Hello Family!
I absolutely love being a missionary! Everything about it is great! Even the hard things are great!
Well for starters- WE GOT OUR TRAVEL PLANS!!!! I fly directly to PARIS, FRANCE in 10 days. I will report to the MTC travel office one Monday August 16th at 1:30pm so that means that we will get to the airport about 2:30 or so, then my direct flight leaves Salt Lake at 4:50pm. So.....you should expect to get a phone call from me around 2:00pm your time or so. I am SO excited to talk to you all before I leave the country. I will land in the Chas De Gaulle airport on Tuesday August 17th at 11:25am. Words really can't describe how excited I am.
Yesterday my friend Elder Hales brought his Paris pictures to show me. I almost had a heart attack when I saw then. I don't know, it's just that when I saw them I thought to myself "Holy Cow!!!! Paris is a REAL place...with REAL people....who speak ONLY FRENCH....and I am going there in 10 days. Wow! Alright, so I only have a few minutes to write so this is this week in a nut-shell:
I bore my testimony in french during testimony meeting. It has really hit me how much french we "old" missionaries really know. I love hearing the new missionaries speak french, it helps me see how much I have grown. Really, it is all thanks to the Gift of Tongues! I couldn't have done this on my own, and honestly I still have a long way to go.
Our favorite progressive investigator, Triston, is INCREDIBLE! He will be "baptized" this Saturday. I can't wait to teach real people though.
This week it has been off and on rainy. I actually like it a lot. Well, the other day our teacher decided that we were going to go outside and take a walk. When we got to this specific place he stopped us and told us that we were going to do a special activity. We all had to pretend like we were busy, non-mormon, french people in a public place. The he chose one of us to be a missionary, who had to stand up on a table, get everyone's attention and teach them (Of course everyone was asking weird questions too). The first missionary he chose was Elder Bishop who is pretty quiet. I think that Elder Bishop did amazing, and he was actually really bold and powerful. Well then of course he chose ME to be the missionary. I'm not going to lie, I was praying in my heart that I wouldn't be picked, but apparently Heavenly Father felt otherwise. It was pretty much the most uncomfortable thing I have ever done, but afterwards I felt really good. I feel like if I could do that, I can do anything. At least in France I probably won't be standing on any tables to contact. But then again, you never know. Haha We'll see.
Well, that's about all I have time for today. I'm sorry this is short, but I will send a seperate email to mom and dad.
I love you all! As always, thank you for all of your love and support. Please know that I am well and very happy.
Eternally Yours,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
Friday, August 13, 2010
Aug 13- GOODBYE USA--HELLO FRANCE
Goodbye USA, Hello France!
Friday, August 13, 2010 3:47 PM
From:
"Andrea McClaine"
Add sender to Contacts
To:
zcalymac@verizon.net
Hello Family!
I can't believe that my time at the MTC is almost done. In three days I will say goodbye to everything that is normal and comfortable to me and start new in FRANCE (or Belgium). I have absolutely loved the MTC! It is a very special place and I feel so lucky to have been here for the last eight and a half weeks. There is a lot that I will miss, but I feel prepared and ready to go to out to the mission field.
Well, first of all- Mom, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE DRESS YOU SENT ME! When I read your note I thought "Aw, sad-it's not going to fit" but then I got home that night and tried it on and it fits perfectly!!!! I was so impressed that you made that! I have showed practically everyone here and I am so proud to say that my mom made it for me! It is so beautiful and I feel so special when I wear it. (I'm wearing it today! :] ) I will take a picture of me wearing it when I am in France and I will make sure to send it to you! Thank you so much Mom! You are amazing.
I feel like I don't have that much more to say this week. We have just been doing the same thing that we have been the last 9 weeks. As always, every devotional and fireside we have is incredible! This week in Relief Society the Primary General President came and spoke to us. Of course Primary has a very special place in my heart and I felt like her coming was like a little special gift to me from Heavenly Father. After the meeting I went up and met her. She is lovely! For Devotional we had Elder Evans from the Quorum of the 70. He also gave a powerful talk about the importance of the Book of Mormon in our teaching. He taught us that it is extremely important to have our investigators read the Book of Mormon from the beginning to the end, and to give them large reading assignments each visit. He also encouraged us to invite others to be baptized the very first time that we meet with them. I am SOOOO grateful that I could hear that talk right before I leave for the mission field. I know that I will be a better missionary because of it.
I have some really sad news (it's not really about me, but it's still sad). There are 4 elders from my zone who have been temporarily reassigned because their Belgium visas haven't came through yet. I guess President Stahli really wants them to serve in Belgium first, so until they get there VISA they will be in the States. One of the elders is Elder Bishop! I know that we aren't supposed to have favorites but he is my favorite elder! We have become really good friends and I am sad that he won't be with us right when we go over. Until he gets his VISA he will be in San Jose, California. I told him that he is pretty special to be called to CA right now because of everything that is happening (Prop 8 stuff). I know that Heavenly Father is very conscious of things like that and I trust that he sends missionaries to specific locations for a very special purpose, even if it is temporary.
This is interesting though because last Sunday we got out the new mission map and we all guessed where our first area would be. Everyone (including me) guessed that my first area would be Charleroi, Belgium (I may have spelled that wrong). I really thought that my first area would be Belgium...I don't know, maybe just because that was my original mission call. That means that either 1. My first area will be in France or 2. I already have my VISA. I guess we will find out soon though huh?!?! :]
I am very excited to talk to you soon! It might be weird for me though- missionaries get SOOO involved in the work that we almost forget our life away from the mission. Not really of course, but I think you know that I mean. I think Heavenly Father helps us keep our mind on the work so that we don't get homesick or distracted. But, I will be excited to talk to you again!!!! Remember!!! Monday sometime between 1 and 4 in the afternoon everyone MUST be home by the phone! :] (including the boys!)
