July 26, 2023 Spiritual BOOTCAMP

I made it through my first week at the MTC!! This week was hard and filled with many emotions and tears. The homesickness kicked in early and I am missing my family. Yet, I have felt the peace of the Holy Ghost holding me up. Seriously, this work is incredible. It's giving me all the energy and love I need to endure to the end!

Wednesday morning I was dropped off by mi Padre, Jaydn, and Zak and rushed into the MTC after a quick last hug! I arrived in my room after getting a quick tour of the MTC and met my Hermana's! These sisters are my saving grace!! Hermana Swift, Gunnerson, and Pederson are my favorite people! I love my district. We are getting through this amazingly crazy experience together.

Everyday we complete multiple hours of study, have three incredible classes and continue to grow in this Gospel. Spanish is coming SLOWLY but it's progressing for sure. I feel the blessings of the gift of tongues as I study with intent. Next week we have full Spanish immersion and I'm sure I will learn a ton that week!

The feeling at the MTC is incredible! Everyone is full of love for the same purpose: to preach the Doctrine of Christ! A few activities this week that made an impact for me were the Go and Do experience (an independent study about a topic of our choosing), Morning runs around the Provo Temple, Choir practice, and our Tuesday devotional given by Sister Susan Porter!

A few concepts I would love to share are…

● Celebrate your ability to grow and learn, you can always progress

● To be a disciple of Christ you must be disciplined, leave our nets and follow him -Brother Erickson

● Do we strive to "receive God's image in our countenance" have we "experienced a mighty change of heart" (Alma 5:14)

● Make Christ our center! If we open our mouth to preach his doctrine the lord will give us utterance

● “Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore Walk with Me" a talk by David a Bednar. (It's a MUST read)

● The Book of Mormon holds POWER, which power is the Doctrine of Christ! (I'm lucky to be able to share this power with others)

● "hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life" -Ezra Taft Benson

● Priesthood power is real! I saw firsthand how Priesthood blessings hold the power of healing

I LOVE YOU ALL!! Thank you for the emails and prayers I can truly feel your blessings carry me through each day! I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, I am blessed to share this perfect message of Christ's infinite love!

Hermana Ross