It's another NOT warm day in the MTC... I
really miss Arizona heat. But it's OK, because two weeks from tomorrow, I
will be on a plane for 14 hours headed to the best mission in the
world! I have learned so much in the MTC, not just Chinese, but I have
learned to appreciate the Gospel so much more! The Church is true, I
know it without a doubt. And I want everyone to know it.
So,
today is P-Day (obviously), but because it's Memorial Day, the temple
is closed. So, yesterday afternoon, we as Zone Leaders got together with
the Sister Training Leaders and planned a set of activities to do with
our zone instead of the Temple. So, this morning, at 8 o'clock,
we got together and played "get to know you" Jeopardy, and then did an
Easter Egg Hunt in our classroom building! After we found eggs, we had
to read scriptures, and then do a skit about the Book of Mormon story we
got. Videos to come ;). But seriously, who knew missionaries were
allowed to have fun?? I mean... I hope it's allowed... No one tell the
MTC President. Please.
As far as learning goes,
I feel like my Chinese is not progressing as quickly anymore. I feel
like we've kind of hit a wall, we've learned all we really need for the
MTC, so we haven't picked up much more. I'm sure the field will be
another steep learning curve, lol. But any and all prrayers are much
appreciated, missionaries are not immune to doubt and stress. I have a
testimony of that.
But the best thing I learned
this week was about the Apostasy, and the Restoration. In Priesthood,
we discussed the need for Apostasy, and why and how it happens. The
Great Apostasy happened after Christ was killed, His apostles were
killed, and the priesthood was removed from the Earth. But it started
long before that. Apostasy starts with just one person. When we turn
away from God, or change His teachings to fit our "world view", we are
starting our own personal apostasy. In the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi,
Chapter 1, verse 19, it says the Jews were angry with Lehi the prophet
and his preachings, that before they stoned him, or cursed him, or even
mocked him, they were angry. It starts in our hearts. When we are angry,
when we doubt, or even when we're just sad; whenever we turn our hearts
from God, because we don't think that what He is doing is right for us,
we begin our personal apostasy.
But apostasy
is necessary. Just like with the Great Apostasy, our personal apostasies
help us recognize that we are missing something. We are missing truth,
we are missing the Power of God in our life. We feel lost, alone, and
when those feelings expand and grow when we don't know where to turn for
support. But, again like the magnificent contrast of the restoration,
like the joy the Earth felt when it was again warmed by God's power, we
have the ability to restore ourselves to the bright and shining
knowledge of our loving, caring Heavenly Father and His gospel. And it
all starts with a question, a very similar question to the one a 14 year
old boy in New York asked. "Who is God? Where is He? How can I know
Him?", and other questions that take us down a path to find truth. And
just like that 14 year old boy, God has given each of us a way to know
He exists. "If any of you lack wisdom, le
Love,
Elder Shope
P.S.
I love you all so much! Thank you so much for the emails, I will try to
respond to any who email me! Pictures and Videos will hit the drive
soon! But here's a link to a video I thought was amazing, called
"Origin".
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