Week 4 "The Field is white and ready to Harvest"

"The Field is White Ready to Harvest" - haha literally!
This week has been amazing! Saturday is snowed and yes I was beyond excited! 

Sunday my companion and I taught the district lesson, we also had a funny devotional. They asked all missionaries apart of the new age to stand... many stood up; they asked how many are the first sibling of the family to serve... many stood up; they asked all the sisters age 19 to stand up... MANY stood up; then they asked how many are learning a new language... about 90% of the room of 3,000 people stood up. It is amazing how much trust the Lord has in us, and how much trust we have in him. 

You won't gain weight in the MTC!
My "chicken Sandwich" Has
NO Chicken ... again! hahaha

Monday I got another bloody nose, it was such a funny and spiritual day. We have to practice our spanish often, so in class I was askedy the simple wuestion in spanish "why was Jesus Christ crucified?" I began to try because it was such a beautiful question but so difficult to answer! TO think of all the reasons Jesus Christ died for us... I was so overwhelmed with love and gratitude, 

I am so grateful to be serving a mission. 18 months of my life is the LEAST I can give, I look forward to spending more time from my life to serving the Lord and our savior :) 

I sang in the choir!!! And that also means I am singing this sunday for easter! There are about 600 missionaries in the choir... yes 50% of them are sisters! wow it will be an amazing experience to have easter in the MTC. there will be abour 3,000 missionaries in one big room(no that is not even every missionarie haha) and we will all be taking the sacrament that will be passed by 100 elders... It will be one of the most spiritual things I will do and something I will never forget! 

On tuesday my teacher also read us an email that the missionary department has now allowed everyone to email anyone and the time to email has been extened(depending on your mission president!) so anyone is more than welcome to email me, but keep in mind I love you and I am sorry if I don't respond to everyone! 

Friends from HOME Sister Wright (Japan) & Sister Curry (Canada) 

Friends from HOME Sister Reddish (Philippines) & Elder Finnie (Utah)

Wednesday was my ONE MONTH MARK! WOOHOO!!! one month closer to being home! even though I am "enjoying to the end" of my mission, i still look forward to the day i get to see my family again :) We also had a new district arrive, and yes because of my Coordinating Sister assignment I was able to welcome them in and love them. Its crazy to think I was in that EXACT position 4 weeks previous.. wow how the time is flying by fast. 

My Sis is going to TEXAS & I'm going to WASHINGTON Y'all

I can not wait to get in the field and to really learn so much more! Thursday I passed by Ashley while she was emailing mom, so i ran in and gave her a hug... I started to cry because we were looking at pictures of the family and we miss and love them so much! Note to my brothers: stop growing up so fast and becoming more handsome! GAH! jk <3 

We got our STATE shirts!  Hermana Ricks, McBride, my sis & me

I also began to struggle with recieving revelation for myself and for my investigators... Hermano Alexander, my teacher, noticed I was having a hard time during class. He took me outside and talked.. wow the MTC teachers are so amazing, the help me so much! I went back inside and remembered a scripture I had read earlier in the day.. Doctrina y Convenios 18: 15-17. Padre Celestial ama nos. (don't judge my spanish ahha.) Heavenly Father loves us. He will rejoice if we bring even one soul unto Christ! That comforted me so much because I don't want to fail my Padre Celestial... I don't want to waste 18 months!!!!! I know the Lord is preparing people out in the world for each missionary to teach, whether it is to plant a seed of knowledge of the gospel, or to help someone become baptized and progress! and Friday.. P-day! Today is amazing, I saw so many faces today from home!!!!! I'll be sending picutres each week :)

Friend from HOME Elder Palmore (Colorado)

Embarrassing moment of the week: Our "investigator" Jose has a drinking problem. We committed him to(sorry this isnt proper spanish because i dont know how to put the accents above letters!) "Orara de Dios por ayuda a pero tomar?" which that actually means "Will you pray to God for help to drink?" HAHAHA I meant to say Para(to stop) but instead I said Pero(but). He understood the question and responded "no tomar? Si." ALSO this coming wednesday My districe gets to be hosts for the new missionaries!!! I get to welcome a few new sisters :)

It is important to know the docrite first before you try to learn it in spanish... But this week I have accomplished to memorize the missionary purpose, and also the first vision. BOTH in spanish! :) only a few days left before I enter the field and really start teaching and helping people!

Some things I learned this week:

**"I have engraven thee on the palms of my hands." -The Savior

**Repentance is a journey, not a one time thing.

**We can repent or pull the shades down on our open window to heaven.

**Do as the Savior said "Come follow me." he has made a simple path for us to follow.

**"You will have time to rest... in 18 months/2 years! Trust me, your mother will let you rest!"

**We as missionaries hold the authority to preach. Dont be shy! "you have been called by a prophet of God. You can do this!"