You know, one of my teachers said this week that our parents have a mission, but that WE are their investigators. That really touched me because neither of you served a mission by the church's standards, but you did serve a mission! And I am very thankful for all of your service, teaching, prayers, and love. Thank you for bringing ME unto Christ, I hope that I can follow your example to the people in France and Belgium!
I love you all!!! Remember, no more DearElders! They don't come on Sat, Sun, or Mon. From now on you can email me (family) or send letters.
Eternally Yours!!!!!
Soeur Andrea McClaine
Friday, August 13, 2010 3:47 PM
From:
"Andrea McClaine"
Add sender to Contacts
To:
zcalymac@verizon.net
Hello Family!
I can't believe that my time at the MTC is almost done. In three days I will say goodbye to everything that is normal and comfortable to me and start new in FRANCE (or Belgium). I have absolutely loved the MTC! It is a very special place and I feel so lucky to have been here for the last eight and a half weeks. There is a lot that I will miss, but I feel prepared and ready to go to out to the mission field.
Well, first of all- Mom, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE DRESS YOU SENT ME! When I read your note I thought "Aw, sad-it's not going to fit" but then I got home that night and tried it on and it fits perfectly!!!! I was so impressed that you made that! I have showed practically everyone here and I am so proud to say that my mom made it for me! It is so beautiful and I feel so special when I wear it. (I'm wearing it today! :] ) I will take a picture of me wearing it when I am in France and I will make sure to send it to you! Thank you so much Mom! You are amazing.
I feel like I don't have that much more to say this week. We have just been doing the same thing that we have been the last 9 weeks. As always, every devotional and fireside we have is incredible! This week in Relief Society the Primary General President came and spoke to us. Of course Primary has a very special place in my heart and I felt like her coming was like a little special gift to me from Heavenly Father. After the meeting I went up and met her. She is lovely! For Devotional we had Elder Evans from the Quorum of the 70. He also gave a powerful talk about the importance of the Book of Mormon in our teaching. He taught us that it is extremely important to have our investigators read the Book of Mormon from the beginning to the end, and to give them large reading assignments each visit. He also encouraged us to invite others to be baptized the very first time that we meet with them. I am SOOOO grateful that I could hear that talk right before I leave for the mission field. I know that I will be a better missionary because of it.
I have some really sad news (it's not really about me, but it's still sad). There are 4 elders from my zone who have been temporarily reassigned because their Belgium visas haven't came through yet. I guess President Stahli really wants them to serve in Belgium first, so until they get there VISA they will be in the States. One of the elders is Elder Bishop! I know that we aren't supposed to have favorites but he is my favorite elder! We have become really good friends and I am sad that he won't be with us right when we go over. Until he gets his VISA he will be in San Jose, California. I told him that he is pretty special to be called to CA right now because of everything that is happening (Prop 8 stuff). I know that Heavenly Father is very conscious of things like that and I trust that he sends missionaries to specific locations for a very special purpose, even if it is temporary.
This is interesting though because last Sunday we got out the new mission map and we all guessed where our first area would be. Everyone (including me) guessed that my first area would be Charleroi, Belgium (I may have spelled that wrong). I really thought that my first area would be Belgium...I don't know, maybe just because that was my original mission call. That means that either 1. My first area will be in France or 2. I already have my VISA. I guess we will find out soon though huh?!?! :]
I am very excited to talk to you soon! It might be weird for me though- missionaries get SOOO involved in the work that we almost forget our life away from the mission. Not really of course, but I think you know that I mean. I think Heavenly Father helps us keep our mind on the work so that we don't get homesick or distracted. But, I will be excited to talk to you again!!!! Remember!!! Monday sometime between 1 and 4 in the afternoon everyone MUST be home by the phone! :] (including the boys!)
You know, one of my teachers said this week that our parents have a mission, but that WE are their investigators. That really touched me because neither of you served a mission by the church's standards, but you did serve a mission! And I am very thankful for all of your service, teaching, prayers, and love. Thank you for bringing ME unto Christ, I hope that I can follow your example to the people in France and Belgium!
I love you all!!! Remember, no more DearElders! They don't come on Sat, Sun, or Mon. From now on you can email me (family) or send letters.
Eternally Yours!!!!!
Soeur Andrea McClaine
Monday, August 2, 2010
Hello Family!
As always, I am wonderful and loving every second of being a missionary.
Soeur Strunk and I grow closer and closer every day. As I mentioned last week, we teach ALL THE TIME! Well, it's been our goal to become more unified and follow the Spirit when we teach. This week I feel we have seen the fruits of our labors. Our lessons have been incredible (not because of anything we do specifically, but because we follow the Spirit). At the MTC you can have "Progressive Investigators"-teachers who play the role of someone they taught on their mission. This gives us a chance to help and teach people throughout our time at the MTC. Well, Soeur Strunk and I have been teaching a boy named Triston (our favorite P.I.). He is amazing, and so fun! We have come to become good friends with him and we love him so much, the only thing is that he hasn't been very good at keeping his commitments. Well this week everything changed, and yesterday I got to extend my first baptismal invitation!!! I can't even explain the joy I feel when I get to help others change in their life. I can't wait to teach real people! I love being a missionary.
