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LAST PDAY IN THE MTC!‏

Hey everyone!

Where did the time go?! It's my last day Pday in the MTC! 

Sometimes being here, it feels like this is your mission, just in the MTC, being in class, teaching golden investigators and having every minute of your time scheduled for you. but nope! On Wednesday I'll be in Temple Square for real! And I couldn't be more excited! it's sad because we have to say goodbye to everyone again, but so so so exciting at the same time. 

This week has been an awesome one, but sad and emotional too. We said goodbye to the Elders in our district on Monday, which was so sad! we love them all, the are like little brothers now, (because they are 18). They are now in Tennessee serving the Lord, and trying not to get too much of a southern accent, haha.  

We had to stop teaching everyone we were teaching, again so sad! It was so hard saying goodbye to Melissa, Chae, Lance and Arnold, We love them so much, but we exchanged details and I look forward to hearing from them and keeping in touch.

OH! I got my package from home on Monday!!! Seriously made my week! Everyone loved the TimTams and people think I'm crazy with the Vegemite and I'm seriously loving eating shapes and chicos and frogs alive, Mum, You are just too amazing! I didn't realize how much I'd miss Australian food! Thankyou so much!!! <3

Wednesday we started Visiting Center Training (because weeks start on Wednesdays here) and we went to Temple Square!!! It was only for a couple of hours, and I didn't get to actually near the temple, but we went to the visiting center, and we had a tour and then had some role plays testifying of something around, so it was pretty awesome. We saw the Christis and it was incredible! I couldn't believe I was actually there and seeing everything with my own eyes and not in pictures! Seeing the temple for real was incredible, unfortunately it was a terrible rainy day, but still, the pictures don't do the temple justice, it is beautiful! I can't wait to get closer. We then had a meeting with the Visiting Center Director (he looks after all the visiting centers throughout the world) and we talked about how amazing our calls are and how special it is to be called as a visiting center sister. One thing I loved about the meeting was when he said. "You are called to do nothing less than change the world!". I've always known this is where I'm meant to be (Temple Square) and after being there for a couple of hours, I really have gained a greater testimony and appreciation of my call. The spirit is so strong there and I can't wait to actually be there for real! I can already tell I won't wanna come home, haha. 

 After that we came back to the MTC and most of us Sisters fell asleep on the way back, seriously that nap was incredible! Any wink of sleep we get here is appreciated, haha. Visiting Center Training is seriously the best! I love it so much! Our teachers are amazing and everything is adapted for how we would do it being a visiting center sister. I learnt so much just in my first day of VC. I've really gained a greater understanding on how I need to be me! I need to be the real me, not someone else, I was called to Temple Square because Heavenly Father knows who I am, why should I change?

in VC we also have a thing called "referral center" (or teaching center) and it's so awesome. WE ARE THE MORMON.ORG PEOPLE! Yeah, that's right! When you go on chat on Mormon.org, That's us Visiting Center Sisters! I love it! It's probably my favourite part of the day, while chatting online, we get to use our first names! And we also get to listen to music and watch Mormon messages while waiting for people to come on or waiting for people to reply, it's seriously so awesome! I love it! Sometimes it gets scary people people get nasty and inappropriate but it is great and it awesome to help people in need, and what I extra love about it, is that the investigators we have on chat in the MTC, we can take with us to the mission field. How awesome is that!!!

Last night I got really sick, Sister Kruse was like "you need to rest and go back to residence" and I was like "no I'll be fine" and as time got on I was getting worse and worse and so teacher came and we decided to go... On our way back we saw 2 of our previous investigators (Chae & Melissa) and they were so worried about me! They are so sweet, one of them was like "if you need anything just come to my room, you know where it is and come and get some medicine and I think there is candy in there too!" she's such a sweetie, I said thankyou and they gave me a hug. I love them so much, they are so wonderful! 

I have never slept so soundly here in the MTC, once I got back to bed and fell asleep, I was dead to the world! My companion stayed awake and studied to make sure I was okay, I love her so much! I woke up 2 hours later at 8:30pm, and i felt SO much better! The class was doing TRC (teaching) and so we stayed in residence and studied and did our daily planning. I'm so grateful for my companion, always looking out for me! <3

We get to go to Temple Square again tomorrow! Which is super exciting! it's for longer and it's not a guest experience, we will be actually working as a VC Sister! So incredibly excited! Everyone is! we have sisters from all over the world, Chile, Philippines, Guatemala, Italy, Chile, Brazil, Tahiti, New Zealand, America-Samoa, Australia (me), It's incredible! I love my mission so much!

