Week 6

Wow! I feel like I start every email with that word now :). But seriously, what a week! I can't believe that I have only 3 weeks left of training. This week has been pretty good! I think the biggest challenge is staying focused. I've come to realize that the biggest challenge of online MTC isn't Zoom, being home, or evening learning Japanese (don't take this that it isn't, because Japanese is a tough language). The biggest challenge is staying focused. I guess this challenge does tie into being home, but yeah it's staying focused. Yeah you've packed your stuff away, but sometimes other things can detract us. 

I've been thinking, how dedicated to this am I? Am I leaving/sacrificing all that I've been asked to do? Yes, don't forsake everything, but there's always improvement. So yes, obviously I'm dedicated to this Mission/calling. I love the Gospel, Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and Heavenly Father. I want to teach the Gospel. But I've realized that I could focus a bit more. Yes in the MTC, you can still choose not to focus. But in Online-MTC, once class is over, you're by yourself. You have your family, but sometimes they are gone. In those moments, your desires really play out. And I choose to do my missionary purposes, but sometimes I waste time and it's frustrating. It's easy to think, "If only I was at the MTC". But I really think this is a time to improve my self-control and to choose no, say no to myself and stay focused. This is why I think I was called to Japan and do Online-MTC, to accept that we make mistakes (language learning), and to learn self-control. 

Something that has been a challenge has been slowly turning into a strength. And that has been a theme at General Conference (and it probably is every year), to change and to have that desire to change. When we desire change, Christ can help us and through Him, he can change us and turn weaknesses into strengths. Japanese study has been going well and our Helping Hands with Haato-san went well! We visited a bit long, but we definitely felt the Spirit at the end. Sorry for the short email, but hope everyone has a great General Conference weekend! My last getaway with my family was in Davis, West Virginia where we watched conference, enjoyed the Blackwater Falls overlook and hiking the Balanced Rock Trail with the Hartmans.

P.S.- After reading my experience it's a bit disjointed, so hopefully it makes sense! (Email me any questions)

ロバートソン長老