Preston England Temple

Hola! 

So this week I don't have a ton of time to email. They asked us to send a quick letter to let family know that we're still alive and doing well. We're leaving the MTC on Wednesday morning (our normal P-day here) so they told us to just send a quick email before then to let you know what's going on. 

I'm doing really well! I've learned a lot of really important lessons since I've been here. One of them is relying on the Lord. I feel closer to Heavenly Father now than I may have ever before in my life. It's much easier to "always remember Christ" and "take His name upon me" and even "keep his commandments" (like in the baptismal covenants) while serving as a missionary - because it's my 24/7 job. I love putting my nametag on, and literally taking upon myself the name of Christ. I've learned to turn to him in prayer, and seek answers and confirmation. I really do love the MTC, and am grateful that I can turn to God when I have questions, and I know I'll receive an answer. 

I'm continually learning how important it is to be humble. The moment I think I'm doing and accomplishing things on my own is the moment I lose the Spirit and am left on my own. For "without the Spirit, ye shall not teach." A great way to do that is to live with an attitude of gratitude. It's cliche to say (rhyme originally unintended), but it's so true. If I can recognize the hand of God in my every day life, and see that it is truly Him that is blessing me and leading me, humility will naturally follow.

My favorite teacher here is Edward Webb (you could probably look him up if you wanted). He's young, skinny, about 6'0, newly married, and returned from his mission in Manchester, England about 2 years ago. He's a very good teacher and a very likeable guy. His wife is teaching here too! She teaches greek, I think, so I don't see her very often. But today she instructed the group of missionaries a good amount! We did mostly "in-field" training today. 

I opened my "greenie missionary" package mom! That was so fun! I gave one of my good friends, Elder Henrie, one of the M&M packages today. I've had some promptings on two distinct nights that I need to reach out to him and serve. More than helping him with little things, I felt the need to listen. I also wrote him a note today to give with the M&M's, and I'm so glad I did. I felt the Spirit confirm to me that that's what Heavenly Father wanted me to do for His child at those moments! It's a small thing I know, but it was meaningful to me, and I hope it was meaningful to him too! 

I've been touched at how some of my prayers have been answered. Yesterday, I feel my prayers were answered through reading in the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. Another time,  was through a devotional. Another time, I felt my prayers answered at the temple. God is very mindful of me, and I realize that there's a lot for me to improve on! It's a lifelong journey to become like Christ. But it's something we do a step at a time, so patience I must have (said like Yoda). 

We have a lot of classes, and being taught here at the MTC. But it's good! Tomorrow night we'll be going to the temple one last time before we go. Then wednesday, we wake up at 4:45 A.M. That is to say, in the morning :) So that'll be an adventure. But I think I'll be so excited that it won't really be that big of an issue. 

I can't believe I leave on Wednesday... I'm so excited to go to my first area, meet my trainer, meet the ward and bishop and members, develop a love for the people, deepen my love for the Lord, and serve with all my "heart, might, mind, and strength".  

In closing, I'll just share a new favorite scripture of mine. I don't think I shared this in my last email, but if I did you just get to enjoy it twice :) 

1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you" 

I love it so much! In due time, we may be exalted by God. To get to that point, we must cast all our care on Him!  

I love this gospel so much and I can't wait to share it with the people of England! I love the Book of Mormon and I know it's true.

 
Until next time! I love you all!

Love,

Elder Withers

P.S. Turns out this letter wasn't that short after all

 

Oh! Joke time. What do a bird that has no teeth, and a missionary that smiles have in common?

 

...

 

They both "Suck-Seed" (succeed)

 Hope you like that. It's one my MTC President shared. Feel free to tell all your friends.

Also some pictures of the temple. I'll probably send more tomorrow. we should have time