Hola mi familia,
Te amo! Pues, tengo mucho news. Primera, mi distrito is extraordinarily musically talented. And we love the EFY medley. So I was wondering if you could find the sheet music for it and send it to me. It was on the bottom shelf of the bookcase in my room, I think. There is a talent show on Christmas and we may want to try out for it. And speaking of singing, I was able to sing with Hna. Taets on Sunday. We sang "Soy Un Hijo de Dios." Hna. Wardle played for us. I sang the descant and the alto part. It went really well. Also, I met a Sister Miller who knows Olivia and would love to write to her, but I couldn't remember their address. If you could send that to me, I will get it to her. And I really am sending pictures today. No, really! :)
So, it has been quite the semana. I don't remember if I told you what Hna. Patterson struggles with. She has something called "dissociative disorder". I don't have tons of time, so I will ask you to research it a bit for more information. She talked to one of the counselors here about it, and they decided it would be best for her if she went home and fixed this before serving a mission. So she left yesterday on medical leave. I would appreciate it if you would keep her in your prayers. I love and miss her. She was exactly the companion I needed for the first month at the MTC. Now I am in a threesome with Hnas Taets and Wardle. They are awesome, but I need to get to know them better so I can come to love them more too.
So every Tuesday we have a special devotional with the whole MTC. This week was very special because Elder Dallin H. Oaks came to speak to us. When he walked into the room we all stood and it felt as though the entire room got brighter. I felt as though my spirit grew to be bigger than my body. It was like my spirit, not just my head, recognized him as my brother. One whom I had supported in the life before this to be my leader. It was an incredible feeling. He also gave an excellent talk. I got out of it that we all need to truly always remember who we are, as children of God and as set-apart servants of the Lord. We also need to remember our divine heritage and the potential we have to become like our Father. I love this gospel so much. I have truly felt here, God's love for me. I know that He knows who I am and what I need. I love Him. I also know Jesus is my Savior. I have learned more and gained a better personal understanding of the Atonement. I have felt its healing, comforting, and supporting power. I know that the Holy Ghost is real and can truly ALWAYS be my constant companion. Elder Oaks told us to make sure that on our missions we remember to let the Holy Ghost be our senior companion.
Nancy, te amo! You are a most beloved daughter of God. He knows who you are and what you need. He loves you more than you can even imagine. I have a challenge for you too. I want you to say, every day, "Soy una hija de Dios, y El me ama." That means " I am a daughter of God, and He loves me." I know that is true. I also want you to read 2 Nephi 9:3 and remember to be grateful. Whenever I am feeling down or discouraged, I say a prayer of thanks. I try to thank Him for as many things as I can. That helps me to be humble and to learn and to be happy. Te amo mi hermana.
Y te amo mi familia!
Mucho amor,
Hna. Andrea Stephenson
Happy Thanksgiving!