shots = may dii!

Well Family and Friends,

I am happy to report another amazing week here at my home (aka the MTC) And what an amazing week it has been! I love all of the experiences I have had this week and will try to share some with you!

First the low points of the week... Last Wednesday our district finally got into get some shots, I got two. Getting the shots was fine, I have never reacted bad to shots before. But the next day... I woke up and my whole body was very sore. I tried to get out and do my normal routine, but was really achy and had an upset stomach. SO I went to sleep after gym, woke up and felt worse. At one point it even hurt to breath in. SO I went to the health clinic, they sent me to the Student Health Center (3rd time Ive been there now... first for myself though) I had to pee in a cup and they took my blood and the result of all that: I had an adverse reaction to the shot. What a waste of time! Oh well... I took some medicine and felt a lot better by that night. So my subject line, shots = may dii... May dii means no good...

I didn't let my sickness get me down and actually got a lot of studying in while I was in bed and waiting. Nothing is going to stop me from learning this crazy language!! I love it. In the midst of those trying moments, whether they be physical like on Thursday, or mental, I am consistently seeing the Lord strengthen me and refine me into the missionary he would have me be.

I heard a wonderful quote this week that I want to paraphrase because I didn't get the chance to write it down. It goes something like: You should look back gladly at each struggle you have every week. Those are the moments you are learning the most and those are the times that you are becoming who you are. I really know that the Lord blesses me in my struggles and watches over me at all times. I am striving to take each struggle I face every day and attack it head on with the promises I am given with my sacred calling as a missionary.

But don't get me wrong, missionary work is fun! The struggles are indeed but a small moment. Several times a day everyday I have many joyful experiences that are so sweet to me. I am especially grateful for the amazing district I am blessed to be in. I am serving the Lord along side 14 of the most amazing, valiant, diligent Elders and Sisters Thailand has ever seen.

My time here is running out... but we will all endure to the end, for we know we have a great work ahead of us. Now is the time for preparation and in two weeks I will be accounting for all that I say I believe in by my actions. Keep praying for me, and keep yourselves with an eye single to the glory of the Lord. He will never let you down!

I love you all soo soo much! Keep writing me because I know I won't be getting a lot of mail in Thailand. I really do want to hear from everyone. And huge thanks to all that have written me this week! It was great to hear from so many of you. I will try to write you back, but there is so much to do and so little time to write.

LOVE LOVE LOVE,
Melissa