Sister Magleby in Mongolia: Let's Try This Again...

Today has been a crazy, crazy day. We got up early to write our emails so that we wouldn't have to worry about them for the rest of the day, but that obviously backfired. So, we'll try this again.

Dear Family,

One of my favorite quotes from the week went like this...
Senior Elder: "I hate grammar."

Professor Anderson: "Luckily, this isn't grammar."

Senior Elder: "Well, I hate English."

I feel his pain. Most of our focus this week has been on the EIL training. It has been interesting, but I have really missed Mongolian. We met a few new friends in the class: the Nays, the Fredleys, and the Orvins. The Fredleys and the Nays will be arriving in Mongolia within the next few weeks. It was fun to meet them before we all arrive. The Orvins have been called to do humanitarian work, and to teach English in China. What a unique opportunity! He made it very clear that China is not open to missionaries. However, their assignment is very similar to the early missionaries in Mongolia. It will be interesting to watch the Church's entrance into China unfold in coming years.

Anyway, we had four hours of class each morning. Today was our last day, and our teachers presented us with our EIL training certificates. Overall, it was a good experience and I learned a lot. Each day we had different teaching opportunities. On Monday we observed ESL classes while the Professors demonstrated teaching, and from then on we were on our own. Sister Ackley and I taught together. We taught about past tense verb endings on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Thursday we taught vocabulary learning tricks to our students. I felt bad for the students at first--I think they were a little confused when we began teaching. However, we grew to love our class and we had a lot of fun teaching them those three days. The amount of time required to plan lessons and activities, and learn grammar principles is overwhelming. However, now that I have made it through the week I am feeling more confident about it, and I am hoping EIL teaching in Mongolia will be a good experience.

The lack of Mongolian this week has been--noticeable. It's hard to speak Mongolian when you're learning how to teach English, and there were a few regular class periods where our teachers didn't show up. Luckily, we were all missing language study from the week before so we weren't too upset about having to teach ourselves. Anyhow, yesterday all three of our teachers (Wilson Ax, Jolley Ax, and Warner Ax) came to class and informed us that from now on we will only be speaking Mongolian. I'm actually quite excited. I need more practice with listening to Mongolian and this is the perfect solution. Extra speaking practice will also be appreciated.

Yesterday, we got our travel plans! Well, all of us except Sister Ackley. My visa, along with the Elder's visas, are on their way and they will be arriving in the next few days. We will be leaving on Saturday, June 1st. Sister Ackley's visa will be on its way shortly, and it is coming, they just aren't sure when it will arrive. They seemed hopeful that she will be leaving with us on Saturday, but if not she will only be a few days behind. My first reaction when I heard this announcement was excitement--I can't believe I am going to Mongolia! Next, I felt sad for Sister Ackley. She was pretty disappointed that she wasn't getting travel plans and I really want her to come with me! After that, I was mostly nervous and stressed about the language. Today, our EIL professors had their Mongolian graduate student come talk to us. She talked to us about the people of Mongolia, and I got excited all over again. My fear, stress, and nervousness slowly dissipated as she shared her testimony in Mongolian and I was able to understand almost all of it. It might not be easy, but I can do it! On Sunday, our speaker was Marcus B. Nash of the seventy. He mentioned that we have been preparing for our mission calls since before we were born. I feel peace and comfort in knowing that Heavenly Father has a plan for me. I'm still not sure why that plan includes serving a mission in Mongolia, but I am thankful for this opportunity. I hope that I can enjoy every second of it!

I only have one more week in the MTC, and I have a feeling it's going to be a wild one! I can't believe that I've almost been a missionary for two whole months. Time sure is flying.

I love you all!

Love,

Sister Magleby