Week 4! (mtc)

Bonjour! It has been quite a week! My companion and I had the opportunity to teach in Relief Society and in in our District meeting. It went to so well! I loved teaching and leading , it felt very natural, which normally isn't like me at all! I definitely feel the spirit changing me in those ways. The language has been really hard for me this week. I definitely feel like I am at a standstill and that is frustrating (prayers are welcome and appreciated!;D) Yesterday was especially frustrating, because we did this online exam called LSA. It was the most awkward thing I have ever done (and I have a done a lot of awkward things here!) We had to respond off of the top of our heads to prompts in the computer and record ourselves. Later we listened to them with our teacher frere Brooks. THAT was awkward! But it really helped me figure out what I need to work on, which was the point. Anyway, it really threw my confidence out the window. Luckily I have THE most amazing sisters/ roomates of ever! soeur Weeks shared a scripture with me that brought of peace, Alma 37:6-7. It made me realize that even though I feel like I am completely failing at French sometimes, the Lord knows that I can succeed, because he doesn't need me speak beautifully, or even fluently right now. He brings to pass His work through small and simple means. It was a very humbling experience and I feel a renewed sense of hope and desire to work hard and put in as much effort as I can to accomplish His work. At the Tuesday evening devotional, we heard from elder Kyle S McKay from the seventy. he talked about how the calling of a missionary is near apostalic. That was pretty incredible! He said that properly preached, WITH the spirit we can bring to pass miracles because that is the nature of our calling. I was extremely humbled by that. That the Lord calls these kids, eighteen and nineteen year olds to be the vessel of all of the converting power of the spirit of God. I always want to be a worthy vessel of that power, because I couldn't do a single thing without it. I am so grateful to be a part of this church. It is true and the most beautiful thing I know. I love my Savior. I am so thrilled and humbled to be doing His work, in His name, and on His behalf. It is all for Him. I love you all so much and I hope things are well! Much love, soeur Bates