October 29, 20015

4 Days to go 

 

I want to start out this email by saying that I got to meet another really famous person (in the Mormon world) this week.  On Tuesday, Neil L. Anderson came to the MTC and spoke about how missionary work is very similar to life in the sense that it follows the SOAD pattern.  Sacrifice, Opposition, Adversity, and Deliverance.  It was really quite an amazing talk.  He showed a video from a conference talk he gave a few conferences back.  Likening what we go though in life and missions to a tree blowing in the wind.  He said that the tree experiences rough winds and trails.  It tells its roots to grow faster and deeper into the ground.  The trunk will become more dense in order to withstand the heavy winds.  He said that was just like us, that we have to experience trials and hardships and fight through them and not buckle over from the opposition and adversity.  Then when we are delivered, we will see how much stronger we are and be ready for the next trial and can take them head on.  His talk again was a really good one, I am really glad I was delayed so that I could hear his stories and learn from him.  But really almost as cool as listening to him speak ... I GOT TO SHAKE HIS HAND AND TALK TO HIM AFTER THE DEVO.  ha ha I was in total shock!!  Two famous people right in a row!!  Hopefully my luck doesn't run dry because I am going to need it in Japan!!

 

Oh, I met another Elder Halverson from Ogden.  It's funny never knowing another other Halverson all my life and I've meet two here in the MTC, both from Ogden...I think he is going to Russia.  I'm pretty sure anyway.  

 

I also had a really cool sacrament last week on obedience.   It is the first law of heaven and we will really reap the blessings of God if we are obedient.  It is important to be obedient because you want to, not because you have to.  It ties back into the scripture I have shared in past emails.  If you endure your trials well, God will lift you up to the clouds above all that is dirty and dark.  I think is Alma 27 something.  There is a really cool short section in PMG about obedience in the Christ like attributes section.  I think everyone should read and see.  

 My scripture of the week is about not giving up and never doubting yourself or those around you. 

 

Alma 56:47

47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

Pictures:

 

Crandall Kyoudai, he is one of my teachers and I love this guy to death!!   The best guy ever!

 

This is the Cedar City Temple which should be completed by the time I'm home.

 

Praying I get outta here!

 

Notes:

 

He is nervous and excited about getting to Japan.  Wants to get started meeting people and spreading the "good word".  Tired of doing the same thing every single day!

 

Wouldn't you know it...his iPod broke just before leaving for Japan.  I asked him what color he wanted for his replacement.  I was thinking he'd pick red.  He is in total mission mode and picked either silver or tan.  No garish red anymore.

 

On his way to Japan, Elder Halverson was only going to call from SLC...I encouraged him to call from SLC, LA and Tokyo. I assume the mission president will call once he his Sendai. 

 

Excited to get to Japan and get a good meal which says to me he is sick of the comfort food they serve in the MTC.  Time for something different.  He was trying to decide what to get at the airport. 

 

Cramming as much language as possible before leaving the MTC.  Having a good time with the one on one with the trainers.

 

 



 

 

October 26, 2015

Elder Halverson's Mom

Received a telephone call from Elder Halverson today informing me that he has received his itinerary and will be flying out November 2nd.  He will be flying with this MTC companion as far as Toyko.  From there, he will fly solo to Sendai where the mission president will greet him and take him to the mission home.  At the mission home, he will stay two days getting instruction and further training as he prepares to enter the field.  He is thrilled to be leaving the MTC and getting to work. 

We talked about how anxious he was about flying alone when they were going to send him out on the 19th. 

He sounds so much like himself, but different.  It is a humbling experience to see that all those years of watching him change and grow, now are happening at lightening speed in the mission field.

He's the same kid, but not.  He is in the Lord's hands now.

I love and miss him.

October 22, 2015

October 22, 2015

Hello everyone, 

So Sunday night at the Devo, Chad Lewis was the speaker and he brought along Taysom Hill.  I was scooting past him and we noticed each others scooters and I SHOOK HIS HAND.  I had a little chat with him about his scooter and all that good stuff.  And even better, Chad Lewis invited him up there to bear his testimony and it was probably the best Devo I've ever had.  Chad talked about the importance of his mission in his life and about how there had been many times where the odds were stacked against him on his mission and in his football career.  He kept stressing how important it is to not giving up and just keep persevering during the hard times.  Taysom talked about all that he learned and benefitted from and because of his mission and how during the hard and the good times he wouldn't trade anything in the world for those experiences.  He also said that he talked to one of the 12 during a BYU home game in the press box and he said.  "Taysom, if the Lord wanted you to be on the field making plays he would, but the Lord has something in store for you and he wants you to learn from this experience."  This really hit home because I finally realized that I'm on the Lord's time and His errand and He wants me to learn something from this MTC experience with braking my foot.  Idk, maybe I will talk to someone on the plane and share with them the gospel.  
For the update on my foot.  I am out of the boot and into an ankle brace.  I can wear both of my shoes now!!!   It's kinda obvious that one of my shoes hasn't been worn for a while now because just before I broke my foot I polished up both of my shoes pretty well and the left on hasn't been worn for a solid 5 1/2 weeks.  

