MTC 6

A week from today I will be across the world. A week from today I'll be put into a country I know very little about. A week from today I will be surrounded by the French language praying to understand at least 20% of what they're saying This is my last week in America for 16.5 months. But a week from today I will have the same power of the Holy Ghost to comfort me. I will still have the Savior who understands what I am going through perfectly. I will still have a loving Father in Heaven ready to hear and answer my prayers. A week from today I will still have the love and support of my family. And that is everything I could ask for and more. Learning a new language, the gift of tongues, my spiritual growth, etc. are just the by-products of bringing others unto Christ. This isn't about me. This isn't for me. It's for those I will serve and the rest is just extra. At this moment I can't picture life in any other way.

This is where I'm supposed to be. My mission is going to require everything I have. No, it's not going to be easy, but as Elder Holland has said:

"Salvation is not a cheap experience. It was never easy! It was never easy for Him (the Lord) why would it be easy for us? It is supposed to require something of our soul. Someone a lot greater and a lot better asked [the same questions we do] a long time ago. Asked if there was an easier way."

I don't know where everyone is in their life or what is going on in the world, but DON'T GIVE UP! You are to "stand shoulder to shoulder with the best life there ever was SO STAND TALL!" 

This past week has been a roller-coaster, but I guess every week feels like that. We have an "investigator" with a "baptismal date" so in our lesson yesterday we went over the interview questions with her and it was one of the most spiritual moments I've had here. It was such a neat experience! As she answered each question (in French of course) I could just feel the spirit and I couldn't help but be in awe as she related all the things she had learned from ME and my companion and her testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. Of course I can't wait for the real deal, but it was amazing, nonetheless. The gift of tongues is real and I was almost brought to tears by the fact that I was able to sit there and understand clearly what was being said. I have found that I spend less translating in my head when others speak. Speaking can still be challenging but like I said, the gift of tongues is so real and SO cool. 

I have a firm knowledge that this, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the true church. I know that I am a daughter of God and have a glorious message to share. I know that it is by His power that I can do all things. I know that nothing happens by accident. I know all of my experiences in my life have helped prepare me to be where I am today and I am excited to see how these next 18 months will prepare me for the rest of my life. 

Much love for all!

Soeur Stahura 

PS: I got my travel plans on Friday! My companion and I leave Sunday. We will fly from Salt Lake City to San Francisco, San Francisco to New Zealand, and New Zealand to New Caledonia. The flight from San Fran to New Zealand is like 15-16 hours. Yikes!! Should be fun!