This week the Provo temple opened again, and we had the opportunity to go to the temple today. I love the temple so much! I learn something new every single time I go. It was special to be in the temple with our elders. It helped me realize that the work we are involved in is eternal and essential.
Almost 600 new missionaries came into the MTC this week-the largest group of 2010 so far. And 63 of them were for our zone (they asked some of the missionaries to delay coming in for a few weeks). Now we have almost 100 missionaries in our zone. It is incredible! We had the opportunity to "Host" for the new missionaries. It was fun to get to know some of the new sisters and help them settle in. Some sisters were crying, some were completely nervous, and some were just full of excitement. It reminded me of how I felt just a few weeks ago, leaving my family for 18 months, knowing that my entire life was changing from that point on. I am so happy that I am serving the Lord as a full-time missionary. I am confident that I will NEVER regret this decision. I am especially grateful for everyone who helped me make the decision to serve....especially you Mom! :] Thank you!
We have 5 new sisters in my Zone. They are from Bulgaria, Texas, Utah, California, and England. They will be serving in Canada(2), Toulouse France, and Madagascar. (Guess what!?!?! The sister who didn't come a few months ago, she is coming on Monday! I am so happy for her!) Since there are 5 of them and only 4 empty beds in our room, they are down the hall. That means that Soeur Strunk and I have our own room! I'm not going to lie, it's REALLY nice. Haha
Well, we haven't received our travel plans yet, but they will probably get here tonight. I'll let you know next week. :]
Know that I'm doing well! I am happy! I am working hard and staying focused! I am learning and growing every second!
I love you all!!!! You are always in my prayers!
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
As always, I am wonderful and loving every second of being a missionary.
Soeur Strunk and I grow closer and closer every day. As I mentioned last week, we teach ALL THE TIME! Well, it's been our goal to become more unified and follow the Spirit when we teach. This week I feel we have seen the fruits of our labors. Our lessons have been incredible (not because of anything we do specifically, but because we follow the Spirit). At the MTC you can have "Progressive Investigators"-teachers who play the role of someone they taught on their mission. This gives us a chance to help and teach people throughout our time at the MTC. Well, Soeur Strunk and I have been teaching a boy named Triston (our favorite P.I.). He is amazing, and so fun! We have come to become good friends with him and we love him so much, the only thing is that he hasn't been very good at keeping his commitments. Well this week everything changed, and yesterday I got to extend my first baptismal invitation!!! I can't even explain the joy I feel when I get to help others change in their life. I can't wait to teach real people! I love being a missionary.
This week the Provo temple opened again, and we had the opportunity to go to the temple today. I love the temple so much! I learn something new every single time I go. It was special to be in the temple with our elders. It helped me realize that the work we are involved in is eternal and essential.
Almost 600 new missionaries came into the MTC this week-the largest group of 2010 so far. And 63 of them were for our zone (they asked some of the missionaries to delay coming in for a few weeks). Now we have almost 100 missionaries in our zone. It is incredible! We had the opportunity to "Host" for the new missionaries. It was fun to get to know some of the new sisters and help them settle in. Some sisters were crying, some were completely nervous, and some were just full of excitement. It reminded me of how I felt just a few weeks ago, leaving my family for 18 months, knowing that my entire life was changing from that point on. I am so happy that I am serving the Lord as a full-time missionary. I am confident that I will NEVER regret this decision. I am especially grateful for everyone who helped me make the decision to serve....especially you Mom! :] Thank you!
We have 5 new sisters in my Zone. They are from Bulgaria, Texas, Utah, California, and England. They will be serving in Canada(2), Toulouse France, and Madagascar. (Guess what!?!?! The sister who didn't come a few months ago, she is coming on Monday! I am so happy for her!) Since there are 5 of them and only 4 empty beds in our room, they are down the hall. That means that Soeur Strunk and I have our own room! I'm not going to lie, it's REALLY nice. Haha
Well, we haven't received our travel plans yet, but they will probably get here tonight. I'll let you know next week. :]
Know that I'm doing well! I am happy! I am working hard and staying focused! I am learning and growing every second!
I love you all!!!! You are always in my prayers!
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
Hello Family!
I have now been in the MTC for over 5 weeks. AND next week, one week from today, I should receive my travel plans to leave for PARIS!!! (Travel plans usually come 2 weeks before you leave). We'll see what happens. :]
I was happy to hear that Joy's sealing was beautiful and that everything went well. I wish I could have been there with all of you, but the Lord wants me here right now. I look forward to seeing pictures though.
Well, Soeur Stackhouse (the solo sister-companion/roommate) left for Tahiti this week. I will miss her a lot, but I am thrilled that she is finally in Tahiti, and I have no doubt that she is enjoying herself there. This week Soeur Strunk and I are the ONLY sister missionaries in our zone, but next week we will hopefully receive LOTS of new sisters. This Wednesday there are 68 new french speaking missionaries coming to the MTC. We are all extremely humbled at the fact that they will look to us to be there examples, but we have been preparing and have lots of goals to help us become the missionaries that Heavenly Father wants us to be. I am very excited to have new sisters come! I love sister missionaries, not that I'm biased or anything (Haha), but I think that they bring something very special to the mission. :]
My district has been asked to help "host" the new missionaries this Wednesday. I will keep my eye out for the Rowley family-Truman will be entering the MTC that day.
