MTC Week 2: In Which Jenny Becomes Sister Stewart

Last week, I missed my first name. I like hearing "Jenny" this and "Jenny" that. I didn't really mind the rigors of missionary work, but it felt a little mournful to leave everything--music, books, school, friends, family, and even my name--behind. How could I possibly be myself without my name?

Fast-forward 10 days. On Sunday morning, someone* called, "Jenny!"

I didn't even notice.  

There are two names on my missionary tag. "Sister Stewart" and "Jesus Christ." They are both important to my missionary endeavors. I give something that only I can give, but my message and meaning is really all about Jesus Christ. It's a gift to identify myself with Him. And, just as the Savior promised, we find ourselves when we give ourselves away. I don't miss my first name anymore. In fact, I feel more myself when I am proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ than I ever have before.

So here's a little shout-out to from Sister Stewart to the MTC. 

Here's to my first baptismal commitment. True, the Tongan sister in the TRC was probably just acting the part of an investigator, but the Spirit bore witness that my invitation was sincere, and that her testimony was true. I can't wait to invite someone "real" (ie: Not a TRC worker) to follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by one holding the priesthood of God. 

Here's to the Sister missionaries in Oklahoma City who sent me a welcome postcard this week. They report that our Sister missionaries are about to increase exponentially in OKC--from 18 right now to 56 next June! I'm grateful to be in the vanguard of this hastening effort.

Here's to the BYU Men's Chorus and to Sister Reeves of the Relief Society General Presidency for making my Sabbath a truly revelatory experience. 

Here's to Elder Bednar for reaffirming to me that my purpose is not just to GO on a mission, but to BECOME a missionary. In a powerful talk called "The Character of Christ," he reminded missionaries that who we are matters more than what we teach. He also likened the natural man to cookie monster ("I want NOW!!!") in a surprisingly humorous and clarifying manner.

Here's to three new sisters and four new Elders in our district. So nice to have them here, and soooo nice not to be wearing the orange sticker of shame this week. I think I will pray for missionaries every Wednesday, knowing how crazy it feels to pass from an old life to a new life in the MTC.

Here's to snow and cold temperatures. It's cozy now, but I know that it is a gentle promise of cruel things to come. 
Ice-storms. On a bike. In a skirt.
Thank heavens for fleeced tights.

Lots of love from the MTC,
Sister Stewart :)

*The aforementioned "someone" was none other than the wonderful Elder Alex Stewart! Upon recognizing the tall individual as my cousin, I paused (trying to remember what the white handbook says about hugging cousins) and then gave him a big hug. I want to hug him every time I see him just to shock nearby missionaries, but I resist. Hugs or not, it's nice to have him here :)