Sister Shelby Lynn Dana: Letter from April 30th, 2013

Surprise early letter!

So our Pday got switched to Tuesdays! I have some news! I will be getting my reassignment this week! What the heck...either Wednesday or Thursday. WHICH MEANS I WILL BE CALLING HOME!!!! Yeah I'm way way excited. So just be ready at some point over the next few days and tell me in a dearelder what number you want me to call! I am so so excited to talk to you!!! Even if it is because that blasted visa hasn't come yet.

About the visa though- I am so very very glad that I came to this MTC. I have had so many tender, sacred experiences here that I wouldn't trade for anything and I know that I needed to come exactly here to get those blessings. I've been able to hear prophets and apostles and make some amazing friends from all over the world! It has been so amazing to realize that even though we live thousands of miles away, we have the same purpose. They are all such a strong support system and I just thank God every day and night in my prayers that He sent me here and knows exactly where I need to be! That's why this reassignment isn't so hard. I am learning more and more to trust in the Lord and that He has much better ideas of how my life should go than I do!

Thank you all so much for the DearElders and letters this week!! I probably set a record of 14 Dearelders yesterday...oh that was so awesome! Just stay updated on when I am heading out of the MTC, because if you send any after I am gone, they'll just get thrown away! Rude, I know.

These last few days have been amazing. Our district had the best Pday last week! We went to the temple and did yoga and played games...oh it will be so hard to say goodbye to them! I look at the missionaries around me and just realize how strong this generation is that is getting ready to serve...I know God has prepared this generation of missionaries like never before and that his gospel is in good hands! We also were able to hear from some outstanding speakers this week! Our Relief Society lesson was taught by Sister Oscarson, the new General YW Pres! Yeahhh it was legit! She talked a lot about pruning the vineyard and the parable in Jacob 5. It was so cool to realize that the Lord of the vineyard is definitely working right alongside us. We got to meet her and her presidency after...way cool! We also heard from Stephen B. Allen, the Managing Director of the Missionary Department. Probably my favorite devo yet! He was super blunt and told us that if we have any reservations or any parts of ourselves still at home, they won't do us any good. He also said the word crappy from the pulpit, which gives me faith that there is still hope for me too:)

The weather in Provo has been gorgeous! We study outside all day and I am finally starting to look human again without the help of a spray tan! haaaa...yeah it's just better for everyone's mood and everything too! It'll actually be pretty sad to bail out of here in a few days! But I am way excited to see Kristen tomorrow! I totally thought she was coming next week! Oh my gosh she's going to have the best time and I will totally attack her and give her the biggest, best hug of her LIFE.

It was not easy to hear about Beth. I was expecting her to pass, but it still hurt when it actually happened, you know? My sisters were the best though. They were so loving and were there for me the whole time. Please tell her family that I love them and I'm praying for them and I know exactly where she is...and I have a few friends with badges that can tell them exactly where she is too if they are interested :) I don't have a doubt in my mind that she is happy, and she is whole, and there were angels rejoicing when that blessed daughter, who suffered so much and taught others even more, returned home to her Father. I just know that she ran all the way there. Thank you so much for the care you took of her, Mom. You have seriously been an angel and I totally cried every time I thought of how you were being so good to her. That means so much to me and I can't thank you enough!

I got the package- it was so great, thank you thank you!! I'm sorry this letter is short...I love you! I will talk to you soon, ok?! Eu amo voces, e eu sei que esta igreja e verdadeiro, e eu sei que familias sao eternal:)

Love,

Sister Dana