Week 2: Finishing Home MTC!

Hello everyone! I just finished my first 2 weeks of the online MTC at home. It has been such an amazing experience so far and my testimony for the Lord and His work has grown so much. I have been blessed with such amazing teachers and such an amazing district. Currently there are 17 missionaries in our group, but they are going to split us up once we get to the Provo MTC, sadly. We have all agreed that we are going to protest to stay together and be in one class somehow. Hopefully we can make it happen! Having such amazing missionaries in my district has made this experience so much easier and more enjoyable for me. I have learned so much from each and every one of them and they all have such strong testimonies. I love how everyone is willing to share their thoughts and experiences during class because it allows everyone to feel more comfortable and learn so much more. 

I also got lucky enough to have an amazing companion! His name is Elder Wesemann and he is from West Valley City, Utah. He is the oldest of 5 adopted children and has a Southeast Asian background. Elder Wesemann is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and he has such a strong testimony and love for Heavenly Father and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is such a hard worker and really pushes me to do my best as we learn and grow as missionaries together.

While this week has been amazing for me, there has also been some times of worry, stress, and struggle. It has not been easy adjusting to the schedule as a missionary, especially for me. I think everyone knows how much I love my sleep. It has also been hard thinking about leaving my family and all my friends and starting this new chapter of life. While I am excited to eventually go to Cambodia in a few weeks, preparing and learning the language has not been easy. I have definitely struggled with it, but my teacher, Brother Hardy, has reminded us that if we put the Lord first, he will bless us and the rest will just come to us. In John 14:18 it says, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you”. I know that our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us and that in times of our own struggles, he will always be by our sides to strengthen and comfort us.

P-days have been awesome. Last week I was able to just spend time with the family and get Cane's with my mom for lunch. Then I got to go to Chili’s for dinner with Bryton and Michele. Josh and Bryton have also come over for lunch and dinner a few times this week which has meant a lot to me. This week I was able to go to the temple with my dad, Bryton, his family, and other people we love. It was my second time going through the temple, but Bryton’s first time which made it even more special for me. I’m so excited to see him start his journey as a missionary. After I went to dinner with my family at Chuy’s and then we went home and played card games with Mama.

This first two weeks as a missionary has taught me so much and I am able to see the Lord’s hand in my life clearer than ever. He is reaching out to every single one of us, we just have to take his hand. I hope everyone has an amazing week! I love you all!

Elder Mendenhall