Another Successful Week

Wow, another successful week in Mongolia. From the very beginning, Mongolia was never very strange. I can already say this feels like "home," and I really enjoy being here. At times it is difficult, but overall it has already been a spectacular experience.

 

On Friday, our investigator Shinechemig was baptized. When she first arrived at the church, she was so nervous. I tried to think of comforting things to say in Mongolian, but in the end I ended up just sitting next to her to calm her down. By the end of the night she was happy as can be. Sister Largin and I had arranged the program, but for some reason we did not have anyone to say the closing prayer. The bishop gave that assignment to me. I tried to be "creative" and say things I have never attempted to say before in Mongolian, and I'm not sure it went too well. It's a good thing that Heavenly Father understands all languages--even bad Mongolian. After the baptismal service all of the attendees gathered to eat treats and share their testimonies--apparently this is a tradition. I thought it was a nice end to the evening. One of our other investigators is getting baptized this week.

 

I've been trying to be more productive during bus travel this week. I usually bring my flashcards along and learn new words. Speaking Mongolian is sometimes fun, sometimes scary, and usually I don't say the right thing. I'm learning though. Everyone tells me that my accent is really good. I'm not sure if they're just trying to be nice or if that's really a compliment. Hopefully the latter. :)

This week we watched "Finding Faith in Christ" with our investigator. I couldn't understand a lot of it, but I was able to feel the Spirit. I'm so thankful that I grew up with a knowledge of the true church. I know that God lives and that He loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I have come to gain a greater appreciation for the atonement as we teach our imperfect investigators that Jesus Christ is their Savior. This gospel has the potential to change lives, and I'm so glad that I get to see those changes occur in others.

On Saturday Sister Largin was sick. We stayed home for most of the day. This was actually a blessing though because it gave me time to plan the September curriculum for the kindergarten. This week my sponsor decided that I will only be teaching the four and five year olds (not the two and three year olds--thank goodness!) I was able to plan all of September's activities and songs. It's very difficult to teach children without a plan, so I was glad I got a head start on that project. My sponsor is so sweet, but she expects a lot and I feel extreme pressure to be a good English teacher for her. Hopefully it will go well. Sister Largin and I have been teaching two of the teachers piano and English this week. It has been fun to get to know them better.

I love you all!

Love,

Sister Magleby