Querido familia y amigos,
Como estan?!!
Yesterday
was my official 1 month of being a missionary...weird! Where in the
world did that time go?? If my mission goes by this fast I will be so
sad...seriously! First of all, shout out to all those that sent me
lovely "Happy Easter" packages/letters. My sister Larissa, my mom(even
though she's on a mission right now too...yeah...she's that cool) and
the Christensen family!! You're all such sweethearts, and I couldn't be
more happy/thankful. Letters/packages are the best! They're our only
connection to the outside world haha. Me and all the sisters in my room
have a "sharing drawer" We put all out candy/goodies in there, and it is
so full right now! :) So Thanks for everyone's love and support. Like I
always say I'd love to hear from anyone/everyone! None of my LDC
friends have written me...that's right...I'm mad. Well, just kidding. I
know it's boring to write missionaries, because we do the same thing
everyday...serioulsy haha.
So, this week is probably the coolest week to be in the
MTC. First, on Sunday we got to participate in the largest sacrament
meeting in the world. All the missionaries in the MTC were combined for
Sacrament meeting. More than 3,000 people participated and 100 Elder's
blessed and passed. Bishop Gerald Causse of the seventy was our speaker
for sacrament meeting and he gave the most touching talk about the
Savior in our lives. Then in the evening we had a devotional and Sherri
Dew spoke...yeah, she's amazing! Such an inspiring teacher. So, Easter
was amazing. Definately the best Easter I've ever had, because I was
surrounded by people who love the Savior and it really strengthend my
testimony. Also, this week we get general conference! I'm so excited.
I'm so glad I'm in the MTC for conference. Isn't it neat how many people
responded to the prophet's call just last conference 6 months ago. The
announcement from last conference changed my life and strenthened my
testimony so much in my Heavenly Father answering my prayers. Now, here I
am just one conference later ACTUALLY in the MTC, having responded to
the call of our prophet. NEAT! Kodak moment for sure ;) So, I hope you
all have as great of experiences with conference this week and I know I
will.
I'm learning so much more about how to be a better
teacher. It's amazing how inspired my teachers are and how amazing the
Sunday and Tuesday night devotionals are. A couple days ago we got to
hear a talk by Michael T. Ringwood of the seventy. He said some great
things, but one thing I loved was he quoted the First Presidency and
what they've said about missionary work, "More happiness awaits you then
you have ever experienced." That's exactly how I felt last conference,
and then when I got my call, and then when I went through the
temple, and then when I got to the MTC, and still I can say that "fire
is burning." I haven't lost excitement for this work, because this is
the ONLY work where it's outcome is ALWAYS good and eternal. I had A LOT
of friends/family trying to bring me down before I left. Saying stuff
like, "Why would you go on a mission if you're a girl so you don't have
to" or "Missions are so hard, are you sure you are capable" or "Don't
get you're hopes up if you end up hating it while you're out there" etc.
Well, I just have to say that that is the most selfish attitude I had
ever heard. This work has NOTHING to do with you or me. This is the work
of the Master, who's debt we can never repay. Why not give him our all?
Yes this work can be hard, and I've already struggled a lot with my
weaknesses, but I also haven't been this happy in my life. The answer is
no, I'm not capable, but I'm also not alone, and I have faith the Lord
will help me. I'm SO EXCITED to get to Texas already. I already know
it's going to be tough, I'll struggle with the language, people will
reject me, I'll be tired and worn out, but I'm still so excited to go.
Plus, I REALLY want to apply everything I've learned here. 1 week and a
half left! I'm so excited for the heat and humidity! The people! My
companions! My Mission President! The culture! The learning experiences
and the spiritual guidence I'm going to experience. Man, I'm so lucky I
get to be a missionary.
Everything is good, except I'm so behind in Spanish as
of this week. I had tons of meeings, etc. because of my calling, so I
had to miss so much language study. Oh well, I'll catch up, and the Lord
will provide a way. I've had some awesome experiences with teaching.
What's really cool is that even though it's ALL in another language you
can really feel the spirit. I only pray in Spanish, and read(well
trying) in Spanish and it's so cool to feel the spirit, even though it's
in a different language. Even though I'm learning a new language all
our teachers still enphisize that the most important language is the
language of the Spirit. During one of our devotionals they asked us,
"what do you want to be able to say you have done by the end of your
mission?" I just want to be able to say I did my best, "fought the good
fight, and kept the faith."
I love you all! Thanks again for your influence in my life. Have a loverly, conference weekend!!!!!!
Con Amor,
Hermana Salcido