That's really it for this week! I love you all! Please write to me! Pretty pretty please! (yes I'm begging)

Thankyou to everyone for all you're support!! 

Love, Sister Ryan (almost in Temple Square)

P.S  If anyone wants to send me something, some Typo (a5) Brown Buffalo journals would be awesome! (maybe throw in some TimTams or BBQ shapes while you're at it :P)

MTC Experiences: The First Two Weeks

Sister Ryan has been in the MTC for two weeks now, and she is loving every minute of it! She's emailed us some fantastic experiences, all of which she's asked to share with you:

ARRIVAL:

Hey There!!!!!

So I'm finally in the PROVO MTC! After so long waiting, I'm finally here!

The first day was extremely amazing! I've learnt so much already and I'm only on my second day! 

P-Day will be soon, so I'll email more about my week then, but I'll tell you know that the spirit is amazing here! The food is just as awful as they say it is and I've already met some incredible people from all over the world, I haven't got my companion yet, that is later today, still doesn't feel overly real yet, but maybe it will when I have a companion. I love it here so much! It's going to be an amazing 3 weeks! again, I learnt lots and I've had so much fun! Can't wait to tell you more! I'm well I'm safe, I'm so so so happy! This is the best thing ever! It is such a blessing to be here! Most people struggle to understand my accent, today alone I had to repeat myself so many times because she just couldn't understand, hahaha, it was pretty hilarious!

So I'll email more when I have more time, I love you all! Hope everything is amazing in Aussie Land. 

I love you all!! Thankyou for everything, chat soon!

Love, Sister Ryan! (Finally in the Provo MTC) xx

WEEK ONE: 

Wow, where do I even start?

Monday: The flight was incredibly boring and not much sleep was had and I sat next to this terrifying body builder who wouldn't speak at all! Going into LA I saw the most beautiful sunrise over the mountains, it was beautiful, no words can describ the beauty I saw that morning (Time Travel for the win!) Our 7 hour stop over in LA was long and tedious and hey! I even got a pat down going through security! hahaha. they cleared me and said must have just been a mistake, hey, as long as they are doing their job right? We finally got on the plane (which was smaller than a jetstar plane to Tassie) and I sat next to this woman who was a recent convert, so that was pretty cool. Looking out the window I saw all these wonderful mountains and sights, just wonderful. Got into SLC and was picked up my Glen and then we went to Del Taco before going home, drove around Orem and there are chapels everywhere here! Saw 3 temples and it was awesome. 

Tuesday: I woke up to SNOW! it was the most incredible thing, got ready and we were off to the MTC, got here and got my badge and we jumped straight into lessons, had lunch (and everyone is right the food is seriously as bad as they say it is), more lessons and I learnt so much! After that the internationals were put into temporary districts, mine was so awesome! They were great and so helpful, we (Sister Worthen and I, she is from NZ, also going to Temple Square) had dinner with them and then personal study, then we went to the Tuesday Night devotional with Don R. Clarke (of the 70) with them and then had district meeting and before we knew it the day was over.

Wedesday: TODAY IS THE DAY I GET MY COMPANION! lessons, and all that and then all the official stuff happened! except... everyone had a companion and we met our dictrict and everything but my companion didn't come... so I stuck with Sister Worthen and her companion (Sister Anderson) and then at dinner my name was announced over the loud speaker to come to the front desk, yep. it happened I got my companion! Her name is Sister Kruse from America Samoa (didn't even know it existed before then) and shes beautiful, I love her so much!!! We also had our first teaching experience which was amazing, I spoke a few times and my heart was beating out of my chest until I did, it was like the spirit was like "Speak now!! Do it!!!" haha. 

In my district we have Sister Worthen , Sister Anderson (Utah), Sister Kruse, Myself, Elder Bean, Elder Petersen and Elder Smith. They are all amazing :)

I am also Senior Companion as well as the Branch Music Coordinator! (Surprise, Surprise!) 

