My teachers at the MTC

 I am leaving to go to Sweden in four days, I have loved my time at the MTC, it is so hard to believe its only been 2 months.  I have done more growing and improving here then I have done in the past five years.  It's inspiring seeing how many people come through the MTC. 

 I have come to realize the magnificent size and responsibility associated with my calling but at the same time I have learned as much and have tried to prepare myself.  I feel I'm ready and it's mostly through teachers and others whom I know that, like me, have been called by the Almighty God to help in his work. I'm humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve the Lord.  The above picture is of my awesome teachers here at the MTC and former missionaries that served in Sweden.

Thanks to everyone who's written to me.  Your letters keep me going.

11/8/12 I can't wait for Sweden!!!!

So, this week in my reading I am in Helaman, I've been reading through the story of Nephi and Lehi, Reading the missionary stories of the ancient prophets is definitely inspiring.  When I read stories of them and Prophets like Ammon and how easily they look to the spirit for guidance it truly is inspiring.  This last week I was teaching a lesson to Leo (A Filipino who moved to Sweden played by one of my teachers).  My companion and I spent forever preparing the lesson and finding the perfect scriptures for him.  Right before we went in I was reading in Helaman about trusting in the spirit and his advice.  I am quick to turn to the spirit when I need help with things such as learning, or long term help.  But I realized in order to strengthen my faith and hope I have to become so confident in the Spirit that it is the first place I turn when spur of the moment decisions have to be made.  I've made a goal of listening to the spirit's guidance in high pressure situations.  If I continue to rely on myself and my own wits its only going to get me so far.  I may get to know my investigators but the Lord knows what they need and what they need to hear from me.  When we went into this lesson I talked to my companion about relying more on the Spirit and being more concerned with relaying what the spirit feels they should know then teaching them a lesson point to point we have laid out.  It was our greatest lesson by far.  The spirit is so strong when you trust it and bear witness of the words it delivers to your mouths.  As we learn to trust in the spirit it will trust us with more and more important tasks until we can truly become a servant of our God.  e didn't hit half of the points on our lesson plan but we got our goal for that lesson achieved and so much more.  Before the lesson Leo didn't see how the Book of Mormon applied to him and now he hasn't allowed himself to miss reading even one day of the week.  If you trust in the spirit, it will then trust in you, don't expect the blessings and guidance to flow in before you have done the work for them, and having faith is work, and sometimes its very hard to have that faith, but it is worth it. 

     This week I got to be a Host and welcome new missionaries to the MTC.  It was both a tragedy and a blessing be there.  I watched many families, fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents saying goodbye to someone they love and care about for 18-24 months.  One missionary I welcomed and showed around the MTC grounds was from South Virginia.  As he was done saying goodbye to his Mother and Sister the Mom looked at me and said "Thank you Elder, Seeing so many of you here willing to serve Christ and help others to do the same makes me know my son will be alright".  That statement and the fact that there were over 400 (a relatively low number for the average week) new missionaries that arrived here this Wednesday makes me think of the 60.000 strong work force that is currently serving the Lord.  Every week more come.  This is an inspiring work and the best and happiest a man could be a part of, I am so happy to be serving.

   So, I leave to Sweden in a week or so, the reality is already coming over me.  I am ready to go out and teach the word of Christ to anyone who has been prepared to listen.  I love the Gospel and I have seen how it has blessed me and how it helps in all I do.

    Love,.

           Äldste Moe

Hurricane Sandy back home in NY

So, being in the MTC during Hurricane Sandy was terrifying and really brought to light the nature of the MTC.  I have no idea what is going on in the outside world, and this is very good because it limits distractions but when we hear of something going on and don't know how events are unfolding its kind of nerve-wracking.  It was good hearing from my family every day and from the pictures I saw it looks like the city might take a while to recuperate.  I'm glad to hear that deaths caused from Sandy weren't a huge amount but I'm so sad for all those that lost loved ones.  I just can't believe the city is going through this terrible disaster and I feel so isolated from what's happening.  I understand the reason for this but I pray for all those people that are suffering.
    So, Halloween at the MTC was cool, not many people dressed up but the sisters in my district all wore the Avenger's color's.  It blew my mind and made me so happy.  They're all pretty cool.  I wore my Iron man light under my white shirt but just for breakfast and to take pictures with all the Sister Avengers.  
   This week I taught with a Norwegian teacher, it was cool being able to plan and study together in the language and understand what the other is saying.  I went in nervous because I would be speaking a language, I've only known for a month, with someone speaking a different language to someone who will speak only Swedish and no English.  It is crazy that we were able to bring our message across so clearly.  The spirit really does guide.  When you open your mouth not knowing what is coming out as long as you have faith it will be the right thing.  Not only that but it will be in the right language.  This last Tuesday we had Elder Clarke come and talk with us for devotional.  He talked about being a successful missionary.  He spoke a lot about building relationships and on how you cant bring sheep into the fold or even know they're missing unless you know them.  He talked about how its important to build trust between the Bishop and yourself because that is how you gain his trust when working with non-members.  
    I am so excited to be here right at the beginning of the wave of missionaries that is soon to come.  It's crazy once you realize the scope and importance of the work we're all a part of, it makes me wonder what my role could possibly be.  But I know that if I work hard and press on with faith the Lord can cause many great things to happen with my hands.  I am excited for that and strive daily for the Holy Ghost's presence and teaching ability.  Teaching and learning here is amazing but it only gets me more excited for the field.  I can't wait for Sweden.
Love,
Aldste Moe