PRAYING FOR SOME PATIENCE.

WEEK 6- THURSDAY JUNE 25 2015

GOOOODD AFTERNOON!!! wow what a day. Our Pday was a little crazy. We got up did our laundry, printed off some emails, got breakfast, and then got ready for the temple. The Provo temple is closing for cleaning. So today was our last time to go to the temple for 16 months!!!!!:( It was such a fun morning. Then we left the temple and the MTC is catering food so they had Burritos from Taco Bell... my stomach is in knots.. BUT IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT. I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD!!! haha and I am so sick of the MTC food. And then... They told us that they are having Costa Vida salads on saturday and Chick Fil A. IM IN FOOD HEAVEN NOW. I didn't know how much I was going to miss real food. I'm gonna get real fat this week dangit. haha. anyways. that was my morning so now we have about 4 hours until we have to be back in class!

Haha.... Sister Photo bomb

This week was a great week! It was kind of a hard week... but also a week that strengthened me. Okay so lets start from last Pday. Sister Markus and I taught our investigator and it was such a funny lesson.. There are just some days where I feel like I can speak decent Korean and understand pretty well. This day was not one of those days... haha. We were asking our investigator how he was and how is grandma was. Because he lives with his grandma. He began to tell us a story of how his grandma wakes him up in the morning but it honestly sounded like his grandma "beats" him in the morning. I could not stop laughing but I also did not know how to handle that situation or let alone know how to comfort him in Korean hahaaha. It was quite the lesson let me tell you that.

The District

 We are now the oldest District. That is crazy weird!!!! We leave in less than 3 weeks!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! We got 26 new korean speaking missionaries yesterday. That was fun. SO I guess one of the older districts left their korean name tags so the districts pass it down to someone to wear to pretend that they are a native to freak out all the new missionaries. 

.... sooo... that was Me. haha All day yesterday I pretended to be a native Korean from Seoul that was serving in Daejeon. It was so funny. My district would translate for me in English and everyone would just look at me so weird and kind of like I was from a different planet. Half the time I didnt know what to say to them so, I just stated the First Vision that I have memorized and acted like I was asking them questions. haha. They told some elders that I was a native and they were like  "well.. why the heck is she here then" haha. It was quite fun actually. But I couldnt play along for that long because you know that sister that is going to my mission from instagram. yeah so she emailed me randomly last week and asked for some advice before she came to the MTC and I was like shoot shes gonna recognize that I'm not a native. So she saw me yesterday and I had to totally act like I didnt even know her. It was the saddest thing. But then when we got to the residence I couldn't handle it anymore so I ran and gave her hug and apologized haha. But I guess all the sisters that have heard me pray they told me that I really do sound like a native. hahah probably cuz I've practiced the same prayer over and over so I can just say it really fast. I cant wait until I can speak this language. its going to be sooooo stinkin fun!!!!

We had a cool experience in class last week. Our teacher gave us the opportunity to go outside and just read and study our patriarchal blessings. It was such a spiritual experience to re read over and over my special personal blessing. and be reminded of all the blessings that have been promised unto me if I live my life in a way to be willing to receive them. My blessing has given me so much comfort since I have been here. I love reading it whenever I get the chance to. 

Trying to stay positive!!!

  Alrighty.. so why it was kind of a hard week for me. I recall it was Monday... Mondays are the worst. In Korean "Monday" sounds like WAR. its so true...
anyways. I don't know what it was but it was just not my day. Everything and everyone was just irritating me. And I was frustrated at myself for feeling that way. haha. So I was praying really hard all day to not have those feelings anymore. During my personal study I tried to focus on a Christlike Attribute that I need to be reminded of and study. so... I chose PATIENCE. I thought that was very fitting. It was one of the most memorable, strengthening personal studies that I have had here so far. The spirit really needed to testify to me and that was something I needed to study at that time to humble myself. I was thinking about myself and not necessarily about my purpose and other people. Because things were bothering me. It was distracting me from feeling the spirit. In Preach My Gospel it describes Patience perfectly, and how it is a Christlike Attribute.