This week I have been especially impressed with the power of music in inviting the Spirit. In almost all meetings at the MTC we sing and if it is a big enough meeting there is a musical number. In Relief Society, one sister sang the song "My kindness will never leave thee". I had never heard that song before and I was deeply touched by it. I felt the Spirit testify to me that Heavenly Father will always be there to help me, because He loves me. He loves all of His children in a very personal way. He wants us to be happy. Then later Sunday night, during our Fireside, a boy sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". I have always loved that song, but this specific arrangement was absolutely incredible! He sang with such humility and you could tell that he meant every word that he sang. I love music! As a result of that those musical numbers I suggested to Soeur Strunk that we start singing in our "Rendez-Vous" (lessons with progressive investigators). One Monday we sang "I am a child of God" to our Atheist investigator and the Spirit was almost tangible! He cried and admitted that he felt something different when we sang. We testified that he was feeling the Spirit. Singing in our Rendez-Vous have changed everything. I am thankful for music.
To be completely honest, this week was a very humbling week! We had several of our progressive investigators not show up to our appointments, the language has been tough, and honestly I feel a great weight of the work that I have been called to do. Although it has been tough, I am grateful for my calling to serve the Lord as a missionary. I am learning to completely rely on the Spirit to teach through me, and help me become a better person and missionary.
I love the gospel! I know it is true!
I love you all! Thank you for your letters, prayers, and support.
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
I have now been in the MTC for over 5 weeks. AND next week, one week from today, I should receive my travel plans to leave for PARIS!!! (Travel plans usually come 2 weeks before you leave). We'll see what happens. :]
I was happy to hear that Joy's sealing was beautiful and that everything went well. I wish I could have been there with all of you, but the Lord wants me here right now. I look forward to seeing pictures though.
Well, Soeur Stackhouse (the solo sister-companion/roommate) left for Tahiti this week. I will miss her a lot, but I am thrilled that she is finally in Tahiti, and I have no doubt that she is enjoying herself there. This week Soeur Strunk and I are the ONLY sister missionaries in our zone, but next week we will hopefully receive LOTS of new sisters. This Wednesday there are 68 new french speaking missionaries coming to the MTC. We are all extremely humbled at the fact that they will look to us to be there examples, but we have been preparing and have lots of goals to help us become the missionaries that Heavenly Father wants us to be. I am very excited to have new sisters come! I love sister missionaries, not that I'm biased or anything (Haha), but I think that they bring something very special to the mission. :]
My district has been asked to help "host" the new missionaries this Wednesday. I will keep my eye out for the Rowley family-Truman will be entering the MTC that day.
This week I have been especially impressed with the power of music in inviting the Spirit. In almost all meetings at the MTC we sing and if it is a big enough meeting there is a musical number. In Relief Society, one sister sang the song "My kindness will never leave thee". I had never heard that song before and I was deeply touched by it. I felt the Spirit testify to me that Heavenly Father will always be there to help me, because He loves me. He loves all of His children in a very personal way. He wants us to be happy. Then later Sunday night, during our Fireside, a boy sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". I have always loved that song, but this specific arrangement was absolutely incredible! He sang with such humility and you could tell that he meant every word that he sang. I love music! As a result of that those musical numbers I suggested to Soeur Strunk that we start singing in our "Rendez-Vous" (lessons with progressive investigators). One Monday we sang "I am a child of God" to our Atheist investigator and the Spirit was almost tangible! He cried and admitted that he felt something different when we sang. We testified that he was feeling the Spirit. Singing in our Rendez-Vous have changed everything. I am thankful for music.
To be completely honest, this week was a very humbling week! We had several of our progressive investigators not show up to our appointments, the language has been tough, and honestly I feel a great weight of the work that I have been called to do. Although it has been tough, I am grateful for my calling to serve the Lord as a missionary. I am learning to completely rely on the Spirit to teach through me, and help me become a better person and missionary.
I love the gospel! I know it is true!
I love you all! Thank you for your letters, prayers, and support.
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
July16-MTC
Bonjour ma famille!
As always, I feel like I have a lot to say, but not very much time to write. The weeks go by faster and faster, but the days are still pretty long, which is okay because I have SO MUCH to do and still not enough time to do it.
Well, I am officially half way done with my MTC experience and 1/18 of the way done with my mission. It is crazy how fast time goes.
Thank you SOOOOO much for the package you sent me this week. I loved everything in it. I didn't want to gain more weight so I did just what you said and I shared everything with the elders in my district. Of course they all loved it too! Thank you! I especially loved the pearl bracelet and necklace. I wore them the very next day and I felt so special. I honestly can't thank you enough. I also loved the little picture of mom and dad! I showed everyone and then hung it up right next to my bed. The great love from my family helps me better understand Heavenly Father's love for me, and His gifts to me everyday. I also showed everyone the pictures of the boys. I can't believe how much they have grown since I have left, especially David. I miss those boys!
Alright, well this week has been pretty intense because I have stopped speaking English. From this point on, I will only speak french. I have done it for a couple days so far. It is REALLY hard, but I know that Heavenly Father will help me in my efforts to improve in the language. I have heard that the first week is the hardest and that after that it is a lot easier. I sure hope that that is true! Haha There is another elder who is speaking only french as well and he is a great example to me. When it gets hard I just think of him and I stay strong. Please pray for me!!! I can use all of the help I can get.