**"Your LIGHT will react according to how you CHARGE it."

For those sisters and brothers about to enter the MTC, or waiting to.. Honestly read and study Preach My Gospel, read the book of mormon, and know that you ahve a firm testimony! Work out any unresolved problems. If YOU want to serve the Lord HE will make a way. I know that is so true :) The MTC is an amazing place to grow and learn... If ANYONE has questions or anything send me a letter and that way I have more time to respond :) 

I wish i could write more but I have little time! SORRY! Love you all so much! Hasta Luego!  ~  Hermana Kelsey Jaeger

Week 3 MTC "I'm a Coordinating Sister, similar to a Zone Leader"

We love mustaches!  Happy St. Patricks Day
   This week has been amazing! I am officially half way done at the MTC. Time is flying by super fast

I put these on everyones desks, they loved it - Elder Moody

Lessons with the "investigators" are becoming better. More teaching by the spirit and understanding what their concerns and questions are. The spanish is coming! Still slow though haha

Sunday was amazing as always. One of the things I learned from the devotional was that Jesus should be our cornerstone and the gospel should be our keystone. Most people around the world are searching for the truth but know not where to find it! So we must open our mouth and not be afraid :)

The spirit was able to be in the room as we were teaching our "investigator" on monday, and he prayed at the end! So amazing, because he is a difficult one to teach and help!

Elder Joel Finnie from home!!

Tuesdays devotional was awesome too. the Spirit is just like Salt... You can't explain what it tastes/feels like, people must try it for themselves! 

I love MI COMPANERA!

I also got assigned.... to be a coordinating sister!!! It is the girl version of a zone leader! I am super excited :) I get to spend time with the new sisters/elders that come into our zone each week. One of the new sisters I actually worked with in the San Diego temple for a day! Such a small world. I love being a missionary and spending my time helping others! I still feel like a baby here, but now it is time to help the new babies. I always joke saying sleeping in is 6:30 haha but seriously it is. 

My companion and I put a well prepared lesson together.  But by the time we asked about himself his questions I ended up teaching about something else!  About the Book of Mormon and the gospel.  It wasn't very clear but I did my best.  When we teach we can only bring our little missionary planner and our spanish scriptures.  It is important to always be prepared.  I shared a scripture from 2 Nephi 32:3.  In the moment I had no idea what it meant, but I felt I should share it.  Once we returned to class I read the scripture in english, and was surprised!  It was a perfect scripture for Jose' and the lesson we taught!  I cant wait to come home and share all these scriptures with you.

Elder Escobar again

Oh funny...remember when we drove by the MTC before we were dropped off and we saw a building close to the road and we said wouldn't it be funny if you lived there.. Well Ash and I actually do live in that exact building!  I'm almost in the exact window/spot too hahaha!

I went tp the Temple today the other day.  I miss the SD temple.  I love this gospel and the spirit is real!  Sorry I dont have much to say, the timer on the computer is scaring me!  I love you all, thank you again for all the love and support!  I return home in 17 months!!!  WOOHOO!!!  

LOVE - Hermana Kelsey Jaeger

Met Elder Dalton before going to the MTC.  Look at our photo bomber in the middle!

Week 2 MTC "Comforting, sincere blessing from my Zone Leader"

District 20D Hermanas love our Zone Leaders

OH wow how the time is flying by! I am on week 3 right now... I am almost half way done at the MTC! I am learning so much. I have to remember to not freak out when a lesson with an "investigator" goes bad, because this is traning! We all go to the MTC to learn! Well, so much has happened this week... Sunday's are the best, the spirit is a beautiful thing. We had someone from the MTC department talk to us for the devotional that night..  it was about The Triangle. I will take a picture of it and send it next week.

COUSINS!!!  With 3,000 Choir member we always manage to find each other 

The other day was tough. I was studying in class at night and my nose started bleeding BAD!  So I ran to the bathroom and it was pouring and flowing out.  I started to panic and shake.  All the girls ran to help me.  All I remember is lying down on Hermana McBrides lap on the floor.  After that I don't remember anything.  I went to the office pale and week.  It was late so the Dr was not in.  I laid on the couch helpless and shaking, tissues everywhere.  They contacted my Zone Leaders who are amazing Elders!  They rushed to put their clothes back on because they were already in bed!  Elder Blackburn gave me such a comforting and sincere blessing.  He was a little shaky and I thanked him for helping me.  This is happening daily but I have faith things will get better.  The worst part was that the MTC water was shut off for maintenance because of construction!  Elder Blackburn managed to find some ice and a glass of water.  It was so scary because I didn't know what to do or remember much.  And my mom wasn't there to be by my side.  But everyone here is so so so kind and helpful!

Elder Blackburn leaving for the field  ~  Finally, a meal I can eat.  With Hermana Butterfield

The next day I went to the clinic to see the Dr.  The Dr was telling me and showing me ways to control the bleeding.  He twisted the tissue and shoved it up his nose.  Pinching the outside .  As he is showing me his nose started bleeding!! hahaha.  It was pretty bad but we thought it was funny.  He made the nurse take care of me while he took care of himself he was so embarrassed.

