February 18, 2013
Dear people from the outside world,
Thank you to no one for e-mailing me back! haha nice. It's ok, I forgive all of you! Mostly because you all sent me chocolate. Let's see, this week has been pretty good!! Thank you to everyone for all the Valentine's Day mail!! That was exciting! And thanks to all your cookies, cinnamon bears, more cookies, and candy, I have gained exactly 37 pounds. I shared none of it. Jokeslang!! I shared all of it! And I did not turn into java the hut! (don't worry Aaron!)
I guess my district has a real problem with focusing. This week, two sub teachers taught us about using the Lord's time wisely. This is something really cool that one of the brothers shared with us.
People you rely on PreMTC: Family, friends, parents, Aaron, Brothers, Bishop, Institute, general conference, roomamtes, sister, ward leaders, y.w. leaders
People you rely on in the MTC: Branch President, Companions, District Teachers, Other missionaries, Heavenly Father
People you rely on in the field: companion, YOU, The Lord
People who rely on you in the field: Investigators, Ward members, converts, Future members, Your future family, People from home, Future investigator's family, Future missionaries-their investigators, Your family
So basically, the moral of the lists are that you need to rely on you. Sometimes it's really hard to focus and such at the MTC because there's a lot going on, and my district is filled with really nice, and funny people, and it's fun to visit and hang out and laugh. It's hard to work for 16 hours a day. I've never studied for anything this much in my entire life! I think that if I would have taken school this seriously, there is no way I would have gotten less than a 4.0. But in the MTC, there isn't any grades. I'm not going to hurt my teachers' reviews if I don't work hard. But, I'm going to hurt myself if I don't work hard. I used to think that I was a pretty decently self motivated person... HA. Hopefully this is one of those weaknesses that will be made strong (Alma 26:12).
A sister sub asked us some really soul searching questions, one in particular that really pierced my my soul was, "How are you using His time?" That got me thinking. In the mission, they say that you are on the Lord's time. It's stated in like the first page of the white bible. But then, I was thinking to myself, "Isn't all time the Lord's time?" So, my question that I want to leave you with this week is, How are you using the Lord's time? Are you using it to edify yourself and others? Are you using it to serve your family, friends, loved ones, and those souls in need? Are you using it to further your education, or make meaningful memories and bonds with the important people in your life? and finally, Would the Lord be pleased with how you are using His time? I know that before my mission, I wasted a lot of precious time. I wasted it on sleeping, and watching TV, on being on FB for far too many hours, being grumpy, and doing things that doesn't further the work of the Lord in anyway. This thought wasn't meant to call anyone to repentance or anything mean like that, mostly, this was more of a review for me! I love this gospel because it lets me know that I can do a little bit better everyday!
Some interesting things I learned about the Philippines this week: -In Tacloban, they mostly don't have toilets -It rains a lot, and I will propably have to walk through sewage -Most people in Tacloban (out of the cities) don't have furniture in their homes, so we will have to Asian squat when teaching lessons -I'm going to learn Waray Waray and Tagolog!!!!!! -there was an earthquake there this week? So a lot of our mission might be serving in that capacity -They eat mice -prob no running water -bucket showers -they have electricity!!! (hopefully) The funny thing is, is that I'm still super excited to go!!! I have this new love for the people of the Philippines that I have never had for them before, and I'm so thankful that the Lord has given me this capacity to love these people!! With every lesson I teach in Cebuano, and with every Cebuano scripture I read, I understand the language more and more! I'm amazed that I can say full sentences! (Even though I have to think about it a bit before I speak) And If I wanted to, I could probably have a full (but simple) hour conversation in Cebuano!
I love how the language sounds coming out of my mouth, and I love how fun the words are! I am really good friends with some sisters in my zone who are Filippino, and I love them! They tell me all about the Philippines, and they teach me songs from the Philippines, and tell me stories about the Philippines. Pretty much, I'm obsessed with the Philippines!
Oh! I made a really good friend named Sister Latai, and I feel so bad for her because she never gets mail. She hasn't gotten anything yet. If you all wrote her, she would love it so much!!! This is her address! Sister Latai MTC Mailbox #387 PHI-TAC 0312 200 N 500E Provo, UT 84604 She's Samoan, and she is serisouly the happiest, sweetest person I've ever met in my life! And she's super hilarious!! I know that she would love to get some love!!
Well, I hope all of you have such a great week!! I'll send more pictures next week!!
Kinakansingkasing,
Sister Bingham
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