Because I am only speaking french, Soeur Strunk and I have been teaching all of our lessons in french, which is also REALLY hard! This week in the TRC (When community members come in and pretend to be investigators) we taught the Word of Wisdom and the second lesson to a boy. It was difficult because he spoke very fast and with a large vocabulary. There were a lot of times when I had to say "Je ne comprend pas, Desolee!" but then he would just say the same thing, just as fast. I learned the importance of letting the spirit teach. He said that he didn't know if he could follow the word of wisdom because it is too hard. I told him that speaking french is very hard for me, but I know that Heavenly Father will help me if I try. I promised him blessings if he tried as well. The spirit was there. After the lesson our teacher came up to us and said "That was amazing! Did you know that he isn't a member?!?!?!? " I almost had a heart-attack. I sure hope that he felt the spirit!
Soeur Strunk and I have actually been teaching A TON of lessons lately. We have tons of "Progressive Investigators" and we teach all the time. It is hard now that we teach in french, but it is really good practice. I am learning and growing so much!
I had a special tender mercy this week. I was having a rough time one day and while I was looking through my box of letters to find an address I found a letter from dad that I had somehow not read. When I read the letter it said exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you Dad for your words of love and encouragement. I know that Heavenly Father knew that I would need that letter, just not at the time Dad sent it. Heavenly Father really looks out for His children.
This week, Jenny Oaks Baker (Dallin H. Oaks daughter) came and spoke to us at devotional. She is a famous violin player and she preformed a lot of songs during her talk. Elder Oaks was there too.
I think Mom asked about my schedule and cloths here at the MTC. To answer your question, The schedule is very busy! I wake up at 5:30am everyday to shower and get ready. Then we have class, personal study, companionship study, language study, teaching time, devotionals, gym, and now I have meetings for Coordinating sisters. We are busy all day and then I go to bed at 10:30pm. It is great to be so productive, but also exhausting.
And I actually love my cloths. I feel comfortable in everything and I like my cloths more than most of the others sisters cloths. Haha
Well, again I am out of time. I love you all and always love hearing from you during the week.
Have fun at Joy's sealing and please tell her how much I love her and wish I could be there.
I know that I have the best family in the world!
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
As always, I feel like I have a lot to say, but not very much time to write. The weeks go by faster and faster, but the days are still pretty long, which is okay because I have SO MUCH to do and still not enough time to do it.
Well, I am officially half way done with my MTC experience and 1/18 of the way done with my mission. It is crazy how fast time goes.
Thank you SOOOOO much for the package you sent me this week. I loved everything in it. I didn't want to gain more weight so I did just what you said and I shared everything with the elders in my district. Of course they all loved it too! Thank you! I especially loved the pearl bracelet and necklace. I wore them the very next day and I felt so special. I honestly can't thank you enough. I also loved the little picture of mom and dad! I showed everyone and then hung it up right next to my bed. The great love from my family helps me better understand Heavenly Father's love for me, and His gifts to me everyday. I also showed everyone the pictures of the boys. I can't believe how much they have grown since I have left, especially David. I miss those boys!
Alright, well this week has been pretty intense because I have stopped speaking English. From this point on, I will only speak french. I have done it for a couple days so far. It is REALLY hard, but I know that Heavenly Father will help me in my efforts to improve in the language. I have heard that the first week is the hardest and that after that it is a lot easier. I sure hope that that is true! Haha There is another elder who is speaking only french as well and he is a great example to me. When it gets hard I just think of him and I stay strong. Please pray for me!!! I can use all of the help I can get.
Because I am only speaking french, Soeur Strunk and I have been teaching all of our lessons in french, which is also REALLY hard! This week in the TRC (When community members come in and pretend to be investigators) we taught the Word of Wisdom and the second lesson to a boy. It was difficult because he spoke very fast and with a large vocabulary. There were a lot of times when I had to say "Je ne comprend pas, Desolee!" but then he would just say the same thing, just as fast. I learned the importance of letting the spirit teach. He said that he didn't know if he could follow the word of wisdom because it is too hard. I told him that speaking french is very hard for me, but I know that Heavenly Father will help me if I try. I promised him blessings if he tried as well. The spirit was there. After the lesson our teacher came up to us and said "That was amazing! Did you know that he isn't a member?!?!?!? " I almost had a heart-attack. I sure hope that he felt the spirit!
Soeur Strunk and I have actually been teaching A TON of lessons lately. We have tons of "Progressive Investigators" and we teach all the time. It is hard now that we teach in french, but it is really good practice. I am learning and growing so much!
I had a special tender mercy this week. I was having a rough time one day and while I was looking through my box of letters to find an address I found a letter from dad that I had somehow not read. When I read the letter it said exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you Dad for your words of love and encouragement. I know that Heavenly Father knew that I would need that letter, just not at the time Dad sent it. Heavenly Father really looks out for His children.
This week, Jenny Oaks Baker (Dallin H. Oaks daughter) came and spoke to us at devotional. She is a famous violin player and she preformed a lot of songs during her talk. Elder Oaks was there too.
I think Mom asked about my schedule and cloths here at the MTC. To answer your question, The schedule is very busy! I wake up at 5:30am everyday to shower and get ready. Then we have class, personal study, companionship study, language study, teaching time, devotionals, gym, and now I have meetings for Coordinating sisters. We are busy all day and then I go to bed at 10:30pm. It is great to be so productive, but also exhausting.
And I actually love my cloths. I feel comfortable in everything and I like my cloths more than most of the others sisters cloths. Haha
Well, again I am out of time. I love you all and always love hearing from you during the week.
