K.I.S.S.

No, the subject has nothing to do with kissing Elders at the MTC.  It is an acronym for Keep It Simple Silly.  I actually don't know what the second S stands for but oh well.  That is one of the lessons that I have been taught this week.  Keep the gospel simple when teaching it.  I feel that a General Authority said there is power in simplicity...don't quote me on that.  We really hit home our purpose as missionaries (Read Preach My Gospel pg. 1).  We INVITE others to COME unto Christ by TEACHING the restored gospel and to have FAITH in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, to be BAPTIZED,  RECIEVE the gift of the Holy Ghost, and ENDURE to the end.  I hope I wrote that correctly.  The words in allcaps are the action words that we and the investigators must do.

Someone in the Branch Presidency told us this "Life is hard by the yard but a sinch by the inch." Hehe, this is me.  Actually I have been pretty good about not planning my life out three months in advance.  I did have a little freak out yesterday, not in a bad way, I was just frustrated that I could not concentrate during personal study time.  I think in the back of my mind I am a little anxious about leaving next week.  We have to be ready to leave to the SLC Airport at 3 in the morning. Oh goodie. And I am the mission travel leader. Bleh.  Why not let the Sister from Canada going back to Canada be in charge of getting us to Canada? Haha, I will have to go to the immigration line.  Yeah! Please pray for me that I will keep my head on that day (March 6) and I will be alert and attentive when meeting Pres. Archibald.

I have been learning a lot about how we need to love everyone, especially our investigators and to help them to feel the love of our Savior.  It has been really neat in our teaching seeing the light in our "investigators" eyes light up.  There was one sister we taught, I think she may have been a member, but she just looked so lost and broken.  We taught her about the Restoration, but I just prayed that she would feel of our Saviors love for her.

 

I have seen so many tender mercies while in the MTC.  I was rather sad about missing Jackson's birthday, but then we watched the Devo by President Bednar and he talked about putting off the natural man of wanting to turn inward and having the Character of Christ and turing outward.  I know that I will miss everyone, but the best solution for homesickness is service and work.  Besides, I will be back home next summer.

 

I will end with a funny story.  So Sister Mazzolini has a South African accent, not super strong, but it's there. (Watch Invictus, you will understand) She was talking about how "Our goal as missionaries..." yeah...the Elders in my District heard "Al Gore's Missionaries...." Hahaha, we didn't know Al Gore was taking the discussions. :) I love my district so much and I am really sad that we will be going our different ways next week.

 

Love you all!!! Next time I write I will be in Canada!!!

-Sister Douglass

February 26, 2012

The MTC is AMAZING! The first day went so much smoother than I thought it would go.  Everyone is so happy and loving and welcoming.  It's the greastest!! People have said that after the first Sunday the days fly and I'm beginning to see that. Before I go on, let me tell you about my companions.  Yes, plural.  I am in a tri companionship. Sister Condie is a fellow Aggie from Colorado going to serve in the Atlanta, Georgia Mission and Sister Mazzolini is from South Africa (lived there for eleven years) and now lives in Toronto.  She is going to the same mission as me. Woot! At least I will know someone on the plane with me.  

 

The first day was so great.  A little rushed with all of the hustle and bustle, but good.  The second day was actually the hardest for me.  I was having major feelings of inadequacy and trying to adjust with my companions.  They are both amazing.  They both have gone on several splits with the Sister missionaries before coming to the MTC so teaching is much more comfortable with them.  Sister Mazzolini asked me when I was expressing my fears about being able to teach, she asked "Do you have a testimony?" I told her yes.  She said, then you can teach.  That is all the Lord asks us to have: a desire, a testimony, broken heart and contrite spirit.  I don't know why it has taken me about twenty times to hear it, but it really clicked on Sunday.  

 

The MTC President, President Gordon Brown, talked to us at the Sunday Fireside and told us that we are not sent to the MTC to fail.  He gave us a list of steps that if we follow we can be successful missionaries.  My Branch President, President Miller, told us this the very first day: "Obedience brings about blessings.  Exact obedience brings miracles."

 

We have already begun teaching people.  My teachers, Brother Hatch and Brother Bush, role play progressing investigators.  We have only taught them once and the lessons were alright.  They were pretty good considering we have three people to balance between, but we are still just getting use to every one's teaching styles.  We also taught at the TRC, Teaching Resource Center.  We taught a referral, Sister Sala Tea, from Samoa.  I felt the spirit so strong as we told her about how families can be together forever.  It was a little disappointing when we figured out that she is already a member.  Oh, well, we take all of the role playing seriously.  One thing that I have begun to learn is how to teach by the spirit.  Sometimes, well, most times, when teaching I just have to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and let the Holy Ghost do the rest.

