Well, its been a lousy start to the day. My favorite washing machine was taken and the computers I was on were freaking out and I lost fifteen minutes of email time.
I got my flight plans last thursday, my comp and I leave a day after everyone else in our district, interesting. We have a direct flight to ATL, so the only time I can call home is probably going to be around 6:30-7:00 your time on tuesday (madre).
I saw Jayson Taylor here last week, he was only here for a few days, then he got his visa and left for Brazil.
As part of our last week here we have been kicking up our district goals. We now have english fasts every day (save p-day) meaning from 7:00am - 8:00pm we only speak spanish. In addition we have raised the number of lessons we are supposed to teach each week. Its helped alot with being able to constuct sentences faster.
The devotional's this week were good. Sunday's was a special singing devotional, where people were allowed to go up and tell their favorite hymn and why, then we would sing one verse from it. I'm guessing we had that because the speaker fell through.
Tuesday's was Richard G. Hinckley. His was really good, he talked about the importance of working hard and how to avoid the "ground hog day syndrome." He was saying how in the movie the only way the character was able to get out of the loop was by learning what he needed to do and progress.
Well, I'm running out of time now so the last bit is going to be scattered again.
I'm excited to have Taco Bell in the airport, I'm told they have it in the Salt Lake one.
Madre, sounds like that lady is crazy, so possibly some more fun nights to be had with her.
Samuel, gracias por the letter, I'll write you a letter in more depth today.
Steph, I have always been able to receive pictures and emials here, I just didn't want them in the MTC because I barely have enough time as it is. So yes, I can receive those in the field.
I will send my mission home address next week. Love y'all.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Jan. 27, 2010
Its been a good week here, we are now the oldest district in our zone. My companion and I got a new Elder for a day. He was in the district above us and had been waiting on a visa. They told him to go ahead and go with his district to the airport because there was a good chance he would have it by then, but he didn't. So he got back to the MTC and got put with us. An hour after he got here they called him down to the travel office to tell him that his visa was now approved. He left the following morning. Its good he didn't have to wait too long, but it sucks that he missed flying out with his district by an hour.
The devotionals this week were really good. The speaker for Sunday was Stephen B Allen, the director of the MTC or something of the sort. We've had him once before, he's really good. He had the media people show everyone in the overflow and then selected ten people from the overflow to stand up and tell something they had sacrificed to be here. The first guy said marriage. Bro Allen asked him what became of his girlfriend, the Elder replied "she's here." Turns out they decided to come in together, they showed her on camera, she was in the main building. The rest of his talk was about resisting Satan's tempatations and serving a mission in manner that when we are done, the Lord can tell us "Well done my good and faithful servant."
Tuesday's was equally good. We had Elder Snow from the presidency of the seventy. He talked about happiness, we have a message of joy, and we need to be glad while sharing it. Also he said that "With hard work, things will work out." If we do our part then the Lord will bless us, both on and of a mission.
I'm running out of time, only have 4mins left so the rest will be scattered.
Steph, bummer about the snow storms. We had been having good weather here, the snow was melting and we could see green again, but then we had a snow storm. *face palm* A yoga class? that will be interesting to do pregnant, good luck. Thats exciting that you will be finishing school soon, however, I would prefer to have you there when I get back :(
Uncle Bruce, I dont knwo the situation in Atlanta, I've been told there will be alot of peuto ricans and that I will get alot of referals from the english missionaries. 15 seconds. Love ya
The devotionals this week were really good. The speaker for Sunday was Stephen B Allen, the director of the MTC or something of the sort. We've had him once before, he's really good. He had the media people show everyone in the overflow and then selected ten people from the overflow to stand up and tell something they had sacrificed to be here. The first guy said marriage. Bro Allen asked him what became of his girlfriend, the Elder replied "she's here." Turns out they decided to come in together, they showed her on camera, she was in the main building. The rest of his talk was about resisting Satan's tempatations and serving a mission in manner that when we are done, the Lord can tell us "Well done my good and faithful servant."
Tuesday's was equally good. We had Elder Snow from the presidency of the seventy. He talked about happiness, we have a message of joy, and we need to be glad while sharing it. Also he said that "With hard work, things will work out." If we do our part then the Lord will bless us, both on and of a mission.
I'm running out of time, only have 4mins left so the rest will be scattered.