Have fun at Joy's sealing and please tell her how much I love her and wish I could be there.
I know that I have the best family in the world!
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
Saturday, July 10, 2010
From:
"Andrea McClaine"
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Hello Family! (and friends)
This last week was very busy but wonderful! I hope that I have enough time to tell you all about it.
Well, first of all last Saturday night we had a special "Patriotic Music Fireside". It was AMAZING! It was all about the Reformers and the Founding Fathers who made the Restoration of the gospel possible. The fireside was full of videos of "the Reformers" telling us about their experiences. Some people thought that it was totally cheesy, but I thought it was very touching. It was obvious that the MTC put A LOT of effort into this fireside. There was also a special choir who sang beautifully. And we all sang tons of hymns as well. It was an incredible night, and I am so grateful for all of the people who prepared the way for the restoration of the gospel. I think it was just what we needed to hear at the MTC.
That same night, there were tons of rumors that we weren't going to be allowed to watch the fireworks. I'm not going to lie, I was really worried about that. I LOVE FIREWORKS! But thankfully at the beginning of the fireside they announced that our MTC president would allow us to watch the fireworks. After the fireside we all went outside and watched the fireworks. It was great!!! A lot of the missionaries sang songs, it will make a great memory! I can't believe that next year I will be in France. :]
Last Sunday, for fast Sunday, it was really amazing because all of the testimonies were in French. There was a very special spirit there. There was a big group who was leaving this week and they sang at the end of Sacrament meeting. Those missionaries (2 of my roommates) left this week. It was hard to say goodbye but we were so excited for them to go into the mission field! I can't believe that all of the older missionaries are gone now and we are the old ones now. We were supposed to have a new sister come this week, but she never came. We found out that she decided not to come. We were all really sad (especially the elders Haha). I was especially sad for her because I can see all of the good that has already come to my life because of my decision to serve. As I prayed for her that night I felt a good feeling that she probably has a different mission. I hope that whatever happens in her life makes her happy! We did get a new elder this week. He is from Corona. We talked a lot about CA. He is nice! At the end of July there is a HUGE group of 63 French speaking missionaries coming in. I hope that I can learn and grow a lot so that I can be a good example for them, like the older missionaries were for me.
Because the last group left, Soeur Strunk and I have a new companion. She is our only roommate now. She leaves in 2 weeks for Tahiti. Her name is Soeur Stackhouse. She is great!!!
Last Tuesday night we had an INCREDIBLE devotional by Elder Dellenboch and his wife (emeritus 70) about taking advantage of your mission and loving every second! It was fantastic, probably the best one yet. In his devotional he talked about how Earth is not our home, but that our real home is with our Heavenly Father. While he spoke I felt touched by the spirit and I was reminded of how at times it feels a little hard to be away from home, but that really I am closer now to my REAL home then ever before. That is why I feel so much happiness. I can't wait to bring others closer to their real home as well.
Well, yesterday was our trip to San Fransisco. It was a BLAST! There were 11 of us who went together. I had to wake up at 3:30am to shower and get ready. We left at 5 and got to the Salt Lake airport by about 6ish. When we checked in, we ran into Elder Zwick of the 70...(who of course knows Elder Hales from my district-because of his dad's job) So we got to stop and talk with him a lot. He said that we shouldn't be surprised if there is a France temple announcement while we are there, and that there is a lot that is going to happen while we are there. WOW!! That's exciting huh?!?! I hope it is in Paris, or at least in my mission area.
We flew straight to San Fransisco and right when we got off the plane we saw a woman wearing almost nothing. We were all like "HOLY COW-We are not in the MTC anymore" Haha It was great to be outside of the MTC. Everything went perfectly at the French Consulate. Then we spent the day at Pier 39 and the Guiradeli (spelled wrong) chocolate factory. We just hung out downtown. It was so fun! Everyone stopped and talked to us. There were a lot of members who were excited to see a group of missionaries. We weren't allowed to contact people though because it wasn't our mission.
It is nice to be back at the MTC. I love how clean and pure it is here. I know that I can learn so much here. And there is a lot that I need to learn and do before I am ready to go to Paris.
I am sorry I didn't have time to write more. There is so much that I want to say but I just don't have time for it. I love you all so much! I hope you are all well and happy!
Love Eternally,
Soeur McClaine
PS: I have literally forgotten how to spell in English now, can you please edit my emails before you send them out. Haha Thank you!!! Keep up all of the hard work at home. You are all wonderful!
"Andrea McClaine"
Add sender to Contacts
To:
zcalymac@verizon.net
Hello Family! (and friends)
This last week was very busy but wonderful! I hope that I have enough time to tell you all about it.
Well, first of all last Saturday night we had a special "Patriotic Music Fireside". It was AMAZING! It was all about the Reformers and the Founding Fathers who made the Restoration of the gospel possible. The fireside was full of videos of "the Reformers" telling us about their experiences. Some people thought that it was totally cheesy, but I thought it was very touching. It was obvious that the MTC put A LOT of effort into this fireside. There was also a special choir who sang beautifully. And we all sang tons of hymns as well. It was an incredible night, and I am so grateful for all of the people who prepared the way for the restoration of the gospel. I think it was just what we needed to hear at the MTC.
