were crying as well and Elder Houk and I joked that I forgot my waterproof mascara.  But the best part was after the movie.  

We walked out of the building and heard Christmas music.  We rounded the corner and found the entire main campus flooded with Christmas lights.  All the trees, benches, archways and lawns were covered.  There was a small nativity set up.  It looks like a mini temple square.  We all took pictures, smiled, walked around and enjoyed the night.  It is hard to describe the feelings of joy and love that I felt with my zone.  They are the most amazing people.  Even though some annoy us to death (Beaumont), some flirt to death (Hallulli), and some almost never talk (Whittaker), I am learning so much from every single one of them.  

On Sunday I watched a talk given by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve.  He talked about the Character of Christ.  Christ always turned outward.  The natural man will always turn inward.  He compared the natural man to the cookie monster:  "Me want cookie, me want it now, me want only that cookie."  Christ is the opposite.  The Bible is full of stories where in the midst of the deepest anguish Christ was selfless.  This talk hit me hard.  I'm the type of person where I'm not afraid to have someone give me constructive criticism.  Well Heavenly Father basically let me know where I'm selfish in my life and where I'm not.  It was a huge eye opener and I became so discouraged that I started bawling almost uncontrollably.  My wonderful companion and I took a walk outside in the lights and she encouraged me with comforting words.  I am so grateful for her.  I'm fine now.  I've identified those areas where I am selfish and am working on them.  It will take time, but I am slowly learning how to let go of selfish habits and start developing new selfless ones.  

But the best part of that night was while I was talking to my companion, we heard this screaming from the other side of campus.  We walked over and all the New Zealand elders were doing the Haka.  That was a blessing.  The energy, strength, confidence and power from the elders was contagious.  The fighter spirit in me recognized the energy and I just soaked it in.  It made me feel like I was back in the Krav gym doing sprints.  I know it sounds weird but it was awesome.  A couple days later I got one of the elders to write down the words to the Haka and they promised to do it for us again when we leave the MTC.  Those elders are amazing.  After they did the Haka, three of them whom I'm friends with saw me standing there with tears still on my face.  One came over to me and sincerely asked if I was ok.  I desperately wanted to give them a hug.  The two others came over and asked if I was ok and if I wanted a blessing.  So one thing I've missed so much are my guy friends.  But at that moment, I was so grateful to the Lord that he had helped me become friends with these elders and that they were filling that spot of friendship in my heart.  

The language is coming but it so difficult.  I thought I would be able to learn it quickly.  I'm learning but it's coming much slower than I thought.  I can form sentences but I don't know how to conjugate them, put the words in the correct grammatical order and use the correct word endings.   Most of my sentences end up being noun, verb, verb, verb, capisco?  But it is a huge testimony of the gift of tongues.  I have had many experiences where the spirit has helped me remember the Italian word right when I needed it.  If all of you could please pray and fast that me as well as the people in my zone will be able to learn Italian I would be forever grateful.  I'm not the only one struggling.  But it is a beautiful language and the day I discovered that I could understand everything my teacher said was one of the best days of the week.  We are making progress.  It is just very slow.  

So one fun thing was my companion's mom sent her a bunch of dove chocolates.  We've been eating them and then saving the wrappers.  I have a huge collection now of dove wrappers in my journal.  

So a couple fun things have been that a lot of people have asked me questions about Krav.  I've been able to share why I practiced it and how it helped me prepare for a mission.  I've been able to teach a little here and there and that is helping me continue to practice and progress.  I've also met a ton of other missionaries who did Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Karate and Tae Kwon do.  It's been so fun to talk about MMA with these people and relate to them that way.  

So this week has by far been the hardest week.  There's just been so many experiences where I have walked away feeling discouraged, weak and exhausted.  Not to mention lack of sleep and annoying people.  But I've also grown more this week than I ever did in a year.  I'm learning more on how to rely on the Lord and let him guide the work.  I'm learning more about loving others and being patient with them... even if they deserve a smooth front kick.  I've learned to be patient with myself and I'm learning more about humility.  But the Lord will never give us things we can't handle.  He has blessed me with a very patient and wise companion and I've learned so much from her.  Our teachers are constantly encouraging us and helping us.  The devotionals provide a much needed break and are a source of enlightenment and strength.  Choir gives me a chance to hear beautiful music and sing.  During gym I get to run and shadow box and release the anxiety and energy that builds up during the day.  And our zone is a family.  We are all supporting each other and doing our best to help each other.  

Well love you all and hope you are safe and happy.  TTYL next week.

Sorella Hatch

Thanksgiving dinner

I forgot some stuff

Hey guys.  also, I forgot to mention that I was able to give my first prayer and a couple lessons in Italian.  What an honor it was.  We had an "investigator", (a volunteer pretending to be an investigator) and his name was Francesco.  Singing, learning and speaking Italian has been amazing and hopefully I'll keep learning.

One down, tons to go

Buongiorno familigia e amici.

Wow what an amazing ride and adventure it has been here.  Sorry if this email is a little unorganized.  

I got here wednesday and I love it.  Taking pictures with my fam was awesome and I miss you guys.  

I'm exhausted because I've gone from getting 10 hours of sleep to getting between 5-7.   I didn't sleep the first night.  The beds were hard at first but then I realized they got more comfortable as I got more tired.  

My collega (companion) is Sorella Jackman from Highlands Ranch Colorado and I love her sooooo much!  We got along from the minute we met.  She is blonde, beautiful, a cross country runner and has the most beautiful spirit.  I've learned sooooo much from her.  She is soo good at teaching with the spirit and is helping me understand how to really trust in the Lord.  I've had two massive crying sessions while I've been here and she has been there for me to give a shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement.  Love her soooo much.