Patience is the ability to do God's will and accept his timing. You need patience in your everyday experiences and relationships, especially with your companion. You must be patient with all people, yourself included, as you work to overcome faults and weaknesses. God knows exactly what I am feeling. Christ has gone through it for me. No matter how hard I think life is right now, I always turn to my Savior. HE Sacrificed his life for me. He took upon him my sins and HE had the patience endured to the end for ME.

 When we are patient the spirit comes easier to us. Our hearts are not hard and they are open to receiving promptings from the spirit. If I am constantly annoyed with my companion, we will not get anywhere. We will not be able to teach our investigator or be able to feel the spirit at all.
I learned that I need to GLORIFY THE LORD, AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT MYSELF. (Alma 26:37) 

God is mindful of every people. He knows how we are feeling in this moment. He knows what we are going to endure in this life and that we are strong enough to conquer our challenges that come our way, if we have patience and faith in the Will of the Lord. The Lord has a plan for all of us.

One Sister is not like the Others;)

 He has sent me here to accomplish mighty things here on the earth. He knows my weaknesses and strengths and will lift me up when I need help. I thank God in my prayers every single night for just giving the opportunity to be here. For giving me the opportunity to serve in Korea. OUT of the million trillion missions.. I was called to Korea. I still can't even believe it. I love the people of Korea so much already and I cant wait to get out there and serve them in just a few short couple of weeks. Sorry have to go!!! emergency move. talk to you later......

                 Sister Markus and I moving into the new building because of the bats

  Okay so I was deep into emailing you and these Sisters came down and said, hey did you hear the announcement? we were in the laundry room and couldn't hear anything and so they said we had to move AGAIN from our building that we moved into last week back to another building right next to the one we just moved out of!!! aahhhhh..... it was quite the experience!!!! we had to move out because of bats!!!!! I guess some sister woke up with a bat biting her leg.. not really sure though. so they moved out hundreds of sisters out of the residence into another set of buildings. it was crazy but, it was kind of cool because you would walk out of the building and just a line of Elders waiting there to help you take your stuff over to the next building. I got my work out in for the day. lugging my heavy bags and every one elses up 4 flights of stairs. haha. such a funny thing.

Thank you so much for the packages!!! I think I am good on candy... I still havent finished the rest from previous packages haha. The last day we are here we will probably just have to have a food sharing party.

Miss and Love you all so much!!!

TANNER 자매의

XOXO

3 MORE WEEKS LEFT OF THE MTC!!!

WEEK 5- THURSDAY JUNE 18 2015

GOOODDD MORNING!!! More than halfway through the MTC!! That just seems unreal. I cant believe how fast time is flying by. We have 3 more weeks left here. That stresses me out a little but also gets me so excited!!!
I received an email from my mission president today:


Dear Sister Tanner,

The time is fast approaching for your arrival here in Korea. We look forward to meeting you on 14 Jul 2015 at the Incheon International Airport.

We hope your experience at the MTC has been enjoyable. We know you have had great teachers and the opportunity to hear from some of our great Church leaders. Now it is time to put all that language learning and spiritual development to work in Korea.

Upon your arrival, you will spend your first two nights in Korea (Tuesday and Wednesday) at the mission home in Daejeon. Pack a carry-on bag with your night-clothes, toothbrush, shampoo, bath towel, change of clothing, and whatever else you need for this two night stay, such as your scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and your study journal for taking notes. Your luggage will be stored at the church. Carry your necessary things in this manner for your stay. On Thursday morning you will leave for your first area.

Thank you for your hard work and diligence at the MTC. Soon you will be walking on the streets of Korea with your trainer. That will be a great day.


We love you and best wishes,

Yong-In Shin
Mission President

President Yong-In S. Shin and Hyo-Sun Camila Shin

S. Korea, Daejeon Mission President

"Soon you will be walking on the streets of Korea with your trainer"
LIKE WHAT!!!!! That is so crazy!! I can't even believe that in 3 weeks I will be in Korea!!! I need to really really study hard these last couple of weeks to really feel somewhat comfortable with this language. I have felt that we as a district were really learning and studying so hard when we got here but then now we are kind of chugging along. We are kind of losing some focus and really love just telling stories about our lives before the mission. We have really come so close. This is my little family here and I love them so much. We have planned so many trips after the mission and hope to stay really close.