That same night, there were tons of rumors that we weren't going to be allowed to watch the fireworks. I'm not going to lie, I was really worried about that. I LOVE FIREWORKS! But thankfully at the beginning of the fireside they announced that our MTC president would allow us to watch the fireworks. After the fireside we all went outside and watched the fireworks. It was great!!! A lot of the missionaries sang songs, it will make a great memory! I can't believe that next year I will be in France. :]
Last Sunday, for fast Sunday, it was really amazing because all of the testimonies were in French. There was a very special spirit there. There was a big group who was leaving this week and they sang at the end of Sacrament meeting. Those missionaries (2 of my roommates) left this week. It was hard to say goodbye but we were so excited for them to go into the mission field! I can't believe that all of the older missionaries are gone now and we are the old ones now. We were supposed to have a new sister come this week, but she never came. We found out that she decided not to come. We were all really sad (especially the elders Haha). I was especially sad for her because I can see all of the good that has already come to my life because of my decision to serve. As I prayed for her that night I felt a good feeling that she probably has a different mission. I hope that whatever happens in her life makes her happy! We did get a new elder this week. He is from Corona. We talked a lot about CA. He is nice! At the end of July there is a HUGE group of 63 French speaking missionaries coming in. I hope that I can learn and grow a lot so that I can be a good example for them, like the older missionaries were for me.
Because the last group left, Soeur Strunk and I have a new companion. She is our only roommate now. She leaves in 2 weeks for Tahiti. Her name is Soeur Stackhouse. She is great!!!
Last Tuesday night we had an INCREDIBLE devotional by Elder Dellenboch and his wife (emeritus 70) about taking advantage of your mission and loving every second! It was fantastic, probably the best one yet. In his devotional he talked about how Earth is not our home, but that our real home is with our Heavenly Father. While he spoke I felt touched by the spirit and I was reminded of how at times it feels a little hard to be away from home, but that really I am closer now to my REAL home then ever before. That is why I feel so much happiness. I can't wait to bring others closer to their real home as well.
Well, yesterday was our trip to San Fransisco. It was a BLAST! There were 11 of us who went together. I had to wake up at 3:30am to shower and get ready. We left at 5 and got to the Salt Lake airport by about 6ish. When we checked in, we ran into Elder Zwick of the 70...(who of course knows Elder Hales from my district-because of his dad's job) So we got to stop and talk with him a lot. He said that we shouldn't be surprised if there is a France temple announcement while we are there, and that there is a lot that is going to happen while we are there. WOW!! That's exciting huh?!?! I hope it is in Paris, or at least in my mission area.
We flew straight to San Fransisco and right when we got off the plane we saw a woman wearing almost nothing. We were all like "HOLY COW-We are not in the MTC anymore" Haha It was great to be outside of the MTC. Everything went perfectly at the French Consulate. Then we spent the day at Pier 39 and the Guiradeli (spelled wrong) chocolate factory. We just hung out downtown. It was so fun! Everyone stopped and talked to us. There were a lot of members who were excited to see a group of missionaries. We weren't allowed to contact people though because it wasn't our mission.
It is nice to be back at the MTC. I love how clean and pure it is here. I know that I can learn so much here. And there is a lot that I need to learn and do before I am ready to go to Paris.
I am sorry I didn't have time to write more. There is so much that I want to say but I just don't have time for it. I love you all so much! I hope you are all well and happy!
Love Eternally,
Soeur McClaine
PS: I have literally forgotten how to spell in English now, can you please edit my emails before you send them out. Haha Thank you!!! Keep up all of the hard work at home. You are all wonderful!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
what a week!
Hello Family!
It has been a wonderful week! I have so much to write, but like usual, not a lot of time to email. I will try my best to tell you everything. I'm sorry if it is all over the place.
Well, the New Mission President Seminar was AMAZING because literally ALL of the apostles and first presidency were here. On Friday night for our "Special Fireside" Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke to us about how we are the only true and living church on the face of the earth. It was a very powerful message. What a treat! Also, there were 8 apostles there!!!! (Elder Holland, Elder Bednar, Elder Cook, Elder Nelson, Elder Scott, Elder Anderson, and Elder Christofferson) We were all thrilled to be with so many of the Lords apostles.
Also, on Sunday for Relief Society Sister Susan C. Jones, from the General YW presidency came and spoke to us about having a zion companionship. She was an incredible speaker and very motivating. I am grateful that Soeur Strunk and I already have a very strong companionship. I'm sure that I will eventually have a difficult companion though, and the advice that Sister Jones gave will help me for the rest of my life, in all my relationships.
On Sunday night we had a fireside with Brother Stephan Allen from the Missionary Department. He spoke to us about all of the new changes that will be taking place in the church to help missionary work. On July 7th the church will be launching a new Mormon.Org that allows people to post their own conversion stories. She showed us a sneak preview. It is amazing! I love how the church is branching out and I know it will help missionary work grow. He also showed us a new movie "The District 2" which is a sequel to a movie for missionaries. It is like a documentary of missionaries and how we can follow their examples. I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK!
Also on Sunday, I met with my Branch President and he asked me to be the new Coordinating Sister. This means that I will work closely with the Zone Leaders and directly oversee the sisters in our zone. I will have to go to a few more meetings a week, but I am grateful for more opportunities to serve. We have a new sister coming this week. I am excited to help her.
So....(I don't know if all zones are like this, but I know ours is) There is a huge competition in our zone to see which district can take the best district photo. Everyone takes district photos and puts them by their class door. My district took some pretty amazing photos this week. I will be sending them in the mail today so you should be getting them soon. I'm pretty sure that we are the best district here!!!! Really though, I love my district so much! They are all amazing! And I found out that one of my good friends from my district, Elder Hales, his dad is the secretary to the first presidency. Pretty cool huh?!?!