I went to the doctor yesterday and he said that he was nervous about sending me right out to Japan.   His concern was that he didn't want me to go just after I started to walk in an ankle brace.  So I could be flying out on the 26th or the 2nd of Nov.   Its' another "look for the silver lining" experience.  I could get extra Japanese help but miss Halloween in Japan (which I heard is really quite cool).  Idk it's really up in the air.  Everyone will know if I send an email on Sunday or Thursday ... just depending on where I am in the world.  

I love you all and everyone have a good week!

 

NOTES

 

He goes in to see the doctor tomorrow (Thursday) to perhaps get cleared to go.  Doesn't even know then because he doesn't have a plane ticket.  His companion that had to wait because of health issues is leaving on Nov 2nd.

 

Mitch's companion has been telling Mitch about the Star Wars trailer...obviously he has seen it.  How they do this stuff still surprises me.

 

Marty asked Mitch if seeing the trailer to the movie would make him trunky and his response was great.  "I've got bigger concerns than the Star Wars trailer."

 

All those links I had put into his new watch....he had to take them out because it was too big.  Go figure!

 

Miss this boy so very much.  I want him to get to Japan so he can begin in earnest. 

God's will, not mine.

 

Mitch is teaching me so much.

 

 

 

October 15, 2015

WHAT'S UP?!!!!

Examples are one of the most powerful things in this world; that is the total and complete truth.  Ever since I broke my foot here at the MTC, I always had the question in my mind on whether I would leave on time with the rest of my zone.  My District would always be positive and always say positive things and were uplifting in all that they did.   So when I couldn't go, I'll admit it has been hard to let go of all the missionaries in my zone because I'm going to miss them. I know I will see them all again when mission conference rolls around.  What is really amazing about this church is that we have the Book of Mormon,,  I know it's kinda obvious but it really is such a great book!!  I read Alma 36:3 again and it took on a new light.

3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

We all need to put our faith and trust in the Lord.  Endure our trials well, with a smile on our face and we will be lifted up at the last day.  Those who endure their trials well will receive a bounty of the Father's blessings. 

Another huge and very important part of enduring trials well is patience.  I don't think I would have realized this if it weren't for you mom sending me the talks from conference.  I read every single one of the talks that you sent me.  The one I liked most was the talk given by Pres. Uchtdorf.  I believe that it is the same talk that was made into a Mormon Message. It is about how a Professor at Stanford University conducted a study where he put a marshmallow in front of children and told them they had to wait 15 minutes before they could eat it.  I recommend reading or watching it, if you can find it.  He goes on in the talk and says that good things come to people who wait.  It's hard to be patient in this world we live in now with fast food, instant messaging, and everything in the world is at our finger tips.  It can be read and uploaded at amazing rates of speed.    "Patience - the ability to put our desires on hold for a time".  It's a huge part of the Priesthood as well.  We are all on the Lord's time and He has a plan for each and every single one of us in this life.  Sometimes we think we should get what we deserve right this instant.  However, God might want us to learn one last final lesson and then all will be right with the world and we will realize why we had these trials and will be grateful for them and what we have learned from them.    He finally says at the end of the address that "the work of patience boils down to this: keep the commandments; trust in God, our Heavenly Father; serve him with meekness and Christlike love; exercise faith and hope in the savior; and NEVER GIVE UP.  The lessons we learn from patience cultivate our character, lift our lives and heighten our happiness."

I would ask all of you to read this talk and mark it up everywhere because it is a great one in deed.  Love you all and hope that you have a great week.  Stay positive and never give up!!!

 


Japan District before the Oct 12th departure

 

NOTES

-        My last comp would text his gf on his iPad during class and during the day all of the time.

-         New comp is from San Antonio, easy to talk to, really into video games and is outgoing.

-        The foot feels line with the occasional ache and pain.  Using a walking boot for now.  PT starts next Wednesday, after visit to the doctor

-        Since he and his (newest) companion are the only Japanese missionaries right now, they get one on one with the trainers along with a new program.

-          Got a little “trunky” when everyone left for Japan, but worked thru it

-        Found out last night at the temple with Taylor that he and Mitch have the same gray suit from Mr. Mac

-        Dodgers playing for their playoff lives tonight.  KC and Blue Jays are in. 

October 8, 2015

Good News and General Conference

Konichiwa minasan こにちわみなさん

I hope that everyone enjoyed Gen Conf as much as I did.  I wish it would have lasted a little longer.  I just couldn't get enough.  I watched all 5 sessions in the gym here at the MTC and the spirit was unreal.  Especially though the hymns that were played.  After "How Firm a Foundation" was played I was misty eyed and I looked around at all the other Elder's in my District and Zone and were too so I didn't feel as bad that I was crying a little bit during a hymn.

I want to talk about the talk given by Elder Durrant (I think) about ponderizing, memorizing, and engraining a scripture into your mind.  I had never really thought about doing that before and now I am all for it.  I encourage all of you that read this email to do the same thing.