Doing what we do best EVERYDAY ~ STUDYING

Tuesdays are the best too because we have devotional again, this time we hade a member of the 70 speak to us. It was powerful... One thing I remember him saying is to write down what you think life will be like in 18 months... I started to laugh and almost cry because 18 months sounds so short! I wrote down that I will love my mission, I will be heading home and probably crying. I know in 18 months my life will be changed so much, and I will help other people change their life! I really needed to hear this because I need to stop focusing on what I am doing wrong or what I messed up on. I need to remember how far I have come and how far I am wanting to go :) The other devotional was Marcos Aidukaitis fro the 70.  He was funny but serious.  He talked about the 3 degrees of glory!  To make a decision which one we want to be in, and write it in BIG letters in our journals!  I did that :) CELESTIAL! Once you make a decision then all other small decisions will be simple.  I love devotionals.  It's always exactly what I need to hear.

This is just Choir! ~ Sunday walk to the Temple

I got a package!  ~  Nice day for a 'picnic'

A mission is not for everyone, yes that is very true... But if you desire to serve a mission for the Lord then YOU can do it. HE will help YOU to help OTHERS. I have the best teachers, they always make sure we are doing okay... and I always hear the question "Is there anything I can do for you?" I love the MTC! I also love reading the scriptures. I have never been one who enjoys reading, or studying, or class... But being on a mission is changing that. I don't want to put my scriptures down, I don't want to sleep because I could be spending those 7 hours doing more important things! But they keep saying Exact Obedience, so I have to remember to do that haha. 

I spy Ashley  ~  Do you?

It is crazy to see districts in my zone starting to leave for the mission field.... I will soon be in that same position... I love wednesdays because that is when all the new BABIES arrive! haha we call them babies because they are so young and new like we were.   I have seen many framiliar faces here in the MTC, so to anyone who is reporting before April 9th I will keep my eye out for you and I will find you!... in a non creepy way hahaha I love you all so much! Thank you for the love and support :)

SO MANY BOOKS!!  Yes, we use them all :)

Food is blah. Showers are fine, I wake up early to take a long shower haha. I love my companion, it is important to have a good connection. Get a good rest, the days are long but the weeks are short!  Use study time wisely. ALWAYS pray. Ask questions. Prepare as much as you can before you come to the MTC, you wont have any time to focus on yourself. And most importantly: Love your family ALL the time, they are the ones who will support you every day your are out in the field. They will be the ones who you will leave and return home to.

    

Almost a month down! I can't wait to teach real investigators!!!

                                                                       

Love, Hermana Jaeger

My schedule ~ Study time

Week 1 MTC ~ "Its going to change me and strengthen my life"

Hola-

Last week this is what I memorized:  “Las familias son una parte central del plan de Dios.” (Families are a central part of Gods plan) 

I am so grateful for the love, support and sacrifice that has been made in my behalf. 

(Me and my COUSIN)

We honestly sacrifice so much to be a missionary, but it is so wroth it!  This mission is going to change and strengthen my life.  I learned that the way we serve our mission is the way we live our lives.  If you serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength, then it will be harder to go home than it was to leave home.

(My District and Amazing Zone Leaders)

(Me and Friends from home Elder Finnie and Sister Wright)

(So excited to see more of my friends Elder Escobar and Elder Holding)

Always remember that it is the Lords Mission and not ours.  So remember to be selfless not selfish.  No one can ever deny the amazing spirit here at the MTC.  I became homesick the first few days, but then when Sunday came, I was renewed of why I chose to serve a mission.  I couldn't think of a better way to serve my Lord than through serving him in my fullest capacity, giving him my everything.

(That's where I'm going ... Kennewick Washington)
Prepare now.  There is no better time for anything than to prepare now!!! Once you enter the Mission don’t look back, look forward because that is where you and your heavenly Father wants you to be. No one ever said it would be easy, they all say “it gets better”, but really I feel we just get used to it.  I love serving a mission.  There is no better way to be closer to God, besides the temple.

(Yes, I was happy to go for a walk across the street to the temple)

Always say your prayers!  Learning a new language is difficult.  Be strong and be prepared. I got a comforting message that it comes a little bit everyday.  Not all at once. I can testify that thru prayer anything is possible.  The spirit is amazing.  We must first understand the language of the spirit and then the real language comes to us.  I learned this also, “Obedience brings forth blessings, but exact obedience brings forth miracles.”  I love this saying!  It is so true!

(Yes I did fall asleep .. It was a long class)

I have such a strong testimony and love for the gospel. 

Amor, Hermana Kelsey Jaeger

(I get to see my best friend (sister) every day.  
God knew we needed to be near each other in the MTC)