Traveling MTC to Quito

Excerpts from letter from Sue, dated 25 Sept. 2006, as she was departing the MTC and en route to Ecuador.

I’m still in the San Francisco airport. My first time in CA…We’ve talked to more people now. I really just can’t feel comfortable studying or even writing about spiritual experiences in my journal as there are so many people around that probably need the truth. The trick is that a lot don’t realize they are looking or should be.

Problems w/others’ flights to Dallas has been a blessing to us. We’ve all talked w/Henry from Kansas for a while; his flight is an hour more wait than ours even. Elder Howell first started conversing, then I joined in, providing an explanation of the Book of Mormon (Dad, I used your "Do you like to read?" line J and a BoM pass-along card with a commitment for him to call. Later, Sis. Hickey taught and testified more about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and gave him one from her bag to have, along with the challenge to read and talk to representatives in his area about questions, etc. She even worked in talking about modern prophets and general conference.

I know Heavenly Father listens and responds, just as we must do when we pray and when He sends the Spirit to speak to our hearts and minds. I really wanted to talk to someone about the truth (this was before we talked with Henry, too.) So, I prayed a simple prayer that He would send someone to me with whom I could talk about the truth. Not three minutes later, a woman came and sat near where I was standing, (watching for people, targeting them with smiles, etc.) returned my smile and we began speaking. One of her first questions, as she saw my tag was, "who are you with?" A good 10-15 min. discussion of God and His will and role in our lives then ensued. She had to run off quickly to catch her flight and I didn’t get her a pass-along card quick enough, but there was still some work done. She commented on the peace I clearly have and the point I’m at - of knowledge, surety for myself - and mentioned that few people her age (50) have really reached that point. I hope that as more questions and trials come in her life, she will remember the young "Mormon missionary" that had found peace and surety at such a young age (by her estimation). I know our prayers are answered. We must start with faith (or merely a desire) and go all the way with the actions of faith. After talking to another man for awhile, I talked to him about questions, in our lives, and the gospel as I offered him a Mormon.org pass-along card, which he politely declined. It kind of is just fine to be rejected, as long as I know I’ve tried. At the same time, I mourn for his missed chance to find the truth now. People aren’t always ready, though, and they have the blessed gift of agency.

Elder Ballard said many amazing things (at devotional at MTC). Maybe I’ll copy what I wrote about it from my journal sometime. He reminded us that we are still engaged in a war. As missionaries, we are going out to the front lines for a war for the souls of the children of God. I want to remind all that this is an active struggle for all of us day to day, not only as individuals in our hearts, but as we show forth good examples, as we open our mouths, as we teach seminary classes and serve in the Elders’ quorum. It is a very active war even now and all of our righteous works strike the forces of Satan. O yeah, isn’t it interesting that all the armour of God is defensive except for the sword of the Spirit. That’s why we must be led by the Spirit as we teach, our eyes cannot see the battle plan and we need the Spirit of God to lead us in the strike. I think that’s interesting spiritual cud to chew. (Hmm…I say weird things when I’m back in engles).

Okay, back to Elder Ballard’s visit. One thing he mentioned many times was leaving behind our fears and doubts and trading them for faith in the Lord and His capacity to enable us in this, His work. It made me think of D&C 6:36 that we memorized that one night for home evening in Arkansas. (Good lesson, padres!) That is definitely something I’m seeking to do as I head out to the field. We already see that, as amazing as the MTC is, the real world is definitely a tough cookie—and a lot scarier than cookies, too. He said "Go forward with faith in the Lord. As we draw near unto Him, He will draw near unto us…It’s a matter of faith, courage and changing of your hearts." (I think those are his quotes, if they’re not, sorry…) He exhorted us to "learn through your obedience and commitment to listen to the Spirit. Learn and prepare to be a gospel teacher in every way you can. You will receive impressions- if you follow them, you will see, wherever you are, that our Father in Heaven knows His children and Christ is the Shepherd." Yeah. That’s it. That’s what He does. How have you seen it? I think I’ve even seen it today..

Okay, one of my favorite parts was Elder Ballard’s advice on how to be rid of despairing moments. We need to focus in on the Atonement of Christ, to come to believe in the marvel of that sacrifice. "If it were not for Him, we wouldn’t have hope in this life or in the world to come." "When I’m tired, (in terms of physically or maybe other ways too) I pause, pick-up the scriptures and think of Him." (And think of Elder Ballard being able to keep up the busy Apostolic schedule). The Atonement really was the most important event in the history of the world. As we come to better understand His sacrifice, we are changed by His love and our gratitude and love in return. We seek to be worthy of His goodness in our lives, to feel His redeeming love everyday. What the Restoration does is allow us to access the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ by living His Gospel. That is why we are so grateful to Joseph Smith; with the Restoration, we realize the blessings of the Atonement. It’s amazing! …Even before Elder Ballard said a word, the thought "there’s a prophet of God in this room tonight" came to my mind, followed by an amazingly powerful confirmation from the Spirit, as that sense of light within my being that is a witness of truth to me. What a blessing it is to have the word of the Lord for us today. How wonderful a day is general conference! Hay profetas Hoy endia Que Maravilloso!!!

At the end, Elder Ballard invoked a blessing from heaven upon us, in the name of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood and the Holy Apostleship. He blessed us that we might know Christ, with the capacity to forget ourselves in the work, with peace in our hearts, with health and strength, with soaring spirits, and with a blessing upon our families and loved ones. As he left us with this blessing the Spirit was so so strong that it was almost tangible in the room. It was wonderful. Afterward, we all stood as he left and returned his waves (and thumbs-up). So many sang along "Armies of Helaman" with the postlude and I witnessed the most reverent, ordered exodus of thousands of missionaries from that room ever. Such a spirit definitely brings us to quiet dignity. It was all such a witness to me of the Apostles and prophets today, of this grand work, and the power of the Spirit. That night, the Spirit just lingered with such strength. Have you ever felt you could just burst because you KNOW it’s true and you just want to shout/sing with angels that all may hear and know for themselves? You know those times your heart is just so full that you fall to your knees in gratitude to our Father in Heaven for His goodness, mercy ane constant aid? Yeah, I love those moments. Precious and rare. Worth remembering always. Share the joy. J J J Hna Christie Sue Henrichsen

I love U’s!

(almost…tomorrow in Quito)