Cant believe its only 3 weeks away.

My Korean Sisters

  I had a really great experience, I think it was on Sunday. I wrote Dad a letter and this experience is included in that letter so sorry dad you will have to read it twice.
BTW: HAPPY FATHERS DAY ON SUNDAY!!!!! WAHOOOO. you will get my letter by then I hope. I love you!!!
아마튼(anyways)... So our topic for Sunday was BAPTISM. It was a really amazing Sabbath Day to reflect on when I was baptized and the importance it has in missionary work!! 
I began to reflect on my baptism and how much it really meant to me. I began to remember how long ago that was and if I really understood the importance of that day. That day I was clean. My sins were washed away and I was confirmed a member of this amazing church. But most important I was given the gift of the holy ghost as a constant companionship, if I chose to live worthily and keep the commandments of god. 
 Without the Holy Ghost we cannot endure to the end. It is impossible! I am extremely grateful for this gift. Christ endured to the end for each one of us. He didn't quit. That gives me so much comfort. That I cannot and will not quit. Christ endured to the end just like we will. But with his help. We are not alone in this journey here on earth. We have the example of our savior Jesus Christ and with the gift of the holy ghost after we were baptized, will help and guide us in the right direction. We are constantly watched over and he loves each one of us unconditionally.

My claim to fame. I'm on a LDS Baptism card.

 I love Sundays because we get to partake of the sacrament. That is the time to reflect on your life or week. Take it step by step and ask yourself:

"Who am I?
What am I doing?
How am I living?
Where am I going?
What should I be accomplishing?"

 The sacrament not only renews the covenants we have made at baptisms but also the temple covenants we have made. Isn't that so cool!?! I love our sundays here and being able to reflect and remember Christ and the sacrifice he made for ME.


"If today you are a little better than yesterday, than that is enough. If tomorrow you are a little better than today, than that is enough."(I love quotes)

The Savior passing the sacrament. OH how I love this!

So yes, Sundays are my favorite but it's a little more stressful and nerve wracking because we are almost the oldest district here now so we get called on for talks in Korean:/ ah...

  But no, I told you I had a really cool experience. So sunday night one of the sisters in our district wasn't feeling very well. The Elders offered to give her a priesthood blessing. My companion and I and the other sisters went into an empty room and waiting for the elders to come back. They then came in and ask like who she wanted to preform the blessing. The proceeded to consecrate the oil and give her the blessing. I felt the spirit so strongly in that room. I just started crying(happy cry).  It was such a testimony builder on the power of the priesthood. That we have such worthy elders to be willing to give a blessing like that. Some being their first blessing ever. But how powerful the priesthood is amazes me. We are going to ask the elders to give us blessings before we leave I think. Because we all want one now hah.

  All the weeks are a blurrrrrrrrr!!! I cant remember anything I feel like haha. But all is well here in the MTC!!! Thank you so much for the Package!!!!!!! honestly loved every single thing in it. I loved that journal. oh my goodness. thank you! Loved everyones letters. I cant believe its summer. I hope you are enjoying that pool for me!!!

  The language is coming along. There are good days and there are bad. I don't think I ever told you. So we teach investigators and then we have TRC and that is when we teach members or nonmembers that speak Korean. My companion and I taught these two Sisters and they served in DAEJEON. It was honestly the best. So we aren't suppose to speak english and we just teach a lesson to them. So we talked about the different ways we can feel the spirit. and then out of no where I whipped out my hymn book and we started singing a hymn in Korean. The spirit was so strong. After our lesson was over and after we prayed. We broke our Korean and just sat for 30 minutes talking about Daejeon. It was so comforting to hear from these sisters all about the mission.

Korean Book of Mormon 모르 몬 교도의 책

  So we moved all our stuff to a new residence today. A way nicer one!! and I weighed my luggaged after just throwing everything in there real fast and it didn't even way 50 lbs. But I still didn't have a lot in there. So I'm just worried that they are going to be so heavy!! haha

I opened up the luggage with the winter stuff and one of the sisters was like, oh you are already packed?.. and I was like uhhh no these are clothes I haven't even touched. and she honestly was judging me so hard.. hahahhahaha. She has like 3 shirts, 3 skirts and 2 pairs of shoes and thats all. I LOVE CLOTHES OKAY!! IM A SISTER MISSIONARY GIVE ME A BREAK HAHA.  

