Its been a good week here at the MTC. There really isn't a defining point of weekend or weekday here, so it all kind of bleeds together. Its kinda crazy. Sometimes I need help figuring out what day it is. There is always something to do
We're doing well here. The Companions are doing good. We have delved into the relm of discovering all of our funny accents, impressions, and voices this week. Some time it drives me up the wall, but other times I enjoy it. It's particularly entertaining to hear them do their "british" or "scottish" voices...they both sound like really creepy posh Elmos.....We also have a bunch of sayings that we use in our district as expressions of frustration of surprise. My favorite is "Shen Me Dong Xi!" Directly translated, it means "What Stuff," but its still fun to say!
Just some clarifying info that people have been wondering about, Elder Thacker (Louiston, UT) and Elder Anderson (Springville UT) and I all share a room and do everything together. Same classes, same schedule, same EVERYTHING!
We've had the chance to teach a few more lessons this week. Our teachers play investigators they themselves taught while on their own missions. Learning this week has really involved the Spirit. Sometimes we aren't too sure what the needs of an investigator are, which makes teaching a little more of a challenge. We've had several devotionals and class discussions on the importance of letting the Spirit guide. Elder Gary E Stevenson came to speak to us last night, and he talked about how important it is to follow Spiritual promptings. He told the story of the conversion of a family he knew whilst serving as mission president in Japan. The father wouldn't allow his two daughters to be baptized. Upon inviting them to Sacrament meeting, Elder Stevenson felt prompted and asked the father if he too would be baptized. After the meeting, he accepted the invitation. I'm really anxious to see what happens and how the Spirit guides my heart and the hearts of those I teach once I'm in the field.
Speaking of which, we had nine elders and two sisters depart from our zone this week to their actual missions. We are getting one new elder in our zone today. Seeing everyone get packed and receive travel initiatories and bidding farewell at the travel office put my mind in thinking about Oakland and San Fran this week.
The language is getting there, slowly but surely. China allowed me to come in with a great mindset on pronunciation and tones, which was a huge bonus. There is a lot of talk about the Gift of Tongues here. I've been frustrated this week, trying to memorize vocabulary and apply it, but coming up short at times. Its a struggle, but I need to have faith that I will get it eventually.
I love you all. Thank you for all of your support, packages, prayers, and well wishes. I've had a couple of surprises this week, which I'm very grateful for. That's my challenge this week! Be grateful! Sis. Stevenson taught how important it is to have a Spirit of thanksgiving, not just define gratitude by an upcoming holiday. Say Thank you and I Love You!
Wo Ai NiMen!
Elder Butters (Bao ZhangLao)
No comments:
Post a Comment