So other then that it's been all classes and learning but the spirit here is so amazing! I love it here so much, everyone is so beautiful and so wonderful! So I'd like to share with you all a few things that have meant a lot to me while being here. 

"Obedience brings blessings, Exact obedience brings miracles"

"Diligence is more important than intelligence"

Never before has our purpose as missionaries been so important, We are to INVITE others to COME unto Christ by HELPING them RECEIVE the restored gospel. We are called of God to do the work, what would we do, say, teach if the Lord were our companion?

I have learnt so much! and I cant even type it all because there is just WAY too much, but know that you are all children of God and that he loves you! You are incredible and amazing and I love you too. Heavenly Father answers prayers and through Christ all things are possible.

I love the MTC and I'm so excited to see what else is ahead of me! Only a few weeks and I'll be on Temple Square!! yay!!!

I have to go now, I'm sorry I didn't send photos, I couldn't figure out how to send them, but when I do, I'll send some. I love you all!!! Thankyou for being so amazing and supportive.

Love, Sister Ryan xx 

PS, I didn't proof read, sorry. 

WEEK TWO: 

This week has been incredible!

Funny story of the week:

I can't even remember what day it was, but we had all just come from gym, and all the sisters needed showers, so we were like cool yay! let's do that, well we just brought what we needed and a towel type thing and go back to our room to get changed, haha we went back, and we had locked ourselves out of our room, none of us had our keys! so I had to get into my dirty gym clothes and then Sister Worthen got her clothes on and she had no shoes, and I only had my thongs, and we had to get Elders/Sisterd along the way to open doors for us etc, so we could make it to the front desk to get a spare key, hahaha. Yep, it was hilarious!! We laughed basically the whole time. Happy ending, we got back into our room without too much embarrassment :)

also another one!

Sister Anderson (from Utah, going to San Diego, Mormon Battalion Visiting Center Mission) taught the Restoration in her sleep, one night I woke up in the middle of the night and I heard her sleep talking (because shes the only one with a distinct American accent) and teaching the Restoration in her sleep, haha. When we told her about it in the morning, it was hilarious! She almost didn't believe us, but I kid you not, she really did!

This morning we went to the temple and it was incredible! But I was so silly and forgot my recommend yep, I was that tired and stupid this morning, and so we had to run back and get it and we JUST made it into the session, but we got there! and it was amazing, it is so beautiful! And I understand why Jayme almost got lost, I almost did too, pretty hilarious. We went at 7am, so the sun wasn't even up yet and when we got out it was a beautiful day!

We just get back into the MTC grounds and we see a gold tagged person (investigators we can set up appointments with and teach in the little spare time we have, its an awesome experience, I love it). He asked us a few questions (all 4 of us sisters) and then we went to his "man cave" and we taught him a little and we are seeing him again next week! YAY! 2 lessons 1 pday, that's right!

So I've turned into one of those missionaries that go teach on their Pdays, you know what? Don't even care, Sister Kruse and I just got back from the best lesson we've ever had, we were teaching a guy named Lance, it's incredible and we taught him over Skype which was awesome (didn't even know you could do that in the MTC), he is super open to the gospel and wants to learn more, is so lovely and I feel like we have a lot to offer to help him come closer to Christ, we are meeting again over skype Monday night and then Tuesday we are meeting with him to give him a Book of Mormon (if we don't see him around on Monday).

Tip for future missionaries going to PROVO MTC: The food isn't that bad, when you know what to pick! Just go around to all the different options (especially the salad bar area) and find out which is better, create your own salads and stuff, so grateful I now know! :)

This week has been hard, I won't lie, there has been some instances where I have found it difficult to teach and to understand what our investigator needs and how to gel well with my companion when we have completely different approaches, it's hard, no matter how much you love your companion, it's not always going to be easy. It's been weird not being able to relax and get rid of stresses the way I usually do (reading books, music, etc.) or even being able to say an out loud prayer to Heavenly Father because well you're always with someone. It got to the point I locked myself in the toilets (with my companion outside the bathroom doors) and got on my knees and said the most meaningful prayer I have said in a long time, I couldn't deal with this alone, I needed him by my side to walk with me hand in hand, to guide in which direction to go because I was lost! I had no idea... then, when I closed my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, I stood up and felt instant comfort! I felt my saviors love, I felt his comfort and guidance and I then knew, what I needed to do.
HEAVENLY FATHER ANSWERS PRAYERS! I can not stress that enough, I know he does, because he has answered so many of mine in the past week, its crazy. He knows me, he knows me by name, he knows Jennadene Ryan, as he knows you! He knows you personally and he knows you better than you know your self, He wants to help you and bless you, but you must turn to him! He knew what I needed to become stronger and to overcome the things that were going on. I know that if you pray with real intent and pure desire, you will feel that also, and you will know that he loves you! and he will help you when you need it most. Check out the Jospeh Millet story, it's incredible, it was shared at this Tuesday Evening's Devotional, it completely changed the way I see my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father.