 Thank you for the Korean names. I will try to see if someone can help me with family history, I just feel like we have no time!!

I love my siblings!! I miss you guys so much!! And think about you all the time. Have a fun summer for me!!!
HAPPY FATHERS DAY AGAIN DAD!!

ME and MY Daddy!

사랑합니다!!!!! (Love you)


Tanner 자매

MIRACLES IN THE MTC

WEEK 4- THURSDAY JUNE 11 2015

  Good Morning!!! P-day came way fast this week!!! That is such a great feeling!! This week is going by so fast. As of yesterday we have been here 4 Weeks!! That is crazy! Technically on MTC time this is our 5th week and we will be starting our 6th on Monday! The Oldest district is leaving next Tuesday and then we will be the oldest! That is so weird to think!!! 

My District. Drawn by my talented Companion Sister Markus

 I got an email from Sister Fiso!! So exciting! She sent pictures and it looks like she is absolutely loving it over in Korea!! Cant believe she is already there. 

 We hosted again yesterday. The MTC got around 600 new missionaries.. yeah. That is insane. All the graduating High School Boys are coming in. This summer will be really hectic!! 

  Okay I'm sorry I am really frantic and don't know what to write because there is just so much going on all the time. 

  So the choir director I guess hinted to the missionaries that by the time we all leave the MTC around July that there is a good chance that we could be hearing from the entire First Presidency!!!!! That is unreal. SO lets pray it happens! 

First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Quorum of the twelve apostles

  This week was a really great week! We had our first fast Sunday here in the MTC!! I would be lying if I said it wasn't hard... haha By the time 5ish came around I thought I was going to pass out. But also I have never felt the spirit so strongly then I do on Sundays here. I decided that during those testimony meetings or even in class when we have to share our thoughts that when I get that deep pounding in my heart and I honestly cant breathe, that I WILL always stand up to bear my testimony. I've come to notice that every time I ignore that feeling that I always regret it after. The spirit is trying to tell me something, telling me that someone needs to hear what I have to say. Even if it's short or might not seem grand to me.
  During our fast and testimony meeting.. I got that feeling. so I hurried and ran up there and started speaking, what I thought was Korean haha Not really sure:)But it was really a great experience. I need to step out of my comfort zone and not be shy. Not be scared to talk to express my feelings and thoughts. Even if I mess up its okay. There is no judging here and I really just feel the love from everyone so it's okay if I mess up. We are all learning and growing and different paces and it is not worth it to compare myself to anyone else. Just to recognize my strengths and weaknesses and what I need to work on to improve and be better the next day. 

HAHA Elder Ulrich and Hiatt sleeping in class.

New District

  I am truly so grateful for all the love and support I have gotten. I know I say that every week. But it is true!!! I never want you to think that I'm ungrateful or taking advantage of all the things you have sent me. I cherish every last one of your letters and packages. I cry everytime I rip open my package to see what is inside. 

 I want to thank you beyond anything. For this most recent package. It truly was a mini miracle. When I opened that package and saw a wrapped gift for my companion my heart was filled with joy. I had to hurry and run to Sister Carters Residence before I could look at anything else. We got back to our residence and I hurried and grabbed my companions gift and had her open it. If I could reply the look on her face as she opened and saw a brand new pair of running shoes, I would. At that moment is when I truly felt a christlike love. I gave my companion a big hug and just cried. I want nothing else than her to be happy and comfortable here. That is what a mission really is...  Showing unconditional christlike love for everyone you come in contact with.

Breaking down barriers.... One pair of tennis shoes at a time.

  It has been really hard. and there are times where I get really frustrated and just want to scream. But everyone here is going through the same things I am. My Savior went through the same things FOR me. I can't wait to serve the people of Korea. 

MY Sistas!!

  No matter how hard the language is for me right now or how I can think a sentence in Korean fine, but as soon as I try to speak it, it comes out some completely different language. haha. I know it will come. And I truly can't wait until that day!! Miracles and tender mercies are happening every single day here. It is a great thing to reflect on the day and recognize the Lords hand in your life. He is watching over us every second of every day and wants nothing else than for us to be happy.