My roommates are sorella taylor from SLC, sorella Arnold from England (yes she has the best accent ever), sorella Beaumont (the most annoying sister in the world), sorella warnicke (pronounced Vanka... she's from Hamburg, Germany so I get to practice my german with her and help her with her English), and me and sorella Jackman.  We all get along really well.  It's hard to get to bed on time because we all stay up talking and learning about each other's lives and countries.  I've learned so much about Europe and different cultures.  In our building it's cool because there are vending machines full of junk food.  there are bins where sisters can put extra stuff they can't take with them when they leave the MTC, like lotion, shampoo, body wash and there's a table where extra food is left to.  I've gotten my supply of chocolate there.

Our district is our classroom and it's me and my collega, sorelle warnicke and beaumont and then two Anziani (elders); anziano smith from Michigan... yeah he lived across from Chicago... a wee bit jealous.  and anziano Gardiner.  Gardiner has a twin and we met him and he is awesome.  These Anziani are sooooo patient with us as we are learning.  Gardiner is our district leader and it is awesome watching him lead us in singing, lessons, prayers, etc.

I've also met two Italiano Anziani.  One from Milan and one from Swiss Italy.  They are amazing and talk to us in Italian.  Every morning they greet us with a loud Buongiorno with Italian hand gestures.  They tell us about Italy and every time I talk to them I get more and more excited about going to Milan.  I've also met some Anziani from New Zealand.  they have the best accents Ever!  They're super nice.  When me and my collega were outside and I was crying for a while, they walked past us and sincerely asked if we were ok.  All the anziani here are such gentlemen.  

Our zone is the Italian missionaries and the Romanian missionaries.  Half our zone left to go to Italy and Romania on Monday.  It was so sad to watch them go but I learned sooo much from them in just the three days I knew those wonderful people.  Can't wait to see them in the field.  

The food here is... ok.  Let's just say I was sick for three days while my body adjusted to the food.  I'm fine now but am very much looking forward to Italian food.  I eat tons of salads, fruits, wraps and some soup because mostly everything is greasy college cafeteria food.  But the desserts are delicious.  They also provide sack meals for P day which is super convenient.  Meal times are my favorite part of the day because we just get to hang out, talk with everyone and relax for a while.  And the best part is that usually people will leave meals after they're done and go play on the pianos while we're walking down the hall.  Hearing the music is so comforting.  Also I'm happy to report that I've lost weight since being here.  With all the walking to and from classes, exercise and eating more veggies, I feel better, I'm stronger and it's a motivation to keep working out.  Hopefully I can keep it up.  I'm trying but thanksgiving and christmas goodies may sabotage that plan.  

Personal study is awesome.  I feel like I'm able to delve into the scriptures, preach my gospel and other sources.  right now my biggest challenge is teaching with the spirit.  It's a little confusing but I'll get it eventually.  Companion study is amazing.  Sorella Jackman and I learn from each other and it's fun to bounce ideas, opinions, insights and experiences off of each other.  

Exercise is amazing.  they have a gym  and a fitness center.  The gym is used for basket ball, volleyball, four square, weight machines, elipticals and the track.  I spend my time running around the track in my toe shoes to keep my running up.  I also do tons of plyometrics and then lots of Krav and shadow boxing.  I got to teach some sorelle Krav which was awesome.  I'm the only sorella in the whole zone who does MMA and there are a couple Anziani.  It's fun to talk about MMA with the Anziani.  Everyone thinks it's either really cool, really freaky or really weird that I do Krav.  But I love it and miss it a ton.  I miss my family, friends, music, Krav and dancing.  But When I keep focused on the work those thoughts go away for a while.

Most of the day we're in classrooms studying the language.  I testify the gift of tongues is real.  I've learned more Italian in a week compared to learning German for three years.  It is a beautiful, simple, magnificent language.  Every word just rolls of the tongue and it's easier to speak fast Italian than fast English.  All the words of the Gospel are so beautiful.  I'm so glad I studied Italian for a couple months before my mission.  It's definitely given me a head start on the language and allowed me to be a teacher and a help to my district.  Our teachers are amazing.  They speak only in Italian so we have to learn how to understand them.  the first three days that was frustrating but now it's a magnificent challenge.  

I'm part of the MTC choir which is about half the size of the MOTAB.  We've sung Jesus once of humble birth and are working on Hope of Israel for thanksgiving.  Whenever the Anziani sing it gives me goosebumps.  Choir helps satisfy my craving for music and the spiritual experiences I've had there are one a kind.  The conductor is hilarious and all the girls in my district are there so we just sing and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere.  

Sundays are crazy.  we have sacrament meeting, one big relief society with all the sisters in the MTC in one room, devotionals and we just enjoy the day.  It's a day of rest from language study but it is not a physical day of rest.

Overall, this has been the hardest and best week of my life.  It's the best because everyone here is so sweet, so nice and courteous.  the anziani open the doors for the sorelle, and everyone is doing their best.  If the whole world had the culture of the MTC, it would be a magnificent and much more productive world.  Everything is neat, organized, clean and scheduled to the T.  The Spirit is so strong.  There are so many times where I've just been bursting with excitement, enthusiasm and happiness.  I have so much energy here which doesn't make any sense because I'm sleeping less.  

It's hard because the longer I've been here the more I've realized how important this work really is.  It is absolutely necessary to study tons, teach by the spirit and be exactly obedient.  All of which are extremely hard to do.  My testimony has been tested and strengthened.  Yesterday I uttered the words I never thought I would say, "I can't do this anymore."  but my collega was there to help me understand that God is truly watching over me and the 80,000 + missionaries in the field.  

I bear my testimony that this work is true, important and grand.  We are 80,000 + strong and we are the army of Helaman bringing the world the truth.  Love you all and Happy Thanksgiving!