Week 2 in the MTC!

Again, I only have thirty minutes, let's see if I can do this!

Well, this week went by in the blink of an eye. 7 more days left in the MTC and I am off to Zimbabwe. I have learned so much by being here and my testimony has grown more than ever. I can confidently say that I believe every word that comes out of my mouth.

Highlights of the Week:

1. We watched "The Best 2 years."

2. Kit Kats here taste better. The chocolate is thicker and really creamy!

3. Feedback I got from a lesson was, "Good job on being bold!" That is exactly what Sister Park and I were working on.

4. Only ate Sadza twice this week!!!!

5. Played "Liar's Dice" with the MTC President and his wife. They love us ;)

Cultural Discoveries:

1. Lobola- bride money. If a man wants to "marry" a woman, he has to pay a certain amount of money which varies... for example, if this woman is well-educated, has a degree, is chaste and has no kids then it gets very expensive. The church discourages this because it's against the law of chastity- it's a traditional African marriage but not a legal marriage.

2. The South African president has six wives... polygamy is common here.

Because South Africa is so dangerous, we only left the MTC once to go to the Johannesburg temple. It is amazing how no matter where you are, the church is the same! I sent some pictures in a separate email!

So, here at the South Africa MTC there are 37 missionaries total. There are eight sisters total, five of us are going to Zimbabwe. Our mission president has been asking for more American missionaries because, "we get things done!!" I am so ready to go out there and get to work. This week I have been filled with gratitude. Heavenly Father sent me all the way to Africa to teach people the truths of the gospel. Over 50% of new members of the church are right here in Africa. These people are "looking for the truth but know not where to find it." I can't wait to be a light in the darkness and bring joy to God's children.

Enjoy your week, I love you all!

Love,

Sister Beckstead 

Greetings From South Africa!

Hey everyone! I am so sorry if I could not get back to everyone, I only have 30 minutes to email today but I love you all. 

Some funny things that happened this week:

Last Thursday I was just relaxing, watching a video about Jeffery R. Holland at the MTC and President Ashton announces that we are all getting shots... what??? I thought I already got the shots I needed. Well everyone had to get four more shots, I guess it makes sense I mean we are in Africa! 

My district is amazing, I love them all. Yesterday during free time we beatboxed/rapped/sang to songs in the Children's Songbook and performed it to President Ashton. He laughed and said we should perform it at FHE, haha.

President Ashton makes the MTC more enjoyable, for example last night he volunteered to lead the music and he practically just danced around the room doing so... Sister Ashton was hiding her face with a hymn book.

On Sunday for sacrament meeting I gave a talk about my commitment to my mission. I basically talked about how we cannot give these people we are serving food, clothing, etc but we can give them the gospel which is the best gift of all!! I felt the spirit testify to me and let me know that what I was saying was true. I have had many experiences like that already here and I am so grateful for that.

Also, my companion is Sister Park. She is a super cute Korean girl from Southern California. We get along pretty great! 

Pictures to come next week hopefully. I love you and all hope you are doing well!

Love,

Sister Beckstead