OH how I miss Mexican food:)

   I'm truly so happy!!! Happier than I have ever been. Happy when the days are hard, happy when I all I want to do is cry and be with my family, happy when I am starving and just want some Cafe Rio, happy when my companion is happy. This work is hard. But this work makes me happy. This is the Lords work and he knows and understands everything that I am capable of. Everything that he knows we can and cannot handle. He is aware of everything and all of our needs. We are here to learn and grow to be better disciples of our savior Jesus Christ. 

as the song says; " Because I have been given much I too must give."

I love my Savior, so I desire nothing else than to serve him! He has done so much for me and sacrificed his life for ME.

 In our devotional on tuesday we had the opportunity to hear from the general relief society president. Linda K. Burton: She talked a lot about discipleship. "Discipleship is a process of becoming" Little by little, day by day, we are growing closer to our Savior. We are becoming disciples in every action. With HIS help we can do all things.

 Oh side note... I got a calling. I am branch music director.. haha least musical person whatsoever so this is going to interesting!! hahah I am so excited!!! I get to choose the hymns we sing on Sundays and choose the special musical numbers.

3 Nephi 5:13

I love you all so very much!!! Thank you so so so much for the package you have no idea. I pray for you every day. I look forward to when I can talk to you. I probably left something out that I will remember later when I cant check my email. But if I remember I will write you a letter!! keep sending dear elders!!! I will try and write more letters.

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breath, to think, to enjoy, to love" ~ Marcus Aurelius
(thank you mom)


xoxo
Tanner 자매의

GO FORTH WITH LOVE.

WEEK 3- THURSDAY JUNE 4 2015

   AHHHHHHHHHHH it is P-Day!!!!! hooorrrayyy. Every Wednesday night it honestly feels like Christmas Eve. All of us Sisters get all hyper and can't get to sleep because we just cant wait to get up the next morning and talk to our friends and family. I don't know what it was but we were all so hyper and slap happy last night and could not fall asleep. We just laughed and laughed until it was silent and we all were out. haha. 

    ya... sooo I talk in my sleep.. you all knew that.. haha. But its bad!! Sister Hall sleeps in the bunk bed next to my companion and I. She wakes up every morning and turns to me and said "I heard you talking in your sleep last night... you were screaming about a printer.." DONT ASK. I have absolutely no idea what I was dreaming about haha. And then last night the Sisters heard me again just mumbling away. whoops:)

  This week was so great!!! We had D. Todd Christofferson speak to us at our Tuesday Devotional!! 2 general authorities in a row!! We are truly blessed. They asked who was here in the MTC the longest so, we all raised our hands and they said, we are in store for some really amazing things here at the MTC. So that is pretty exciting!!! His talk was really inspiring. He titled it.. QUESTIONS OF THE FIELD:(I will give you a brief overview) He answered questions from..

Q: How do I get along better with my companion?

A: Pray for them, for their happiness, success, protection, and care for them. Serve them.. YOU GROW TO LOVE THOSE YOU SERVE. 

* That seems to be directed straight to ME. hah. My companion really is such a sweet heart. Shes so hilarious and has a strong testimony. We both and most missionaries are just having a harder time warming up and breaking our selves into the missionary life and having to do every thing together, every waking moment. But ya know.. There are no coincidences.. God put me and my companion together first off, for a reason. He knows my strength, weaknesses and knows how this will change me and help me throughout my mission. Not saying my companion is difficult.. but in the future on my mission this will hopefully teach me how to handle future companions. which is a really good thing to learn now. 

Q: How do I know I am doing enough?

A: If this question consumes you then that means you are thinking about yourself. Work hard and open your mouths. IF you think and know you are and have done your best and have been completely obedient than you are doing enough. God will bless you for your efforts. 

Q: What can I do when I am feeling discouraged?

A: Discouragement is inevitable on a mission. If missionaries havent already felt it here in the MTC, they will later on. It just comes with the package. haha. But quitting won't make you feel better. 

* We have to ask ourselves.. Do I need to change? What do I need to rethink? Just keep your eye on the outcome and KEEP WORKING!