Steph, bummer about the snow storms. We had been having good weather here, the snow was melting and we could see green again, but then we had a snow storm. *face palm* A yoga class? that will be interesting to do pregnant, good luck. Thats exciting that you will be finishing school soon, however, I would prefer to have you there when I get back :(
Uncle Bruce, I dont knwo the situation in Atlanta, I've been told there will be alot of peuto ricans and that I will get alot of referals from the english missionaries. 15 seconds. Love ya
Jan. 20, 2010
It was a dissapointing week here, well, more accurately I got one piece of dissapointing news and the rest was normal. I had been told that my departure date was the 2nd of february, however, we went to the travel office yesterday to confirm this and found out that we don't actually leave till the 9th. I went to the store and got some chips and salsa to take the pain away.
In our Large Group Meeting this week the speaker shared a story that Bednar gave at a devotional here a few years ago. He talked about to missionaries that came to his house on saturday, played with his children and had breakfast for about an hour. As they were leaving they asked the Bednars if they had any referalls for them. He replied "Boys, I love you, but I would never give you any referalls. You spent alot of time at my house playing with my children and watching T.V. when you could have been out looking for people. You have wasted an hour of the Lords time, and I now its time for you to go." That has scared me into wanting to use my time wisely.
Spanish is going better, my comp and I have signed up for as many lessons at the T.E. (teaching evaluation) as we can, but the spanish teachers are always booked. We have ended up reserving about five fifteen minute lessons this week, better than nothing.
For devotional yesterday someone from the seventy came, I think his name was Evans. Anywho, he talked on the Book of Mormon and ended up going a half hour over the scheduled time. It was a really good talk, I'm pretty sure the last half hour was him just wingin' it. He was stressing the neccesity of us utilizing the BoM in our lessons, because as Hinckley said, "If we want to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, read it." Action brings about knowledge.
Switching topics, thats great about Colin, passing the sacrament was always fun. I feel like I am just now learning the true potential of my Priesthood, its an amazing blessing to have.
Now thats its warming up here (I think we hit 35) the students from BYU have been riding their bikes up here for work. *sigh* I miss my baby, which reminds me, I hope you brought her inside Madre.
Well, I'm runnin out of time and ideas. Thanks to everyone for your letters, love y'all.
In our Large Group Meeting this week the speaker shared a story that Bednar gave at a devotional here a few years ago. He talked about to missionaries that came to his house on saturday, played with his children and had breakfast for about an hour. As they were leaving they asked the Bednars if they had any referalls for them. He replied "Boys, I love you, but I would never give you any referalls. You spent alot of time at my house playing with my children and watching T.V. when you could have been out looking for people. You have wasted an hour of the Lords time, and I now its time for you to go." That has scared me into wanting to use my time wisely.
Spanish is going better, my comp and I have signed up for as many lessons at the T.E. (teaching evaluation) as we can, but the spanish teachers are always booked. We have ended up reserving about five fifteen minute lessons this week, better than nothing.
For devotional yesterday someone from the seventy came, I think his name was Evans. Anywho, he talked on the Book of Mormon and ended up going a half hour over the scheduled time. It was a really good talk, I'm pretty sure the last half hour was him just wingin' it. He was stressing the neccesity of us utilizing the BoM in our lessons, because as Hinckley said, "If we want to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, read it." Action brings about knowledge.
Switching topics, thats great about Colin, passing the sacrament was always fun. I feel like I am just now learning the true potential of my Priesthood, its an amazing blessing to have.
Now thats its warming up here (I think we hit 35) the students from BYU have been riding their bikes up here for work. *sigh* I miss my baby, which reminds me, I hope you brought her inside Madre.
Well, I'm runnin out of time and ideas. Thanks to everyone for your letters, love y'all.
Jan. 13, 2010
I took notes of all the question people asked in their letters, I'm going to start off by answering those, so get ready for a scattered letter.
The food is...okay. You have to be careful with some of the beverages, they'll give you the toots. They don't have free weights here, but we use the pully machine every day then play four square. We also have an ab routine we do. After Christmas, I did, but I have cut out soda again, and I am eating better food, in smaller portions. Yeah, I'm still healthy, except for yesterday, I got a V8, it was terrible, so I treid to chug it and almost threw up.
