Sister Hannah James: Week 5- New years!

This week was so awesome! I had so much fun with my companions as we celebrated the new year! I have also been able to learn a lot this week. I expected that I would learn Romanian (obviously) and learn how to work hard being here at MTC, but I have also learned and grown in many more ways that I didn't really think of. I have learned a lot about the gospel and about my Heavenly Father. I have really come to know that He loves us and wants to bless us if we will just ask Him. He will always give us the answers that we need in the way we need them. I have been able to receive so many answers to sincere prayers that I have offered. I have also come to know myself better. I have become very aware of my weaknesses and ways that I need to rely on God. I have been able to start setting goals to change and improve myself. It's really cool to see Ether 12:27 in action. As I have identified my weakness I have also been able to see my strengths and gifts God has given me and how I can use the gifts I have to further God's work!

This week really has just been awesome overall! I love it here at the MTC and I'm actually pretty sad to be leaving in a week. I have really come to love the atmosphere here and the day to day things that I do. But at the same time I can't wait to leave and go to Romania! I feel like I already love the people so much. This week we had the opportunity to FaceTime a member in Romania and the experience changed my life. She didn't speak any English so it was kind of scary hahah! But as we talked to her I started understanding what she was saying and I felt of her sweet spirit. She told of the story of her conversion and I was really touched by it. By the end she was telling us how much love she had for us and blowing us kisses. I felt such overwhelming love for her and for Romania while we were teaching her. It was incredible!

New Years Eve this week was a ton of fun! We were able to hear from Bonnie L. Oscarson that evening and she spoke about what we could do to have the Holy Ghost with us as we serve. Her talk made me feel so excited to get out into the field and get to work. That night we celebrated by eating chips and salsa in fancy plastic cups and talking about our best 2017 memories. We went to bed at 10:30 but then set our alarm for 11:55. At the stroke of midnight we grabbed our Romanian and Moldovan flags and ran and cheered (very quietly) around the floor of our residence hall. It was so funny and a memorable way to start the new year hahah!!

Overall, everything is just really awesome and I love life as a missionary! I'm so grateful for all of you and your love and prayers. I know that I have been so blessed because of them. I love you all and I hope this was a perfect week!

Picture 1: Us all eating our chips and salsa