 

My district is the bomb.  I have eight Elders and all eight are going to Lansing, Michigan.  They are all pretty mature for their age and we all get along so well.  We enjoy being around each other and learning from each other.  The two zone leaders are from my district, Elder Jones and Elder McGraw. They are both superb missionaries.  I wish I could see how much they are going to grow by the end of their missions.

 

Oh! I did see Dan and I'm hoping to be able to run into him again before I leave. It was such a tender mercy when he found me in my classroom.  I totally needed it.

 

The Lord loves us! We wants us to be successful and to be happy. I hope that I can hear from you soon, hint, hint.

-Sister Douglass

Dear Elder

Just a reminder that you can get on DearElder.com and send Josie a letter. 
Dear Elder will print out your "emails" and deliver them the day they are sent.  This is nice because the missionaries can only get on email once a week.  You will need the MTC box number (187).  Thanks again for your support.

Going To The Drop Off Zone

Well, it is official.  Josie has entered the MTC in Provo.  We got there a little early and had to roam the mall, but after a nervous hour-ish, we made it just in time.  The curb side drop off wasn't as bad as I imagined, considering the horror stories we've heard.  I am sure it helped that we hugged in the mall parking lot. 

I just wanted to add a special thank you to all of those who have supported Josie in her choices.  It is because of relatives and friends like you that she has become who she is, and I am grateful.  ~Ruby

Eleven

"On a scale from one to ten YOU are an eleven" - Iago from Aladdin

This is how I would rank my co-workers, you my friends, are an eleven! On Friday Katlin and I had planned to meet up get some food and have one last grand adventure before I leave.  I arrived at her apartment and she said that we should go to Olive Garden.  We both love their bread sticks and pasta and we always say that we should go.  I was down with that, so off to Olive Garden we went. Katlin said that since it was dinner time on a Friday it might be a uber long wait.  When we got to the restaurant there were at least 30+ people waiting in line.  Katlin went up to the hostess and told her we were with Patsy's part.  Now I was super suspicious because Patsy is my boss. Lo and behold when we got back to our table there was my boss and co-workers.  Katlin and Patsy had been planning this for over a month.  I was so happy and surprised! Not all of my co-workers were able to make it, but it was totally fine - they all had legit excuses.  We had a wonderful night a delicious food and laughter.  They were kind enough to get me a present.  First aid kit, a hymn book and chap stick.  Boom! I am ready for Canada. :) After dinner Katlin and I went up to the USU gymnastics meet against Arizona State.  We saw the last two events and USU was only behind one full point.  I know, in gymnastics one point is huge, but considering Arizona State is ranked 26th in the country.  USU lost 192.575 to 194.600.  It was a fun meet.  I love watching gymnastics and Katlin has never been to a USU gymnastics meet.  Good times all around. It was such a fantastic night! Thank you!

Awesome Sauce

I just wanted to give shout out to all of my family and friends for dealing with me.  You are the best! My panic button has been pushed, so daily reminders that things will be okay are greatly needed and appreciated! I have one of the coolest uncles ever. Period. We were chatting on facebook and he asked how I was doing.  I told him I was a little freaking out.  He asked why and then proceeded to give me awesome advice.

And when face challenges, ask yourself what the Lord would have you learn from the challenges, or how he would have you respond. Sometimes it is just that you need to be patient. Other times there are specific principles that apply. Sometimes we get the same lesson taught to us over and over again, not because we didn't learn it the first time, but because once wasn't enough for us to learn it thoroughly enough that it becomes part of our nature, which is how we become more Christlike. - Dave Warner (me uncle)

Although I am super nervous about entering this new chapter in my life I am grateful beyond words to know how many amazing people will be back home cheering and praying for me.  Saying thank you is not enough, but I mean it with all of my heart! T.H.A.N.K. Y.O.U.

Little Things

[I love this song!!]

I'm grateful for the tender mercies in my life.  Everyone goes through ups and downs, mine just seem a little more frequent with preparing for a mission.  I have less than a month!!! Freaking out! Yesterday I was having more of an "eh" day, but talking to a friend and my scripture studying helped.  I decided to pray out loud last night rather than in my head like I normally do.  Funny how something like praying vocally (like you should do) can make a huge difference! I am so grateful to feel of my Savior's love for me.  I know that He lives and wants all of his children to be happy and successful! 26 more days!