We has in-feild orientation this week, which was weird, because all the missionaries are leaving next week, but us Visiting Center sisters, have another week ahead of us, because of Visiting Center training, it was an amazing day! I learnt so much! As one does in the MTC, but it was super cool and interactive and we also got to semi meet two of the missionaries from the District 2, which was awesome! And I've also said hello to one of the missionaries from the District 1! :D

ALSO! one of my teachers, Brother Mitsvotai, name sounds familiar?! THATS BECAUSE HE SERVED IN THE MELBOURNE MISSION! And not only that! but he served in the Ballarat Ward! CRAZY RIGHT!
We always have a good chat about Australia and I gave him some Australian stickers, he thought it was the best thing ever :) He also spent a lot of his time in Tasmania in the Devonport stake, so hey! Look at that!

I feel like I'm forgetting stuff, but I have no idea...

Please write to me! I want to hear from you! PLEASE Dear Elder me or something! I really want to hear from you all!

also, SHOUT OUT TO LAUREN P FROM PROVO!!! FOR SENDING ME THAT AMAZING PACKAGE! THANKYOU SO MUCH! IT WAS INCREDIBLE AND AMAZING, I HAVE THE BEST INTERNET FRIENDS, YOU'RE THE SWEETEST AND IT WAS DELICIOUS AND THE PENS ARE AMAZING AND BEING PUT TO GOOD USE! (whoever reads this please make sure she see's this on facebook or something)

Okay, I have to go now, but thankyou for those that have sent me dear elders! I really appreciate it and please keep it up! to those who haven't, please even just one, and that would be amazing! I love reading them and hearing from people. I'm going to do my best today to write physical letters to those that have asked questions and stuff, Love you all so much! Have a great week! Remember to smile bright and that the Lord loves you!

Love you!

Sister Ryan <3

My Setting Apart as a Missionary (9th March 2014)

Stake Pres., Adam, Natasha, Emily, Mum, Peri,
Jennadene, Jacob, Brooke, Ian, Ally, Elizabeth

I am now a set apart missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I couldn't be more excited! 

Tonight was a truly emotional and spiritual event, we arrived at the Deer Park Stake center and waited for friends and my Stake President to come. Once they did, they all sat down in the high councilman room, I had my interview with Stake President and we talked about different things that will happen during the MTC and my mission. 

We joined the others and we had an opening prayer given by my best friend Peri O'donnell and everyone there had the opportunity to share their thoughts and express their feelings towards me, many tears were had, but it was so beautiful! I'm so grateful for the things that were said, they are so special to me and I will remember them always, my Mum shared her feelings I shared my testimony and my Stake president and Stake Clerk also expressed their feelings and testimony and shared a scripture Doctrine & Covenants 62:3 "Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."

And then the time came, the time for me to be set apart as a missionary of the Lord for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
As I sat in the chair, my stake president invited one of my best friends Adam Louws to take part in the setting apart, no words can describe how much this meant to me! 

There were beautiful words spoken and things that I will hold close to me as I serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength. 

I'm so grateful for everyone that came tonight and shared this amazing experience with me. It was truly such an amazing night and one I will never forget!


I leave my testimony with you that this church is true, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live, that Heavenly Father answers prayers as we faithfully and with pure intent seek him. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there for us. The atonement is such a wonderful thing and I'm so grateful for the sacrifice Christ made for all of us, that he understands and we can always turn to him for guidance and comfort, I'm grateful for all the sacrifices made that we now have the gospel in these latter days. You are a child of god and he loves you so much, the Book of Mormon is the word of God and through faith in Christ all things are possible (Moroni 7:33), in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.