Madeline in Cambodia: Happy Week at the MTC

Hello family and friends!

So Fridays here at the MTC are like Christmas because FLIGHT PLANS! So after 8 weeks of patiently waiting and seeing groups and groups leave before us, our Friday finally came. And? We didn't get our flight plans. Then Saturday came and went without flight plans. And then Monday slowly dragged on without that precious white and blue paper. But, all is well. It's actually not a big deal but it would just be nice to know when we're leaving. But we are for sure leaving. There is an end to the MTC... I think. But we are thinking we're going to leave on either August 22 or 23. So in a week I could possibly be in the air somewhere, flying to Cambodia.

Even though I'm so excited to leave to Cambodia and I'm kind of getting tired of the MTC (kind of = sugar coating), I still love the MTC. It really is an incredible place. For example, Tuesday Devotional we most definitely had the most precious privilege of listening to Neil L. Anderson! There is such an amazing spirit when you hear an apostle of God testify of Jesus Christ. I'll share some quotes, "Be clean. Be obedient. Be Busy", "Don't be discouraged, have courage." He also said something that really stuck with me. He told us something like, "even though you might not be able to see those people to teach, they are there. They are always there. We just need to go find." And while he was saying this I just thought of our Savior. He is always there. Sometimes it's hard to see Him. Sometimes it seems impossible to have hope, or faith, or courage. But He is always there, we just need to find Him. And He'll lead us to those that need Him.

We had again another fantastic, sweet Sunday. Our Sacrament meeting talk was about the Atonement. What better to talk about than the Atonement? Here's a quote I love, "The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can go home but that miraculously- we can feel at home there." Through Christ we can become more like Him. Through faith, humility, hope, love, mistakes, and mistakes again, we are changed. Mosiah 3:19. I love it. Anyways to top off the wonderful talks during Sacrament meeting, some elders and sisters from my district sang a musical number. "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul." It was surprisingly our Elders' idea. We had Elder Schwendiman, Lasswell, Hale, Ashcroft and Sister Benson, Winters and me. It was such a sweet experience.

My big Hand of God this week: So on Sunday during choir (by the way like 1,600 missionaries), I was just sitting there thinking "I have like 9 days left in the U.S. ah). I was just kind of getting worried and fearful then I get this tap on my shoulder. I look back and it's this sweet missionary, Sister Shin. She asked me "what is alto?" I could tell English wasn't her first language so I tried to explain. Then we just started talking. She told me she's from Burma! Her family got baptized about 4 years ago. She's going to the SLC temple square mission. When I told her I was going to Cambodia, she was so excited and smiley. She said "Oh hot. You won't need sweater." I told her I was excited and nervous. She told me "you don't worry. Asia will love you. God will bless you." Those kind words were definitely answers to my prayers. We continued talking and we just became great friends. She is the sweetest person I think I've met. I am thankful for Sister Shin and our simple friendship.

So the next time I email, I'll probably be in Cambodia. I am so excited to finally meet the people that already have a special place in my heart. I love my Savior and I know He'll help me. I know He'll help you too. Much love to you all!

Love always,

Sister Mortell