Csaladom es Baratom,
Elder Matthew Hodgson has left the
MTC. It´s so awesome to know that he is going to Washington D.C and getting
ready to preach the gospel and at the same time it´s a bummer because I really
want to be in his shoes right now. It´s been 7 weeks since I've been here and I
have less then 4 weeks till I get to be on the plane for 22 hours (give or take
a few hours). We are all really excited for that day to come and nervous as
well because the language keeps getting more and more difficult. It's as though
when we learn something and finally think we get the hang of it, some other new
principle is taught and it's like we are kicked back to square one. It's quite
the process. The last time I saw Matthew before he left was on Sunday on my
temple walk. I only talked to him briefly because I thought I would see him at
least one more time before Wednesday. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I know
he is doing well though and will be a wonderful missionary. We auditioned last
Thursday and it was such an awesome experience. All I wanted was to audition
with my best friend. I didn't care if we got the part or not, I just wanted to
put our talents together and represent California brotherhood. The woman who critiqued
us was awesome! She said that Matthew "was a wonderful pianist"
and that I "had a beautiful voice." The reason we were unlikely to be
chosen was because we had to work on a couple of spots and the song was too
long (It had to be under 4 minutes I think). Plus, Matthew was leaving the next
week and she said that we wouldn't be able to do it together. But she wants me
to try again with another song because she believes that I would probably get
the spot. I don't think I will though because this language is really difficult
and I don't have very much time to spare. It's kind of a bummer, but I need to
focus on my priorities. But I loved "Be Still" and I want to sing it
while I'm in Hungary. Please tell Jeanne that I will not let her down and I
will sing that song again for her. Also, tell Matt Tidwell that I really looked
up to him when he sang the song for Jeanne's program. I actually saw Adam
today on my way to get mail. I asked him if he had gotten his Visa yet and replied
with "No, but hopefully I get it tomorrow." He said that even if he
gets his visa, he has to wait another week here before he can leave. I hope he
gets it tomorrow.
That is so awesome that Ryan is back
home!! He was such an example for me and I looked up to him a lot. There is
actually an elder that I made friends with here that left for Samoa this
morning. He said he is really excited and is ready for the real world.
Hopefully he's been notified or warned about what the people are like, because
I didn't read your email till after he left. Hungarians, my teachers have told
me, are not like that. They grasp to the gospel very quickly and what usually
convinces them to listen to us is because we are learning their language. They
are absolutely impressed by the fact that we are learning their language and
sacrificing two years of our lives for this work. It interests them and it's
our gateway to preaching the Lord's work to them and bringing them back to the
fold. One of my favorite scriptures is in Mosiah 28:3, after the Sons of Mosiah
were converted towards the gospel. I feel so similar to their feelings defined
in this scripture: "for they could not bear that any human should perish;
yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did
cause them to quake and tremble." I already love the people of Hungary and
I know that love will grow 10 times greater, or even more, when I get there. I
am so excited to continue the work in Hungary, the land of my fathers. I can't
wait to say in Hungarian "Jövök Magyarorszagot!!!" ( Here I come
Hungary!!!) That day is soon at hand and I am working hard to prepare myself.
This is His work that I am laboring.
This is His work that I am sacrificing 2 years of my life and my desire is to
be like Christ and to do "the will of the Father." Stand as a witness
at all times and in all places. Do not stop being good examples to the people
of California. They need it just as much as everyone else in the world. Till
next week on..........Getting Hungary with Magda Elder!
-Magda Elder
P.S. For Ryan Blaser: I expect a
letter or Dear Elder from you soon. :P Ha ha!
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