Me Thinks

While going through some of my mother's things, we found something she wrote in 1997--

"What I Have Learned On My Mission" by Carol Lee Pitcher Tueller
(referring to the mission that she and her husband served in Indonesia) 
1.  I have needed to call on the Lord more than at any other time in my life.

2.  I have to have harmony to be entitled to the Spirit.  Without the Spirit I cannot be an effective missionary.

3.  I am happier when I am busy.  My only homesick time was last December when I was sick and had to be idle for three day or four days.

4.  I have things so much easier than my companion and I wish that I could lighten his load.  (Dad was serving as the mission president)

5.  I have learned that it is a good experience to be a minority.

6.  A mission necessitates much stretching and growing.

7.  Church members worldwide are alike and have the same spirit and comradery.

8.  In every Relief Society I have ever visited there is always a little cloth and a centerpiece on the table.

9.  In training meetings the sisters want me to demonstrate how it's done and to be specific and to avoid generalities when giving instructions.

10.  I have learned that there are several things I have in common with my Muslim friends.

11.  Missionaries are easy to love.

12.  Many people are needed to make a mission run smoothly in such avenues as housing, finances, transportation, health, M.T. c. training, proper nourishment, etc.

13.  If I want to master a new language, I must put in the time to learn it.

14.  I have had a reinforcement of what I already had realized--that the church does not have a corner on good people.  The faculties at both UI and Pukuan have been supportive and wonderful.
(My father was also giving instruction at two dental schools in Indonesia)

15. Our prior service in the church was preparing us for the time when we would serve here.

16.  Music is a powerful bridge between cultures.

17.  I have learned to appreciate and be respectful of Muslim traditions, especially those prior to and following Idul Fitri.

18.  I have learned that I have more energy and enthusiasm for the work when I think of President Hinckley and his rigorous schedule.

19. How wise is diversity.  How similar are our goals.  You lift me and I'll lift thee and together we'll ascend.

20.  My material life has been luxurious compared to the majority of my Indonesian sisters.

21.  I have learned that a baptismal candidate needs to be thoroughly prepared before baptism and that numbers are not the m0st important aim of our mission.

22.  Converts always remember "their elder or sister" and look to them as a role model.

23.  Fellowshipping is the duty and responsibility of every member in the branch,  it is not just associated with the missionaries and the new convert.

24.  Praying is a necessity on a mission but getting off my knees and going to work to make the miracle happen is also a necessity.

25.  I have learned that many of our Indonesian missionaries enjoy a better life on their missions than they did prior to them or will after.

26.  Faith precedes the miracle.

27.  A positive attitude is good for yourself and it rubs off on those around you.

28.  English branch members care about their Indonesian brothers and sisters and are generous with their money, and their love and interest.

29.  If you stay close to the Lord and keep His commandments you will have strength for every challenge that comes your way.

30.  A stronger, firmer testimony that I am loved by my Heavenly Father and I am engaged in His divine work.