Samuel,
Thanks for the pics homie, if you want, it would be nice to have some pics I could put up in my room, so that I can always remember your sweet smile. My scheduled departure for Atlanta is the 3rd of February. That sucks about the lack of jobs there, I'm sure a man of your prestige will get hired soon enough. Of course the sisters thought you were younger, your face hasn't changed since 6th grade, thats okay, it'll happen eventually. Ah ha ha, lexie... Oh yeah, Steelers suck.
Uncle Bruce,
That is most unfortunant about your finger, I too have been bike-less for quite some time. :( Thats cool tha Colin got a goal, I never got to do that either, seeing as how I was a defender, I was not fond of all the running that was required of other positions.
Steph, I sent you a letter the day before you E-mailed me, so hopefully you've gotten it by now. No gracias in the sweets department, I'm trying to eat better as stated above. I'm glad you were able to a photography class, that will be cool beans.
Phew, I think thats it for letters. Spanish is going good, except I only know gospel and bathroom related phrases. We teach the first lesson in Spanish this weekend, I'm gonna fail hardcore.
For devotional yesterday, L Tom Perry came. Thats our second time having him, he basically taught us the first lesson, it was cool to hear his testimony of it.
Well, I'm runnin' outta time, love y'all.
The food is...okay. You have to be careful with some of the beverages, they'll give you the toots. They don't have free weights here, but we use the pully machine every day then play four square. We also have an ab routine we do. After Christmas, I did, but I have cut out soda again, and I am eating better food, in smaller portions. Yeah, I'm still healthy, except for yesterday, I got a V8, it was terrible, so I treid to chug it and almost threw up.
Samuel,
Thanks for the pics homie, if you want, it would be nice to have some pics I could put up in my room, so that I can always remember your sweet smile. My scheduled departure for Atlanta is the 3rd of February. That sucks about the lack of jobs there, I'm sure a man of your prestige will get hired soon enough. Of course the sisters thought you were younger, your face hasn't changed since 6th grade, thats okay, it'll happen eventually. Ah ha ha, lexie... Oh yeah, Steelers suck.
Uncle Bruce,
That is most unfortunant about your finger, I too have been bike-less for quite some time. :( Thats cool tha Colin got a goal, I never got to do that either, seeing as how I was a defender, I was not fond of all the running that was required of other positions.
Steph, I sent you a letter the day before you E-mailed me, so hopefully you've gotten it by now. No gracias in the sweets department, I'm trying to eat better as stated above. I'm glad you were able to a photography class, that will be cool beans.
Phew, I think thats it for letters. Spanish is going good, except I only know gospel and bathroom related phrases. We teach the first lesson in Spanish this weekend, I'm gonna fail hardcore.
For devotional yesterday, L Tom Perry came. Thats our second time having him, he basically taught us the first lesson, it was cool to hear his testimony of it.
Well, I'm runnin' outta time, love y'all.
Wed. Dec. 30, 2009
Captains Log
Day 21
So...
Christmas was no so good this year. We had some good speakers and all, but no one wanted to be here. For speakers we had Neil L Andersen, L Tom Perry, and Greg Olsen(a painter dude, has done some covers for the Ensign). Between all of the speakers and the "talent" show, we were sitting in that stupid gym for about 5 hours. I didn't feel the spirit once, which is sad considering the significance of the day.
On that cheerfull note, the following monday was much better. The lesson we had in class was amazing, it made me excited to be here again.
For last nights fireside, Boyd K. Packers oldest son, Alan Packer, came and spoke. From what I hear, it was really good, I was asleep for half of it though.
Congrats on the new garage door opener, I'll have to write about it in my journal.
Hopefully Sams lesson goes well tonight, I sent him a couple of letters, tell me how it goes and if he got em'.
Thanks for all the gifts. For Christmas I had one present under our room "tree", but I now have enough sweets to last for the rest of my mission. How long did it take steph to make all of that?
We get a bunch of new guys today, our first batch in a couple weeks due to Christmas. Our zone is small right now, we had two districts leave, so we are getting a new one today with four hermana's. I also get a haircut today, I look like a dirty hippy.
I hope everyone had great Christmas, love y'all.
End Transmission.
Day 21
So...
Christmas was no so good this year. We had some good speakers and all, but no one wanted to be here. For speakers we had Neil L Andersen, L Tom Perry, and Greg Olsen(a painter dude, has done some covers for the Ensign). Between all of the speakers and the "talent" show, we were sitting in that stupid gym for about 5 hours. I didn't feel the spirit once, which is sad considering the significance of the day.
