Called to Serve: Naga Philippines!: 10/5/13: Last Letter from the MTC...Naga bound Monday

HELLO! How are you guys doing? Can you believe that in less than 48 hours I will be on my (long) way to the Philippines! It is absolutely insane how dang fast the time here has FLOWN by. I am doing well though, trying to get ready to roll out. General Conference makes packing a bit harder but that's okay, we'll get it done somehow.

This week has been a pretty normal one for me/us here at the MTC. It has been really cold but no worries, I'm going to a hot hot hot island in just 2 days! YES!

Just a heads up, this email is going to be all. over. the. place.

Thank you so much for all your letters/emails/DearElders/packages, they have really helped since being here.

Thank you guys for the package for the plane! Smart cookies you are. I am a little worried about the flights because they are quite long but I know everything will work out. :)

Just a heads up, apparently DearElder is free to the Philippines?? You guys should check in to it. I won't get them the same day but it's free and will get to me A LOT faster than letters so just keep that in mind, it may be a very good option for all you lovelies that may want to keep in touch.

I have not seen the Relief Society Broadcast yet unfortunately..we get to watch it tonight during Priesthood session. We kind of go to meetings a lot here in the MTC but that's okay because I love them, the Spirit is always so strong, and I learn tons. Plus I have learned how to be patient in long meetings now...speaking of which, General Conference today was fabulous! I stayed awake the whole time (except for maybe 2 minutes at the very beginning this morning ha) and it actually felt like it went by really fast. Cool beans.

Man missionary work is the best.

I titled this email, "Labor of Love," because isn't that what the gospel is all about? Everyone, members, nonmembers, family, friends, everyone, we must love them. Just like we heard many times in conference today, "the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel." You better believe it. Why do you think I am out here serving a mission for 18 months? :) I loved all of conference today but one thing that I wanted to share was from Elder Ballard's message. He talked all about the importance of sharing the gospel and said that a lot of times, people are kept from the truth because they know not where to find it. Well folks, let me clue you in on a little fun fact, WE know where to find it. Heck, we have it. We have the fulness of the truth in our lives. How exciting is that? :) WE have the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives so share it. :) Share it with everyone. It is so great.

Along with that, I want to extend a challenge to all you lovely people. We heard today that there are now over 15 million members of the church..can you imagine if every single member invited just one of their friends or family members to take the discussions or to go to church or read the Book of Mormon or something involving the church, imagine how many people would be converted to the gospel and how many lives would be changed! Now, I do not know all 15 million of those people but I do know all you grand people reading this email so I want to challenge you all to invite your friends to come unto Christ. More specifically though, I want you all to pray for someone who could benefit from the gospel, write your testimony in a Book of Mormon, and give it to 2 of your friends or family members before Christmas. Deal? Deal. THEN email me and let me know how it goes. The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion for a reason! It has power to bring others unto the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so excited to hear all your missionary experiences! :) Merry Christmas! (not quite, but it sure will be a merry merry Christmas, merrier than ever before, as we all work together to preach the gospel) :)

Missionary work is the BEST. I love it so much. Keep being you and listening to the Holy Ghost and you will find others who are prepared to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love you all so much! Although I miss you, I am so dang happy to be here and to be doing the work of God, bringing others unto Christ, and providing opportunities for others to accept the truth. Remember who you are always! Enjoy conference! Correction, don't just enjoy it, listen to it, learn from it, change your life because of it, be motivated by what you learn to do better and try harder every day. Love you all! Talk to you in a week in the PHILIPPINES! Yeah buddy :)

Mahal Kita!

Sister Emily Roderick