As a district we have decided to start having "English Fasts" at least once a week. (Where we speak nothing but french for a whole day) We had our first fast on Tuesday and it was great! Of course it was really hard, but great! We will be having another fast this Monday. Also, we have been contacting and teaching in french a lot lately. It is pretty amazing. The other day we were contacting and as Soeur Strunk was talking I thought to myself "Wow! We are really speaking French right now. When did this happen? Haha"
For our devotional on Tuesday Sister Elaine S. Dalton came and spoke to us about the importance of virtue and confidence. It was incredible! I feel so blessed to hear from so many church leaders here at the MTC.
I have some fun news for you...this Thurday the 8th I will be flying to San Fransisco to meet with the French Consolate (I may have spelled that wrong. I don't know.) So a few of us from my district will fly there together really early in the morning, have our meeting, go sight seeing, then fly back that night. I'm excited to leave the MTC for a day. I feel so detached from the world. Haha
PLEASE wish Kenny a Happy Birthday for me! I miss him so much! I will ask and see if we will be allowed to call from the airport on Thursday. If so I will call and wish him a Happy Birthday. :]
Thank you all for you love, prayers, letters and packages! I feel so special to get so much mail. I am grateful for all of the support I have from home.
Keep up the hard work. Way to go Mom and Dad in keeping your missionary schedule. I'm proud of you!
I love it here! This week my testimony has grown so much! I know that the field is white and ready to be harvested! I know that there are people being prepared right now for me. I can't wait to bring others to Christ.
I love you all!!! Expect a letter soon! :]
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
It has been a wonderful week! I have so much to write, but like usual, not a lot of time to email. I will try my best to tell you everything. I'm sorry if it is all over the place.
Well, the New Mission President Seminar was AMAZING because literally ALL of the apostles and first presidency were here. On Friday night for our "Special Fireside" Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke to us about how we are the only true and living church on the face of the earth. It was a very powerful message. What a treat! Also, there were 8 apostles there!!!! (Elder Holland, Elder Bednar, Elder Cook, Elder Nelson, Elder Scott, Elder Anderson, and Elder Christofferson) We were all thrilled to be with so many of the Lords apostles.
Also, on Sunday for Relief Society Sister Susan C. Jones, from the General YW presidency came and spoke to us about having a zion companionship. She was an incredible speaker and very motivating. I am grateful that Soeur Strunk and I already have a very strong companionship. I'm sure that I will eventually have a difficult companion though, and the advice that Sister Jones gave will help me for the rest of my life, in all my relationships.
On Sunday night we had a fireside with Brother Stephan Allen from the Missionary Department. He spoke to us about all of the new changes that will be taking place in the church to help missionary work. On July 7th the church will be launching a new Mormon.Org that allows people to post their own conversion stories. She showed us a sneak preview. It is amazing! I love how the church is branching out and I know it will help missionary work grow. He also showed us a new movie "The District 2" which is a sequel to a movie for missionaries. It is like a documentary of missionaries and how we can follow their examples. I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK!
Also on Sunday, I met with my Branch President and he asked me to be the new Coordinating Sister. This means that I will work closely with the Zone Leaders and directly oversee the sisters in our zone. I will have to go to a few more meetings a week, but I am grateful for more opportunities to serve. We have a new sister coming this week. I am excited to help her.
So....(I don't know if all zones are like this, but I know ours is) There is a huge competition in our zone to see which district can take the best district photo. Everyone takes district photos and puts them by their class door. My district took some pretty amazing photos this week. I will be sending them in the mail today so you should be getting them soon. I'm pretty sure that we are the best district here!!!! Really though, I love my district so much! They are all amazing! And I found out that one of my good friends from my district, Elder Hales, his dad is the secretary to the first presidency. Pretty cool huh?!?!
As a district we have decided to start having "English Fasts" at least once a week. (Where we speak nothing but french for a whole day) We had our first fast on Tuesday and it was great! Of course it was really hard, but great! We will be having another fast this Monday. Also, we have been contacting and teaching in french a lot lately. It is pretty amazing. The other day we were contacting and as Soeur Strunk was talking I thought to myself "Wow! We are really speaking French right now. When did this happen? Haha"
For our devotional on Tuesday Sister Elaine S. Dalton came and spoke to us about the importance of virtue and confidence. It was incredible! I feel so blessed to hear from so many church leaders here at the MTC.
I have some fun news for you...this Thurday the 8th I will be flying to San Fransisco to meet with the French Consolate (I may have spelled that wrong. I don't know.) So a few of us from my district will fly there together really early in the morning, have our meeting, go sight seeing, then fly back that night. I'm excited to leave the MTC for a day. I feel so detached from the world. Haha
PLEASE wish Kenny a Happy Birthday for me! I miss him so much! I will ask and see if we will be allowed to call from the airport on Thursday. If so I will call and wish him a Happy Birthday. :]
Thank you all for you love, prayers, letters and packages! I feel so special to get so much mail. I am grateful for all of the support I have from home.
Keep up the hard work. Way to go Mom and Dad in keeping your missionary schedule. I'm proud of you!
I love it here! This week my testimony has grown so much! I know that the field is white and ready to be harvested! I know that there are people being prepared right now for me. I can't wait to bring others to Christ.
I love you all!!! Expect a letter soon! :]
Love Eternally,
Soeur Andrea McClaine
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