Sister Magleby in Mongolia: An Interesting Week...

This has been a rather interesting week full of departure preparations. Oh, and we mustn't forget the roller coaster of emotions to go along with it. Some days I'm excited, other days I'm stressed, and most days I'm incredibly anxious. I've been preparing for this day since November, and I've been learning about Mongolia everyday for the past nine weeks but I'm still unsure about what to expect. It's going to be a grand adventure--and it begins tomorrow! This afternoon we found out that Sister Ackley will not be traveling with us. We were both pretty sad about that. I will be traveling with the three Elders tomorrow, and she will hopefully leave at the beginning of next week.

Yesterday, I started making a list (in my head) of all the things I would miss about the MTC. I thought that would be fun to share with you.

I will miss...

Sundays. I absolutely love Sundays in the MTC because they are incredibly relaxing and peaceful. Our Sundays always started out with the most important part of the day--sacrament meeting. Then, we had the opportunity to watch Music and the Spoken Word, attend Relief Society, walk to the temple, and study. This week Music and the Spoken Word was a Memorial Day special. I started out my week listening to American patriotic music, and my week will end with a flight out of the country. :)
Tuesday and Sunday night devotionals. The speakers are always good, and their messages are always inspiring. On Sunday, Stephen B. Allen came and said that the hymn, "Come, Come Ye Saints" is a missionary anthem. I had never thought of that song in that way before, but it was the perfect start to this stressful week. Yes, "All is Well." On Tuesday, W. Craig Zwick, of the seventy, spoke about the importance of developing Christlike attributes. He challenged us to finish this statement, "To become a better disciple of Jesus Christ, I will..." I hope that I can be a Christlike missionary in all that I do and say.
Sister Ackley. Hopefully, I will see her fairly regularly in Mongolia. I will miss having such a spectacular companion. From the very beginning we got along so well, and I was so blessed to be with her during my MTC stay.
Jolley Ax, Wilson Ax, and Warner Ax. They've taught us so much, and they are all incredibly funny. We've had some very funny times together, and it will be sad to say goodbye to them.

Really, the list could go on and on. All in all, I have really enjoyed my MTC experience. The only thing that I can think of that would be in the "Won't Miss" column would be the food-- and even that's debatable. I'm sick of "cafeteria" food, but I'm not sure how Mongolian food will really taste. I'll have to keep you updated on that one. :)

Love,

Sister Magleby