Oupa!!!

2/21/12

OUPA MINHA FAMILIA!!!!

I LOVED all the letters I received through e-mail just now and through dearelder this whole week!!! You are all such a wonderful support to me, Me amo voces!!!!

For all the sisters out there who are thinking (or not thinking) of serving a mission, do it. It is incredible. I have changed so much already. If you have a willing heart, the Lord will help you become who He would have you become. It is such a joy to become even more converted to this gospel and have my testimony shine through and testify with strength and see others being touched with the Spirit and come unto Christ. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!! I love learning Portuguese. I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am learning to Rely on Him more and more and it is making all the difference. When we truly submit our will to Him, He works miracles through us. This week I have felt that in my learning and growing curve I am on a plateau. It has been really frustrating, but I have prayed and worked harder and I am starting to break through by making and keeping goals. i have stepped up my language and personal study, and my comps and I are now only talking Portuguese when we are in missionary clothes. It is awesome!!! i am so grateful for the examples of my comps- they are so amazing. They have such wonderful insights. We all are very diligent with being obedient and striving to have and listen to the spirit during our lessons. One of our teachers, Irmao Fife, started a new goal/pump-up phrase for our district- "Exigir Excellence"- "Demand Excellence". Life isn't about being normal or mediocre, life is about being awesome and demanding of ourselves to continue to grow every day of our lives. Demand excellence of yourself in everything you do!

It is very interesting being with 19 year old elders at the MTC. Jack, you would love them and think they were hilarious. And they are funny, and I do learn a lot from them, but it is interesting :).

Welcome home cousin Andrew!!!! I so wish I could see you, but alas we will have to wait another 17 months (I can't believe i have already been on my mission for a month!! Time is flying!) And welcome home to my good friend Shaun Livingston! You guys are awesome!

Sunday we watched 'The Testaments' for our weekly film and every time a scene came on with Jesus Christ in Jerusalem or Galilee I teared up and was filled with the spirit. I really miss Jerusalem. I am so grateful for my experience there- it has given me so much amazing insight here at the MTC. I feel like I understand Jesus Christ more. My relationship with Him has grown so much. I love Him so much. I know He loves each and every one of you with His whole heart, as does our Father in Heaven. I testify that He lives. He came to the Americas. He appeared to Joseph Smith. He is coming again!!! My heart is filled with love and gratitude- more than I can ever explain. If we have a desire and ask, He will change us to become like Him. We must do everything in our power to return to Him. And to bring our loved ones with us. I am so blessed to have all of my family strong members of the church. It is incredible to listen and see my comps talk about their families. What hardships. My heart breaks for them. Thank you so much for your strength, power, and examples. I pray for you all everyday. I am so excited for the wedding coming up!!! And baby Tingey!!! I pray for him/her too. Brandon, I am so grateful that you will soon be apart of our family.

I never have enough time to say all that I want to say, but just know that I am working as hard as I can. I love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and I know that they live. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Read it every single day. It has power beyond our comprehension. I love you so much!!! Demand excellence!!! Rely on the Lord.

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!! LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU!!!!!

Irma Tingey