JayLynn E. Loves

Bonjour famille et les ami,

This week threw my whole sleep schedule off. I've been so busy!

Monday and Tuesday was filled with language classes, TRC's, District meetings, Tutors and LOTS of junk food.

Tuesday (Christmas Eve),

We had a live nativity program. The MTC president and his grandchildren did the whole program. Soo many babies! I thought about my niece Aurea and got a little choked up. I miss her, Ava and Manaia so much.

The program was adorable. There was a little boy dressed up like a horse and he kept trying to punch all the kids haha. I thought it was hilarious. Don't worry though. None of the kids were hurt.

Tuesday night.

My companions wanted the other sisters in our district to come have a sleepover. I said no but they didn't care what I had to say haha. I tried. The struggle was real. I thought they were going to sleep on the floor with only their blankets. But NO. My companions suggested they move all of their beds in our room. What!? They're crazy! I had them read the missionary rules again.

1. Having "sleepovers" are not aloud.

2. If you move the beds out from your room you can get sent home.

I gave the sisters a whole safety lesson and why we can't do certain things in the MTC residence. I felt like a grandma explaining to their grandchildren what they can and can't do in their house. My companions called me the Grinch. lol okay..... I didn't care. I'm just trying to stay in the MTC and not get sent home. Long story short, we had a sleepover. The other sisters brought their beds and all of their food. Woke up Christmas morning and our room is trashed. Ugh. These sisters drive me nuts!

Besides the rough start. Christmas day was one of the best.

We woke up to snow, which was nice. We built a snowman and had a "friendly" snowball fight.

Ate breakfast. and went to our morning devotional.

I had the privilege to hear from Elder D. Todd Christofferson and a testimony from his wife.

Elder Christofferson shared a beautiful Christmas message, that included memories from early pioneer saints about some of their Christmas experiences after they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. Though they had few possessions, they experienced a season of peace,

free from persecutions. He also shared with us the new Church video, “The Christ Child.” I LOVE this video. I've watched it multiple times here in the MTC and have felt the spirit every time I've watched it. Elder Christofferson reminded us that Christmas has no meaning without Easter, and bore a powerful testimony of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I was able to shake hands and talk to Elder Christofferson afterwards, just for a short moment.

Lunch! Oh, Lunch was parfait👌 We had steak with garlic butter on top. REAL homemade mashed potatoes and side vegetables. It was the best meal I have eaten here in the MTC.

Later, I got to watch the movie "A Wonderful Life". I love that movie. It was nice being able to watch something other than safeguard videos.

We ended our Christmas day with a special guest. David Archuleta.

He sang many beautiful songs and shared awesome stories of his mission. I wish I had my mom and all my aunty's here to join him. That would've been thee best!

Afterwards, he wanted to shake everyone's hands. So I stood in line and while waiting I saw family! Elder Hunt! We talked for a bit and honestly, it was so nice. We haven't had the chance to talk cause we both have been so busy. But we talked for a good 10 min about our families and friends back at home. I'm happy I have family here at the MTC, It makes me feel less "alone" haha.

Yesterday (Thursday),

Back to our regular schedules. Agh it was tough. It was the longest day of my life. My companions were sick so i split with the other sisters from my district. My language classes were combined with another class. It was crazy. my poor teacher couldn't anyone's attention.

Other than that, Nothing exciting happened.

Friday. PDAY.

Laundry! Laundry! Laundry! I feel like the whole world is doing laundry at the MTC.

Its crazy. You've got missionaries sleeping, facetiming their families, crying, reading, eating, singing, and dancing. Its Chaos! It feels like years for me to get my laundry done.

I don't have a lot planned today. Me and my district are scheduled to clean the temple at 12:30. We'll be there for about 4 hours. After, we have class for the rest of the evening.

I have 2 weeks and 3 days left in the MTC. Time is going by way too fast!

Anyways, I love you all. Thank you for your emails during Christmas. I truly felt so loved. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Be safe and keep emailing me!

-Soeur Tupuola

Bonjour Famille et les Ami,

This week has been full of amazing things. I've learned so much through out the week! My testimony has grown intensely.

In last weeks email I mentioned that I was having a really a hard time here. But as days have gone by, I've learned that I was so focused on me and that I need to stop thinking about myself.