  IT was such an amazing talk and really inspiring to hear. Because we all ask ourselves those same questions. A mission is hard. It has been really hard and I've only been out 3 weeks!! OY.

                                                             The Elders

                                                          District Selfie:)

I Love Temple days!

  But I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I have never felt the spirit SO strong in my life. Like when we go to teach a lesson and we don't have that much time to prepare before but, we say a pray before and go in with a good attitude and come out like, what did we even say? were we even speaking a language? But it's a feeling I can't even describe. It's hard now to try and teach lessons because we don't know how to carry on a conversation or let alone answers questions the investigators have because.. uh we can't understand them hah. But its still just so fun!!! I cant wait until I can speak fluent Korean. 

I would really love to do something with the language when I get home as well. We will see:)

   OOOOHH OH OHOHOHOHO... Ahhhh guess what!!!!!!!!
okay, So our district got to host yesterday for all the new missionaries coming in. It was the funnest thing ever. Brought back so many memories though and I've come to notice I'm a sympathetic crier. So, when I saw all these missionaries and their moms get out crying I would just stand there and cry too. But the first Sister I hosted was an early arrival and just her Mom dropped her off and she was just the cutest little thing, but she was just crying and crying and crying and ran up to her and gave her the biggest hug and told her it was going to be okay. She said,"Thank you!" and wouldn't let me go of me. (Tender mercy)

My Host and I (3 weeks ago)

                                               

  I then hosted 2 other sisters, it was the best. Kinda pathetic though.. my arms are sore from carrying their HEAVY suitcases up to the 4th floor of their Residence Halls haha. But dont you worry Mom, I have been running and doing the elliptical in our gym time and I try to study the language when I am doing that haha. (multi-tasking at its best!)

reunited with my Mads

  So as I was hosting my first Sister.. THERE IS MADELINE(Sister Whetten)!!!!!! right there. ahhhhhhh I ran to her and WE embraced in this big hug and just cried!!! hysterically crying as we were just hugging and hugging for it felt like 10 minutes. My poor sister I was hosting was just standing there and she was crying and was like,"that was the greatest thing ever!" haha. I said, I'm so sorry thats just My best friend and I have been waiting so long for her to get here. It was so awesome! I can't wait to see her again. because our encounter was super short.

Sister Fiso from Australia (Sisters for life)

  Sister FISO left:( Their whole district sang a song on Sunday because they were leaving on Monday and I don"t know if I have cried so hard in a Sacrament meeting before. The spirit was so strong. I could even hear the Elders behind me sniffling. But as they were singing I was crying and Sister Fiso looks up and sees me and starts to hysterically bawl. I was like ah shoot IM SORRY!!! my bad. But they were the best district to have as examples and some one to lean on and I just want to be like that for the younger sisters. Because Everyone needs and friend.

  Thank you sooooooooo much for the package!!!!!! it was the cutest!!!!! I really needed everything in it!!!!! The Sisters loved the cupcakes! haha We won't pass up a delicious treat haha. And Thank you for the letters. Really though keep sending them! EVERYONE SEND ME A LETTER. (this isn't me being selfish I promise) haha I just want to hear from you all!!

 April 9, 2015  Mt. Timpanogos Temple 

  MOM and DAD. I lOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! Thank you for everything. For teaching me and raising me in this gospel. I wouldn't be here without you.

Mom thank you for your cards. I cling to your words and copy them down so I can remember them forever. I loved the title of the card.. "Be Bold and Brave in your Heart"
and how you told me about people reading my emails and how "MY work is going beyond the MTC walls." I cant explain how much that means..... Being on a mission is amazing and being able to see the change in peoples life is indescribable and seeing the change in MY life as well. 

Another quote from my mommy. "The love of Christ is so contagious, and you are living, breathing proof that He does change lives." I cling to your encouraging and uplifting words. They keep me going and strong!!

FORGET ABOUT DISNEYLAND, THIS IS THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!

  Love you all with all my heart!!!!!
Have a fantastic week! You are in my prayers and not a second goes by that I am not thinking about you and your safety. Thank you for the packages and love. I will talk to you next Pday!!!!

사랑합니다
LOVE, 

Tanner 자매

XOXO