3rd P-Day at the MTC: I Know that Joseph Smith is a Pamphlet . . . er . . . Prophet

Yo se que Jose Smith es un folleto!

Hola Familia y Amigos!

So, quick explanation of the title of this email... I have felt like Elder Calhoun this week more than once!  Haha.  We have been teaching nonstop in Spanish, and I am quickly realizing that I am really good at breaking records for how many Spanish mistakes I can make in a lesson!  But I've heard that you make 10,000 mistakes in a language before you become fluent, so I figure I might as well make as many of those 10,000 mistakes in the MTC as I can so I can get fluent faster! Haha.  There was an Elder in our district who tried to tell our first investigator, Bruno, to read the Book of Mormon daily (diariamente), and instead said "diarrhea-mente", and I'm not sure Bruno ever laughed so hard in his life.  As of right now, I am just trying not to accidentally tell anyone that we can be forgiven of our fishes (pecados/pescados), that anyone is pregnant instead of embarassed (embarazada), or that the Book of Mormon is a vegetable (verdura/verdadera).  I think if I can avoid that, I'll be good!  :)

(To see the clip from her favorite movie that Rachelle is referencing in the title of her post, watch the video below starting at 36:28.)

This week has been filled with a lot of adventures!  We had pass downs this week when the old sisters in our zone left for the field, and we had a wall-sit competition that reminded me how much I need to work out.  

The sisters in the Spanish Zone trying to work off that famous MTC chocolate milk. Apparently, Rachelle has been leading the aerobics and workout classes during gym time, and all the sisters have dubbed her the next "YouTube Aerobics Instructor." Hahaha!

The Elders had a hard week, because a district President discovered the fish they've been hiding in their dorms, and they had to have a funeral and a ceremonial flushing of the zone fish.  It was a tragic day, but what a unifying experience helping the Elders through their time of trial and grief.  I really think our zone is stronger for it. :)  

The Funeral Program for Coolio, the Zone Fish. They filmed the actual funeral services, and if you're interested, you can watch them in the video below. This is exactly what I expect boys who are fresh out of high school to do! 

Mi companera y yo even got to go off-campus and go all the way to Rite-Aid!  I don't think there's ever been a more exciting trip to the pharmacy than that one... I think we were forgetting there was a world outside the MTC bubble.  Haha that was a real adventure!

Rachelle at the Instacare with her very patient companion, Sister Clifford

Rachelle at Rite-Aid. What? There is a real world beyond the MTC?!

Something special that happened this week was that all the missionaries got new cards (I think they are proselyting licences).  They certify us as missionaries that are affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and they invite all to heed our message. The most special part is that they are signed by the Prophet, so it is a real privilege to carry that card.  The first one I received when I first got here was signed by President Thomas S. Monson.  The new one we received this week is signed my President Russel M. Nelson.  This is really special because I have one of the very last ones signed by our beloved Thomas S. Monson, and one of the very first ever signed by Russel M. Nelson.  What a special thing!

Sister Clarke and Sister Clifford in front of the Provo Temple

We have been teaching many investigators this week, and teaching so much so soon has been such an edifying experience!  Not every lesson goes perfectly, but I am learning to really focus on being fluent in the language of the Spirit before I focus on speaking Spanish.  We have been blessed to teach some incredibly powerful lessons in a language we still don't know!  What a miracle that is.  I am also learning that it is okay that I don't speak perfect Spanish yet.  Sometimes after lessons I feel like an incredibly inadequate teacher because I don't yet have the words that this message deserves, but I've learned a valuable lesson this week; that I am not the real teacher, the Spirit of God is the real teacher.  My job is to create an environment where the Spirit can be present so that the Spirit can change the heart of the investigator, and then to always LISTEN to the Spirit.  I have found that when I allow myself to be an instrument, (or a four-colored pen), and allow the Spirit to work through me, then I have accomplished my purpose.  I've also learned something special to my heart; Heavenly Father did not call me to become fluent in the Spanish language, He called me to be an INSTRUMENT in His hands to bring others to Christ.  So really, all the mistakes I make in the language don't matter at all if I am fluent in the language of the Spirit, and allow Him to work through me.  I'm slowly - grace by grace, precept upon precept - discovering what it is to feel the joy and the blessing that Ammon describes in Alma 26:3,16.  These verses speak of a feeling that grows every day inside my heart, and will continue to grow as long as I am serving my Savior.  "Behold, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel."  What a glorious time to represent the Lord Jesus Christ!

Here at the MTC, I've realized how much the Lord loves His missionaries, and any of those who are striving to do His work.  That doesn't include just those of us who wear name tags, but anyone who is trying to follow and serve Jesus Christ.  I have felt Christ walking by my side at all times, in all things and in all places, and I can truly testify of His reality and His matchless love.  What a privilege it is to bring this message to others so that they too can come to know their Savior Jesus Christ, and along with us "clap their hands for joy, and exclaim; this is the desire of our hearts" upon receiving this happy message!  I love my Savior, and am so grateful for the opportunity to come to know Him more each day.  

I love all of you so much!  For us misisonaries, getting emails/letters/packages from anyone throughout our week is like Christmas day.  We love knowing what's going on, so I would love to hear from you guys!

Con todo mi amor,

Hermana Clarke

rachelle.clarke@myldsmail.net

Sister Clarke and Sister Clifford getting packages from home and wearing their matching pajamas we sent them. Happy Day!

Rachelle and her roommates all doing laundry on P-Day. She loves them all, and they are all going to the same mission! Happy Day!

This is what they found in their showers the day after the snowstorm. They named it "Sister Frost." Glad to know that the missionaries know how to have a little fun.

Rachelle sent this because she just loves it, so I'm posting it here.

It looks like Rachelle's trademark high bun is catching on at the MTC!

A sister in her district is showing off her amazing talents. You can hear a little of Rachelle's Spanish in the background of the video.

One of the Elders in her district is showing off his chins. Rachelle said she has never seen anybody "wind up" like he does.

These missionaries have long days and get really tired. Here's a fun video they found of somebody finding a creative place to catch a few zzzzzz's. 

I'm glad to know that Rachelle is reaching out and being friendly to others--but maybe she should take the conversation inside?