Last week or two, We had the privilege to watch The Character Of Christ (a talk given by Elder Bednar) He talks about us Missionaries and our purpose. One thing that I wrote down in my journal was that "My mission is NOT about me. Get over yourself. It's about HIM and to SERVE HIM."

That slapped me in the face. I then realized at that moment, how selfish I was as a missionary. He talked about the natural man and how we always turn IN. Meaning, we are always thinking about ourselves. He then talked about Christ. What he did here on earth. Christ never thought about himself. He helped and loved EVERYONE. He never once thought about himself. His "natural man" was to turn outwards. Towards others. Never. Did he EVER. Turn In.

I think as disciples of Christ and representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it is our responsiblity to reflect his works here on earth. Sacrifing 18 Months I should always turn out. Towards others. This is His work. Not Mines and definitely Not Satans. As a missionary my goal is to get over myself and to really focus on Gods children and the people he has prepared for me in Vanuatu and New Caledonia. I'm trying my best here to learn French. I think of me having lessons and not being able to teach Gods children because I dont know the language. One of my big goals is to be able to Express my love of the gospel to the people of Vanuatu and New Caledonia without help or hesitation.

Last Tuesday we had our French TRC. I was given the task to lead the conversation and teach the lesson. EN FRANCAIS. Guys, I cant even tell you how scared I was to teach. When I found out that I'd be leading the TRC I was so mad. Haha😬

In my head I was being such a brat. I thought at least one of my companions would lead because they both know french almost fluently and that I could never do a perfect job. They would do so good!

But noooo. They picked me and I couldnt do anything about it.

After being negative all day I decided that I needed to stop. I thought about my goal and felt guilty once again. I said a prayer. It was one of the longest prayers I've ever said in my entire life. I asked for forgiveness. For not being the missionary the Lord had wanted me to be. I told Heavenly Father that I was scared. That I didn't want to do it. But if he wanted me to do it, then I will. I asked for help and guidance by the spirit. I felt good. I felt that Heavenly Father was by my side, telling me that everything was going to be okay. I felt no need to worry. I studied and prayed for this TRC. The time finally came. Our TRC walks in. We get to know eachother and from there on, everything goes so well! I understood our Ami de l'eglise (Friend of the Church aka our TRC) completely. The spirit took over and I was able to say what our Ami de l'eglise needed to hear. I spoke without hesitation and taught our lesson with no problem.

Family and friends,

The power of God, the Gift of Tongues we have as missionaries is Real. We can have that power, we can develop and increase that power. The spirit carried the message that our Ami needed to hear. I testify to you that If you worry too much about being perfect, you will never be perfect. But if you let yourself say what the spirit wants you to say, Even if it's not perfect then you will succeed.

This experience has been one of the best so far. I should never be scared of speaking or teaching en francais. Especially now because I know what I'm capable of.

Tuesdays are officially my favorite days here at the MTC (other than PDAYS). 1. Its TRC day 2. Its devotional days. The devotionals are awesome. I honestly think they are better than Sunday Devotionals.

I'll tell you all about them but I honestly forgot what one of my favorite talks were even about😂😭 And I dont have my notes with me to remind me of it! Theres so much going on here at the MTC it's hard for me to remember what I did the past week.

Temple is closed till next month so no temple on Pdays for a while.

This Sunday is Christmas program. I have to give a talk. So that's what I've been preparing for today.

Wednesday I had the opportunity to Host new missionaries coming in. A little under 600 missionaries arrived and only 130 ish missionaries were able to host. Busy. Busy. Busy. I hosted 14 Sister missionaries. I was able to see them say their last goodbyes to their families. I might've even cried with them.... :,)

It was such a cool experience.

Wednesdays are awesome. The MTC is filled with excitement. Everyone can feel the emotions of all the new missionaries coming in.

Ma famille et les ami,

I love you all. I hope during this Christmas Season you are able to feel the love of Our Savior and that your heart and minds will be turned towards Him. Be safe, continue to send me emails! I love them!

Bon nui,

Sœur Tupuola

(Also, I apologize if you weren't able to get my emails the last 2 weeks. Getting emails took a bit longer than I thought it would.)