"And This Is My Joy...": the Church is true :)

I had a wonderful week and I just want to be able to say everything. Well let me start off by saying, thank you everyone for the Dear Elders. I love getting mail, so please write me! My new address for the rest of the time I'm in the MTC:

Sister Rebecca Andrea Santa

OCT 21 PHI-URD Unit 927

2023 N 900 E

Provo, UT 84606

My favorite thing is teaching lessons. I love teaching lessons to our investigators. We are currently teaching two progressing investigators and one has just accepted an invitation to be baptized. Man, I cannot even describe how I feel. Our investigators are fake, but my companion and I receive real revelation for them and during the lesson of what to say. Our lessons are always lead by the Spirit. Everyone says that I'm really in tune with the Spirit, and I think I can agree with that. Our lessons are amazing. I love teaching. We're constantly testifying of everything from Joseph Smith, to the Atonement. I really have to figure out for myself if I really believe that we can have strength in the Atonement, because that's what I'm telling other people all the time.

This Church is true, and I know it's true. I really want everyone to join the Church because I know the Gospel blesses families. Why are we always so afraid to share the truth, and something that makes us eternally happy? Satan wants us to keep our mouths shut.

"Who's on the Lord's side, who? Now is the time to choose." (Hymn I just thought of)

My Heavenly Father has been so good to me. I had a rough couple of days this week and my companion and I shed a few tears. But last night I received a priesthood blessing and everything turned around. My Heavenly Father believes in me and I know he's proud of me. He knows I'm trying my best, and because I am, I have qualified for the gift of tongues. I have seen so many miracles and tender mercies of the Lord as I speak and understand and the language comes so natural for me.

I am excited to get to the Philippines and love the people because it has been revealed to me that my compassion and service will touch the lives of thousands. I'm not saying this to brag or anything, I just think it's amazing that the Lord has chosen me and He trusts me. It's a huge honor.

I want everyone to be a part of my mission. I want to include everyone as I study and learn and increase my faith. I have accepted an invitation to only write hone about spiritual things, so that is what I am going to go.

Last night I was studying Ether 6 with the Jaredites and I learned that the furious winds were blowing them toward the promised land. Their trials were making them who they needed to be. Then two verses later, verse 7 says that no matter what trials they had, they always prayed and thanked God and they were tight like unto a dish. It's amazing to me. That is some incredible faith.

I know that we all face some hard trials in our lives. We can learn so much from the scriptures if we can read and liken them to ourselves.1 Nephi 19:23

I know that Heavenly Father is proud of us, and I know that we were chosen to come to the earth at this time because we were special and we have amazing potential. I think we forget just how glorious we are. My perspective has changed and I want to always focus on my purpose in life and giving everything I have to know God and help others know God and build His Kingdom.

Family, Friends, please remember your purpose. Please remember the promises you made.

I love you all and I hope that you will read and study Ether 6 and write me a letter and tell me what you thought as you read. Please teach me! Also, how can I explain repentance to an investigator. Send me your thoughts!