I choose Alma 36:3 3 "And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."

 

This has really been the scripture that has helped me the most in these last couple days because of my foot.  I know that if I put my trust in the Lord, I will be lifted and shown the path of what I am supposed to follow in order to learn and grow as a better person and missionary.  I know I have more things to learn here in the MTC before the people of Japan can hear the wonderful message of the gospel in Japan.

The other talk that was just amazing (there isn't another word for it) was Elder Holland's talks about Mothers.  I was sitting there and I was, ok this doesn't apply to me, I'm not a mother I don't have any kids.  I decided to listen anyway.  It was one of the best talks that I've heard in a very long time.  It's very true that they are second to the Lord in how much he loves each and every single one of His children, is the love that our moms have for us.  I could write more but I want everyone to read Holland's talk once more and or listen to it.  I love you MOM!!!   Don't worry Dad, I still love you too.

 I got my Katakana name tags too, so that's pretty sweet.

Just remember to have a good week with a positive attitude.  Always remember your Father in Heaven and your parents, especially your mom, loves you with all of their hearts.

sayonara  さよなら

Elder Halverson, Elder Walker and Elder Brooks

BTown Strong

 

 

New Tags

Note:

"Cubbies are taking it all just because of the Back to the Future movie.  It was predicted, so it is destined to happen."

On leaving with his group Monday: "No, I forgot to add that...I have to stay another two weeks, then fly out.  The worry was that I would break it there and then have to come back for surgery.  I have a follow up appointment on the 21st to be cleared to fly out.  It is all good.  I'm just like the old fashioned missionaries that had to stay for 12 weeks.  I'll be better at nihongo after this anyway."

 

Learning from the Doctor, he wouldn't be cleared to fly:  "When I got the news, I was really sad.  In fact, I started to cry a little bit just because I wanted to go to Japan so bad and get out of here.  But I think I've come to terms with it and I know that it's for the better.  No matter how hard it might be.  The foot is tender, I still have to use the boot.  I have to be very cautious.  The Doc did say that I had made great progress.  It was just a precaution. "

Seeing Larsen Brooks:  "I see him quite often around the MTC. Unfortunately, we are not in the same building."

Will he be alone at the MTC after Monday?:  "There is another Elder with a medical condition that has to stay here in the MTC longer.  He and I will probably be companions for the two weeks I have to stay."

I gave away all of your hoodies:  "Funny Mom, very funny."



 

October 1, 2015

Life at the MTC and Cold Cereal

So the update on my foot is this:  Yesterday I went to the outside world to visit the doctor for a follow up appointment.  I got another x-ray and it showed that I am making really great progress on the healing of my foot.  The x-ray showed that the bones in my foot are starting to reattach.  He said that I am right on track, maybe even a little ahead of schedule.  I still can not walk on it, but I have another check up a week from today to see if I'll be cleared to go to Japan when scheduled.  Also it's interesting thing that I might be cleared to walk onto the plane in a walking boot. Ha Ha That will be a sight.  If I'm not cleared I'll be delayed just a week to do some rehab and then fly to Japan most likely by myself.  Flyin' solo.

 This week has been really good.  Yesterday my comp and I got to Skype a 日本人 (Japanese person) and basically have FHE with him.  We shared with him a message about family and then he told us that he was preparing to serve a mission.  We talked with him about how much fun it is to serve and how he should be really excited to serve the people where ever he goes.  He was a really cool person and he also told us that the Japanese people are waiting for us to get there and share with them the message of Jesus Christ.  All of this has got my really excited for Japan, especially this story that my teacher, Crandall Kyodai, shared with us about Japan.

He said that on his mission he was able to be apart of the rededication of the Japan Tokyo South Mission (日本南電動某）In the exact spot that the nation of Japan was dedicated for missionary work back on August 12, 1901. (the same day I came to the MTC)  In the dedicatory prayer, Heber J. Grant said that Japan would be the example and gateway for all missionary work in the world.  Especially the Asian countries.  Sixty years later Hugh B. Brown said in an address to missionaries that in their life time they would see a person of Asian decent become an Apostle of the lord.  I'd like to add that Holland said in a talk one time, God really does love his people in Asian countries, because if he didn't he wouldn't have made so many of them. haha  This conference is special because its been 100 years since 3 apostles have passed away in between conferences.  I know you're not supposed to make bets on who will be called, but I really bank on the fact that it will be someone of Asian decent.  I am just really excited for this years conference.

Funny story from this week is that the elders in my district decided to do the tower challenge.  Which is to eat all of the cereal in the tower in one sitting.  We did it.

 

Notes:

The devotionals are really quite amazing honestly.  We get a General Authority every Tuesday and sometimes on Sunday as well.  I learn a lot that i write down in my journals.

 

When I pressed him to take a disposable phone to the airport.  " It's just cause I want to be obedient.  Because they have asked me to not have a phone at the airport.  It will work out when the time rolls around.  We will cross that bridge when it comes."

"I like speaking Japanese.  IDK what it is but it is awesome."