On that cheerfull note, the following monday was much better. The lesson we had in class was amazing, it made me excited to be here again.
For last nights fireside, Boyd K. Packers oldest son, Alan Packer, came and spoke. From what I hear, it was really good, I was asleep for half of it though.
Congrats on the new garage door opener, I'll have to write about it in my journal.
Hopefully Sams lesson goes well tonight, I sent him a couple of letters, tell me how it goes and if he got em'.
Thanks for all the gifts. For Christmas I had one present under our room "tree", but I now have enough sweets to last for the rest of my mission. How long did it take steph to make all of that?
We get a bunch of new guys today, our first batch in a couple weeks due to Christmas. Our zone is small right now, we had two districts leave, so we are getting a new one today with four hermana's. I also get a haircut today, I look like a dirty hippy.
I hope everyone had great Christmas, love y'all.
End Transmission.
Wed. Dec. 16, 2009
In case you get this before my letters, which I'm assuming you will seeing how as of your monday letter, you have yet to receive anything. I've sent out 3 so far, so you can keep an eye out for em'.
Had a full day yesterday, two Elders from our district went home, one of which wasn't his choice, but he had some things to work out, he says he will be back when he is allowed to. Im excited for him.
I also got my patriartical blessing. It was cool to have a complete stranger say such personal things, so I know it was the Lord talking. They are going to make two copies for me, one to keep here, the other to send home. So I'll send er' out when I get it and you can take a gander.
Once again, requested items are...
-Camera stuff
-Things from sister missionaries (calvin and hobbes Plan of Salvation, full sheet of paper that has scriptures relating to a plethera of topics.
-My farewell talk
-Gordon B. Hinkleys testimony
-Can't remember whos it is, but someone gave a talk about the Book of Mormon at the last general conference, I wrote who it was in one of my letters.
-Both me and my district would very much like a bag of those fun size snickers, just a suggestion.
I think thats all the stuff I "need". Going to the temple today. Oh, we were at the RC for the first time, I think two days ago? Cant believe its wednesday, anyways, we were up there and we were out of calls, Steph will know what I mean, working at the Opinion Center and all. So we were all just chillin', waitin' for a call, when one of the guys decided to pray for one. As he was mid prayer, his phone rang. She was ordering a DVD on family. Turns out the lady is wheelchair bound and has a son in prison. He bore his testimony, she cried, and she agreed to have the missionaries come to her house. It was amazing to see how the Lord answers prayers if we have faith.
Hope Jordan is doing better, havn't gotten an update on that...
Please don't respond via e-mail while I'm in the MTC, just use the DearElder and hand letters. Thanks.
Tell Samuel and Nate I said hi.
Had a full day yesterday, two Elders from our district went home, one of which wasn't his choice, but he had some things to work out, he says he will be back when he is allowed to. Im excited for him.
I also got my patriartical blessing. It was cool to have a complete stranger say such personal things, so I know it was the Lord talking. They are going to make two copies for me, one to keep here, the other to send home. So I'll send er' out when I get it and you can take a gander.
Once again, requested items are...
-Camera stuff
-Things from sister missionaries (calvin and hobbes Plan of Salvation, full sheet of paper that has scriptures relating to a plethera of topics.
-My farewell talk
-Gordon B. Hinkleys testimony
-Can't remember whos it is, but someone gave a talk about the Book of Mormon at the last general conference, I wrote who it was in one of my letters.
-Both me and my district would very much like a bag of those fun size snickers, just a suggestion.
I think thats all the stuff I "need". Going to the temple today. Oh, we were at the RC for the first time, I think two days ago? Cant believe its wednesday, anyways, we were up there and we were out of calls, Steph will know what I mean, working at the Opinion Center and all. So we were all just chillin', waitin' for a call, when one of the guys decided to pray for one. As he was mid prayer, his phone rang. She was ordering a DVD on family. Turns out the lady is wheelchair bound and has a son in prison. He bore his testimony, she cried, and she agreed to have the missionaries come to her house. It was amazing to see how the Lord answers prayers if we have faith.
Hope Jordan is doing better, havn't gotten an update on that...
Please don't respond via e-mail while I'm in the MTC, just use the DearElder and hand letters. Thanks.
Tell Samuel and Nate I said hi.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)