This is my last day at the MTC... THOSE 3 WEEKS WENT BY QUICK!!! This experience at the MTC truly has been wonderful. Thanks to amazing missionaries around me and the devotion of amazing teachers I have learned and grown SO much. My amazing teachers always taught with the spirit, and they really cared about us becoming better missionaries. So shout out to Brother Nolan and Sister Sawyer, I wouldn't be where I am without them, they really showed me what it is going to take to be the missionary that I want to be. That it's going to take diligence, consecration, and even desperation. I have lots of work ahead of me... that's for sure! The spirit here has been so present each and every day. The food has been great too... which helps. One thing that is complete rubbish is that I have to say goodbye to all these amazing people who have helped me learn and grow so much. I've met so many brilliant missionaries and teachers here, and I'm grateful for each and every one of them. The British people even put up with all of my stupid American questions! It truly has been amazing.
Now to the fun stuff! This last Saturday I GOT TO SHAKE Russel M. Nelson's HAND!!! That man is 92 years old, but he has this energy about him and incredible light in his eyes. Plus... his hands are ridiculously soft. He gave such an amazing devotional. He spoke about really APPLYING the atonement in our lives, and the great joy that comes from doing so. By repenting every single day we can draw closer to our savior, becoming more like him along the way. Then he talked about the word atonement in Greek, which is METANOEO. It's amazing because the META part of the word translates to change. The NOEO part of the word has 4 different translations; NOUS (which translates to Mind) GNOS (which translates to Knowledge) PENUMA (which translates to Spirit or Air) and PNEO (which translates to Breath) When he shared that he talked about our need for change when we repent. In mind, knowledge, spirit, and in the very breath we take. Then he shared Mosiah 2:21, which says something along the lines of "Serve the Lord thy God who lends thee thy very breathe..." Powerful stuff. It was amazing getting to hear from an Apostle of the Lord. At the end he gave all the missionaries the COOLEST blessing. It was an amazing experience.
We also got to go on a church history tour, where we went to different locations in Preston, England. That is where the first missionaries served like Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, and a bunch of other big names in the early church. It was amazing to hear about their success and diligence as they brought the restored gospel to England. Hearing all the miracles that had to happen in order for that to happen was really eye opening, and just goes to show that our Father in Heaven truly does guide this church, and he makes things happen so that people can find true joy that only comes from His love and His plan. We got to go see Gordon B. Hinckley's flat when he was a missionary too! He had his "Day of decision" there where he decided to "forget himself and go to work" as his father so eloquently put. Seeing all the history that our church has here in England was amazing.
This last Sunday we had a going away testimony meeting. It was inspiring to see how firm all these devoted missionaries are in faith and testimony. It was really special being able feel the spirit one last time with all of the great people here.
These weeks here at the MTC will be ones I never forget.
Love you all!!
Elder Draper
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